Display device

Abstract

Disclosed is a display device including: a substrate including a display area and a non-display area; the packaging layer is arranged in the display area and the non-display area, and the packaging layer comprises a first packaging layer, an organic packaging layer and a second packaging layer which are stacked in sequence; a dam portion disposed around the encapsulation layer in the non-display area; and at least one stopper, the first encapsulation layer having an opening in a region corresponding to the at least one stopper.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0169305, filed on November 29, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device capable of forming a narrow bezel and improving reliability. Background Art

[0003] Display devices for displaying images in TVs, monitors, mobile phones, tablet computers, and laptop computers are used in various modes and configurations.

[0004] Generally, a display device includes a display panel having a plurality of light-emitting elements or liquid crystals for displaying an image, and transistors for controlling the operation of each light-emitting element or liquid crystal to display an image through the light-emitting elements or liquid crystals.

[0005] An organic light-emitting display device including self-emitting elements can be thinner than a display device including a light source and does not require a separate light source, thereby enabling a display device that can be bent or has various designs.

[0006] With the advent of the information society, displays (or display devices) for visually expressing electrical information signals have rapidly developed. In response thereto, various display devices having excellent performance such as narrow bezels, low power consumption, and high reliability are being researched and developed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to a display device that substantially eliminates one or more problems caused by limitations and deficiencies of the related prior art.

[0008] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a display device capable of improving reliability by preventing moisture (or water) or oxygen (or oxygen) from penetrating from the outside.

[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a display device capable of effectively controlling the flow of an organic encapsulation layer.

[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a display device having a narrow bezel.

[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a display device that is conducive to recycling (or recycling) by reducing the consumption of materials such as gases and etchants throughout the process of forming the material layers used in the display device.

[0012] Additional advantages, objects, and features of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the present disclosure. The objectives and other advantages of the present disclosure may be realized and attained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the written description and claims and the appended drawings.

[0013] A display device according to an embodiment includes: a substrate including a display area and a non-display area; an encapsulation layer at the display area and the non-display area, the encapsulation layer including a first encapsulation layer, an organic encapsulation layer, and a second encapsulation layer stacked in sequence; a dam portion disposed around the encapsulation layer at the non-display area; and at least one stopper disposed closer to the display area than the dam portion at the non-display area and configured to control the flow of the organic encapsulation layer, wherein the first encapsulation layer has an opening in a region corresponding to the at least one stopper.

[0014] The at least one stopper may include a plurality of stoppers spaced apart from each other (in other words, there may be a plurality of stoppers spaced apart from each other). The surface energy or surface tension of the plurality of stoppers may be higher than the surface energy or surface tension of a film disposed in a space between the plurality of stoppers.

[0015] The organic encapsulation layer may contact the at least one stopper through the opening of the first encapsulation layer.

[0016] The at least one stopper may include a plurality of stoppers, and each stopper includes an inorganic material in its upper portion. A first organic film may be disposed between the plurality of stoppers, and the organic encapsulation layer may alternately contact a top surface formed of the inorganic material of one of the plurality of stoppers and a top surface of the first organic film through the opening of the first encapsulation layer.

[0017] The first encapsulation layer may not overlap with the plurality of stoppers and the first organic film exposed between the plurality of stoppers through the opening.

[0018] The at least one stopper may include a plurality of stoppers. The width of the opening of the first encapsulation layer may be greater than the total width of the plurality of stoppers.

[0019] The display device may further include a light-emitting element disposed at the display area and including a first electrode, an organic light-emitting layer, and a second electrode, wherein the at least one stopper includes (or contains) the same material as the first electrode.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the stopper may include a first stopper pattern layer and a second stopper pattern layer disposed below the first stopper pattern layer, wherein the first stopper pattern layer includes (or contains) the same material as the connection electrode disposed in the non-display area, and the second stopper pattern layer includes (or contains) the same material as the second organic film disposed in the non-display area.

[0021] A plurality of stoppers including the stopper may be provided, a trench may be provided (or formed) between the plurality of stoppers, and the organic encapsulation layer may fill the inside of the trench (in other words, fill the inside of the trench).

[0022] Each of the plurality of stoppers may have a first point and a second point disposed (or oriented) in opposite directions from each other, the first point may protrude toward the display area, and the second point may protrude toward the dam.

[0023] A plurality of first points including the first point and a plurality of second points including the second point may be provided, the first points and the second points may be alternately connected to each other, and the trench at the position corresponding to the second point may have a protruding pattern protruding toward the dam.

[0024] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description of the present disclosure are both exemplary and explanatory, and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed present disclosure. Description of the Drawings

[0025] The drawings included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and incorporated herein and constituting a part of this application illustrate the embodiment(s) of the present disclosure and, together with the description, are used to explain the principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 is a plan view showing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 is a circuit diagram showing a sub-pixel according to an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 3 is along Figure 1 a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′;

[0029] Figure 4 is showing Figure 1 an enlarged partial plan view of part A of;

[0030] Figure 5 shows a stopper according to an embodiment;

[0031] Figure 6 shows a stopper according to another embodiment; and

[0032] Figure 7 is an enlarged partial plan view showing part A according to another embodiment Figure 1 of Detailed Description

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings

[0034] Throughout the description and the drawings, the same (or similar) reference numerals denote the same (or similar) components. For better illustration, the thickness, ratio (or proportion), dimensions, etc. of the components shown in the drawings to illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure are exaggerated. For better illustration, the ratios of the components shown in the drawings are different from the actual ratios and are thus not limited to the ratios shown in the drawings

[0035] It should be understood that when an element (or region, layer, film, or part) is referred to as being "on (or above)", "connected to", or "coupled to" another element, it can be directly on (or above) the other element, connected to, or coupled to the other element, or there may also be intervening elements therebetween

[0036] The expression "and / or" includes all combinations of one or more of the associated configurations that can be defined

[0037] When describing various embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, but these terms are only intended to distinguish the same or similar components from each other. Thus, throughout the present disclosure, within the technical concept of the present disclosure, a "first" component may be referred to as a "second" component. Similarly, within the technical concept of the present disclosure, a "second" component may be referred to as a "first" component. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form

[0038] Spatial relative terms such as "below", "beneath", "above", and "upper" may be used herein to describe the relationship between elements shown in the drawings. It should be understood that these terms are spatially relative and thus describe based on the orientation (or orientation) depicted in the drawings. For example, unless "directly" or "immediately" is used, at least one intermediate element may be present between two elements. Spatial relative terms such as "below", "beneath", "above", and "upper" may be used herein to easily describe the correlation between one element or component and other elements or components. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings, spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, if the device in one drawing is inverted, the element described as "below" or "beneath" other elements will be located "above" the other elements. Thus, the exemplary terms "below" or "beneath" may cover both the meaning of "below" and "above".

[0039] It should also be understood that when used in this disclosure, the terms "comprising" and / or "having" specify the presence of the described features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, parts, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0040] The features of various embodiments of the present disclosure may be partially or fully integrated or combined with each other, and may interoperate and be technology-driven in various ways. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented independently of each other, or may be implemented together in an interrelated manner.

[0041] Hereinafter, a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a plan view showing a display device according to an embodiment, Figure 2 is a circuit diagram showing a sub-pixel according to an embodiment.

[0042] Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a display device 100 according to an example of the present disclosure includes a display panel 110, and the display panel 110 includes a display area (or display region) AA and a non-display area (or non-display region) NA.

[0043] The display area AA is an area for displaying an image. A plurality of sub-pixels SP ( Figure 1 only one of which is shown in ) are provided in the display area AA of the display panel 110, and the plurality of sub-pixels SP can be used to display an image. The area where the plurality of sub-pixels SP are arranged may be the display area AA, and the area outside the display area AA may be the non-display area NA.

