Display panel

Abstract

A display panel includes a display area and a non-display area, the display area including a front area and a bending area, the display panel including: a base layer; a light emitting element layer including a light emitting element and disposed on the base layer; and a thin film encapsulation layer disposed on the light emitting element layer. The thin film encapsulation layer includes: a first encapsulation inorganic film disposed on the light emitting element layer; an encapsulation organic film disposed on the first encapsulation inorganic film; a second encapsulation inorganic film disposed on the encapsulation organic film; and a low-energy layer disposed on the first encapsulation inorganic film corresponding to the bending region and covered by the encapsulation organic film, and a surface energy of the low-energy layer is lower than a surface energy of the first encapsulation inorganic film.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to and all benefits derived from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0120522, filed on September 11, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure described herein relate to a display panel and a display device including the same, and more particularly, to a display panel and a display device including a bending region. Background Art

[0003] The display device includes an active area activated based on an electrical signal. The display device can sense pressure applied from the outside through the active area, and can provide information to the user by displaying various images at the same time. In recent years, research has been conducted to expand the active area in the display device. Summary of the invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display panel and a display device having enhanced durability of a bending region thereof.

[0005] According to an embodiment, a display panel includes a front area and a bending area, the bending area is bent in one direction from one side of the front area to have a curvature, and the display panel includes: a base layer; a light-emitting element layer, arranged on the base layer, wherein the light-emitting element layer includes a light-emitting element; and a thin film encapsulation layer, arranged on the light-emitting element layer, wherein the thin film encapsulation layer includes: a first encapsulation inorganic film, arranged on the light-emitting element layer; an encapsulation organic film, arranged on the first encapsulation inorganic film; and a second encapsulation inorganic film, arranged on the encapsulation organic film, wherein the second encapsulation inorganic film includes an upper surface separated from the encapsulation organic film, and the upper surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film has a curved surface in an unbent state, and a portion of the upper surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film corresponding to the bending area protrudes in the opposite direction of the one direction in the unbent state.

[0006] In an embodiment, the second encapsulation inorganic film may include a lower surface contacting the encapsulation organic film, and the lower surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film may have a curved surface in an unbent state, and a portion of the lower surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film corresponding to the bending area may be recessed in the reverse direction in the unbent state.

[0007] In an embodiment, the encapsulated organic film may include an upper surface contacting a second encapsulated inorganic film, and the upper surface of the encapsulated organic film has a curved surface in an unbent state, and a portion of the upper surface of the encapsulated organic film corresponding to the bending area may bulge in the reverse direction in the unbent state.

[0008] In an embodiment, the thin film encapsulation layer may further include a low-energy layer, which is disposed on the first encapsulation inorganic film corresponding to the bending area and covered by the encapsulation organic film, and the surface energy of the low-energy layer may be lower than the surface energy of the first encapsulation inorganic film.

[0009] In an embodiment, the low energy layer may include an upper surface and a side surface contacting the encapsulation organic film, and an entire portion of the upper surface and an entire portion of the side surface of the low energy layer may be covered by the encapsulation organic film.

[0010] In an embodiment, the display panel may further include: a side area extending from one side of the bending area and spaced apart from the front area.

[0011] In an embodiment, the display panel may further include: a side area extending from one side of the bending area and separated from the front area, the first encapsulation inorganic film may include a first encapsulation portion corresponding to the front area, a second encapsulation portion corresponding to the bending area, and a third encapsulation portion corresponding to the side area, and the surface energy of the first encapsulation portion and the surface energy of the third encapsulation portion of the first encapsulation inorganic film may be higher than the surface energy of the second encapsulation portion.

[0012] According to an embodiment, a display panel includes a display area and a non-display area adjacent to the display area, the display area includes a front area and a bending area bent in one direction from one side of the front area to have a curvature, the display panel includes: a base layer; a light-emitting element layer, arranged on the base layer, wherein the light-emitting element layer includes a light-emitting element; and a thin film encapsulation layer, arranged on the light-emitting element layer, wherein the thin film encapsulation layer includes: a first encapsulation inorganic film, arranged on the light-emitting element layer; an encapsulation organic film, arranged on the first encapsulation inorganic film; a second encapsulation inorganic film, arranged on the encapsulation organic film; and a low-energy layer, arranged on the first encapsulation inorganic film corresponding to the bending area and covered by the encapsulation organic film, and the surface energy of the low-energy layer can be lower than the surface energy of the first encapsulation inorganic film.

[0013] In an embodiment, the second encapsulation inorganic film may include an upper surface separated from the encapsulation organic film and a lower surface contacting the encapsulation organic film, each of the upper surface and the lower surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film may include a curved surface in an unbent state, a portion of the upper surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film corresponding to the bending area may convex in an opposite direction to the one direction in the unbent state, and a portion of the lower surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film corresponding to the bending area may be recessed in the opposite direction in the unbent state.

[0014] In an embodiment, the first encapsulation inorganic film may include an upper surface contacting the encapsulation organic film, the encapsulation organic film may include an upper surface contacting the second encapsulation inorganic film, and in an unbent state, the length of the bending region from the upper surface of the first encapsulation inorganic film to the most convex portion of the upper surface of the encapsulation organic film in this one direction may be 1.1 to 1.3 times the length of the front region from the upper surface of the first encapsulation inorganic film to the upper surface of the encapsulation organic film in this one direction.

[0015] In an embodiment, the display area may further include a side area extending from one side of the bending area and separated from the front area, the first encapsulation inorganic film may include an upper surface contacting the encapsulation organic film, the encapsulation organic film may include an upper surface contacting the second encapsulation inorganic film, and in an unbent state, the length of the bending area from the upper surface of the first encapsulation inorganic film to the most convex part of the upper surface of the encapsulation organic film in this one direction may be 1.1 times to 1.3 times the length of the side area from the upper surface of the first encapsulation inorganic film to the upper surface of the encapsulation organic film in this one direction.

[0016] In an embodiment, the encapsulated organic film may include an upper surface contacting the second encapsulated inorganic film, and the upper surface of the encapsulated organic film may include a curved surface in an unbent state, and a portion of the upper surface of the encapsulated organic film corresponding to the bending area may protrude in the opposite direction of the one direction in the unbent state.

[0017] In an embodiment, the low energy layer may include an upper surface and a side surface contacting the encapsulation organic film, and an entire portion of the upper surface and an entire portion of the side surface of the low energy layer may be covered by the encapsulation organic film.

[0018] According to an embodiment, a display panel includes a display area and a non-display area adjacent to the display area, the display area includes a front area, a bending area bent in one direction from one side of the front area to have a curvature, and a side area extending from one side of the bending area and spaced apart from the front area, the display panel includes: a base layer; a light-emitting element layer, arranged on the base layer, wherein the light-emitting element layer includes a light-emitting element; and a thin film encapsulation layer, arranged on the light-emitting element layer, wherein the thin film encapsulation layer includes: a first encapsulation inorganic film, arranged on the light-emitting element layer, wherein the first encapsulation inorganic film includes a first encapsulation portion corresponding to the front area, a second encapsulation portion corresponding to the bending area, and a third encapsulation portion corresponding to the side area; an encapsulation organic film, arranged on the first encapsulation inorganic film; and a second encapsulation inorganic film, arranged on the encapsulation organic film, and in the first encapsulation inorganic film, the surface energy of the first encapsulation portion and the surface energy of the third encapsulation portion are higher than the surface energy of the second encapsulation portion.

[0019] In an embodiment, the first encapsulation portion and the third encapsulation portion of the first encapsulation inorganic film may be surface-treated using plasma.

[0020] In an embodiment, the second encapsulation inorganic film may include an upper surface separated from the encapsulation organic film and a lower surface contacting the encapsulation organic film, and each of the upper surface and the lower surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film may include a curved surface corresponding to a bending area in an unbent state, a portion of the upper surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film corresponding to the bending area may convex in an opposite direction to the one direction corresponding to the bending area in the unbent state, and a portion of the lower surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film corresponding to the bending area may be recessed in the opposite direction in the unbent state.

