Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided. The display device includes: a first substrate including a first region, a second region, and a bending region between the first region and the second region, and including a second inclined surface facing the bending region; a light emitting element at the first region; and a first curved protective layer at the first region and the second region, not overlapping the curved region, and including a first inclined surface facing the curved region and aligned with the second inclined surface.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0102667, filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 7, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a display device. Background Art

[0004] As the information society develops, the demand for display devices for displaying images in various forms increases. The display device may be a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display, a field emission display, or a light-emitting display panel.

[0005] The display device includes a display area for displaying an image and a non-display area located around (eg, surrounding) the display area. Recently, the width of the non-display area has been gradually reduced to increase the sense of immersion in the display area and enhance the aesthetics of the display device.

[0006] At the same time, in order to reduce the width of the non-display area, a bending area may be formed between the pad area and the display area, and the pad area may be positioned below the display panel by bending the bending area. In this case, a substrate made of a bendable flexible material is used, and a substrate made of a hard material may also be included to maintain the shape as the size of the substrate increases. Summary of the invention

[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a display device capable of preventing cracks and peeling defects occurring when a substrate is bent.

[0008] However, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to those described herein. The above and other aspects of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs by referring to the detailed description of the present disclosure given below.

[0009] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a first substrate, the first substrate including a first region, a second region and a curved region between the first region and the second region, and including a second inclined surface facing the curved region; a light-emitting element, the light-emitting element is at the first region; and a first curved protective layer, the first curved protective layer is at the first region and the second region, does not overlap with the curved region, and includes a first inclined surface facing the curved region and aligned with the second inclined surface.

[0010] The first bending protection layer may include a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from each other with the bending region interposed therebetween, the first portion including a first inclined surface, and the second portion including a third inclined surface facing the bending region.

[0011] The first substrate may include a third portion and a fourth portion spaced apart from each other with the bent region interposed therebetween, the third portion overlapping the first portion, and the fourth portion overlapping the second portion.

[0012] The fourth portion may include a fourth inclined surface facing the bending region and aligned with the third inclined surface.

[0013] The first portion may further include a first surface facing the first substrate and a second surface opposite to the first surface, wherein a first inclined angle formed by the first surface and the first inclined surface is an acute angle.

[0014] The first inclination angle may be about 60° or more and about 90° or less.

[0015] The second surface may include a heat affected zone that is recessed vertically relative to the second surface.

[0016] The second surface may include a heat affected zone protruding perpendicularly with respect to the second surface.

[0017] A width of the heat affected zone in a direction parallel to the first substrate may be about 10 μm or more and about 100 μm or less.

[0018] The display device may further include: a second curved protective layer overlapping the curved region and having a thickness of about 50 μm or more and about 200 μm or less.

[0019] The display device may further include: a signal line for transmitting an electrical signal to the light emitting element, not overlapping the first curved protective layer, and overlapping the second curved protective layer.

[0020] The display device may further include a via layer and a pixel defining layer between the first substrate and the first curved protection layer and including an inclined surface facing the curved area and aligned with the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface.

[0021] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a first substrate, the first substrate including a first area, a second area, and a curved area between the first area and the second area; a light-emitting element, the light-emitting element is at the first area of ​​the first substrate; a first curved protective layer, the first curved protective layer is at the first area, the curved area, and the second area of ​​the first substrate; and a second substrate, the second substrate is above the first substrate, wherein the first substrate includes a first sub-substrate and a second sub-substrate spaced apart from each other with the curved area interposed therebetween, wherein the first sub-substrate includes a first inclined surface in a direction toward the curved area, wherein the second sub-substrate includes a second inclined surface in a direction toward the curved area, and wherein the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface overlap with the first curved protective layer.

[0022] The first curved protection layer may overlap the curved region and include a third inclined surface in a direction toward a distal end of the second substrate, wherein the second substrate includes a fourth inclined surface in a direction toward the distal end of the second substrate.

[0023] The third inclined surface and the fourth inclined surface may be aligned.

[0024] The display device may further include: a second bending protection layer overlapping the first region and the second region and connected to the first bending protection layer, wherein the second bending prevention layer has a thickness decreasing in a direction toward a distal end of the second substrate.

[0025] The second curved protection layer may not overlap the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface.

[0026] The second bending protection layer may have a thickness less than about 50 μm.

[0027] The second bending protection layer overlapping the first region and the second bending protection layer overlapping the second region may be connected through the first bending protection layer, wherein the first bending protection layer and the second bending protection layer are integrated.

[0028] The first curved protective layer may overlap with the first region and the second region and include a fifth inclined surface in a direction toward a distal end of the second substrate, wherein the second substrate overlaps with the first region and the second region and includes a sixth inclined surface in a direction toward a distal end of the second substrate, and wherein the fifth inclined surface and the sixth inclined surface are aligned.

[0029] Details of other implementations are included in the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0030] According to the display device according to the embodiment, since the bending protection layer overlapping the bending region has a substantially uniform thickness, cracks and peeling defects occurring in the bending region may be reduced.

[0031] However, the effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects set forth herein. The above and other effects of the embodiments will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain by referring to the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The above and other aspects of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing in detail embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 is a plan view illustrating a display device according to one or more embodiments;

[0034] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a display device in which a circuit board is attached;

[0035] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 an enlarged plan view of area "A";

[0036] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 an enlarged plan view of area "C";

[0037] Figure 5 It is taken along the line Y1-Y1' Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a first curved protective layer of a display device;

[0038] Figure 6 It is taken along the line Y3-Y3' Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a second curved protective layer of a display device;

[0039] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a flat area of ​​a display device;

[0040] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 An enlarged cross-sectional view of region "H";

[0041] Fig.10 yes Figure 6 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a pad region of a display device;

[0042] Fig.11 It is taken along the line X1-X1' Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a sub-region of a display device;

[0043] Fig.12 It is taken along the line X3-X3' Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a sub-region of a display device;

[0044] Fig.13 According to one or more other embodiments Figure 3 an enlarged plan view of area "C"; and

[0045] Fig.14 It is taken along line X7-X7' Fig.13 A cross-sectional view of a flat area of ​​a display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] By referring to the detailed description and drawings of the embodiments, it is easier to understand the aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure and the methods for implementing them. The described embodiments are provided as examples so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and the aspects of the present disclosure will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. Therefore, redundant, irrelevant or unrelated to the description of the embodiments or processes, elements and techniques that are not necessary for a person of ordinary skill in the art to fully understand the aspects of the present disclosure can be omitted. Unless otherwise stated, similar reference numerals, symbols or combinations thereof indicate similar elements throughout the drawings and written descriptions, and therefore their repeated descriptions can be omitted.

[0047] The described embodiments may have various modifications and may be implemented in different forms, and should not be interpreted as being limited only to the embodiments illustrated herein. The use of "can", "may" or "may not" in describing the embodiments corresponds to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The present disclosure encompasses all modifications, equivalents and replacements within the scope of the ideas and techniques of the present disclosure. In addition, each of the multiple features of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined with each other in part or in whole, and various interlocks and drives are technically possible. Each embodiment may be implemented independently of one another, or may be implemented together in association.

[0048] In the drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. In addition, the use of cross-hatching and / or shading in the drawings is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the presence or absence of cross-hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for specific materials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities between illustrated elements, and / or any other characteristics, attributes, properties, etc. of the elements.

[0049] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to schematic cross-sectional illustrations as embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Therefore, it is expected that the shapes illustrated may vary due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. In addition, the specific structural or functional descriptions disclosed herein are merely illustrative for the purpose of describing embodiments according to the concepts of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be understood to be limited to the shapes of the illustrated elements, layers, or regions, but include deviations in shapes caused by, for example, manufacturing.