[0044] The non-display area NA can be set in the edge area surrounding the display area AA of the display image. The non-display area NA can be divided into a first non-display area NA1, a second non-display area NA2, a third non-display area NA3, and a pad area PD along the periphery (or perimeter) of the display area AA.

[0045] The pad area PD is an area where a structure for receiving an external signal is set and, for example, an area where a driver integrated circuit (D-IC) such as a data driver IC can be set.

[0046] The non-display area NA surrounding the display area AA other than the pad area PD of the non-display area NA is referred to as the first to third non-display areas NA1 to NA3, but this is provided for better illustration, and the position of each area is not limited thereto.

[0047] At least one driver for driving a plurality of sub-pixels SP can be set in at least one of the first non-display area NA1 and the second non-display area NA2. The driver can be a gate in the panel (GIP).

[0048] The dam portion DM can be set in the non-display area NA surrounding the display area AA. The dam portion DM can be set in the first to third non-display areas NA1 to NA3 and the pad area PD. The dam portion DM can be set outside the non-display area NA (in other words, at the outer edge area of the non-display area NA) to control the flow of the organic encapsulation layer 154 (see Figure 3 ) and prevent moisture from penetrating into various elements and lines of the display panel 110.

[0049] Various additional elements can be further set in the non-display area NA to drive the pixels composed of the plurality of sub-pixels P in the display area AA.

[0050] Reference Figure 2 , in the pixel, at least one sub-pixel SP includes a switching transistor SW, a driving transistor DR, a capacitor Cst, a compensation circuit CC, and an organic light-emitting diode (OLED, 135, see Figure 3 ).

[0051] A first electrode (e.g., a drain electrode) of the switching transistor SW is electrically connected to the data line DL, and a second electrode (e.g., a source electrode) of the switching transistor SW is electrically connected to the first node N1. A gate electrode of the switching transistor SW is electrically connected to the gate line GL. The switching transistor SW transmits a data signal supplied through the data line DL to the first node N1 in response to a scan signal supplied through the gate line GL.

[0052] The capacitor Cst is electrically connected to the first node N1 and charges the voltage applied to the first node N1.

[0053] The first electrode (e.g., drain electrode) of the driving transistor DR receives a high-potential driving voltage (EVDD), and the second electrode (e.g., source electrode) of the driving transistor DR is electrically connected to the first electrode (e.g., anode). The driving transistor DR can control the amount of driving current flowing through the organic light-emitting diode (OLED) in response to the voltage applied to the gate electrode of the driving transistor DR.

[0054] The semiconductor layer of the switching transistor SW and / or the driving transistor DR may include silicon, such as amorphous silicon (a-Si), polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si), or low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si), or may include an oxide, such as IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide), but is not limited thereto.

[0055] The organic light-emitting diode (OLED) outputs light corresponding to the driving current. The organic light-emitting diode (OLED) can output light of any one of red, green, blue, and white.

[0056] The organic light-emitting diode (OLED) may include an anode, a light-emitting layer provided on the anode, and a cathode for supplying a common voltage. The light-emitting layer may be implemented to emit light of the same color, such as white light, for each pixel, or may be implemented to emit light of different colors, such as red light, green light, or blue light, for each sub-pixel SP.

[0057] The organic light-emitting diode (OLED) may be a front-emission diode or a back-emission diode.

[0058] A compensation circuit CC may be provided in the sub-pixel SP to compensate for the threshold voltage of the driving transistor DR. The compensation circuit CC may include one or more transistors. The compensation circuit CC may include at least one transistor and a capacitor, and may be configured in various structures according to the compensation method. The sub-pixel P including the compensation circuit CC may have various structures, such as 3T1C, 4T2C, 5T2C, 6T1C, 6T2C, 7T1C, and 7T2C.

[0059] Reference Figure 3 , the display panel 110 includes a substrate 111. The area on the substrate 111 may be divided into a display area AA and a non-display area NA.

[0060] As Figure 1 and Figure 3 shown, the display area AA is an area where an image is displayed, and is configured with light-emitting diodes 135 and transistors TR for driving a plurality of sub-pixels SP. In the non-display area NA, a driving circuit DC for driving the transistors TR and the light-emitting diodes 135 in the display area AA and various signal lines SL and power lines PL may be provided.

[0061] The non-display area NA may include a driving circuit area G and a power line area V. Although the present disclosure will be described by taking the first non-display area NA1 as an example, the configurations of the driving circuit area G and the power line area V are not limited to the example of the first non-display area NA1. The second non-display area NA2 and the third non-display area NA3 may also include the driving circuit area G and the power line area V. In the second non-display area NA2, the driving circuit area G and the power line area V may also be symmetrically configured with respect to the first non-display area NA1, with the display area AA inserted therebetween.

[0062] The substrate 111 is for supporting and protecting components provided on the substrate 111 of the display device 100.

[0063] The substrate 111 may be formed of a flexible plastic material and thus may be flexible. The substrate 111 may be formed of polyimide and may include a flexible and thin glass material.

[0064] The substrate 111 may independently include a support substrate formed of a material such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and a polyimide film. The base 110 may include an adhesive film, such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), for bonding the PET to the polyimide film.

[0065] The substrate 111 may have a structure in which two layers are stacked via an intermediate layer (not shown) inserted therebetween.

[0066] A plurality of insulating films (collectively referred to as insulating films 120 hereinafter) may be stacked on the display area AA and the non-display area NA of the substrate 111. The insulating films 120 may include a first insulating film 121, a second insulating film 122, and a third insulating film 123.

[0067] The first insulating film 121 is provided in the display area AA and the non-display area NA on the substrate 111. The first insulating film 121 may be referred to as a "buffer film" and may have the same function as a buffer film known in the art. The first insulating film 121 is provided on the substrate 111 to protect structures on the substrate 111 vulnerable to moisture penetration from moisture penetrating through the substrate 111 and to planarize the surface of the substrate 111.

[0068] The first insulating film 121 may also be provided in the driving circuit area G and the power line area V of the non-display area NA. The first insulating film 121 is provided at the edge of the substrate 111 to prevent moisture from penetrating from the edge of the substrate 111. The first insulating film 121 may be arranged to overlap with a dam portion DM provided outside the substrate 111.

[0069] The first insulating film 121 may be a single inorganic film or may include a plurality of inorganic films stacked alternately. For example, the first insulating film 121 may include at least one inorganic film selected from the group consisting of a silicon oxide (SiOx) film, a silicon nitride (SiNx), and a silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy) film, or may include a multilayer film in which the above inorganic films are stacked.

[0070] The transistor TR may be disposed on the substrate 111 and may be Figure 2 the switching transistor SW or the driving transistor DR shown in. The transistor TR may include a gate electrode, a source electrode, a drain electrode, and a semiconductor layer. The transistor TR may be disposed on the first insulating film 121.

[0071] The gate electrode is used to turn on or off the transistor TR based on an electrical signal transmitted from the outside through the gate line GL or the data line DL, and may be a single layer or a multilayer of a conductive metal such as copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), or neodymium (Nd), or an alloy thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0072] The source electrode and the drain electrode may be a single layer or a multilayer of a conductive metal such as copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), or neodymium (Nd), or an alloy thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0073] For better illustration in the drawings, the transistor TR connected to the light-emitting diode 135 is shown as an example of the various transistors TR constituting the display device 100, but the same structure applies to other switching transistors SW and is not limited to the transistors used as the driving transistor DR.