[0021] In an embodiment, the first encapsulation inorganic film may include an upper surface that contacts the encapsulation organic film, and in an unbent state, the length of the most recessed portion of the bending region from the upper surface of the first encapsulation inorganic film to the lower surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film in one direction may be 1.1 to 1.3 times the length of the front region from the upper surface of the first encapsulation inorganic film to the lower surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film in one direction.

[0022] In an embodiment, the first encapsulation inorganic film may include an upper surface that contacts the encapsulation organic film, and in an unbent state, the length of the most recessed portion of the bending region from the upper surface of the first encapsulation inorganic film to the lower surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film in one direction may be 1.1 to 1.3 times the length of the side region from the upper surface of the first encapsulation inorganic film to the lower surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film in one direction.

[0023] In an embodiment, the encapsulated organic film may include an upper surface contacting the second encapsulated inorganic film, and the upper surface of the encapsulated organic film may include a curved surface in an unbent state, and a portion of the upper surface of the encapsulated organic film corresponding to the bending area may protrude in the opposite direction of the one direction corresponding to the bending area in the unbent state.

[0024] In an embodiment, each of the first encapsulation portion, the second encapsulation portion, and the third encapsulation portion of the first encapsulation inorganic film may contact the encapsulation organic film. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The above and other features of embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent by describing in detail embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the attached drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an assembled state of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a display module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 4 is a plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a thin film encapsulation layer before bending according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view of a thin film encapsulation layer after bending according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a thin film encapsulation layer before bending according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B is a schematic diagram illustrating contact angles depending on the level of surface energy according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10D is an enlarged plan view of a thin film encapsulation layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which various embodiments are shown. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Instead, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0038] In the specification, the expression that a first component (or region, layer or part, etc.) is "on", "connected to" or "coupled to" a second component means that the first component is directly on, directly connected to or directly coupled to the second component, or means that a third component is interposed therebetween.

[0039] In the present application, the expression "directly disposed" may mean that a layer, a film, a region, and a plate do not exist between one component such as a layer, a film, a region, or a plate and another component. For example, the expression "directly disposed" may mean that a layer or a member is disposed between two layers or two members without using an additional member such as an adhesive member therebetween.

[0040] The same reference numerals refer to the same components. In addition, in the drawings, in order to effectively describe the technical contents, the thickness, ratio and size of the components are exaggerated.

[0041] The terms used in this article are only used to describe the purpose of specific embodiments, and are not intended to be limited. As used in this article, "one", "the (described)" and "at least one" do not represent the limitation of quantity, and unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, it is intended to include both the singular and the plural. Therefore, the reference to "one" element in the claim (followed by the reference to "the" element) includes one element and multiple elements. For example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, "element" has the same meaning as "at least one element". "At least one" should not be interpreted as being limited to "one". "Or" means "and / or". As used in this article, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

[0042] Although the terms "first", "second", etc. can be used to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first component can be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component can also be referred to as the first component.

[0043] In addition, the terms "under", "beneath", "on", "over", etc. are used to describe the correlation of components illustrated in the drawings. Conceptually relative terms are described based on the directions illustrated in the drawings. In the specification, the expression "disposed on" may refer to a case in which a component is not only disposed on another component but also disposed under the other component.

[0044] It will be understood that the terms "include", "comprising", "having", etc. indicate the presence of the features, quantities, steps, operations, elements or parts, or a combination thereof, described in the specification, and do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, elements or parts, or a combination thereof.

[0045] As used herein, "about" or "approximately" includes the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for that particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, or ±5% of the stated value.

[0046] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used in the specification have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. In addition, terms (such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and unless explicitly defined as such in this article, should not be interpreted in an overly ideal or overly formal sense.

[0047] In this article, embodiments are described with reference to cross-sectional illustrations of schematic diagrams of ideal embodiments. In this way, variations in the shapes of the illustrations due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are expected. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific shapes of the zones as illustrated in this article, but rather should include deviations in shapes due to, for example, manufacturing. For example, a zone illustrated or described as flat may typically have rough and / or nonlinear features. Moreover, the illustrated sharp corners may be rounded. Therefore, the zones illustrated in the accompanying drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shapes of the zones and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a combined state of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 1 The illustrated display device DD is an example of a smart phone. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the display device DD may be a medium / small display device such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a vehicle navigation system, a game device, or a smart watch, or a large display device such as a TV or a monitor.

[0051] The three-dimensional active areas AA1 and AA2 in which the image IM is displayed may be defined in the display device DD. Figure 1 As examples of the image IM, images of date, time, and icons are illustrated.

[0052] The three-dimensional effective areas AA1 and AA2 for displaying the image IM may include a first effective area AA1 having a flat surface shape and a second effective area AA2 bent from the first effective area AA1. The first effective area AA1 and the second effective area AA2 are merely areas distinguished in shape, and may implement (or jointly define) substantially one display surface (or be integrally formed as a single integral and indivisible part).

[0053] The first active area AA1 may be parallel to a plane defined by the first and second directions DR1 and DR2. A normal direction of the first active area AA1 may be parallel to the third direction DR3. The third direction DR3 may be defined as a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the first and second directions DR1 and DR2 or a thickness direction.

[0054] The front surface (or upper surface) and the rear surface (or lower surface) of the member constituting the display device DD may be opposite to each other in the third direction DR3, and the normal directions of the front surface and the rear surface may be substantially parallel to the third direction DR3. The spacing distance between the front surface and the rear surface defined along the third direction DR3 may correspond to the thickness of the member (or unit).

[0055] In the specification, the expression "on a plane" may be defined as a state observed in the third direction DR3. In the specification, the expression "on a cross section" may be defined as a state observed in the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2. The directions indicated by the first to third directions DR1, DR2, and DR3 are relative concepts and may be converted into different directions.

[0056] The second active area AA2 may be an area bent and extended from the first active area AA1. The second active area AA2 may be an area bent from the first active area AA1 while having a specific curvature. In an embodiment, a border area in which the image IM is not displayed may be defined around a portion of the second active area AA2.

[0057] The second active area AA2 may include a first edge active area AA2_E1, a second edge active area AA2_E2, a third edge active area AA2_E3, and a fourth edge active area AA2_E4 bent from the side of the first active area AA1. The second active area AA2 may include a first edge active area AA2_E1 bent from the first side of the first active area AA1, a second edge active area AA2_E2 bent from the second side of the first active area AA1, a third edge active area AA2_E3 bent from the third side of the first active area AA1, and a fourth edge active area AA2_E4 bent from the fourth side of the first active area AA1.

[0058] although Figure 1 An embodiment in which the second active area AA2 includes first to fourth edge active areas AA2_E1 , AA2_E2 , AA2_E3 , and AA2_E4 is illustrated, but the number of edge active areas included in the second active area AA2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be changed if necessary.

[0059] The first edge effective area AA2_E1, the second edge effective area AA2_E2, the third edge effective area AA2_E3, and the fourth edge effective area AA2_E4 may be bent to have a specific curvature relative to a direction opposite to the third direction DR3, respectively. Each of the first edge effective area AA2_E1, the second edge effective area AA2_E2, the third edge effective area AA2_E3, and the fourth edge effective area AA2_E4 may have a single curvature.

[0060] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] For ease of illustration and description, Figure 2 The figure shows an embodiment in which the display module DM is in an unbent state.

[0062] Reference Figure 2 , an embodiment of the display device DD may include a window module WM and a display module DM disposed under the window module WM.

[0063] The window module WM is arranged on the display module DM. Figure 3 ) on the image IM (see Figure 1 ) may be observed by the user after passing through the window module WM. That is, the display surface of the display device DD may be defined in the window module WM.