[0050] For example, an implanted region illustrated as a rectangle will, typically, have rounded or curved features and / or a gradient of implant concentration at its edges rather than a binary change from implanted to non-implanted region. Similarly, a buried region formed by implantation may result in some implantation in the region between the buried region and the surface through which the implantation takes place.

[0051] For ease of explanation, spatially relative terms such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "lower side", "under", "above", "upper", "upper side", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another (some) element or feature as illustrated in the figure. It will be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or in operation other than the orientation depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure is turned over, the elements described as being "below", "below" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented to be "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the example terms "below" and "below" can include both upper and lower orientations. The device can be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, when a first component is described as being disposed "on" a second component, this indicates that the first component is disposed at the upper or lower side of the second component, and is not limited to being on the upper side of the second component based on the direction of gravity.

[0052] In addition, the phrase "in a plan view" means when the object portion is observed from above, and the phrase "in a schematic cross-sectional view" means when the schematic cross-section obtained by vertically cutting the object portion is observed from the side. The term "overlap" or "overlapping" means that the first object can be above or below or on one side of the second object, and vice versa. In addition, the term "overlap" may include stacking, facing or facing, extending on ..., covering or partially covering or any other suitable term as will be appreciated and understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The expression "non-overlapping" may include the meaning of any other suitable equivalent such as "separated from ... "or "set beside ... "or "offset from ... "and any other suitable equivalent as will be appreciated and understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The terms "facing" and "facing" may mean that the first object may be directly or indirectly opposite to the second object. In the case where a third object is also between the first object and the second object, the first object and the second object may be understood to be indirectly opposite to each other, although still facing each other.

[0053] It will be understood that when an element, layer, region, or component is referred to as being "formed on," "on," "connected to," or "(operably or communicatively) coupled to" another element, layer, region, or component, that element, layer, region, or component can be directly formed on, directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to, or indirectly formed on, indirectly on, indirectly connected to, or indirectly coupled to, such that one or more intervening elements, layers, regions, or components may be present. Additionally, this may be collectively referred to as being directly or indirectly coupled or directly or indirectly connected, and integrally or non-integrally coupled or connected. For example, when a layer, region, or component is referred to as being "electrically connected" or "electrically coupled" to another layer, region, or component, the layer, region, or component can be directly electrically connected or directly coupled to the other layer, region, and / or component, or there may be one or more intervening layers, regions, or components. One or more intervening components may include switches, resistors, capacitors, etc. In describing embodiments, descriptions of connections indicate electrical connections unless explicitly described as being directly connected, and "directly connected / directly coupled" or "directly on..." means that one component is directly connected or directly coupled to another component or directly on another component without intermediate components.

[0054] In addition, in this specification, when a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is formed on another part, the formation direction is not limited to the upward direction, but includes forming the part on the side surface or in the downward direction. On the contrary, when a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is formed "under" another part, this includes not only the case where one part is "directly under" another part, but also the case where there is another part between one part and another part. At the same time, other expressions describing the relationship between parts such as "between...", "immediately between..." or "adjacent to..." and "directly adjacent to..." can be similarly interpreted. It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as "between" two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intermediate elements or layers may also be present.

[0055] For the purposes of this disclosure, expressions such as "at least one of ...," "any of ...," or "one or more of ..." when preceding a list of elements modify the entire list of elements, without modifying individual elements in the list. For example, "at least one of X, Y, and Z," "at least one of X, Y, or Z," "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z," and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, or Z" may be interpreted as any combination of only X, only Y, only Z, two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ, or any variants thereof. Similarly, the expressions "at least one of A and B" and "at least one of A or B" may include A, B, or A and B. As used herein, "or" generally means "and / or," and the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. For example, the expression "A and / or B" may include A, B, or A and B. Similarly, expressions such as “at least one of,” “a plurality of,” “one of,” and other prepositional phrases when preceding a list of elements modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

[0056] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. can be used to describe various elements, components, areas, layers and / or sections in this article, these elements, components, areas, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms do not correspond to a specific order, position or superiority, and are used to distinguish an element, member, component, area, region, layer, section or part from another element, member, component, area, region, layer, section or part. Therefore, the first element, component, area, layer or section discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, area, layer or section without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The description of the element as the "first" element may not require or imply the existence of the second element or other elements. The terms "first", "second", etc. can also be used herein to distinguish elements of different categories or sets. For the sake of simplicity, the terms "first", "second", etc. can represent "first category (or first set)", "second category (or second set)", etc. respectively.

[0057] In the example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are not limited to the three axes of the rectangular coordinate system, and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis can be perpendicular to each other, or can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. The same applies to the first direction, the second direction, and / or the third direction.

[0058] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "an" are intended to include the plural forms as well, and the plural forms are intended to include the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "have", "having", "includes" and "including" when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0059] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," "approximately," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than terms of degree, and are intended to take into account the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values ​​that will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, "substantially" may include a range of + / - 5% of the corresponding value. Taking into account the errors associated with the measurements and the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system), "about" or "approximately" as used herein include the value and mean within an acceptable range of deviations for a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, "about" may mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, 20%, 10%, or 5% of the value. In addition, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure."

[0060] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will also be understood that, unless explicitly defined as such herein, terms (such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology and / or this specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0061] Figure 1 is a plan view illustrating a display device 10 according to one or more embodiments.

[0062] refer to Figure 1 The display device 10 is a device that displays moving images or still images and can be used as a display screen for each of various products such as televisions, laptop computers, monitors, billboards, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, as well as portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, smart phones, tablet personal computers (PCs), smart watches, watch phones, mobile communication terminals, electronic notepads, electronic books, portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation devices, and ultra mobile PCs (UMPCs).

[0063] The display device 10 may be a light-emitting display device, such as an organic light-emitting display device using an organic light-emitting diode, a quantum dot light-emitting display device including a quantum dot light-emitting layer, an inorganic light-emitting display device including an inorganic semiconductor, and a micro-light-emitting display device using a micro- or nano-light-emitting diode (micro- or nano-LED). Hereinafter, the display device 10 is mainly described as an organic light-emitting display device, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0064] The display device 10 may include a display panel 100, a display driving circuit 200, and a circuit board 300 (see Figure 2 ).

[0065] The display panel 100 may be formed as a rectangular plane having a long side in a first direction (X-axis direction) and a short side in a second direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting the first direction (X-axis direction). For example, the corner where the long side in the first direction (X-axis direction) and the short side in the second direction (Y-axis direction) intersect may be rounded to have a curvature (e.g., a predetermined curvature), or may be formed as a right angle. The planar shape of the display panel 100 is not limited to a quadrilateral shape, and may be other polygonal shapes, a circular shape, or an elliptical shape. The display panel 100 may be flat, but is not limited thereto. For example, the display panel 100 may include a bent surface portion formed at its left and right distal ends and having a constant curvature or a variable curvature. In addition, the display panel 100 may be flexibly bent, curved, folded, or curled.

[0066] The display panel 100 may include a main area MA and a sub area SBA.

[0067] The main area MA may include a display area DA that displays an image and a non-display area NDA that is a peripheral area of ​​the display area DA. The display area DA may occupy most of the main area MA and may be located in the center of the main area MA. A plurality of pixels PX may be located in the display area DA to display an image. The non-display area NDA may be located adjacent to the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may be an area outside the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may be located around the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may be an edge area of ​​the display panel 100.