[0074] The second insulating film 122 is disposed on the first insulating film 121. The second insulating film 122 is disposed in the display area AA to prevent a short circuit between the gate electrode and the semiconductor layer constituting the transistor TR. The second insulating film 122 may be referred to as a "gate insulating film" and may be used as a generally known gate insulating film.

[0075] The second insulating film 122 extends to the non-display area NA to prevent a short circuit between the electrodes constituting the driving circuit DC provided in the non-display area NA or a short circuit between the electrodes and the semiconductor layer. The second insulating film 122 may be arranged to overlap with the dam portion DM provided outside the non-display area NA.

[0076] The second insulating film 122 may include an inorganic film, for example, a silicon oxide (SiOx) film, a silicon nitride (SiNx) film, or a multilayer film thereof.

[0077] The third insulating film 123 is disposed on the second insulating film 122. The third insulating film 123 may be disposed in the display area AA to insulate the electrodes of the transistor TR on the substrate 111 from each other. The third insulating film 123 may be referred to as an "interlayer insulating film" and may be used as an interlayer insulating film known in the relevant technical field.

[0078] The third insulating film 123 extends into the non-display area NA to electrically insulate the electrodes disposed above and below the transistor constituting the driving circuit DC provided in the non-display area NA. The third insulating film (or the third insulating layer) 123 may be arranged to overlap with the dam portion DM provided outside the non-display area NA.

[0079] The third insulating film 123 may include an inorganic material (or be formed of an inorganic material). The inorganic material may include, for example, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, or silicon oxide. Alternatively, the third insulating film 123 may include a multilayer film formed of the materials described above.

[0080] The driving circuit DC, at least one signal line SL, and at least one power line PL may be provided on the substrate 111 in the non-display area NA.

[0081] The driving circuit DC may be provided on the insulating film 120 in the driving circuit area G of the non-display area NA. When the driving circuit DC is provided in the first non-display area NA1 and the second non-display area NA2, the driving circuit DC may be used as a gate driving circuit or a light-emitting driving circuit. When the driving circuit DC is provided in the third non-display area NA3 or the pad area PD, the driving circuit DC may be used as an electrostatic protection circuit or a multiplexer circuit.

[0082] The driving circuit DC may include a plurality of transistors, and the transistors of the driving circuit DC in the non-display area NA may have the same structure as the transistors TR in the display area AA or be provided on the same layer as the transistors TR in the display area AA.

[0083] Although in Figure 3 the driving circuit DC is provided on the second insulating film 122, this is shown as an example for better illustration, and the driving circuit DC may be provided on either the first insulating film 121 or the second insulating film 122.

[0084] The signal line SL may be provided on the insulating film 120 in the driving circuit area G of the non-display area NA. The signal line SL may be a data control line, a gate control line, or a gate voltage application signal line. As Figure 3 shown, when the signal line SL is provided in the first non-display area NA1, the signal line SL may be a gate control line or a gate voltage application signal line.

[0085] The signal line SL can be disposed on the same layer as the driving circuit DC in the driving circuit region G adjacent to the driving circuit DC and spaced apart from the driving circuit DC, or can be disposed to overlap with the driving circuit DC.

[0086] The signal line SL can include a first signal line W1 and a second signal line W2.

[0087] In Figure 3 , the first signal line W1 is shown disposed on the third insulating film 123, but this is shown by way of example for better illustration, and the first signal line W1 can be disposed on any one of the first insulating film 121, the second insulating film 122, and the third insulating film 123 of the insulating film 120.

[0088] The first signal line W1 in the driving circuit region G can be formed of the same material as the material forming the electrodes disposed on any one of the first to third insulating films 121 to 123. The first signal line W1 can be formed of the same material as the electrodes of the driving circuit DC in the non-display region NA.

[0089] The second signal line W2 can be disposed on the insulating film 120 in the driving circuit region G and spaced apart from the first signal line W1. In this case, the second signal line W2 can be disposed on the first organic film 141.

[0090] A plurality of second signal lines W2 are disposed on the first organic film 141 such that at least one second signal line W2 overlaps with the first signal line W1 and is electrically connected to the first signal line W1. Some of the second signal lines W2 may not overlap with the first signal line W1, but overlap with the driving circuit DC adjacent to the first signal line W1.

[0091] Some of the second signal lines W2 are disposed on the driving circuit DC in the non-display region NA to overlap with the driving circuit DC, thereby reducing the width of the non-display region NA including the border. Therefore, the display device 100 according to the present disclosure can provide a narrow border.

[0092] The second signal line W2 in the driving circuit region G can be formed of the same material as the material forming the electrodes of the transistors TR in the display region AA or the electrodes disposed on the first organic film 141 in the display region AA.

[0093] The non-display region NA includes a power line region V, and the power line region V can be disposed outside the driving circuit region G. The power line PL can be disposed in the power line region V. The power line PL can be disposed between the driving circuit DC and the dam portion DM.

[0094] The power line PL can be disposed on the insulating film 120 in the power line region V.

[0095] The power line PL is disposed on the third insulating film 123, as Figure 3 shown, but this is shown by way of example for better illustration. The power line PL may be disposed on any one of the first insulating film 121, the second insulating film 122, and the third insulating film 123 of the insulating film 120.

[0096] The power line PL may be disposed on the same layer as one electrode of the transistor TR constituting the display area AA. The power line PL may be disposed on the same layer as the first signal line W1 of the non-display area NA. The power line PL may be disposed on the same layer as one electrode of the driving circuit DC constituting the driving circuit area G.

[0097] The power line PL may be formed of the same material as the electrode of the transistor TR constituting the display area AA on any one of the first insulating film 121, the second insulating film 122, and the third insulating film 123 of the insulating film 120.

[0098] The power line PL may be formed of the same material as the electrode of the first signal line W1 constituting the non-display area NA. The power line PL may be formed of the same material as one electrode of the driving circuit DC constituting the driving circuit area G.

[0099] The power line PL may be disposed adjacent to the dam portion DM along the periphery (or perimeter) of the display area AA or along the periphery (or perimeter) of the dam portion DM in the first to third non-display areas NA1 to NA3. The power line PL may be arranged to overlap at least one stopper 170.

[0100] The power line PL may be a low-potential power line for applying a low-potential voltage to the light-emitting diode 135 in the display area AA. For this purpose, the power line PL may be electrically connected to the second electrode E2 of the display area AA via a connection electrode CE provided in the non-display area NA. The connection electrode CE may be provided on the planarization film 140 and connected to the second electrode E2 on the planarization film in the non-display area NA.

[0101] The planarization film 140 may be provided on the transistor TR to protect the transistor TR and reduce the steps formed by the transistor TR. To prevent parasitic capacitance from being generated between the switching transistor SW, the gate line GL, the data line DL, and the organic light-emitting diode 135, the planarization film 140 may be provided between these structures or devices.

[0102] The planarization film 140 may include a single layer or multiple layers containing an organic material. The planarization film 140 may include a stacked first organic film 141 and second organic film 142. The second organic film 142 may be provided on the first organic film 141.

[0103] The first organic film 141 can cover the transistors TR in the display area AA and extend to the non-display area NA. The first organic film 141 can be arranged to overlap with the dam portion DM.

[0104] The first organic film 141 has contact holes CH above the power line PL to connect the power line PL to the connection electrode CE in the power line area V, and the power line PL and the connection electrode CE are connected through the contact holes CH of the first organic film 141.

[0105] The first organic film 141 is disposed on the insulating film (or insulating layer) 120 and extends from the display area AA to the non-display area NA.