[0064] The window module WM may include a base member and a frame pattern. The base member may include a glass substrate or a plastic film and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The frame pattern may be disposed on an outer area of ​​the base member while overlapping the base member, and the frame pattern may define a portion of the base member that has been referenced. Figure 1 However, if necessary, according to an embodiment, the border pattern may be omitted in the window module WM.

[0065] The window module WM may be optically transparent. The window module WM may include a glass plate, and the glass plate may be a chemically toughened tempered glass plate. In an embodiment, the window module WM may have a single-layer structure including a glass plate, but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the window module WM may have a multi-layer structure including a filler member or a polymer film disposed on the glass plate.

[0066] The window module WM may include a front active area FS, and side active areas ES1, ES2, ES3, and ES4 bent from the front active area FS. The front active area FS may be aligned with the first active area AA1 (see FIG. Figure 1 ), and the side effective areas ES1, ES2, ES3, and ES4 may correspond to the first to fourth edge effective areas AA2_E1, AA2_E2, AS2_E3, and AA2_E4 of the display device DD, respectively (see Figure 1 In the specification, the expression that a region and another region correspond to each other means that the regions overlap with each other, and is not limited to the case where they have the same area as each other.

[0067] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a display module DM according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] Reference Figure 3 , the display module DM according to the embodiment may include a display panel DP and an input sensor ISL disposed on the display panel DP.

[0069] The display panel DP may generate an image IM (see Figure 1 ). The display panel DP according to the embodiment may be a self-luminous display panel. In the embodiment, for example, the display panel DP may be a micron light emitting diode (LED) display panel, a nano LED display panel, an organic light emitting display panel, or a quantum dot light emitting display panel. However, this is only an example, and as long as it is a self-luminous display panel, it is not limited.

[0070] The light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting material. The light-emitting layer of the quantum dot light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots and / or quantum rods. The micro-LED display panel may include a micro-light-emitting diode element that is an ultra-small light-emitting element, and the nano-LED display panel may include a nano-light-emitting diode element. Hereinafter, for ease of description, an embodiment in which the display panel DP is an organic light-emitting display panel will be described.

[0071] The input sensor ISL may be provided on the display panel DP to obtain coordinate information of an external input. In an embodiment, for example, the external input may be an input performed by a user. The input performed by the user may include various forms of external input such as a part of the user's body, light, heat, or pressure. The input sensor ISL may be formed on the display panel DP by a continuous process. That is, the input sensor ISL may be directly provided on the display panel DP. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the input sensor ISL may be coupled to the display panel DP by an adhesive member.

[0072] Although not shown, the display device DD may further include a window module WM (see FIG. 1 ) disposed between the display panel DP and the input sensor ISL or disposed between the display panel DP and the input sensor ISL. Figure 2 ) and an optical layer (not shown) between the display module DM. The optical layer (not shown) may include an anti-reflection member that reduces reflectivity of external light input from the outside.

[0073] Figure 4 is a plan view of a display panel DP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment, the display panel DP is omitted and inserted into the display device DD (see Figure 1 ) is illustrated, and for ease of illustration and description, Figure 4 Only the display device DD is shown (see Figure 1 )'s bending area DA_F is in an unbent state.

[0075] Reference Figure 4 , an embodiment of the display panel DP may include a display panel DP in which an image IM (see Figure 1 ) of the display area DA and a portion extending from the display area DA in which the image IM is not displayed (see Figure 1 The non-display area NDA may be adjacent to the display area DA.

[0076] The display area DA may be a light-emitting area in which pixels are arranged. The display area DA may include a front area DA_C, a bending area DA_F, and a side area DA_S. The front area DA_C, the bending area DA_F, and the side area DA_S are merely areas distinguished in shape, and may be substantially implemented as one display surface (or defined by part of one display surface). The front area DA_C may be parallel to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The bending area DA_F may be an area bent from the front area DA_C to have a specific curvature and extend, and the side area DA_S may be an area extending from the side of the bending area DA_F and spaced apart from the front area DA_C.

[0077] The front area DA_C may be a window module WM (see Figure 2 ) of the front effective area FS (see Figure 2 ) corresponding to the area. In addition, the front area DA_C can be connected to the window module WM (see Figure 2 ) of the front effective area FS (see Figure 2 That is, on the plane, the area of ​​the front area DA_C can be smaller than the area of ​​the window module WM (see Figure 2 ) of the front effective area FS (see Figure 2) area.

[0078] The bending area DA_F may be defined as an area in which the strain and / or stress caused when it is bent to have a specific curvature is higher than that of other areas of the display area DA. The bending area DA_F may include a first bending area DA_F1, a second bending area DA_F2, a third bending area DA_F3, and a fourth bending area DA_F4 bent from the side of the front area DA_C. The bending area DA_F may include a first bending area DA_F1 bent from the first side of the front area DA_C, a second bending area DA_F2 bent from the second side of the front area DA_C, a third bending area DA_F3 bent from the third side of the front area DA_C, and a fourth bending area DA_F4 bent from the fourth side of the front area DA_C. The first side and the second side may be substantially parallel to an imaginary line in the first direction DR1, and the third side and the fourth side may be substantially parallel to an imaginary line in the second direction DR2. The first side and the second side and the third side and the fourth side may be perpendicular to each other on a plane, respectively.

[0079] In the specification, the expression “substantially parallel” includes a case where although two reference lines are designed as parallel lines, an error range generated during a process still causes a difference between their distances, and a case where two lines do not intersect each other no matter how they extend.

[0080] The first bending area DA_F1 can be bent to have a first curvature, the second bending area DA_F2 can be bent to have a second curvature, the third bending area DA_F3 can be bent to have a third curvature, and the fourth bending area DA_F4 can be bent to have a fourth curvature. The curvatures of the first bending area DA_F1, the second bending area DA_F2, the third bending area DA_F3, and the fourth bending area DA_F4 can be substantially the same as each other, or some of their curvatures can be different from each other, while others of their curvatures are the same as each other. In an embodiment, for example, the first curvature of the first bending area DA_F1 and the second curvature of the second bending area DA_F2 can be substantially the same as each other, and the third curvature of the third bending area DA_F3 and the fourth curvature of the fourth bending area DA_F4 can be substantially the same as each other, while being different from the first curvature of the first bending area DA_F1 and the second curvature of the second bending area DA_F2.

[0081] In the specification, the expression "substantially the same" includes a case where a difference within an error range that may occur in a process is caused despite the same design, and a case where a refractive index or thickness of a configuration is physically completely the same.

[0082] The first bending area DA_F1, the second bending area DA_F2, the third bending area DA_F3 and the fourth bending area DA_F4 may be respectively connected to the window module WM (see Figure 2 ) of the first to fourth side effective areas ES1, ES2, ES3 and ES4 (see Figure 2 ) corresponding to the area. In addition, the first bending area DA_F1, the second bending area DA_F2, the third bending area DA_F3 and the fourth bending area DA_F4 can be connected to the window module WM (see Figure 2 ) of the front effective area FS (see Figure 2 ), and the other parts of the first bending area DA_F1, the second bending area DA_F2, the third bending area DA_F3 and the fourth bending area DA_F4 can be respectively connected to the window module WM (see Figure 2 ) of the first to fourth side effective areas ES1, ES2, ES3 and ES4 (see Figure 2 )correspond.

[0083] although Figure 4 The embodiment in which the bending area DA_F is in an unbent state relative to the front area DA_C is shown in the figure, but the display device DD (see FIG. Figure 1 ) in the display panel DP may be in a state where the bending area DA_F is bent in the opposite direction of the third direction DR3 (ie, downward) to be aligned with the window module WM (see Figure 2 ) of the first to fourth side effective areas ES1, ES2, ES3 and ES4 (see Figure 2 ) corresponding to the status.