[0068] The sub-region SBA may protrude from one side of the main region MA in the second direction (Y-axis direction). The length of the sub-region SBA in the second direction (Y-axis direction) may be smaller than the length of the main region MA in the second direction (Y-axis direction). Figure 1 , the length of the sub-region SBA in the first direction (X-axis direction) is shown to be shorter than the length of the main region MA in the first direction (X-axis direction), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the sub-region SBA in the first direction (X-axis direction) may be substantially the same as the length of the main region MA in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0069] The sub-area SBA may include a flat area PA (eg, a first area), a bending area BA, and a pad area PDA (eg, a second area).

[0070] The flat area PA is an area protruding from one side of the main area MA in the second direction (Y-axis direction). One side of the flat area PA may be in contact with the non-display area NDA of the main area MA, and the other side of the flat area PA may be in contact with the curved area BA. The flat area PA may be an area that is not curved when the sub-area SBA is curved.

[0071] The bending area BA may be located between the flat area PA and the pad area PDA. The sub-area SBA may be bent at the bending area BA. For example, the portion of the sub-area SBA bent by the bending area BA may be located at (e.g., below) the rear surface of the display panel 100. The portion of the sub-area SBA bent by the bending area BA may overlap with the main area MA in the third direction (Z-axis direction). The portion of the sub-area SBA bent or folded by the bending area BA may be the bending area BA and the pad area PDA.

[0072] The pad area PDA may be a region in which the display pad PD and the display driving circuit 200 are located.

[0073] The display driving circuit 200 may generate signals and voltages for driving the display panel 100. The display driving circuit 200 may be formed as an integrated circuit (IC) and may be attached to the display panel 100 in a chip on glass (COG) manner, a chip on plastic (COP) manner, or an ultrasonic bonding manner, but is not limited thereto. For example, the display driving circuit 200 may be attached to the circuit board 300 in a chip on film (COF) manner.

[0074] A plurality of display pads PD may be located at an edge of the sub-area SBA. The display pads PD may be located at an edge on one side of the display panel 100. For example, the display pads PD may be located at an edge on the lower side of the display panel 100. The plurality of display pads PD may be connected to a graphics system through a circuit board 300 to be described later. The plurality of display pads PD may be connected to the circuit board 300 to receive digital video data, and the digital video data may be supplied to the display driving circuit 200.

[0075] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a plan view of a display device 10 in which a circuit board 300 is attached.

[0076] refer to Figure 2 , the circuit board 300 may be attached to one end of the sub-area SBA of the display panel 100. Therefore, the circuit board 300 may be electrically connected to the display panel 100 and the display driving circuit 200. The display panel 100 and the display driving circuit 200 may receive digital video data, timing signals, and driving voltages through the circuit board 300. The circuit board 300 may include a main circuit board 310 and a flexible circuit board 330.

[0077] The main circuit board 310 may further include a plurality of electronic components mounted on the main circuit board 310. The electronic components may be electrically connected via circuit lines. The main circuit board 310 may be electrically connected to the display driving circuit 200 via a flexible circuit board 330.

[0078] The flexible circuit board 330 may be connected to the distal end of the display panel 100 to connect the main circuit board 310 and the display driving circuit 200. The flexible circuit board 330 may be located on the display pad PD located at the edge on one side of the display panel 100. The flexible circuit board 330 may be attached to the display pad PD using a conductive adhesive member such as an anisotropic conductive film and an anisotropic conductive adhesive. Thus, the circuit board 300 may be electrically connected to the signal line of the display panel 100.

[0079] A plurality of pixels PX may be positioned in the display area DA of the display panel 100. Each of the plurality of pixels PX may be defined as a minimum unit for emitting light. For example, the plurality of pixels PX may be connected to the display area DA of the display panel 100 through a signal line 120 (see FIG. Figure 3 ) connection. A plurality of pixels PX may be connected to a plurality of display pads PD through signal lines 120. That is, an electrical signal provided from the main circuit board 310 may be connected to the display pads PD through the flexible circuit board 330, and the electrical signal through the display pads PD may be provided to the pixels PX through the signal lines 120.

[0080] The bending protection layer 450 may overlap the sub-area SBA. The bending protection layer 450 may overlap the flat area PA, the bending area BA, and the pad area PDA. The bending protection layer 450 may be bent together with the bending area BA.

[0081] The bending protection layer 450 may protect the bending area BA from external impact. In addition, the bending protection layer 450 may control the bending stress of the lower structure overlapping the bending area BA. For example, the bending protection layer 450 may adjust the position of the neutral surface formed in the lower structure overlapping the bending protection layer 450 by adjusting the thickness of the bending protection layer 450. The neutral surface may refer to a surface in which no deformation occurs when a portion of the display panel 100 is bent with a curvature (e.g., a predetermined curvature), that is, a point in which the bending stress becomes zero.

[0082] The bending protection layer 450 may include a synthetic resin. For example, the bending protection layer 450 may include at least one of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), urethane acrylate (UA), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0083] In some embodiments, the curved protective layer 450 may include a first curved protective layer 450A and a second curved protective layer 450B (eg, a first portion 450A and a second portion 450B).

[0084] The first portion 450A may overlap the flat area PA, the curved area BA, and the pad area PDA. The first portion 450A may be a large portion of the curved protection layer 450. The first portion 450A may completely cover the curved area BA. The second portion 450B may overlap the flat area PA and the pad area PDA. The second portion 450B may not overlap the curved area BA. The second portion 450B may be positioned at both ends of the first portion 450A in the first direction (X-axis direction). The second portion 450B may be a portion protruding from both ends of the first portion 450A.

[0085] The second portion 450B overlapping the flat area PA and the second portion 450B overlapping the pad area PDA may be spaced apart from each other with the curved area BA interposed therebetween. The second portion 450B overlapping the flat area PA and the second portion 450B overlapping the pad area PDA may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction (Y-axis direction). The second portion 450B overlapping the flat area PA and the second portion 450B overlapping the pad area PDA may be connected to each other through the first portion 450A.

[0086] The curved protective layer 450 may be applied by a dispensing process. The application of the curved protective layer 450 may start from one side relative to the first direction (X-axis direction) and may proceed to the other side in the first direction (X-axis direction). The curved protective layer 450 may have an uneven thickness in a partial section at the start of the process and a partial section at the end of the process. This may be caused by the characteristics of the dispensing process. For example, the curved protective layer 450 may have a thickness smaller than the thickness set in a partial section at the start of the process and a partial section at the end of the process. For example, the thickness of the curved protective layer 450 of the display device 10 may be set to have a range of about 50 μm or more and about 200 μm or less. Generally, when the thickness of the curved protective layer 450 is less than the set thickness, cracks and peeling defects may occur in some structures overlapping the curved area BA. This may be caused by the change in the position of the neutral surface as the thickness of the curved protective layer 450 changes.

[0087] The display device 10 may include a laser process as a subsequent process of the dispensing process. The display device 10 may remove the bending protection layer 450 having a partially uneven thickness on the bending area BA through the laser process. Figure 2, a portion overlapping the second portion 450B of the bending protection layer 450 in the second direction (Y-axis direction) on the bending area BA may be a portion from which a portion of the bending protection layer 450 is removed by a laser process. For example, the uneven thickness of the bending protection layer 450 may refer to a thickness outside the range of about 50 μm or more and about 200 μm or less.

[0088] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged plan view of area "A".

[0089] refer to Figure 3 , each of the plurality of pixels PX may emit light by being connected to the plurality of signal lines 120. The plurality of signal lines 120 may include scan lines SL, power lines VL, and data lines DL. Each of the plurality of pixels PX may be connected to any two of the plurality of scan lines SL, any one of the plurality of power lines VL, and any one of the plurality of data lines DL. Each signal line 120 may extend to overlap the sub-area SBA, and may be ultimately connected to each display pad PD.