[0106] The first organic film 141 covers the transistors TR in the display area AA to flatten its top surface, and covers the drive circuit DC and the first signal line W1 in the non-display area NA to flatten their top surfaces. The first organic film 141 extends in the non-display area NA to overlap at least a part of the power line area V, and has contact holes to expose the power line PL in the power line area V.

[0107] The first organic film 141 can cover the side surface (or side portion) of the power line PL and overlap with the dam portion DM. The first organic film 141 is arranged to overlap with at least one stopper 170 provided between the dam portion DM and the drive circuit DC. The first organic film 141 can be arranged to overlap with a plurality of stoppers 170.

[0108] A plurality of second signal lines W2 can be provided on the first organic film 141. At least one of the second signal lines W2 can be electrically connected to the first signal line W1, and at least one of the remaining second signal lines W2 can be not electrically connected to the first signal line W1. The second signal lines W2 can be arranged to overlap with the drive circuit DC and the first organic film 141 is inserted therebetween, thereby reducing the width of the non-display area NA and achieving a narrow border.

[0109] The first organic film 141 can include an organic material (or be formed of an organic material). The organic material includes at least one of acrylic resin, phenolic resin, polyimide resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polyamide resin, benzocyclobutene, polyphenylene resin, and polyphenylene sulfide resin.

[0110] The first organic film 141 can be provided as a composite stack including an inorganic insulating material film and an organic insulating material film.

[0111] The second organic film 142 can be provided on the first organic film 141.

[0112] The second organic film 142 can extend from the display area AA to the non-display area NA.

[0113] The second organic film 142 covers the transistors TR and the first organic film 141 in the display area AA to planarize its top surface, and covers the driving circuit DC and the second signal line W2 in the non-display area NA to planarize its top surface. The second organic film 142 extends into the non-display area NA such that at least a part thereof overlaps with the power line area V.

[0114] The second organic film 142 has an opening area exposing the contact hole CH of the first organic film 141 in the power line area V, and exposes the stopper 170 on the first organic film 141 covering one side of the power line PL. The connection electrode CE can be connected to the power line PL through the opening area of the second organic film 142 and the contact hole CH of the first organic film 141.

[0115] The second organic film 142 can be provided at the edge of the first organic film 141 to form a part of the dam portion DM. In this case, the second organic film 142 may not overlap with the plurality of stoppers 170.

[0116] The second organic film 142 may include (or be formed of) an organic material. The organic material includes at least one of an acrylic resin, a phenolic resin, a polyimide resin, an unsaturated polyester resin, a polyamide resin, benzocyclobutene, a polyphenylene resin, and a polyphenylene sulfide resin.

[0117] The second organic film 142 can be provided as a composite stack including an inorganic insulating material film and an organic insulating material film.

[0118] In addition to the above-mentioned insulating film 120, various organic or inorganic films can be provided between the substrate 111 and the planarizing film 140.

[0119] The light-emitting diode 135 is provided on the planarizing film 140 in the display area AA. The light-emitting diode 135 can be electrically connected to the transistor TR through the planarizing film 140. The light-emitting diode 135 includes a first electrode E1, a light-emitting layer EL, and a second electrode E2.

[0120] The first electrode E1 can be used as an anode. The first electrode E1 can pass through the planarizing film 140 and be connected to the transistor TR.

[0121] The first electrode E1 may include a metal material with a high reflectivity. For example, the first electrode E1 has a multilayer structure such as a laminated structure of aluminum (Al) and titanium (Ti) (Ti / Al / Ti), a laminated structure of aluminum (Al) and ITO (ITO / Al / ITO), an APC (Ag / Pd / Cu) alloy, a laminated structure of an APC alloy and ITO (ITO / APC / ITO), or a laminated structure of silver (Ag) and a molybdenum / titanium alloy (Ag / MoTI), or a single-layer structure containing any one selected from silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), gold (Au), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), or barium (Ba) or an alloy containing two or more of the above materials. The first electrode E1 may be referred to as a "reflective electrode".

[0122] The light-emitting layer EL is disposed on the first electrode E1. The light-emitting layer EL may include a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an organic light-emitting layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer.

[0123] When a voltage is applied to the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2, holes are transmitted to the organic light-emitting layer through the hole injection layer and the hole transport layer, electrons are transmitted to the organic light-emitting layer through the electron injection layer and the electron transport layer, the holes and electrons recombine in the organic light-emitting layer to form excitons, and the energy of the excitons drops from the excited state to the ground state, thereby causing light emission (i.e., luminescence).

[0124] The light-emitting layer EL may include a red light-emitting layer that emits red light, a green light-emitting layer that emits green light, and a blue light-emitting layer that emits blue light. The red light-emitting layer, the green light-emitting layer, and the blue light-emitting layer may be arranged on the first electrode E1 for each sub-pixel SP. The red light-emitting layer may be patterned in the red sub-pixel, the green light-emitting layer may be patterned in the green sub-pixel, and the blue light-emitting layer may be patterned in the blue sub-pixel, but these configurations are not limited thereto. At least two of the red light-emitting layer, the green light-emitting layer, and the blue light-emitting layer may be stacked in one sub-pixel SP.

[0125] The light-emitting layer EL may be a white light-emitting layer that emits white light. In this case, the light-emitting layer EL may be a common layer in which one or more non-patterned layers are commonly provided in the sub-pixel SP.

[0126] As described above, the light-emitting layer EL may be arranged in a tandem structure stacked in two or more layers. In this case, each organic light-emitting diode 135 may include a charge generation layer provided between the stacks. The charge generation layer may be a common layer provided on the entire surface of the display area AA.

[0127] The second electrode E2 is disposed on the light-emitting layer EL. The second electrode E2 may be used as a cathode.

[0128] The second electrode E2 can be disposed not only in the light-emitting region of the sub-pixel SP. For example, it can be disposed in the entire region of the display area AA, but is not limited thereto. The second electrode E2 can be a common layer that is commonly disposed in the sub-pixel SP and to which the same voltage is applied. For this purpose, the second electrode E2 can be arranged to extend from the display area AA to a part of the non-display area NA. The second electrode E2 can extend to the driving circuit area G and be connected to a connection electrode CE in the driving circuit area G (for example, on the driving circuit DC).

[0129] The second electrode E2 can be a light-transmissive electrode. The second electrode E2 can include or be made of a transparent conductive material (TCO) such as ITO (indium tin oxide) or IZO (indium zinc oxide) that can transmit light, or can include or be made of a semi-transmissive conductive material such as magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), or an alloy of magnesium (Mg) and silver (Ag). When the second electrode E2 is formed of a semi-transparent metal material, the light output efficiency can be improved due to the microcavity.

[0130] As an example of the organic light-emitting diode 135, the front-emission (or front-light-emitting) type diode has been described above, but the organic light-emitting diode 135 of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The organic light-emitting diode 135 can be of a bottom-emission (or bottom-light-emitting) type, in which light emitted from the light-emitting layer EL is emitted toward the substrate 111. In this case, the first electrode E1 can be formed of a transparent or semi-transparent electrode material, and the second electrode E2 can be formed of a reflective electrode material.

[0131] Meanwhile, the connection electrode CE is disposed on the planarization film 140 in the non-display area NA. The connection electrode CE is provided for the electrical connection between the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting diode 135 disposed in the display area AA and the power line PL.

[0132] The connection electrode CE can have a plurality of grooves, contact the second electrode E2 in the driving circuit area G, and be connected to the power line PL through a contact hole CH in the power line area V. The connection electrode CE can overlap with the driving circuit DC and can contact the second electrode E2 on the driving circuit DC. The connection electrode CE can overlap with at least one second signal line W2.