[0084] The side area DA_S may include a first side area DA_S1, a second side area DA_S2, a third side area DA_S3, and a fourth side area DA_S4 extending from the bending area DA_F. The side area DA_S may include a first side area DA_S1 extending from the first bending area DA_F1, a second side area DA_S2 extending from the second bending area DA_F2, a third side area DA_S3 extending from the third bending area DA_F3, and a fourth side area DA_S4 extending from the fourth bending area DA_F4.

[0085] The first side area DA_S1, the second side area DA_S2, the third side area DA_S3 and the fourth side area DA_S4 may be respectively connected to the window module WM (see Figure 2 ) of the first to fourth side effective areas ES1, ES2, ES3 and ES4 (see Figure 2) corresponding to the first side area DA_S1, the second side area DA_S2, the third side area DA_S3 and the fourth side area DA_S4 may have a curvature relative to the front area DA_C, respectively. The side area DA_S has a curvature, but may be an area where the strain and / or stress caused by bending is lower than the strain and / or stress caused by bending of the bending area DA_F.

[0086] A driver integrated circuit (IC) (or driver chip) D-IC and a pad PD may be disposed in the non-display area NDA. The driver IC D-IC may be mounted on the display panel DP to provide a driving signal to the display area DA of the display panel DP. The non-display area NDA may be bent in a direction facing the rear surface of the display panel DP and may be disposed under the rear surface of the display panel DP. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and a display device DD according to another embodiment (see Figure 1 ) may further include a printed circuit board (not shown) connected to the display panel DP, and the driver IC D-IC may be mounted on the printed circuit board.

[0087] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel DP according to an embodiment.

[0088] Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the display panel DP for describing the circuit element layer DP-CL and the light emitting element layer DP-OLED in the display panel DP.

[0089] Reference Figure 5 According to the embodiment, the display panel DP may include a base layer BS, a circuit element layer DP-CL disposed on the base layer BS, a light emitting element layer DP-OLED disposed on the circuit element layer DP-CL and including a light emitting element OLED, and a thin film encapsulation layer TFE disposed on the light emitting element layer DP-OLED.

[0090] The base layer BS may be a member that provides a base surface on which the circuit element layer DP-CL is disposed. The base layer BS may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate that can be bent, folded, or curled. The base layer BS may be a substrate including a resin. In an embodiment, for example, the base layer BS may include a polyimide resin. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the base layer BS may be an inorganic layer or a composite material layer.

[0091] The circuit element layer DP-CL may be disposed on the base layer BS and may include a buffer layer BFL, first to eighth insulating layers 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80, light shielding patterns BML1 and BML2, transistors T1 and T2, and connection electrodes CNE11, CNE12, CNE13 and CNE2.

[0092] The buffer layer BFL may be disposed on the base layer BS. The buffer layer BFL may effectively prevent metal atoms or impurities from diffusing from the base layer BS to the transistors T1 and T2 on the upper side.

[0093] Each of the buffer layer BFL and the first to eighth insulating layers 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 may include an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer, and may have a single layer or a multilayer structure. The inorganic layer may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide and hafnium oxide. However, the material of the inorganic layer is not limited to this example. The organic layer may include at least any one of acrylic resin, methacrylic resin, polyisoprene, vinyl resin, epoxy resin, urethane resin, cellulose resin, siloxane resin, polyamide resin and perylene resin. However, the material of the organic layer is not limited to this example.

[0094] The insulating layer included in the circuit element layer DP-CL is not limited to Figure 5 The insulating layer illustrated in FIG. 1 and may be different according to the configuration of the pixel driving circuit included in the circuit element layer DP-CL and the process of forming the circuit element layer DP-CL.

[0095] The first light-shielding pattern BML1 may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. In an embodiment, the buffer layer BFL may be omitted, and the first light-shielding pattern BML1 may be directly disposed on the base layer BS. The first light-shielding pattern BML1 may include molybdenum. The first light-shielding pattern BML1 may perform a shielding function. The first transistor T1 may be disposed on the first insulating layer 10 and may be covered by the second insulating layer 20 and the third insulating layer 30. The second light-shielding pattern BML2 may be disposed on the third insulating layer 30. The second light-shielding pattern BML2 may perform a shielding function. The second transistor T2 may be disposed on the fourth insulating layer 40 and may be covered by the fifth insulating layer 50 and the sixth insulating layer 60. Although for ease of illustration, Figure 5 Two transistors T1 and T2 of the pixel are shown, but the pixel driving circuit in the circuit element layer DP-CL may include three or more transistors.

[0096] The first transistor T1 may include a first semiconductor pattern SP1 disposed on the first insulating layer 10. The first semiconductor pattern SP1 may include a first source S1, a first active region A1, and a first drain D1. The first transistor T1 may include a first gate G1 disposed on the second insulating layer 20. Although not shown, an upper electrode may be further disposed on the first gate G1, and the first gate G1 and the upper electrode may form a storage capacitor.

[0097] The second transistor T2 may include a second semiconductor pattern SP2 disposed on the fourth insulating layer 40 . The second semiconductor pattern SP2 may include a second source S2 , a second active area A2 , and a second drain D2 . The second transistor T2 may include a second gate G2 disposed on the fifth insulating layer 50 .

[0098] The first first connection electrode CNE11 may be connected to the first drain D1 of the first transistor T1. The first first connection electrode CNE11 may be connected to the first drain D1 through a contact hole defined through the second insulating layer 20 to the sixth insulating layer 60. The second first connection electrode CNE12 may be connected to the first source S1 of the first transistor T1. The second first connection electrode CNE12 may be connected to the first source S1 through a contact hole defined through the second insulating layer 20 to the sixth insulating layer 60. The second first connection electrode CNE12 may extend on a plane and may overlap with the second drain D2 of the second transistor T2. The second first connection electrode CNE12 may be connected to the second drain D2 through a contact hole defined through the fifth insulating layer 50 and the sixth insulating layer 60. The third first connection electrode CNE13 may be connected to the second source S2. The third first connection electrode CNE13 may be connected to the second source S2 through a contact hole defined through the fifth insulating layer 50 and the sixth insulating layer 60. The first to third first connection electrodes CNE11 to CNE13 may be covered by the seventh insulating layer 70.

[0099] The second connection electrode CNE2 may be connected to the first first connection electrode CNE11 through a contact hole defined through the seventh insulating layer 70. The second connection electrode CNE2 may be connected to the first drain electrode D1 of the first transistor T1 through the first first connection electrode CNE11. The second connection electrode CNE2 may be covered by the eighth insulating layer 80. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the second connection electrode CNE2 may be omitted, or an additional connection electrode disposed between the second connection electrode CNE2 and the first first connection electrode CNE11 may be further disposed in the circuit element layer DP-CL.

[0100] The light emitting element layer DP-OLED may be disposed on the circuit element layer DP-CL. The light emitting element layer DP-OLED may include a light emitting element OLED and a pixel defining layer PDL.

[0101] The light emitting element OLED may include a first electrode EL1, a second electrode EL2 facing the first electrode EL1, and a light emitting layer EM disposed between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2. Figure 5 One light emitting element OLED is illustrated as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in an embodiment, the display panel DP may include two or more light emitting elements. In such an embodiment, the two or more light emitting elements may emit light of the same wavelength or emit light of different wavelengths.