[0090] The plurality of scan lines SL may supply a signal received from the scan drive controller 410 positioned in the non-display area NDA to the plurality of pixels PX. The plurality of scan lines SL may extend in a first direction (X-axis direction) and may be spaced apart from each other in a second direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting the first direction (X-axis direction). The scan drive controller 410 may receive a scan timing signal from the display drive circuit 200, generate a scan signal according to the scan timing signal, and may output the scan signal to the scan lines SL.

[0091] The plurality of data lines DL may supply data voltages received from the display driving circuit 200 to the plurality of pixels PX. The plurality of data lines DL may extend in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0092] The plurality of power lines VL may supply a power voltage received from the display driving circuit 200 to the plurality of pixels PX through the driving voltage lines. Here, the power voltage may be at least one of a driving voltage, an initialization voltage, a reference voltage, and a low potential voltage. The plurality of power lines VL may extend in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0093] The plurality of signal lines 120 may be covered by the first portion 450A of the bending protection layer 450. The plurality of signal lines 120 overlapping the bending area BA may be protected from bending stress by the first portion 450A of the bending protection layer 450.

[0094] Figure 4 yes Figure 3An enlarged plan view of area "C".

[0095] refer to Figure 4 , the planar area PA may include a first area A1, a second area A2, and a third area A3. In addition, the pad area PDA may include a first area P1, a second area P2, and a third area P3.

[0096] In some embodiments, the first area A1, the second area A2, and the third area A3 of the flat area PA and the first area P1, the second area P2, and the third area P3 of the pad area PDA may be distinguished according to the configuration of the curved protection layer 450 overlapping each portion. For example, the first area A1 of the flat area PA and the third area P3 of the pad area PDA may omit the curved protection layer 450. In addition, the second area A2 of the flat area PA and the second area P2 of the pad area PDA may include the first portion 450A and the second portion 450B of the curved protection layer 450. The third area A3 of the flat area PA and the first area P1 of the pad area PDA may include the first portion 450A of the curved protection layer 450.

[0097] In some embodiments, the first area A1 of the planar area PA and the third area P3 of the pad area PDA may include (or omit) a curved protective layer 450 having a similar structure. In addition, the second area A2 of the planar area PA and the second area P2 of the pad area PDA may include a curved protective layer 450 having a similar structure. In addition, the third area A3 of the planar area PA and the first area P1 of the pad area PDA may include a curved protective layer 450 having a similar structure.

[0098] As described above, a portion of the bending protection layer 450 may be removed by a laser process. Therefore, one surface of the second portion 450B of the bending protection layer 450 overlapping the flat area PA, one surface of the first portion 450A of the bending protection layer 450 overlapping the bending area BA, and one surface of the second portion 450B of the bending protection layer 450 overlapping the pad area PDA may include a heat affected zone HAZ. The heat affected zone HAZ may be a mark in which a portion of the bending protection layer 450 is carbonized by a high-temperature laser. In other words, the heat affected zone HAZ may be a result of the bending protection layer 450 of the display device 10 including the laser process.

[0099] Figure 5 It is taken along the line Y1-Y1' Figure 4 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first curved protective layer 450A (ie, a first portion 450A) of a display device 10. Figure 5 4 is a cross-sectional view of a sub-region SBA overlapping with the first portion 450A of the bent protection layer 450 in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0100] The display device 10 may include a base substrate 110 (eg, a first substrate), a flexible substrate 112 (eg, a second substrate), a lower via layer 115 , an upper via layer 125 , a pixel defining layer 155 , and a bending protection layer 450 .

[0101] refer to Figure 5 , the base substrate 110 may be made of a light-transmitting material. For example, the base substrate 110 may be a glass substrate or a plastic substrate. The base substrate 110 may include ultra-thin glass having a thickness of about 0.02 mm or less.

[0102] In some embodiments, a portion of the base substrate 110 may be etched to fix the bending area BA and to support the flexible substrate 112. A portion of the base substrate 110 overlapping the bending area BA may be etched during the manufacturing process. Therefore, the base substrate 110 may be divided into a first base substrate 110a (e.g., a first sub-substrate) and a second base substrate 110b (e.g., a second sub-substrate). The first base substrate 110a and the second base substrate 110b may be positioned to be spaced apart from each other with the bending area BA interposed therebetween.

[0103] In some embodiments, the first base substrate 110a may include an upper surface 110a1 facing the flexible substrate 112, a lower surface 110a2 opposite to the upper surface 110a1, and a side surface 110a3 facing the bending area BA. The side surface 110a3 of the first base substrate 110a may include a first inclined surface s1 connected to the upper surface 110a1 of the first base substrate 110a and a second inclined surface s2 connected to the lower surface 110a2 of the first base substrate 110a. The first inclined surface s1 and the second inclined surface s2 may be connected to each other, and the first inclined surface s1 and the second inclined surface s2 may form an inclined angle θ1. The first inclined surface s1 and the second inclined surface s2 of the first base substrate 110a may be formed by an etching process of the base substrate 110.

[0104] In some embodiments, the second base substrate 110b may have a structure symmetrical with the first base substrate 110a based on the bending area BA. The second base substrate 110b may include an upper surface 110b1 facing the flexible substrate 112, a lower surface 110b2 facing the upper surface 110b1, and a side surface 110b3 facing the bending area BA. The side surface 110b3 of the second base substrate 110b may include a first inclined surface s3 connected to the upper surface 110b1 of the second base substrate 110b and a second inclined surface s4 connected to the lower surface 110b2 of the second base substrate 110b. The first inclined surface s3 and the second inclined surface s4 may be connected to each other, and the first inclined surface s3 and the second inclined surface s4 may form an inclined angle θ3. The first inclined surface s3 and the second inclined surface s4 of the second base substrate 110b may be formed by an etching process of the base substrate 110.

[0105] The flexible substrate 112 may be positioned on the base substrate 110. The flexible substrate 112 may overlap the flat area PA, the bending area BA, and the pad area PDA. The flexible substrate 112 may be a flexible substrate that can be bent, folded, and rolled. That is, the flexible substrate 112 overlapping the bending area BA may be bent. The flexible substrate 112 may be made of an insulating material such as a polymer resin. For example, the flexible substrate 112 may include polyimide.

[0106] The lower via layer 115 may be positioned on the flexible substrate 112. The lower via layer 115 may overlap the flat area PA, the bending area BA, and the pad area PDA. That is, the lower via layer 115 overlapping the bending area BA may be bent. The lower via layer 115 may be an organic material having a planarization function. For example, the lower via layer 115 and the upper via layer 125 may include acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, polyimide resin, etc.

[0107] The upper via layer 125 may be positioned on the lower via layer 115. The upper via layer 125 may overlap the flat area PA, the bending area BA, and the pad area PDA. That is, the upper via layer 125 overlapping the bending area BA may be bent. The upper via layer 125 may be an organic material having a planarization function. The upper via layer 125 may include the same material as that of the lower via layer 115.

[0108] In one or more embodiments, the signal line 120 may be positioned between the lower via layer 115 and the upper via layer 125. The signal line 120 may include all signal lines suitable for the pixel PX to emit light.

[0109] The pixel defining layer 155 may be positioned on the upper via layer 125. The pixel defining layer 155 may overlap the flat area PA, the curved area BA, and the pad area PDA. That is, the pixel defining layer 155 overlapping the curved area BA may be curved. The pixel defining layer 155 may be used to define a light emitting area in the display area DA. The pixel defining layer 155 may be formed as an organic film made of acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, polyimide resin, etc.