[0133] The connection electrode CE can be disposed on the same layer as the first electrode E1 of the light-emitting diode 135. The connection electrode CE can be formed of the same material as the first electrode E1 of the light-emitting diode 135.

[0134] The third organic film 143 may be provided at an end portion of the first electrode E1 of the light-emitting diode 135. The third organic film 143 may be referred to as a "bank defining a light-emitting region". The third organic film 143 is provided to expose (i.e., uncover) the first electrode E1 in the light-emitting region and to electrically insulate the first electrode E1 between adjacent sub-pixels SP.

[0135] The third organic film 143 may extend from the display region AA to a part of the non-display region NA. The third organic film 143 exposes the connection electrode CE in the driving circuit region G of the non-display region NA (in particular, exposes a part of the connection electrode CE) to connect the connection electrode CE and the second electrode E2.

[0136] The third organic film 143 may extend into the power line region V in the non-display region NA such that at least a part of the third organic film 143 overlaps with the power line region V and may have an opening region exposing a side surface (or a side portion) of the planarization film 140 in the power line region V. The connection electrode CE may be connected to the power line PL through the opening of the third organic film 143 and the contact hole CH of the first organic film 141.

[0137] The third organic film 143 may be provided at an edge of the substrate 111. In this case, the third organic film 143 is provided to expose the stopper 170. The third organic film 143 may be provided on the second organic film 141 in the non-display region NA to form a part of the dam portion DM.

[0138] The third organic film 143 may be formed of an organic material such as polyimide or hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO).

[0139] The fourth organic film 144 may be provided on the third organic film 143. The fourth organic film 144 maintains a predetermined distance between the deposition mask provided on the third organic film 143 and the third organic film 143 during the formation of the light-emitting diode 135 and prevents damage to the underlying structure (e.g., the third organic film 143) and the light-emitting diode 135 due to the deposition mask. The fourth organic film 144 may be referred to as a "spacer".

[0140] The fourth organic film 144 may be provided in a pattern on an edge of the third organic film 143 having an opening for exposing the power line PL in the power line region V. The fourth organic film 144 may be provided on the third organic film 143 constituting the dam portion DM to form a part of the dam portion DM.

[0141] The fourth organic film 144 may be formed of any one of polyimide, photoacrylic, and benzocyclobutene.

[0142] The encapsulation layer 150 is disposed on the organic light-emitting diode 135. The encapsulation layer 150 may cover the display area AA and the non-display area NA to prevent oxygen or moisture from penetrating into the organic light-emitting diode 135. If necessary, other layers such as a cover layer (or capping layer) may be inserted between the encapsulation layer 150 and the second electrode E2.

[0143] The encapsulation layer 150 may include multiple layers. The encapsulation layer 150 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first encapsulation layer 151, a second encapsulation layer 152, and an organic encapsulation layer 154 disposed between the first encapsulation layer 151 and the second encapsulation layer 152. The first encapsulation layer 151 and the second encapsulation layer 152 may include an inorganic encapsulation film or may be an inorganic encapsulation film.

[0144] The first encapsulation layer 151 may be disposed adjacent to the light-emitting diode 135, and the second encapsulation layer 152 may be disposed on top of the encapsulation layer 150. In other words, the second encapsulation layer 152 may be the top layer of the encapsulation layer 150.

[0145] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the stopper 170 may be disposed in the non-display area NA to control the flow of the organic encapsulation layer 154 of the encapsulation layer 150.

[0146] The stopper 170 may be disposed near the edge of the planarization film 140 in the non-display area NA and adjacent to the dam DM. The stopper 170 may be disposed in an inner area closer to the display area AA than the area where the dam DM is located. The stopper 170 may be disposed closer to the display area AA than the area where the dam DM is located. In other words, the stopper 170 may be disposed closer to the display area AA than the dam DM. The stopper 170 may be disposed between the contact hole CH of the first organic film 141 and the dam DM. At least one stopper 170 may be arranged to overlap with the power line area V. In this case, at least one stopper 170 may be arranged to overlap with at least a part of the power line PL.

[0147] A plurality of stoppers 170 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and a groove 177 may be arranged (or formed) between the plurality of stoppers 170. For example, the groove 177 may be arranged (or formed) along the side surface (or side portion) of the stopper 170.

[0148] The film disposed in the space between the plurality of stoppers 170 may have a lower surface energy or surface tension than the surface energy or surface tension of the plurality of stoppers 170. In other words, the surface energy or surface tension of the plurality of stoppers 170 may be higher than the surface energy or surface tension of the film disposed in the space between the plurality of stoppers 170.

[0149] The top surface of at least one stopper 170 may include an inorganic material. An organic film may be disposed in a space (e.g., trench 177) spaced between the plurality of stoppers 170. For example, an organic film selected from the first organic film 141, the second organic film 142, and the third organic film 143 may be disposed in the space spaced between the plurality of stoppers 170. In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, as Figure 5 shown, the first organic film 141 is exposed in the space spaced between the plurality of stoppers 170. The top surface of the first organic film 141 may be exposed in the trench 177.

[0150] The surface energy or surface tension of the surface of the stopper 170 having an inorganic material on its top may be higher than the surface energy or surface tension of the first organic film 141 disposed in the trench 177 (or located) between the plurality of stoppers 170.

[0151] At least one stopper 170 protrudes from the top surface of the substrate 111 of the display panel 110 relative to the top surface of the substrate 111 to form a protrusion pattern.

[0152] The protrusion pattern formed by the stopper 170 facilitates the formation of the trench 177 between the plurality of stoppers 170. The height of the at least one stopper 170 from the top surface of the substrate 111 (in other words, the height of the at least one stopper 170 relative to the top surface of the substrate 111) may be lower than the height of the dam DM from the top surface of the substrate 111 (in other words, the height of the dam DM relative to the top surface of the substrate 111).

[0153] The stopper 170 may include an electrode material layer formed of an inorganic material (e.g., a metal material).

[0154] Specifically, at least one stopper 170 may be disposed on the same layer as the connection electrode CE of the non-display area NA. At least one stopper 170 may be formed of the same material as the connection electrode CE of the non-display area NA. At least one stopper 170 may be disposed on the same layer as the first electrode E1 of the display area AA. At least one stopper 170 may be formed of the same material as the first electrode E1 of the display area AA.

[0155] Therefore, when the stopper 170 is disposed using the same process as the electrode material disposed in the display area AA, or when the stopper 170 is disposed using the same process as the electrode material disposed in the non-display area NA, the energy for manufacturing the display device can be reduced, and the generation of greenhouse gases during the manufacturing process of the display device 100 can be reduced, thereby achieving the desired ESG (environment / society / governance).

[0156] The stopper 170 can surround the display area AA. The stopper 170 can have the shape (or form) of a quadrilateral / square frame surrounding the display area AA. At least one stopper 170 can be provided along at least three sides of the display area AA. Specifically, the stopper 170 can be provided in the first non-display area NA1, the second non-display area NA2, and the third non-display area NA3.

[0157] Reference Figure 6 , according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the stopper 170 can include a first stopper pattern layer 171 and a second stopper pattern layer 172.

[0158] The second stopper pattern layer 172 can be provided on the first organic film 141, and the first stopper pattern layer 171 can be provided on the second stopper pattern layer 172.

[0159] As described above, the surface energy or surface tension of the surface of the stopper 170 having an inorganic material on its top surface can be higher than the surface energy or surface tension of the first organic film 141 in the groove 177 provided between the plurality of stoppers 170.