[0102] The first electrode EL1 may be a transmissive electrode, a semi-transmissive electrode, or a reflective electrode. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first electrode EL1 may include at least one selected from Ag, Mg, Cu, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, Mo, Ti, W, In, Sn, and Zn, a compound selected from at least one thereof (e.g., LiF), a mixture of two or more selected therefrom, or an oxide thereof. In an embodiment in which the first electrode EL1 is a transmissive electrode, the first electrode EL1 may include a transparent metal oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO). In an embodiment where the first electrode EL1 is a semi-transmissive electrode or a reflective electrode, the first electrode EL1 may include Ag, Mg, Cu, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, Mo, Ti, W, or a compound thereof (e.g., LiF) or a mixture thereof (e.g., a mixture of Ag and Mg) or have a multilayer structure such as LiF / Ca (a laminated structure of LiF and Ca) or LiF / Al (a laminated structure of LiF and Al). Alternatively, the first electrode EL1 may have a multilayer structure including a reflective film or a semi-transmissive film including at least one selected from the above materials or formed thereof and a transparent conductive film including indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO) or formed thereof. In an embodiment, for example, the first electrode EL1 may have a three-layer structure of ITO / Ag / ITO, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0103] The light-emitting layer EM may be disposed on the first electrode EL1. In a plane, the light-emitting layers EM of the light-emitting element OLED may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other to correspond to the light-emitting opening PX-OP, and may be formed into a light-emitting pattern. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the light-emitting layer EM of the light-emitting element OLED may be formed as an integrated film to form a common layer. The light-emitting layer EM may include an organic light-emitting material and / or an inorganic light-emitting material. In an embodiment, for example, the light-emitting layer EM may include a fluorescent material, a phosphorescent material, a metal organic complex light-emitting material, or a quantum dot. The light-emitting layer EM may emit light having any one of red, green, and blue colors.

[0104] The second electrode EL2 may include at least one selected from Ag, Mg, Cu, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, Mo, Ti, W, In, Sn and Zn, a compound selected from at least one of these (e.g., LiF), a mixture of two or more selected therefrom, or an oxide thereof. The second electrode EL2 may be a transmissive electrode, a semi-transmissive electrode or a reflective electrode. In an embodiment where the second electrode EL2 is a transmissive electrode, the second electrode EL2 may include a transparent metal oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO) or indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO). In an embodiment where the second electrode EL2 is a semi-transmissive electrode or a reflective electrode, the second electrode EL2 may include Ag, Mg, Cu, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, Mo, Ti, W, or a compound thereof (e.g., LiF) or a mixture thereof (e.g., a mixture of Ag and Mg) or have a multilayer structure such as LiF / Ca (a laminated structure of LiF and Ca) or LiF / Al (a laminated structure of LiF and Al). Alternatively, the second electrode EL2 may have a multilayer structure including a reflective film or a semi-transmissive film including at least one selected from the above materials or formed thereof and a transparent conductive film including indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO) or formed thereof. In an embodiment, for example, the second electrode EL2 may include the above metal material, a combination of two or more metal materials selected from the above metal materials, or an oxide of the above metal material.

[0105] The pixel defining film PDL may be disposed on the eighth insulating layer 80 and may cover a portion of the first electrode EL1 of the light emitting element OLED. That is, the pixel defining film PDL may expose a portion of the first electrode EL1. A light emitting opening PX-OP that exposes a corresponding portion of the first electrode EL1 and overlaps the first electrode EL1 may be defined in the pixel defining film PDL. The pixel defining film PDL may include a polymer resin. In an embodiment, for example, the pixel defining film PDL may include a polyacrylate resin or a polyimide resin. The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the pixel defining film PDL may further include an inorganic material. The pixel defining film PDL may further include a light absorbing material. In an embodiment, for example, the pixel defining film PDL may include a black colorant such as a black dye or a black pigment. In an embodiment, for example, the black colorant may include carbon black, a metal such as chromium, or an oxide thereof. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0106] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the light emitting element layer DP-OLED. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may seal the light emitting element OLED by covering the light emitting element layer DP-OLED. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one thin film of an inorganic film and an organic film. In an embodiment, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include an inorganic film and an organic film disposed between the inorganic films. The inorganic film of the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may protect the light emitting element OLED from moisture and / or oxygen. The organic film of the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may protect the light emitting element OLED from foreign matter such as dust particles. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE will be described in detail below.

[0107] Figure 6 is a display panel DP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (see Figure 4 ) cross-sectional view.

[0108] Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view taken along the line II' of FIG. 1 and illustrating the fourth bending area DA_F4 (see FIG. Figure 4 ) and the fourth side area DA_S4 (see Figure 4 ) as an example. The fourth bending area DA_F4 (see Figure 4 ) and the fourth side area DA_S4 (see Figure 4 ) can be respectively related to the first to third bending areas DA_F1, DA_F2 and DA_F3 (see Figure 4 ) and the first to third side areas DA_S1, DA_S2 and DA_S3 (see Figure 4 ) have the same features, and for ease of description, any repeated detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0109] exist Figure 6In the following figures, the fourth bending area DA_F4 (see Figure 4 ) and the fourth side area DA_S4 (see Figure 4 ) are shown and represented as the bending area DA_F and the side area DA_S, as the first to fourth bending areas DA_F1, DA_F2, DA_F3 and DA_F4 (see Figure 4 ) and the first to fourth side areas DA_S1, DA_S2, DA_S3 and DA_S4 (see Figure 4 ) example.

[0110] Reference Figure 6 The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include a first encapsulation portion P1 corresponding to the front area DA_C, a second encapsulation portion P2 corresponding to the bending area DA_F, and a third encapsulation portion P3 corresponding to the side area DA_S.

[0111] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the unbent state, the second encapsulation part P2 may protrude in the third direction DR3 compared to the adjacent first encapsulation part P1 and the third encapsulation part P3. That is, the upper surface of the second encapsulation part P2 may have a curvature. In an embodiment, for example, in the bent state, the upper surface of the second encapsulation part P2 may have a curvature substantially the same as the curvature of the bending area DA_F.

[0112] A first distance T from the upper surface of the base layer BS to the upper surface of the first encapsulation portion P1 1 may be smaller than the second distance T from the upper surface of the base layer BS to the upper surface of the second encapsulation portion P2. 2 The second distance T 2 The third distance T from the upper surface of the base layer BS to the upper surface of the third encapsulation part P3 may be less than the second distance T 2 .

[0113] Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the thin film encapsulation layer TFE before bending according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view of the thin film encapsulation layer TFE after bending according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B Along the Figure 4 The cross-sectional view taken along the line II' of FIG. 1 and illustrating the fourth bending area DA_F4 (see FIG. Figure 4 ) and the fourth side area DA_S4 (see Figure 4 ).like Figure 6 As shown in the figure, Fig. 7A and Figure 7B In the fourth bending area DA_F4 (see Figure 4 ) and the fourth side area DA_S4 (see Figure 4 ) is illustrated and represented as a bending area DA_F and a side area DA_S.

[0115] Reference Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include a layer disposed on the light emitting element layer DP-OLED (see Figure 6 ), an encapsulation organic film OL disposed on the first encapsulation inorganic film IL1, and a second encapsulation inorganic film IL2 disposed on the encapsulation organic film OL. The second encapsulation inorganic film IL2 may include an upper surface spaced apart from the encapsulation organic film OL. The second encapsulation inorganic film IL2 may include a lower surface contacting the encapsulation organic film OL. The first encapsulation inorganic film IL1 may include an upper surface contacting the encapsulation organic film OL.

[0116] The first encapsulation inorganic film IL1 and the second encapsulation inorganic film IL2 can protect the light emitting element OLED (see Figure 5 ) from moisture and / or oxygen. Each of the first encapsulation inorganic film IL1 and the second encapsulation inorganic film IL2 may include at least one selected from aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. However, the materials of the first encapsulation inorganic film IL1 and the second encapsulation inorganic film IL2 are not limited thereto.

[0117] The encapsulation organic film OL disposed between the first encapsulation inorganic film IL1 and the second encapsulation inorganic film IL2 can protect the light emitting element OLED (see Figure 5 ) is protected from foreign matter such as dust particles. The encapsulation organic film OL may include a monomer and a polymer. In an embodiment, for example, the encapsulation organic film OL may include an acrylic resin. However, the material of the encapsulation organic film OL is not limited to this example.

[0118] Reference Fig. 7A , the thin film encapsulation layer TFE according to the embodiment may further include a low energy layer LEL. The surface energy of the low energy layer LEL may be lower than the surface energy of the first encapsulation inorganic film IL1.