[0110] The curved protection layer 450 may be positioned on the pixel defining layer 155 . Figure 5 The curved protection layer 450 illustrated in FIG. 4 may be a first portion 450A. The first portion 450A of the curved protection layer 450 may overlap the second and third areas A2 and A3 of the planar area PA and the first and second areas P1 and P2 of the pad area PDA.

[0111] In some embodiments, the first portion 450A of the curved protection layer 450 may overlap the third area A3 of the flat area PA, the curved area BA, and the first area P1 of the pad area PDA to have a substantially uniform thickness T450. In this specification, the meaning of the substantially uniform thickness T450 may correspond to a range of about 50 μm or more and about 200 μm or less.

[0112] Therefore, in the lower structure overlapping the bending area BA and the first portion 450A of the bending protection layer 450, the bending stress can be reduced by the bending protection layer 450. Therefore, in the lower structure overlapping the first portion 450A of the bending protection layer 450 and the bending area BA, the risk of cracking and peeling can be reduced. As an example, the lower structure overlapping the bending area BA and the first portion 450A of the bending protection layer 450 may include all of the flexible substrate 112, the lower via layer 115, the upper via layer 125, the signal line 120, and the pixel defining layer 155.

[0113] In some embodiments, the curved protection layer 450 may include an edge portion EG overlapping the second area A2 of the planar area PA and the second area P2 of the pad area PDA. The edge portion EG is not formed by a separate process and may be an edge portion formed after the curved protection layer 450 is applied.

[0114] Figure 6 It is taken along the line Y3-Y3' Figure 4 1 is a cross-sectional view of a second curved protective layer 450B (ie, a second portion 450B) of a display device 10. Figure 6 4 is a cross-sectional view of a sub-region SBA overlapping with the second portion 450B of the bent protection layer 450 in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0115] refer to Figure 6 , the display device 10 may include a base substrate 110 , a flexible substrate 112 , a lower via layer 115 , an upper via layer 125 , a pixel defining layer 155 , and a bending protection layer 450 . Figure 6 The bent protection layer 450 shown in FIG. 4 may be the second portion 450B.

[0116] In the display device 10, a portion of the bending protection layer 450 may be removed by a laser process. For example, a portion of the second portion 450B of the bending protection layer 450 that overlaps the bending area BA may be removed. This may be a process for preventing the bending protection layer 450 including the uneven thickness T450 from overlapping the bending area BA. In this specification, the meaning of the uneven thickness T450 may have a range of about 50 μm or more and about 200 μm or less.

[0117] In one or more embodiments, the laser process may remove the curved protective layer 450 overlapping the curved area BA, and may also remove the lower structure overlapping therewith. In other words, the flexible substrate 112, the lower via layer 115, the upper via layer 125, and the pixel defining layer 155 overlapping the curved area BA may also be removed. Therefore, the second portion 450B of the curved protective layer 450 may be divided into a first sub-portion 450a and a second sub-portion 450b (not to be confused with the first portion 450A and the second portion 450B), and the first sub-portion 450a and the second sub-portion 450b may be spaced apart from each other with the curved area BA interposed therebetween. One surface of the first sub-portion 450a and one surface of the second sub-portion 450b of the curved protective layer 450 have a heat affected zone HAZ formed by a high temperature laser.

[0118] In addition, the flexible substrate 112 may be divided into a first flexible substrate 112a and a second flexible substrate 112b. The first flexible substrate 112a and the second flexible substrate 112b may be spaced apart from each other with the bending area BA interposed therebetween. The lower via layer 115 may be divided into a first lower via layer 115a and a second lower via layer 115b, and the first lower via layer 115a and the second lower via layer 115b may be spaced apart from each other with the bending area BA interposed therebetween. The upper via layer 125 may be divided into a first upper via layer 125a and a second upper via layer 125b, and the first upper via layer 125a and the second upper via layer 125b may be spaced apart from each other with the bending area BA interposed therebetween. The pixel defining layer 155 may be divided into a first pixel defining layer 155a and a second pixel defining layer 155b, and the first pixel defining layer 155a and the second pixel defining layer 155b may be spaced apart from each other with the bending area BA interposed therebetween.

[0119] In some embodiments, the high-temperature laser included in the laser process may affect the third area A3 of the flat area PA adjacent to the bending area BA and the first area P1 of the pad area PDA adjacent to the bending area BA. In other words, even when the laser is irradiated to the bending area BA as a target, the laser may affect the third area A3 of the flat area PA and the first area P1 of the pad area PDA. Therefore, the bending protection layer 450 and the lower structure positioned in the third area A3 of the flat area PA and the first area P1 of the pad area PDA may also be removed by the laser process. For example, the width of the third area A3 of the flat area PA and the width of the first area P1 of the pad area PDA affected by the high-temperature laser may have a range of about 60 μm or more and about 300 μm or less.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first area A1 of the planar area PA and the third area P3 of the pad area PDA may include the base substrate 110, the flexible substrate 112, the lower via layer 115, the upper via layer 125, and the pixel defining layer 155. In other words, the first area A1 of the planar area PA and the third area P3 of the pad area PDA may be areas that do not include the bending protection layer 450.

[0121] In some embodiments, the second area A2 of the planar area PA and the second area P2 of the pad area PDA may include a base substrate 110 , a flexible substrate 112 , a lower via layer 115 , an upper via layer 125 , a pixel defining layer 155 , and may further include a bending protection layer 450 .

[0122] In some embodiments, the third area A3 of the planar area PA and the first area P1 of the pad area PDA may include only the base substrate 110. In other words, the flexible substrate 112, the lower via layer 115, the upper via layer 125, the pixel defining layer 155, and the bending protection layer 450 overlapping the third area A3 of the planar area PA and the first area P1 of the pad area PDA may be removed by a laser process.

[0123] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 FIG. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a planar area PA of a display device 10 .

[0124] Will refer to Figure 7 A cross-sectional structure overlapping with the second area A2 of the flat area PA is described.

[0125] In some embodiments, the first flexible substrate 112a may be positioned on the first base substrate 110a. The first flexible substrate 112a may include a side surface 112a3 of the first flexible substrate 112a in a direction toward the third area A3. The side surface 112a3 of the first flexible substrate 112a may be an inclined surface. The upper surface 110a1 of the first base substrate 110a and the side surface 112a3 of the first flexible substrate 112a may form an inclination angle θ2. As an example, the inclination angle θ2 may be an acute angle, and the inclination angle θ2 may be about 60° or more and about 90° or less. The side surface 112a3 of the first flexible substrate 112a may be formed by a laser process.

[0126] The first lower via layer 115a may be positioned on the first flexible substrate 112a. The first lower via layer 115a may include a side surface 115a3 of the first lower via layer 115a in a direction toward the third area A3. The side surface 115a3 of the first lower via layer 115a may be an inclined surface. One surface of the first flexible substrate 112a and the side surface 115a3 of the first lower via layer 115a may form an inclined angle θ2. The inclined angle θ2 may be an acute angle, and, for example, the inclined angle θ2 may be about 60° or more and about 90° or less.

[0127] The first upper via layer 125a may be positioned on the first lower via layer 115a. The first upper via layer 125a may include a side surface 125a3 of the first upper via layer 125a in a direction toward the third area A3. The side surface 125a3 of the first upper via layer 125a may be an inclined surface. One surface of the first lower via layer 115a and the side surface 125a3 of the first upper via layer 125a may form an inclined angle θ2. The inclined angle θ2 may be an acute angle, and for example, the inclined angle θ2 may be about 60° or more and about 90° or less.