[0160] For this purpose, the second stopper pattern layer 172 can be an organic film that can be provided on the first organic film 141 during the manufacturing process of the display device 100. For example, a second organic film provided on the first organic film 141 (see Figure 3 the reference numeral 142 in the attached drawings) can be used as the second stopper pattern layer 172.

[0161] The first stopper pattern layer 171 provided on the uppermost part of the stopper 170 can be (or include) an electrode material layer, for example, formed of a metal material among inorganic materials.

[0162] Specifically, the first stopper pattern layer 171 can be provided on the same layer as the connection electrode CE of the non-display area NA. The first stopper pattern layer 171 can be formed of the same material as the connection electrode CE of the non-display area NA. The first stopper pattern layer 171 can be provided on the same layer as the first electrode E1 of the display area AA. The first stopper pattern layer 171 can be formed of the same material as the first electrode E1 of the display area AA. For example, the stopper 170 can contain ITO and Ag, and the top surface of the stopper 170 can contain ITO.

[0163] The second stopper pattern layer 172 protrudes from the top surface of the substrate 111 with respect to the top surface of the substrate 111, and the first stopper pattern layer 171 on the second stopper pattern layer 172 covers the side surface of the second stopper pattern layer 172 and does not overlap at least a part of the first organic film 141 exposed by the groove 177.

[0164] Reference will be made to Figure 7Describe the stopper 270 etc. according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Structures or components having the same reference numerals as those Figures 1 to 6 described can be applied or implemented in the same manner as the embodiments described with reference to Figures 1 to 6 the described embodiments, or can be applied or implemented as embodiments combined with the embodiments described with reference to Figures 1 to 6 the described embodiments, and the detailed description of the components having the same reference numerals can be omitted.

[0165] Refer to Figure 7 , the encapsulation layer 150 is disposed in the display area AA and the non-display area NA of the display panel 110, and the dam DM can be disposed around the encapsulation layer 150 or at the edge of the encapsulation layer 150 in the non-display area NA. At least one stopper 270 can be disposed inside the dam DM in the non-display area NA. In other words, at least one stopper 270 can be disposed adjacent to the inner side of the dam DM in the non-display area NA. The inner side of the dam DM refers to a part of the dam DM facing (or closer to) the display area AA. The dam DM can overlap with the encapsulation layer 150 at the edge of the encapsulation layer 150.

[0166] A plurality of stoppers 270 can be arranged along the periphery of the display area AA.

[0167] The groove 277 can be provided (or formed) in the space between the plurality of stoppers 270. A plurality of grooves including the groove 277 can be arranged (in other words, there can be a plurality of grooves). Each of the plurality of stoppers 270 can have a first point P1 and a second point P2 oriented in opposite directions to each other.

[0168] The first point P1 can protrude toward the display area AA, and the second point P2 can protrude toward the dam DM. A plurality of first points P1 can be arranged for one stopper 270, and a plurality of second points P2 can be arranged for one stopper 270. The first point P1 and the second point P2 can be alternately connected to each other and can be integrated with one stopper 270 (that is, can be an integral part of one stopper 270). The section of the stopper 270 connecting the first point P1 and the second point P2 can have a predetermined angle with respect to the dam DM.

[0169] The groove 277 at the position corresponding to the second point P2 can have a protruding pattern 277P protruding toward the dam DM. The protruding pattern 277P of the groove 277 can protrude toward the dam DM.

[0170] The film disposed in the space (e.g., groove 277) between the plurality of stoppers 270 has a lower surface energy or surface tension compared to the surface energy or surface tension of the plurality of stoppers 270. In other words, the surface energy or surface tension of the stoppers 270 can be higher than the surface energy or surface tension of the film disposed in the space between the plurality of stoppers 270.

[0171] An organic film (e.g., an organic film selected from the first organic film 141, the second organic film 142, and the third organic film 143) can be disposed in the space between the plurality of stoppers 270. In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, the first organic film 141 is exposed to the space between the plurality of stoppers 270.

[0172] At least one stopper 270 may include an inorganic material in its upper portion. The at least one stopper 270 may include an electrode material layer containing an inorganic material (e.g., a metal material), or formed of an inorganic material (e.g., a metal material).

[0173] Specifically, at least one stopper 270 may be disposed on the same layer as the connection electrode CE in the non-display area NA. At least one stopper 270 may be formed of the same material as the connection electrode CE in the non-display area NA. At least one stopper 270 may be disposed on the same layer as the first electrode E1 in the display area AA. At least one stopper 270 may be formed of the same material as the first electrode E1 in the display area AA. For example, the stopper 270 may include ITO and Ag, and the top surface of the stopper 270 may include ITO.

[0174] Therefore, when the stopper 270 is disposed using the same process as the electrode material disposed in the display area AA, or when the stopper 270 is disposed using the same process as the electrode material disposed in the non-display area NA, the production energy for manufacturing the display device can be reduced, and the generation of greenhouse gases during the manufacturing process of the display device can be reduced, thereby achieving the desired ESG (Environment / Society / Governance).

[0175] The stopper 270 may surround the display area AA. The stopper 270 may surround the display area AA and have a structure in which a protruding first point P1 and a protruding second point P2 alternate with each other. At least one stopper 270 may be disposed along at least three sides of the display area AA while having a plurality of protruding first points P1 and a plurality of protruding second points P2. Specifically, the stopper 270 may be disposed in the first non-display area NA1, the second non-display area NA2, and the third non-display area NA3.

[0176] The encapsulation layer 150 is disposed on the stopper 170 according to Figure 4 an embodiment of and on the stopper according toFigure 7 on the stopper 270 of another embodiment. The first encapsulation layer 151 constituting the encapsulation layer 150 is disposed in the display area AA and the non-display area NA of the substrate 111.

[0177] As Figure 3 shown, the first encapsulation layer 151 may be disposed on the entire top surface of the thin film transistor TR and the light emitting diode 135 in the display area AA. The first encapsulation layer 151 may completely cover the light emitting diode 135 to seal the light emitting diode 135.

[0178] The first encapsulation layer 151 may extend to a part of the non-display area NA. The first encapsulation layer 151 may have an opening OP in the non-display area NA, and the opening OP of the first encapsulation layer 151 may be disposed in a region corresponding to at least one stopper 170.

[0179] Specifically, the first encapsulation layer 151 overlaps with one side of the first organic film 141 having the contact hole CH above the power line PL and one side of the dam portion DM. The first encapsulation layer 151 does not overlap with the first organic film 141 between the stopper 170 and the stopper 170 exposed through the opening OP. The first organic film 141 between the stopper 170 and the stopper 170 exposed through the trench 177 may be disposed to overlap with the opening OP of the first encapsulation layer 151.

[0180] The width of the opening OP of the first encapsulation layer 151 may be greater than the total width of the stopper 170. The width of at least one stopper 170 may be 2 μm or less.

[0181] The first encapsulation layer 151 may be formed of an inorganic insulating material. For example, the first encapsulation layer 151 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and / or silicon oxynitride.

[0182] The organic encapsulation layer 154 is disposed on the first encapsulation layer 151, and the organic encapsulation layer 154 is used to flatten the top surface of the first encapsulation layer 151 to minimize cracks that may occur due to the step coverage (or presence) of the structure below the organic encapsulation layer 154.

[0183] The organic encapsulation layer 154 may contact at least one stopper 170 through the opening OP of the first encapsulation layer 151. Since the upper portion of the stopper 170 contains an inorganic material, the organic encapsulation layer 154 alternately contacts the top surface of the stopper 170 formed of the inorganic material and the top surface of the first organic film 141 through the opening OP of the first encapsulation layer 151.