[0119] The low energy layer LEL may include an inorganic material or an organic material. In an embodiment, for example, in the case where the low energy layer LEL includes an inorganic material, the low energy layer LEL may include silicon nitride (SiN x In an embodiment, for example, in the case where the low energy layer LEL includes an organic material, the low energy layer LEL may include Teflon. The material of the low energy layer LEL is not limited thereto and may be transparently coated, and any material may be used as long as it has a surface energy lower than that of the first encapsulation inorganic film IL1.

[0120] The low energy layer LEL may be disposed on the first encapsulation inorganic film IL1. The low energy layer LEL may be covered by the encapsulation organic film OL. In detail, the low energy layer LEL may include an upper surface and a side surface contacting the encapsulation organic film OL, and the entire surface of the upper surface of the low energy layer LEL and the entire surface of the side surface may be covered by the encapsulation organic film OL.

[0121] The low energy layer LEL may be arranged to correspond to the bending area DA_F. The low energy layer LEL may be arranged to overlap a part or all of the bending area DA_F. When the length in the first direction DR1 is defined as the width, as Fig. 7A As shown in FIG. 1 , the width of the low energy layer LEL may be smaller than the width of the bending area DA_F.

[0122] In another embodiment, the width of the low-energy layer LEL may be the same as or greater than the width of the bending area DA_F. In the embodiment where the width of the low-energy layer LEL is greater than the width of the bending area DA_F, a portion of the low-energy layer LEL may overlap a portion of the front area DA_C and a portion of the side area DA_S.

[0123] When the display panel DP (see Figure 4 ) is in an unbent state, the upper surface of the encapsulating organic film OL may include a curved surface convex in the third direction DR3 (or upward). Here, the upper surface of the encapsulating organic film OL may mean a surface contacting the second encapsulating inorganic film IL2.

[0124] In detail, when the display panel DP (see Figure 4 ) is in an unbent state, another portion of the encapsulation organic film OL disposed on the low energy layer LEL may protrude compared to a portion of the encapsulation organic film OL disposed on the first encapsulation inorganic film IL1. Figure 4 ) is in an unbent state, an upper surface of a portion of the encapsulation organic film OL disposed on the low-energy layer LEL may be a curved surface convex in the third direction DR3.

[0125] Because when the display panel DP (see Figure 4 ) is in an unbent state, the upper surface of the encapsulation organic film OL corresponding to the bending area DA_F includes a convex curved surface, so each of the upper surface and the lower surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film IL2 formed on the encapsulation organic film OL may include a convex or concave curved surface. That is, the portion of the upper surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film IL2 corresponding to the bending area DA_F may be a convex curved surface, and the portion of its lower surface corresponding to the bending area DA_F may be a concave curved surface.

[0126] When the length in the third direction DR3 from the upper surface of the first encapsulation inorganic film IL1 to the lower surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film IL2 is defined as the thickness of the encapsulation organic film OL, the thickness of the encapsulation organic film OL in the bending area DA_F in the unbent state may be greater than the thickness of the encapsulation organic film OL in the front area DA_C. In addition, in the unbent state, the thickness of the encapsulation organic film OL in the bending area DA_F may be greater than the thickness of the encapsulation organic film OL in the side area DA_S. The thickness of the encapsulation organic film OL in the front area DA_C may be substantially the same as the thickness of the encapsulation organic film OL in the side area DA_S.

[0127] In the unbent state, the length T of the bending area DA_F from the upper surface of the first encapsulating inorganic film IL1 to the most convex portion of the upper surface of the encapsulating organic film OL (that is, the most concave portion of the lower surface of the second encapsulating inorganic film IL2) in the third direction DR3 is P It may be a length T in the third direction DR3 from the upper surface of the first encapsulation inorganic film IL1 to the upper surface of the encapsulation organic film OL (ie, the lower surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film IL2) in the front area DA_C. F In the unbent state, the length T of the bending area DA_F from the upper surface of the first encapsulating inorganic film IL1 to the most convex portion of the upper surface of the encapsulating organic film OL (i.e., the most concave portion of the lower surface of the second encapsulating inorganic film IL2) in the third direction DR3 is 1.1 to 1.3 times of the length T of the bending area DA_F. P It may be 1.1 to 1.3 times the length in the third direction DR3 from the upper surface of the first encapsulation inorganic film IL1 to the upper surface of the encapsulation organic film OL (ie, the lower surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film IL2 ) in the side area DA_S.

[0128] Because the portion of the upper surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film IL2 corresponding to the bending area DA_F and the portion of the lower surface corresponding to the bending area DA_F are respectively curved surfaces in the unbent state (before bending), the durability of the bending area DA_F can be enhanced compared to the case where the upper surface and the lower surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film do not include curved surfaces in the unbent state (before bending).

[0129] The tensile strain (ε) due to the bending of the bending area DA_F may be schematically calculated based on the following equation: In the following equation, “L” represents a length before bending, and “ΔL” represents a changed length after bending.

[0130]

[0131] Reference Fig. 7A and Figure 7B , L 1can correspond to "L", and L 2 -L 1 Can correspond to "ΔL". Compared with the case where the upper surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film does not include a curved surface in an unbent state, after bending, in the case where the upper surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film IL2 includes a curved surface as in the embodiment of the present disclosure, "L" is relatively large and "ΔL" is relatively small.

[0132] That is, if the length L of the bending area DA_F after bending is assumed to be 2 In the case where the upper surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film does not include the curved surface in the unbent state and in the case where the upper surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film IL2 includes the curved surface, the strain (ε) caused by bending can become smaller in the case where the upper surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film IL2 includes the curved surface, and therefore, since the bending area DA_F before bending includes the curved surface as in the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the length L 1 When θ is larger, the stress applied to the bending area DA_F can become smaller.

[0133] Since the stress applied to the bending area DA_F is reduced, the durability of the bending area DA_F against cracks caused by bending may be enhanced.

[0134] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the thin film encapsulation layer TFE-1 before bending according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0135] Figure 8 It is along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view taken along the line II' of FIG. 1 and illustrating the fourth bending area DA_F4 (see FIG. Figure 4 ) and the fourth side area DA_S4 (see Figure 4 ) is another embodiment. Figure 6 As shown in the figure, Figure 8 In the fourth bending area DA_F4 (see Figure 4 ) and the fourth side area DA_S4 (see Figure 4 ) is illustrated and represented as a bending area DA_F and a side area DA_S.

[0136] Except for the low energy layer LEL (see Fig. 7A ) and a portion of the first encapsulation inorganic film IL1-1 is surface treated, Figure 8 Examples and Fig. 7A The embodiments are basically the same.

[0137] In the first encapsulation inorganic film IL1-1, the first encapsulation part P1 (see Figure 6 ) and the surface energy of the third encapsulation portion P3 (see Figure 6 ) may have a surface energy higher than that of the second encapsulation portion P2 (see Figure 6 ) surface energy. The first to third encapsulation parts P1, P2 and P3 (see Figure 6 ) may correspond to the front area DA_C, the bending area DA_F, and the side area DA_S, respectively. Each of the first encapsulation part P1, the second encapsulation part P2, and the third encapsulation part P3 of the first encapsulation inorganic film IL1-1 may contact the encapsulation organic film OL-1.

[0138] The front area DA_C and the side area DA_S of the first encapsulation inorganic film IL1 - 1 may be surface-treated using plasma and may have a higher surface energy than that of the bending area DA_F of the first encapsulation inorganic film IL1 - 1 .

[0139] When the display panel DP (see Figure 4 ) is in an unbent state, the upper surface of the first encapsulation organic film OL-1 may include a curved surface convex in the third direction DR3. Here, the upper surface of the first encapsulation organic film OL-1 may mean a surface contacting the second encapsulation inorganic film IL2-1.