[0128] The first pixel defining layer 155a may be positioned on the first upper via layer 125a. The first pixel defining layer 155a may include a side surface 155a3 of the first pixel defining layer 155a in a direction toward the third area A3. The side surface 155a3 of the first pixel defining layer 155a may be an inclined surface. One surface of the first upper via layer 125a and the side surface 155a3 of the first pixel defining layer 155a may form an inclined angle θ2. The inclined angle θ2 may be an acute angle, and for example, the inclined angle θ2 may be about 60° or more and about 90° or less.

[0129] The first sub-portion 450a of the curved protective layer 450 may be positioned on the first pixel defining layer 155a. The first sub-portion 450a of the curved protective layer 450 may include a lower surface 450a2 facing the first pixel defining layer 155a and an upper surface 450a1 opposite to the lower surface 450a2. In addition, the first sub-portion 450a may include a side surface 450a3 of the first sub-portion 450a in a direction toward the third area A3. The side surface 450a3 of the first sub-portion 450a may be an inclined surface. One surface of the first pixel defining layer 155a and the side surface 450a3 of the first sub-portion 450a may form an inclined angle θ2. The inclined angle θ2 may be an acute angle, and for example, the inclined angle θ2 may be about 60° or more and about 90° or less.

[0130] In some embodiments, the side surface 112a3 of the first flexible substrate 112a, the side surface 115a3 of the first lower via layer 115a, the side surface 125a3 of the first upper via layer 125a, the side surface 155a3 of the first pixel defining layer 155a, and the side surface 450a3 of the first sub-portion 450a of the curved protection layer 450 may be formed by the same laser process. That is, the side surface 112a3 of the first flexible substrate 112a, the side surface 115a3 of the first lower via layer 115a, the side surface 125a3 of the first upper via layer 125a, the side surface 155a3 of the first pixel defining layer 155a, and the side surface 450a3 of the first sub-portion 450a of the curved protection layer 450 may be formed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. Each of the side surface 112a3 of the first flexible substrate 112a, the side surface 115a3 of the first lower via layer 115a, the side surface 125a3 of the first upper via layer 125a, the side surface 155a3 of the first pixel defining layer 155a, and the side surface 450a3 of the first sub-portion 450a of the curved protection layer 450 may be aligned with each other and extend in a substantially straight line.

[0131] The first sub-portion 450a of the bending protection layer 450 may include an edge portion EG. The thickness T450 of the bending protection layer 450 overlapping the edge portion EG may have a value less than about 50 μm. Generally, since the second area A2 of the flat area PA and the second area P2 of the pad area PDA are spaced apart from the bending area BA and are not bent, even if the thickness T450 of the bending protection layer 450 does not have a range of about 50 μm or more and about 200 μm or less, cracks and peeling defects of the lower structure may not be caused.

[0132] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 An enlarged cross-sectional view of area "H".

[0133] refer to Figures 7 to 9, the upper surface 450a1 of the first sub-portion 450a of the bending protection layer 450 may include a heat affected zone HAZ formed by the high temperature laser. The heat affected zone HAZ may be a mark in which a portion of the upper surface 450a1 of the first sub-portion 450a is carbonized by the high temperature laser. Therefore, the heat affected zone HAZ may be located in a portion of the upper surface 450a1 of the first sub-portion 450a close to the bending area BA.

[0134] The shape of the heat affected zone HAZ may also be protruding (P) relative to the upper surface 450a1 of the first sub-portion 450a, such as Figure 8 , and may also be recessed (R) relative to the upper surface 450a1 of the first sub-portion 450a, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 However, the shape of the heat-affected zone HAZ may include any shape in which the resin is carbonized at high temperature, but is not limited thereto. For example, the shape of the heat-affected zone HAZ may include all of a burning shape, a wrinkled shape, and an embossed shape. For example, the width W of the heat-affected zone HAZ is HAZ The width W of the heat affected zone HAZ may be about 10 μm or more and about 100 μm or less. HAZ It may vary depending on the material of the bending protection layer 450 .

[0135] Fig.10 yes Figure 6 FIG. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a pad area PDA of the display device 10 .

[0136] Will refer to Fig.10 A cross-sectional structure overlapping with the second region P2 of the pad area PDA is described.

[0137] The second flexible substrate 112b may be positioned on the second base substrate 110b. The second flexible substrate 112b may be spaced apart from the first flexible substrate 112a with the bending area BA interposed therebetween. The second flexible substrate 112b may include a side surface 112b3 of the second flexible substrate 112b in a direction toward the first area P1. The side surface 112b3 of the second flexible substrate 112b may be an inclined surface. The upper surface 110b1 of the second base substrate 110b and the side surface 112b3 of the second flexible substrate 112b may form an inclination angle θ3. As an example, the inclination angle θ3 may be an acute angle, and the inclination angle θ3 may be about 60° or more and about 90° or less. The side surface 112b3 of the second flexible substrate 112b may be formed by a laser process.

[0138] The second lower via layer 115b may be positioned on the second flexible substrate 112b. The second lower via layer 115b may be spaced apart from the first lower via layer 115a with the bending area BA interposed therebetween. The second lower via layer 115b may include a side surface 115b3 of the second lower via layer 115b in a direction toward the first area P1. The side surface 115b3 of the second lower via layer 115b may be an inclined surface. One surface of the second flexible substrate 112b and the side surface 115b3 of the second lower via layer 115b may form an inclined angle θ3. As an example, the inclined angle θ3 may be an acute angle, and the inclined angle θ3 may be about 60° or more and about 90° or less. The side surface 115b3 of the second lower via layer 115b may be formed by a laser process.

[0139] The second upper via layer 125b may be positioned on the second lower via layer 115b. The second upper via layer 125b may be spaced apart from the first upper via layer 125a with the curved area BA interposed therebetween. The second upper via layer 125b may include a side surface 125b3 of the second upper via layer 125b in a direction toward the first area P1. The side surface 125b3 of the second upper via layer 125b may be an inclined surface. One surface of the second lower via layer 115b and the side surface 125b3 of the second upper via layer 125b may form an inclination angle θ3. As an example, the inclination angle θ3 may be an acute angle, and the inclination angle θ3 may be about 60° or more and about 90° or less. The side surface 125b3 of the second upper via layer 125b may be formed by a laser process.

[0140] The second pixel defining layer 155b may be positioned on the second upper via layer 125b. The second pixel defining layer 155b may be spaced apart from the first pixel defining layer 155a with the curved area BA interposed therebetween. The second pixel defining layer 155b may include a side surface 155b3 of the second pixel defining layer 155b in a direction toward the first area P1. The side surface 155b3 of the second pixel defining layer 155b may be an inclined surface. One surface of the second upper via layer 125b and the side surface 155b3 of the second pixel defining layer 155b may form an inclination angle θ3. As an example, the inclination angle θ3 may be an acute angle, and the inclination angle θ3 may be about 60° or more and about 90° or less. The side surface 155b3 of the second pixel defining layer 155b may be formed by a laser process.

[0141] The second sub-portion 450b of the curved protective layer 450 may be positioned on the second pixel defining layer 155b. The second sub-portion 450b of the curved protective layer 450 may include a lower surface 450b2 facing the second pixel defining layer 155b and an upper surface 450b1 opposite to the lower surface 450b2. In addition, the second sub-portion 450b may include a side surface 450b3 of the second sub-portion 450b in a direction toward the first region P1. The side surface 450b3 of the second sub-portion 450b may be an inclined surface. One surface of the second pixel defining layer 155b and the side surface 450b3 of the second sub-portion 450b may form an inclined angle θ3. The inclined angle θ3 may be an acute angle, and for example, the inclined angle θ3 may be about 60° or more and about 90° or less.