[0184] The organic encapsulation layer 154 may fill the contact hole CH above the power line PL and fill the trench 177 between the stoppers 170 through the opening OP of the first encapsulation layer 151.

[0185] The organic encapsulation layer 154 is formed of an organic material and can flow as a liquid during the manufacturing process of the display device. To control the flow of the organic encapsulation layer 154, a stopper 170 and a groove 177 are provided in the non-display area NA outside the display area AA.

[0186] Specifically, the stopper 170 is arranged in a protruding pattern, and the groove 177 between the stoppers 170 is filled with the organic encapsulation layer 154 to control the flow of the organic encapsulation layer 154.

[0187] In particular, the stopper 170 according to the present disclosure includes an inorganic material on its top surface and exposes the top surface of the first organic film 141 in the groove 177 between the stoppers 170. The organic encapsulation layer 154 can alternately contact the top surface formed of the inorganic material of the stopper 170 and the top surface of the first organic film 141 through the opening OP of the first encapsulation layer 154.

[0188] In this case, the flow of the organic encapsulation layer 154 is interrupted by the top surface of the stopper 170 formed of the inorganic material and having a high surface energy or surface tension, and due to the low surface energy or surface tension of the first organic film 141 exposed to the groove 177 between the stoppers 170, the overflowing organic encapsulation layer 154 diffuses well within the groove 177 and fills the groove 177 without voids.

[0189] As described above, the display device 100 according to the present disclosure has the following configuration, that is, the first encapsulation layer 151 has an opening OP, and the organic encapsulation layer 154 fills the contact hole CH above the power line PL through the opening OP to mainly (or preliminarily) control the flow of the organic encapsulation layer 154. In addition, the display device 100 according to the present disclosure has the following configuration, that is, the stopper 170 having an inorganic material on its top surface and the first organic film 141 are alternately provided on the top surface in contact with the organic encapsulation layer 154 to increase the difference in surface energy or surface tension, and a plurality of stoppers 170 and a plurality of grooves 177 are provided to generate a plurality of energy barriers (or potential barriers) caused by the difference in surface energy or surface tension to further control the flow of the organic encapsulation layer 154.

[0190] That is to say, the organic encapsulation layer 154 alternately contacts the surface (in particular, the top surface) of the stopper 170 having a higher surface tension or surface energy and the bottom surface of the groove 177 having a lower surface tension or surface energy, and does not continuously contact components having the same surface tension or surface energy. Therefore, the stopper 170 and the groove 177 according to the present disclosure serve as collision members (obstacles) to stop (or block) the diffusion of the organic encapsulation layer 154 and thereby control the diffusion of the organic encapsulation layer 154.

[0191] A typical stopper for controlling the flow of the organic encapsulation layer 154 may have a large height and a large width due to the large height. In the display device 100 according to the present disclosure, the organic encapsulation layer 154 alternately contacts the stopper 170 having a surface tension or surface energy greater than that of the surface of the first organic film 141 in the trench 177 and the first organic film 141 through the opening OP, so that an energy barrier can be used to control the flow of the organic encapsulation layer 154. Therefore, the height of the stopper 170 can be reduced and the total width of the stopper 170 can be reduced. The display device 100 of the present disclosure can reduce the width of the stopper setting area, and thereby reduce the bezel, so as to provide a narrow bezel.

[0192] The flow of the organic encapsulation layer 154 is controlled by the stopper 170 and the trench 177 according to the above present disclosure, and its overflow can be prevented due to the dam part DM provided outside the stopper 170.

[0193] The organic encapsulation layer 154 may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyimide, polyvinyl sulfonate (polyvinyl sulfonate salt), polyformaldehyde, polyarylate (polyaryl compound), and hexamethyldisiloxane (hexamethyldisiloxane).

[0194] Figure 7 The stopper 270 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure shown is arranged in the form of a zigzag (or sawtooth) pattern, so that the first point P1 and the second point P2 are alternately arranged to increase the surface tension difference of the material contacting the organic encapsulation layer 154 and control the flow of the organic encapsulation layer 154. According to one embodiment, the stopper 270 is shown in Figure 7 as having a zigzag pattern, but in another embodiment, the stopper 270 may have a curved pattern (in particular, a smooth curved pattern) different from the zigzag pattern. In addition, different from Figure 7 the embodiment of the present disclosure shown, Figure 4 the stopper 170 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure shown has a straight line pattern, but is not limited thereto.

[0195] The trench 277 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure has a protruding pattern 277P protruding in the direction towards the dam part DM, which is the flow direction of the organic encapsulation layer 154, and a plurality of protruding patterns including the protruding pattern 277P are provided between the stoppers 270. The protruding pattern 277P may be arranged against the diffusion direction of the organic encapsulation layer 154.

[0196] Accordingly, the display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure increases the surface area of contact with the organic encapsulation layer 154 through the stopper 270 and the groove 277 having the protruding pattern 277P to increase the surface energy difference, thereby increasing the resistance of the surface energy barrier in the direction opposite to the direction of diffusion with the organic encapsulation layer 154 and improving the durability of the display panel 110 against deformation.

[0197] The display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure can improve the durability to minimize the deformation of the display panel 110.

[0198] In addition, in the display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the flow length of the organic encapsulation layer 154 is increased through the protruding pattern 277P to increase the resistance between the stoppers 270 per unit area, so that even when the organic encapsulation layer 154 overflows, due to the improved hindrance to the flow of the organic encapsulation layer 154, the organic encapsulation layer 154 is effectively restricted within the groove 277 and the flow of the organic encapsulation layer 154 is controlled.

[0199] Accordingly, the display device 100 according to the present disclosure can sufficiently control the flow of the organic encapsulation layer 154, thereby reducing Figure 4 the total width of the stopper 170 as shown Figure 7 and the total width of the stopper 270 as shown, reducing the bezel width of the display device 100, and achieving a narrow bezel.

[0200] The second encapsulation layer (which may also be referred to as the "upper encapsulation layer") 152 may be disposed on the organic encapsulation layer 154.

[0201] The second encapsulation layer 152 may adhere to the first encapsulation layer (which may also be referred to as the "lower encapsulation layer") 151 in the region where the dam portion DM is provided and cover the organic encapsulation layer 154. The second encapsulation layer 152 may completely cover the organic encapsulation layer 154 provided in the display area AA and the non-display area NA. The second encapsulation layer 152 is combined with the first encapsulation layer 151 in the region where the dam portion DM is provided, thereby preventing the organic encapsulation layer 154 from being exposed to the outside.

[0202] The second encapsulation layer 152 may extend to the end of the substrate 111, but is not limited thereto. Accordingly, the first encapsulation layer 151 and the second encapsulation layer 152 constituting the encapsulation layer 150 are combined with each other on one side of the dam portion DM, and the organic encapsulation layer 154 is restricted within the dam portion DM to prevent moisture or oxygen from penetrating from the outside, reduce the occurrence of cracks due to moisture penetration, and thereby reduce the deformation of the display panel 110.

[0203] The second encapsulation layer 152 may be formed (or made) of an inorganic insulating material. For example, the second encapsulation layer 152 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and / or silicon oxynitride.

[0204] The display device 100 according to the present disclosure can effectively reduce the overflow of the organic encapsulation layer 154, thereby reducing the total width of the stoppers 170 as shown in Figure 4 and the stoppers 270 as shown in Figure 7 and the number of dams DM, and thereby reducing the bezel width of the display device 100.