[0140] In detail, when the display panel DP (see Figure 4 ) is in an unbent state, another portion of the encapsulating organic film OL-1 disposed on the first encapsulating inorganic film IL1-1 that is not surface-treated using plasma may protrude compared to a portion of the encapsulating organic film OL-1 disposed on an area of ​​the first encapsulating inorganic film IL1-1 that is surface-treated using plasma. Figure 4 ) is in an unbent state, an upper surface of a portion of the encapsulation organic film OL-1 on the non-surface-treated region of the first encapsulation inorganic film IL1-1 may be a curved surface convex in the third direction DR3.

[0141] Because when the display panel DP (see Figure 4 ) is in an unbent state, the upper surface of the encapsulation organic film OL-1 corresponding to the bending area DA_F includes a convex curved surface, so both the upper surface and the lower surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film IL2-1 formed on the encapsulation organic film OL-1 may include curved surfaces. That is, the portion of the upper surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film IL2-1 corresponding to the bending area DA_F may be a convex curved surface, and the portion of its lower surface corresponding to the bending area DA_F may be a concave curved surface.

[0142] The length in the third direction DR3 from the upper surface of the first encapsulation inorganic film IL1-1 to the lower surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film IL2-1 is defined as the thickness of the encapsulation organic film OL-1. In the unbent state, the thickness of the encapsulation organic film OL-1 in the bending area DA_F may be greater than the thickness of the encapsulation organic film OL-1 in the front area DA_C. In addition, the thickness of the encapsulation organic film OL-1 in the bending area DA_F may be greater than the thickness of the encapsulation organic film OL-1 in the side area DA_S. The thickness of the encapsulation organic film OL-1 in the front area DA_C and the thickness of the encapsulation organic film OL-1 in the side area DA_S may be substantially the same as each other.

[0143] Because each of the portion of the upper surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film IL2-1 corresponding to the bending area DA_F and the portion of the lower surface thereof corresponding to the bending area DA_F has a curved surface in an unbent state (before bending), the durability of the bending area DA_F can be enhanced compared to a case where the upper surface and the lower surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film do not include a curved surface in an unbent state (before bending).

[0144] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B is a schematic diagram illustrating contact angles depending on the level of surface energy according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0145] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B The figure shows the encapsulation organic films OL and OL-1 in the bending area DA_F. Fig. 7A and Figure 8 That is, this is illustrated to describe the difference between the contact angles depending on the surface energy.

[0146] Reference Fig.9A When the liquid material WDR drops onto the low energy layer LEL, the liquid material WDR may have a first contact angle θ 1 In contrast, Fig. 9B When the liquid material WDR drops onto the high energy layer HEL having a surface energy higher than that of the low energy layer LEL, the liquid material WDR may have a first contact angle θ smaller than 1 The second contact angle θ 2 .

[0147] like Fig. 7A As shown in the figure, the surface energy of the portion corresponding to the low energy layer LEL is lower than the surface energy of the surrounding portion of the first encapsulation inorganic film IL1. Accordingly, when the encapsulation organic film OL is formed on the first encapsulation inorganic film IL1, the surface area of ​​the encapsulation organic film OL becomes smaller in the bending area DA_F corresponding to the low energy layer LEL, and its upper surface can be formed to be convex.

[0148] In addition, as above Figure 8 As shown in the figure, the surface energy of the non-surface-treated portion of the first encapsulation inorganic film IL1-1 can be lower than the surface energy of the surface-treated surrounding portion of the first encapsulation inorganic film IL1-1. Accordingly, when the encapsulation organic film OL-1 is formed on the first encapsulation inorganic film IL1-1, the surface area of ​​the encapsulation organic film OL-1 becomes smaller in the bending area DA_F with low surface energy, and its upper surface can be formed to be convex.

[0149] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10D It is a thin film encapsulation layer TFE (see Fig. 7A ) is an enlarged plan view of the

[0150] Fig. 10A It is a graphic with Figure 4 The area AA' corresponds to the thin film encapsulation layer TFE (see Fig. 7A ) is an enlarged plan view of the low energy layer LEL. Fig. 10A Diagram on a plane Fig. 7A In the embodiment, as Fig. 10A As shown in FIG, the low energy layer LEL is patterned into an integral shape to conform to the bending region DA_F (see FIG. Figure 4 )correspond.

[0151] Fig. 10B It is a graphic with Figure 4 The area AA' corresponds to the thin film encapsulation layer TFE (see Fig. 7A ) is an enlarged plan view of another embodiment of the low energy layer LEL-1. Fig. 10A The low energy layer LEL (see Fig. 10A )compared to, Fig. 10B The low energy layer LEL-1 may have a bending region DA_F (see Figure 4 ) is patterned into a plurality of shapes. In an embodiment, as Fig. 10B As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the patterns may be patterns extending in the second direction DR2 and spaced apart from each other along the first direction DR1 .

[0152] Fig. 10C It is a graphic with Figure 4 The area AA' corresponds to the thin film encapsulation layer TFE (see Fig. 7A ) is an enlarged plan view of another embodiment of the low energy layer LEL-2. Fig. 10A The low energy layer LEL (see Fig. 10A )compared to, Fig. 10C The low energy layer LEL-2 may have a bending region DA_F (see Figure 4 ) patterned into multiple shapes. Fig. 10B Compared with the low energy layer LEL-1, Fig. 10CIn the low energy layer LEL-2, the first pattern LEL-2a and the second pattern LEL-2b may be alternately disposed in the first direction DR1, and the first pattern LEL-2a and the second pattern LEL-2b may be patterns disposed to be staggered in the second direction DR2.

[0153] Fig. 10D It is a graphic with Figure 4 The area AA' corresponds to the thin film encapsulation layer TFE (see Fig. 7A ) is an enlarged plan view of another embodiment of the low energy layer LEL-3. Fig. 10A The low energy layer LEL (see Fig. 10A )compared to, Fig. 10D The low energy layer LEL-3 may have a bending region DA_F (see Figure 4 ) patterned into multiple shapes. Fig. 10B Compared with the low energy layer LEL-1, Fig. 10D In the low energy layer LEL-3, the first pattern LEL-3a and the second pattern LEL-3b may be alternately arranged in the first direction DR1, and the first pattern LEL-3a and the second pattern LEL-3b may be patterns arranged to be staggered in the second direction DR2. Fig. 10C Compared with the low energy layer LEL-2, Fig. 10D In the low-energy layer LEL-3, lengths of the first pattern LEL-3a and the second pattern LEL-3b in the second direction DR2 are patterned to be short, and thus, the area of ​​the bending area DA_F occupied by the low-energy layer LEL-3 may be further reduced.

[0154] The pattern shape of the low energy layer LEL is not limited to FIG. 10A to FIG. 10D The pattern shape shown in FIG. 10A to FIG. 10D The low energy layers LEL, LEL-1, LEL-2, and LEL-3 shown in FIG. 1 are merely examples.

[0155] According to embodiments of the present invention, as described herein, a display panel may enhance durability of a bending region by making surface energies of portions of a thin film encapsulation layer different from each other.

[0156] The present invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0157] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A display panel, comprising a front area and a bending area, wherein the bending area is bent in one direction from one side of the front area to have a curvature, the display panel comprising: Basal layer; a light-emitting element layer, disposed on the base layer, wherein the light-emitting element layer includes light-emitting elements; and A thin film encapsulation layer is disposed on the light emitting element layer, The thin film encapsulation layer includes: a first encapsulation inorganic film, which is arranged on the light-emitting element layer; an encapsulation organic film, which is arranged on the first encapsulation inorganic film; and a second encapsulation inorganic film, which is arranged on the encapsulation organic film, wherein the second encapsulation inorganic film includes an upper surface spaced apart from the encapsulation organic film, and Wherein, the upper surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film has a curved surface corresponding to the bending area in an unbent state, and a portion of the upper surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film corresponding to the bending area bulges in the opposite direction of the one direction in the unbent state.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein: The second encapsulating inorganic film includes a lower surface contacting the encapsulating organic film, and The lower surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film has a curved surface corresponding to the bending area in the unbent state, and a portion of the lower surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film corresponding to the bending area is recessed in the reverse direction in the unbent state.

3. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein: The encapsulating organic film includes an upper surface contacting the second encapsulating inorganic film, and The upper surface of the encapsulating organic film has a curved surface corresponding to the bending area in the unbent state, and a portion of the upper surface of the encapsulating organic film corresponding to the bending area bulges in the reverse direction in the unbent state.

4. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The thin film encapsulation layer further includes a low-energy layer, the low-energy layer is arranged on the first encapsulation inorganic film corresponding to the bending area and is covered by the encapsulation organic film, and The surface energy of the low-energy layer is lower than the surface energy of the first encapsulation inorganic film.

5. The display panel according to claim 4, wherein: The low energy layer includes an upper surface and a side surface contacting the encapsulating organic film, and Wherein, the entire portion of the upper surface and the entire portion of the side surface of the low-energy layer are covered by the encapsulating organic film.

6. The display panel according to claim 4, further comprising: The side area extends from one side of the bending area and is spaced apart from the front area.

7. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a side region extending from one side of the bending region and spaced apart from the front region, The first encapsulation inorganic film includes a first encapsulation portion corresponding to the front area, a second encapsulation portion corresponding to the bending area, and a third encapsulation portion corresponding to the side area, and The surface energy of the first encapsulation part and the surface energy of the third encapsulation part of the first encapsulation inorganic film are higher than the surface energy of the second encapsulation part of the first encapsulation inorganic film.

8. A display panel, comprising a display area and a non-display area adjacent to the display area, wherein the display area comprises a front area and a bending area bent in one direction from one side of the front area to have a curvature, the display panel comprising: Basal layer; a light-emitting element layer, disposed on the base layer, wherein the light-emitting element layer includes light-emitting elements; and A thin film encapsulation layer is disposed on the light emitting element layer, The thin film encapsulation layer includes: a first encapsulation inorganic film, which is arranged on the light-emitting element layer; an encapsulation organic film, which is arranged on the first encapsulation inorganic film; a second encapsulation inorganic film, which is arranged on the encapsulation organic film; and a low-energy layer, which is arranged on the first encapsulation inorganic film corresponding to the bending area and is covered by the encapsulation organic film, and The surface energy of the low-energy layer is lower than the surface energy of the first encapsulation inorganic film.

9. The display panel according to claim 8, wherein: The second encapsulating inorganic film includes an upper surface spaced apart from the encapsulating organic film and a lower surface contacting the encapsulating organic film, and wherein each of the upper surface and the lower surface of the second encapsulating inorganic film comprises a curved surface in an unbent state, A portion of the upper surface of the second encapsulating inorganic film corresponding to the bent region is convex in the opposite direction of the one direction in the unbent state, and A portion of the lower surface of the second encapsulating inorganic film corresponding to the bent region is recessed in the reverse direction in the unbent state.

10. The display panel according to claim 9, wherein: The first encapsulating inorganic film includes an upper surface contacting the encapsulating organic film, wherein the encapsulating organic film includes an upper surface contacting the second encapsulating inorganic film, and Among them, in the unbent state, the length of the most convex part from the upper surface of the first encapsulation inorganic film to the upper surface of the encapsulation organic film in the bending area in the one direction is 1.1 to 1.3 times the length from the upper surface of the first encapsulation inorganic film to the upper surface of the encapsulation organic film in the front area in the one direction.

11. The display panel according to claim 9, wherein: The display area further includes a side area extending from one side of the bending area and spaced apart from the front area. wherein the first encapsulating inorganic film includes an upper surface contacting the encapsulating organic film, wherein the encapsulating organic film includes an upper surface contacting the second encapsulating inorganic film, and Among them, in the unbent state, the length of the most convex part from the upper surface of the first encapsulation inorganic film to the upper surface of the encapsulation organic film in the bending area in the one direction is 1.1 to 1.3 times the length from the upper surface of the first encapsulation inorganic film to the upper surface of the encapsulation organic film in the side area in the one direction.

12. The display panel according to claim 8, wherein: The encapsulating organic film includes an upper surface contacting the second encapsulating inorganic film, and The upper surface of the encapsulating organic film comprises a curved surface in an unbent state, and a portion of the upper surface of the encapsulating organic film corresponding to the bent region bulges in a direction opposite to the one direction in the unbent state.

13. The display panel according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein: The low energy layer includes an upper surface and a side surface contacting the encapsulating organic film, and Wherein, the entire portion of the upper surface and the entire portion of the side surface of the low-energy layer are covered by the encapsulating organic film.

14. A display panel, comprising a display area and a non-display area adjacent to the display area, wherein the display area comprises a front area, a bending area bent in one direction from one side of the front area to have a curvature, and a side area extending from one side of the bending area and spaced apart from the front area, the display panel comprising: Basal layer; a light-emitting element layer, disposed on the base layer, wherein the light-emitting element layer includes light-emitting elements; and A thin film encapsulation layer is disposed on the light emitting element layer, The thin film encapsulation layer includes: a first encapsulation inorganic film, which is arranged on the light-emitting element layer, wherein the first encapsulation inorganic film includes a first encapsulation portion corresponding to the front area, a second encapsulation portion corresponding to the bending area, and a third encapsulation portion corresponding to the side area; an encapsulation organic film, which is arranged on the first encapsulation inorganic film; and a second encapsulation inorganic film, which is arranged on the encapsulation organic film, and Wherein, in the first encapsulation inorganic film, the surface energy of the first encapsulation part and the surface energy of the third encapsulation part are higher than the surface energy of the second encapsulation part.

15. The display panel according to claim 14, wherein: The first encapsulation portion and the third encapsulation portion of the first encapsulation inorganic film are surface-treated using plasma.

16. The display panel according to any one of claims 14 and 15, wherein: The second encapsulating inorganic film includes an upper surface spaced apart from the encapsulating organic film and a lower surface contacting the encapsulating organic film, and wherein each of the upper surface and the lower surface of the second encapsulating inorganic film comprises a curved surface corresponding to the bent region in an unbent state, A portion of the upper surface of the second encapsulating inorganic film corresponding to the bent region is convex in the opposite direction of the one direction in the unbent state, and A portion of the lower surface of the second encapsulating inorganic film corresponding to the bent region is recessed in the reverse direction in the unbent state.

17. The display panel according to claim 16, wherein: The first encapsulating inorganic film includes an upper surface contacting the encapsulating organic film, and Among them, in the unbent state, the length of the most concave part from the upper surface of the first encapsulation inorganic film to the lower surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film in the bending area in one direction is 1.1 to 1.3 times the length from the upper surface of the first encapsulation inorganic film to the lower surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film in the front area in one direction.

18. The display panel according to claim 16, wherein: The first encapsulating inorganic film includes an upper surface contacting the encapsulating organic film, and Among them, in the unbent state, the length of the most concave part from the upper surface of the first encapsulation inorganic film to the lower surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film in the bending area in the one direction is 1.1 to 1.3 times the length from the upper surface of the first encapsulation inorganic film to the lower surface of the second encapsulation inorganic film in the side area in the one direction.

19. The display panel according to any one of claims 14 and 15, wherein: The encapsulating organic film includes an upper surface contacting the second encapsulating inorganic film, and The upper surface of the encapsulating organic film comprises a curved surface in an unbent state, and a portion of the upper surface of the encapsulating organic film corresponding to the bent region bulges in a direction opposite to the one direction in the unbent state.

20. The display panel according to claim 14, wherein: Each of the first encapsulating portion, the second encapsulating portion, and the third encapsulating portion of the first encapsulating inorganic film contacts the encapsulating organic film.

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