[0142] In some embodiments, the side surface 112b3 of the second flexible substrate 112b, the side surface 115b3 of the second lower via layer 115b, the side surface 125b3 of the second upper via layer 125b, the side surface 155b3 of the second pixel defining layer 155b, and the side surface 450b3 of the second sub-portion 450b of the curved protection layer 450 may be formed by the same laser process. That is, the side surface 112b3 of the second flexible substrate 112b, the side surface 115b3 of the second lower via layer 115b, the side surface 125b3 of the second upper via layer 125b, the side surface 155b3 of the second pixel defining layer 155b, and the side surface 450b3 of the second sub-portion 450b of the curved protection layer 450 may be formed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. Each of the side surface 112b3 of the second flexible substrate 112b, the side surface 115b3 of the second lower via layer 115b, the side surface 125b3 of the second upper via layer 125b, the side surface 155b3 of the second pixel defining layer 155b, and the side surface 450b3 of the second sub-portion 450b of the curved protection layer 450 may be aligned with each other and may extend substantially straight.

[0143] The second sub-portion 450b of the bent protection layer 450 may include an edge portion EG opposite to the side surface 450b3 of the second sub-portion 450b. A repeated description will be omitted.

[0144] Fig.11 It is taken along the line X1-X1' Figure 4 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sub-region SBA of the display device 10.

[0145] refer to Fig.11 The curved protection layer 450 overlapping the second area A2 of the flat area PA in the first direction (X-axis direction) may include a first portion 450A and a second portion 450B.

[0146] In some embodiments, the first portion 450A of the curved protection layer 450 may include a substantially uniform thickness T450. In a lower structure overlapping the first portion 450A, the bending stress may be reduced by the curved protection layer 450. For example, the lower structure may include the base substrate 110 (at Fig.11 1 , a first base substrate 110 a , a flexible substrate 112 , a signal line 120 , a lower via layer 115 , an upper via layer 125 , and a pixel defining layer 155 are all illustrated.

[0147] The second portion 450B of the curved protective layer 450 may include a non-uniform thickness T450, or may have a thickness different from that of the first portion 450A. That is, the second portion 450B of the curved protective layer 450 may have a thickness outside the range of the substantially uniform thickness T450. In other words, the thickness T450 of the second portion 450B of the curved protective layer 450 may be less than about 50 μm or about 200 μm or more.

[0148] In some embodiments, the thickness T450 of the second portion 450B may increase in a direction toward the first portion 450A. Therefore, the second portion 450B of the curved protective layer 450 may include an inclined surface 450s. For convenience of explanation, the second portion 450B is illustrated and then described as including an inclined surface 450s whose thickness T450 includes a range of less than about 50 μm, and the thickness T450 may be substantially uniformly reduced, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the thickness T450 of the second portion 450B of the curved protective layer 450 may include an embossed shape that includes a portion less than about 50 μm and a portion of about 200 μm or more at the same time.

[0149] As described above, the second portion 450B of the curved protective layer 450 may be caused by the curved protective layer 450 including a dispensing process. That is, the second portion 450B of the curved protective layer 450 may be a portion of the starting point or a portion of the end point of the application process. For example, the width W-450B of the second portion 450B of the curved protective layer 450 may have a range of about 0.9 mm or more and about 1 mm or less. The detailed description of the second portion 450B of the curved protective layer 450 has been mentioned above and will therefore be omitted.

[0150] Fig.12 It is taken along the line X3-X3' Figure 4 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sub-region SBA of the display device 10.

[0151] refer to Fig.12The curved protection layer 450 may overlap the third area A3 of the flat area PA in the first direction (X-axis direction) and may include the first portion 450A. In other words, the second portion 450B of the curved protection layer 450 may be omitted from the third area A3 of the flat area PA.

[0152] In some embodiments, the first portion 450A of the curved protective layer 450 may include a heat affected zone HAZ formed by a laser process in a direction toward the distal end SEG of the first base substrate 110a. In addition, the first portion 450A of the curved protective layer 450 may include a side surface 450Ac inclined in a direction toward the distal end SEG of the first base substrate 110a. The heat affected zone HAZ and the side surface 450Ac included in the first portion 450A of the curved protective layer 450 may be formed by a laser process. In other words, the heat affected zone HAZ and the side surface 450Ac included in the first portion 450A of the curved protective layer 450 may mean that a portion of the curved protective layer 450 is removed between the distal end SEG of the first base substrate 110a and the first portion 450A of the curved protective layer 450.

[0153] In some embodiments, the flexible substrate 112 may overlap the third area A3 of the planar area PA and may include a side surface 112c inclined in a direction toward the distal end SEG of the first base substrate 110a, and the lower via layer 115 may include a side surface 115c inclined in a direction toward the distal end SEG of the first base substrate 110a. In addition, the upper via layer 125 may overlap the third area A3 of the planar area PA and may include a side surface 125c inclined in a direction toward the distal end SEG of the first base substrate 110a, and the pixel defining layer 155 may include a side surface 155c inclined in a direction toward the distal end SEG of the first base substrate 110a.

[0154] In some embodiments, the side surface 112c of the flexible substrate 112, the side surface 115c of the lower via layer 115, the side surface 125c of the upper via layer 125, the side surface 155c of the pixel defining layer 155, and the side surface 450Ac of the first portion 450A of the curved protection layer 450 may be formed by the same laser process to overlap with the third area A3 of the planar area PA. Therefore, the side surface 112c of the flexible substrate 112, the side surface 115c of the lower via layer 115, the side surface 125c of the upper via layer 125, the side surface 155c of the pixel defining layer 155, and the side surface 450Ac of the first portion 450A of the curved protection layer 450 may be aligned with each other and extend to overlap with the third area A3 of the planar area PA.

[0155] Fig.13 According to one or more other embodiments Figure 3An enlarged plan view of area "C".

[0156] refer to Fig.13 , the flat area PA of the display device 30 may include a first area C1 and a second area C2, and the pad area PDA of the display device 30 may include a first area C3 and a second area C4. The first area C1 and the second area C2 of the flat area PA and the first area C3 and the second area C4 of the pad area PDA may be divided according to the configuration of the bending protection layer 450.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first area C1 of the flat area PA and the second area C4 of the pad area PDA of the display device 30 may omit the curved protection layer 450. In addition, the second area C2 of the flat area PA and the first area C3 of the pad area PDA may include the curved protection layer 450. For example, the curved protection layer 450 of the display device 30 may include a first portion 450A and a second portion 450B of the curved protection layer 450 after being applied by a dispenser (e.g., immediately after being applied). However, in the curved protection layer 450 of the display device 30, the entire second portion 450B of the curved protection layer 450 may be removed by a subsequent laser process. Therefore, only the first portion 450A of the curved protection layer 450 of the display device 30 may remain as a result.

[0158] In some embodiments, the curved protection layer 450 of the display device 30 may include a heat affected zone HAZ in a direction toward the distal end SEG of the base substrate 110. For example, from the fact that the heat affected zone HAZ is positioned at the distal end of the curved protection layer 450 in a plan view, it can be seen that a portion of the curved protection layer 450 has been positioned between the distal end SEG of the base substrate 110 and the curved protection layer 450. In addition, from the fact that the heat affected zone HAZ is positioned at the distal end of the curved protection layer 450 in a plan view, it can be seen that a portion of the curved protection layer 450 is removed by a laser process.