[0205] By filling the contact holes CH above the first power line PL of the first organic film 141 through the openings OP of the first encapsulation layer 151, the flow of the organic encapsulation layer 154 is controlled. In addition, due to the stoppers 170 as shown in Figure 4 on the first organic film 141 and the stoppers 270 as shown in Figure 7 and the grooves 177 as shown in Figure 4 and the grooves 277 as shown in Figure 7 the structure of the organic encapsulation layer 154 can be further controlled, and at least a part of the first organic film 141 overlaps with the power line region V through the opening OP of the first encapsulation layer 151. In addition, the dam DM is provided outside the stopper 170 to prevent the overflow of the organic encapsulation layer 154.

[0206] As shown in Figure 3 the dam DM is provided outside the stopper 170 and the groove 177, and includes a second organic film 142, a third organic film 143, and a fourth organic film 144.

[0207] The dam DM can be provided on the first organic film 141, the third organic film 143 can be provided on the second organic film 142 of the dam DM, and the fourth organic film 144 can be provided on the third organic film 143. The fourth organic film 144 can be used as a spacer. The fourth organic film 144 can prevent the mask used during the manufacturing process of the display device 100 from damaging the light emitting diode 135, especially the second electrode E2.

[0208] The height of the dam DM is greater than the height of the stopper 170 provided inside the dam DM, and the first encapsulation layer 151 and the second encapsulation layer 152 can be formed on the inner surface of the dam DM (i.e., the side surface closer to the display area AA). The first encapsulation layer 151 and the second encapsulation layer 152 can be combined to limit the organic encapsulation layer 154 provided between the first encapsulation layer 151 and the second encapsulation layer 152 inside the dam DM. The combined structure of the first encapsulation layer 151 and the second encapsulation layer 152 or the second encapsulation layer 152 extends to the substrate 111 outside the dam DM along the outer surface of the dam DM (i.e., the side surface closer to the outside).

[0209] The display device 100 according to the present disclosure can prevent gas (e.g., oxygen) or moisture from penetrating from the outside through the structure of the encapsulation layer 150 combined with the stopper 170 and the dam DM, prevent cracks from being generated due to moisture penetration, and improve reliability.

[0210] The display device 100 can improve reliability, reduce the relative occurrence of defects, thereby reducing the production energy used for manufacturing the display device 100, and reducing the consumption of harmful production substances or regulated substances, thereby facilitating recycling and realizing an eco-friendly display device 100.

[0211] It is obvious from the foregoing that the display device according to one embodiment can prevent moisture or oxygen from penetrating from the outside, improve reliability, and avoid deformation.

[0212] The display device according to one embodiment can effectively control the flow of the organic encapsulation layer by increasing the surface barrier or increasing the resistance based on the difference in surface tension or surface energy.

[0213] The display device according to one embodiment can reduce the bezel width, improve the aesthetics, and achieve a narrow bezel by reducing the number of stoppers or the width of the region where the stoppers are provided.

[0214] The display device according to one embodiment can reduce the consumption of materials used in the entire process of manufacturing the display device, improve recycling, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

[0215] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover these modifications and variations as long as they fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A substrate including a display area and a non-display area; An encapsulation layer at the display area and the non-display area, the encapsulation layer comprising a first encapsulation layer, an organic encapsulation layer, and a second encapsulation layer; a dam portion, which is arranged around the encapsulation layer at the non-display area; as well as at least one stopper, which is arranged at the non-display area closer to the display area than the dam portion, The first encapsulation layer has an opening at a region corresponding to the at least one stopper.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one stopper comprises a plurality of stoppers spaced apart from each other, The surface energy or surface tension of the plurality of stoppers is higher than the surface energy or surface tension of the film disposed in the spaces between the plurality of stoppers.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The organic encapsulation layer contacts the at least one stopper through the opening of the first encapsulation layer.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one stopper comprises a plurality of stoppers, each stopper comprising an inorganic material, The first organic film is disposed between the plurality of stoppers, and The organic encapsulation layer alternately contacts a top surface of the inorganic material of one of the plurality of stoppers and a top surface of the first organic film through the opening of the first encapsulation layer.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The first encapsulation layer includes an inorganic film, and The first encapsulation layer does not overlap the plurality of stoppers and the first organic film exposed between the plurality of stoppers through the opening.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one stopper comprises a plurality of stoppers, The width of the opening of the first packaging layer is greater than the total width of the plurality of stoppers.

7. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a light emitting element at the display area, the light emitting element comprising a first electrode, an organic light emitting layer, and a second electrode, Wherein the at least one stopper comprises the same material as the first electrode.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: A height of the at least one stopper from a top surface of the substrate is smaller than a height of the dam from the top surface of the substrate.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The non-display area includes a driving circuit area and a power line area, and The at least one stopper is arranged to overlap the power line zone.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one stopper protrudes from a top surface of the base plate.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The non-display area includes a driving circuit area and a power line area, The display device further includes a connecting electrode, which is disposed at the driving circuit area and the power line area and is connected to the power line of the power line area, and The at least one stopper includes the same material as the connecting electrode.

12. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a driving circuit and a power line at the non-display area; a first organic film disposed at least on the driving circuit and the power line; a second organic film disposed on the first organic film; as well as a connecting electrode, the connecting electrode overlapping the electric power line and connected to the electric power line through a contact hole of the first organic film; The at least one stopper is disposed on the first organic film adjacent to the contact hole of the first organic film.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: At least one of the first organic film and the second organic film is disposed to overlap with the dam portion.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein: The dam portion includes a third organic film and a fourth organic film, the third organic film is disposed on the second organic film, and the fourth organic film is disposed on the third organic film.

15. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The at least one stopper comprises: a first stopping pattern layer; and a second stopping pattern layer disposed below the first stopping pattern layer, The first stopping pattern layer includes the same material as the connecting electrode, and the second stopping pattern layer includes the same material as the second organic film.

16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein: The second stopping pattern layer protrudes from the top surface of the substrate, The first stopping pattern layer is disposed on the second stopping pattern layer so that the first stopping pattern layer covers a side surface of the second stopping pattern layer and does not overlap at least a portion of the first organic film exposed in the grooves between the plurality of stoppers, and The first organic film between the plurality of stoppers contacts the organic encapsulation layer.

17. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The non-display area includes a driving circuit area where a driving circuit is arranged and a power line area where a power line is arranged. The display device further comprises: a plurality of first signal lines adjacent to the driving circuit in the driving circuit area; A first organic film provided at least in the driving circuit region and the power line region; a second organic film disposed on the plurality of first signal lines; and a plurality of second signal lines disposed on the first organic film so as to overlap with the driving circuit, wherein at least one of the plurality of second signal lines is connected to at least one of the plurality of first signal lines, and Another second signal line of the plurality of second signal lines is spaced apart from the driving circuit on the driving circuit region and includes a same material as the at least one stopper.

18. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one stopper comprises a plurality of stoppers, Grooves are provided between the plurality of stoppers, and The organic encapsulation layer fills the interior of the trench.

19. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one stopper comprises a plurality of stoppers, A groove is provided between the plurality of stoppers, Each of the plurality of stoppers has a first point and a second point disposed in opposite directions to each other, The first point protrudes toward the display area, and The second point protrudes toward the dam portion.

20. The display device according to claim 19, wherein: A plurality of first points including the first point and a plurality of second points including the second point are provided, The first points and the second points are alternately connected to each other, and The groove corresponding to the second point has a protrusion pattern protruding toward the dam portion.

21. The display device according to claim 20, wherein: Each stopper having the first point and the second point is arranged in a zigzag pattern.

22. The display device according to claim 19, wherein: A stopper connecting the first point and the second point has a predetermined angle with respect to the dam portion.

23. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one stopper is disposed along at least three sides of the display area.

24. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first encapsulation layer and the second encapsulation layer are inorganic encapsulation films.

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