[0159] Fig.14 It is taken along line X7-X7' Fig.13 10 is a cross-sectional view of a planar area PA of a display device 10. Fig.14 The cross-sectional structure overlapping with the second region C2 of the planar region PA in the first direction (X-axis direction) is shown.

[0160] refer to Fig.14, the base substrate 110 overlapping the second area C2 of the flat area PA may be a first base substrate 110a. As described above, a portion of the base substrate 110 may be etched to fix the bending area BA and support the flexible substrate 112. A portion of the base substrate 110 overlapping the bending area BA may be etched during the manufacturing process, and thus, the base substrate 110 may be divided into a first base substrate 110a and a second base substrate 110b. Therefore, the base substrate 110 overlapping the flat area PA may be the first base substrate 110a, and the base substrate 110 overlapping the pad area PDA may be the second base substrate 110b.

[0161] The flexible substrate 112 may be positioned on the first base substrate 110 a of the display device 30 .

[0162] In some embodiments, the flexible substrate 112 of the display device 30 may overlap the second area C2 of the planar area PA, and may include a side surface 112 c inclined in a direction toward the distal end SEG of the first base substrate 110 a .

[0163] The lower via layer 115 of the display device 30 may be positioned on the flexible substrate 112. The lower via layer 115 of the display device 30 may include a side surface 115c inclined in a direction toward a distal end SEG of the first base substrate 110a.

[0164] The upper via layer 125 of the display device 30 may be positioned on the lower via layer 115. The upper via layer 125 of the display device 30 may include a side surface 125c inclined in a direction toward a distal end SEG of the first base substrate 110a.

[0165] The pixel defining layer 155 of the display device 30 may be positioned on the upper via layer 125. The pixel defining layer 155 of the display device 30 may include a side surface 155c inclined in a direction toward a distal end SEG of the first base substrate 110a.

[0166] In some embodiments, the first portion 450A of the curved protection layer 450 may include a first surface 450Aa, a second surface 450Ab, and a side surface 450Ac. The first surface 450Aa, the second surface 450Ab, and the side surface 450Ac of the first portion 450A may be connected to each other.

[0167] In some embodiments, the side surface 450Ac of the first portion 450A may be positioned in a direction toward the distal SEG of the first base substrate 110a. The first surface 450Aa of the first portion 450A and the side surface 450Ac of the first portion 450B may form an inclination angle θ. As an example, the inclination angle θ may be an acute angle, and the inclination angle θ may be about 60° or more and about 90° or less.

[0168] In some embodiments, the second surface 450Ab of the first portion 450A may include a heat affected zone HAZ in a direction toward the distal end SEG of the first base substrate 110a.

[0169] The heat affected zone HAZ and the side surface 450Ac included in the first portion 450A of the curved protection layer 450 may be formed by a laser process. In other words, it can be seen that since the first portion 450A of the curved protection layer 450 includes the heat affected zone HAZ and the side surface 450Ac (the heat affected zone HAZ is the result of the laser process for removing the above portion of the curved protection layer 450), a portion of the curved protection layer 450 is removed between the distal end SEG of the first base substrate 110a of the display device 30 and the first portion 450A of the curved protection layer 450.

[0170] In some embodiments, the side surface 112c of the flexible substrate 112, the side surface 115c of the lower via layer 115, the side surface 125c of the upper via layer 125, the side surface 155c of the pixel defining layer 155, and the side surface 450Ac of the first portion 450A of the curved protection layer 450 included in the display device 30 may be formed by the same laser process. Therefore, the side surface 112c of the flexible substrate 112, the side surface 115c of the lower via layer 115, the side surface 125c of the upper via layer 125, the side surface 155c of the pixel defining layer 155, and the side surface 450Ac of the first portion 450A of the curved protection layer 450 may be aligned with each other and extend to overlap with the second area A2 of the flat area PA.

[0171] At the end of the detailed description, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing substantially from the principles of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure are used in a general and descriptive sense, rather than for a limiting purpose.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: a first substrate including a first region, a second region, and a curved region between the first region and the second region, and including a second inclined surface facing the curved region; a light emitting element, wherein the light emitting element is located at the first region; as well as A first curved protective layer does not overlap the curved region at the first region and the second region and includes a first inclined surface facing the curved region and aligned with the second inclined surface.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first curved protective layer includes a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from each other, the curved region is interposed between the first portion and the second portion, the first portion includes the first inclined surface, and the second portion includes a third inclined surface facing the curved region.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The first substrate includes a third portion and a fourth portion spaced apart from each other, the bending region is interposed between the third portion and the fourth portion, the third portion overlaps the first portion, and the fourth portion overlaps the second portion.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The fourth portion includes a fourth inclined surface facing the bending region and aligned with the third inclined surface.

5. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The first part also includes: a first surface, the first surface facing the first substrate; and a second surface, the second surface being opposite to the first surface, and Wherein, a first inclination angle formed by the first surface and the first inclined surface is an acute angle.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The first inclination angle is 60° or more and 90° or less.

7. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The second surface includes a heat affected zone that is recessed vertically relative to the second surface.

8. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The second surface includes a heat-affected zone protruding perpendicularly with respect to the second surface.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: The width of the heat-affected zone in a direction parallel to the first substrate is 10 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

10. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A second bending protective layer overlaps the bending region and has a thickness of 50 μm or more and 200 μm or less.

11. The display device according to claim 10, further comprising: A signal line, which is used to transmit an electrical signal to the light emitting element, does not overlap with the first curved protective layer and overlaps with the second curved protective layer.

12. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A via layer and a pixel defining layer are between the first substrate and the first curved protection layer and include an inclined surface facing the curved area and aligned with the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface.

13. A display device, comprising: a first substrate, the first substrate comprising a first region, a second region, and a bending region between the first region and the second region; a light emitting element, the light emitting element being located at the first region of the first substrate; a first curved protective layer, the first curved protective layer being at the first region, the curved region, and the second region of the first substrate; as well as a second substrate, the second substrate being above the first substrate, The first substrate includes a first sub-substrate and a second sub-substrate spaced apart from each other, and the bending region is between the first sub-substrate and the second sub-substrate. wherein the first sub-substrate comprises a first inclined surface in a direction toward the curved region, wherein the second sub-substrate comprises a second inclined surface in the direction toward the curved region, and Wherein, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface overlap with the first curved protection layer.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein: The first curved protection layer overlaps the curved region and includes a third inclined surface in a direction toward a distal end of the second substrate, and Wherein, the second substrate includes a fourth inclined surface in the direction toward the distal end of the second substrate.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: The third inclined surface and the fourth inclined surface are aligned.

16. The display device according to claim 13, further comprising: a second curved protective layer, the second curved protective layer overlapping the first region and the second region and connected to the first curved protective layer, The second curved protection layer has a thickness that decreases in a direction toward a distal end of the second substrate.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein: The second curved protection layer does not overlap the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface.

18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein: The thickness of the second bending protection layer is less than 50 μm.

19. The display device according to claim 17, wherein: The second curved protective layer overlapping the first region and the second curved protective layer overlapping the second region are connected through the first curved protective layer, and Wherein, the first curved protective layer and the second curved protective layer are integrated.

20. The display device according to claim 15, wherein: the first curved protective layer overlaps the first region and the second region and includes a fifth inclined surface in the direction toward the distal end of the second substrate, wherein the second substrate overlaps the first region and the second region and includes a sixth inclined surface in the direction toward the distal end of the second substrate, and Wherein, the fifth inclined surface and the sixth inclined surface are aligned.

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