Display device

Abstract

Disclosed is a display device in which a bezel region is reduced, rigidity of a display panel is improved to reduce crack defects in a bent portion thereof, thereby preventing quality defects, ensuring reliability, and realizing a narrow bezel. To this end, the display device includes: a display panel including: a first region constituting a front surface thereof and including a display region and a bezel region; the bending area is arranged below the first area; and a second region constituting a rear surface thereof and disposed below the bent region; and a sealing layer disposed on a top of the display panel in the first area, disposed on an outer surface of a bent portion of the display panel in the bent area, and disposed below the display panel in the second area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device, and more particularly, for example but not limited to, a display device with reduced crack defects in a display panel. Background Art

[0002] A display device includes a display area for displaying an image and a non-display area formed along the outside of the display area. The display device requires not only a display panel for displaying an image but also various additional components such as a driving integrated circuit or a circuit board.

[0003] The additional components may be located in the non-display area, or various connection components such as a flexible printed circuit board for connecting the additional components may be located in the non-display area or connected to the non-display area.

[0004] In the display device, as an example, the non-display area includes a border area which is bent 180 degrees and / or maintains a permanently folded shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0005] The description provided in the background art section should not be regarded as prior art merely because it is mentioned in or related to the background art section. The background art section may include information describing one or more aspects of the subject technology. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In an existing display device, the border area is bent 180 degrees and maintains a permanently folded shape, resulting in cracks in the bent portion and abnormal images.

[0007] Therefore, due to quality defects in the display device, reliability cannot be guaranteed, and thus a stable narrow border cannot be achieved.

[0008] To solve the above problems, the inventors of the present disclosure have invented a display device in which crack defects in the bent portion are reduced by reducing the border area of the display device and increasing the rigidity of the display panel, thereby preventing quality defects, ensuring reliability, and achieving a stable narrow border.

[0009] An object of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a display device in which the thickness of a reinforcing member for reinforcing a bent portion of a display panel is adjusted, and a sealing layer on the display panel in a display area extends into a bent area in a non-display area, and thus the thickness of the reinforcing member is adjusted based on the shape of an extension portion of the sealing layer.

[0010] The objects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above objects. Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure not mentioned can be understood based on the following description and can be more clearly understood based on the embodiments according to the present disclosure. In addition, it is easily understood that the objects and advantages according to the present disclosure can be achieved by using the device shown in the claims or a combination thereof.

[0011] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a display device, which includes: a display panel including: a first region that constitutes the front surface of the display panel and includes a display region and a border region; a bending region disposed below the first region; and a second region that constitutes the back surface of the display panel and is disposed below the bending region; and a sealing layer disposed on the top of the display panel in the first region, on the outer surface of the bending portion of the display panel in the bending region, and below the display panel in the second region.

[0012] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a display device, which includes: a display panel including: a first region that constitutes the front surface of the display panel and includes a display region and a border region; a bending region disposed below the first region; and a second region that constitutes the back surface of the display panel and is disposed below the bending region; a gate driver configured to provide a gate signal to the display panel; a data driver configured to provide a data voltage to the display panel; a controller configured to control the gate driver and the data driver; a sealing layer disposed on the top of the display panel in the first region, on the outer surface of the bending portion of the display panel in the bending region, and below the display panel in the second region; and a cover member disposed on the top of the sealing layer in the first region.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, the sealing layer on the display panel of the display region can extend into the bending region of the non-display region, so that the sealing layer can prevent moisture from infiltrating into the bending region.

[0014] In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of the reinforcing member (MCL) can be adjusted based on the shape of the portion of the sealing layer set to extend from the display region to the bending region. Therefore, the border region at the lower end of the display panel can be reduced, and the rigidity of the display panel can be improved.

[0015] In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing layer can extend from the display region into the bending region and its thickness can be adjusted, so that the system space can be ensured and the risk of breakage of the bending portion can be minimized.

[0016] In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, during the manufacturing process of the display device, a sealing layer may be applied to the outer surface of the display panel in the bending region, and then a rear frame may be formed such that the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated into the display panel may be reduced due to the sealing layer.

[0017] In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated into the bending region of the display panel is reduced, cracks and damage to the display panel can be reduced.

[0018] In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, cracks and damage to the display panel can be prevented, thereby improving the rigidity of the display module and improving the compressive rigidity of the bending portion of the display panel, thereby preventing a reduction in the lifespan of the display panel.

[0019] In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, since the rear frame of the display device is made of epoxy resin, air gaps within the display module can be eliminated, and the rigidity of the module can be ensured, thereby achieving a stable narrow bezel.

[0020] In addition, according to an example in the present disclosure, when an impact is applied to the bending portion of the display panel, the buffering effect of the epoxy resin has the effect of preventing cracks and damage to the display panel, thereby having the effect of providing a long-life, low-power display device.

[0021] In the display device according to the present disclosure, the sealing layer and the reinforcing member can protect the bending portion of the display panel during the display panel manufacturing process, thereby preventing cracks and damage to the display panel, thereby increasing the lifespan of the display panel and improving the quality of the display device.

[0022] The display device according to the present disclosure can prevent cracks in the display panel and ensure the rigidity of the display module to ensure its reliability, thereby contributing to the achievement of a stable narrow bezel.

[0023] In addition to the above effects, while describing the specific details for implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the specific effects of the present disclosure are described as follows.

[0024] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above effects, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other effects not mentioned from the following description.

[0025] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are both exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed inventive concept. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application. The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, are used to explain the principles of the present disclosure. In the accompanying drawings:

[0027] Figure 1A Shows a front surface of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 1B Shows a rear surface of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2 Is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section taken along cutting line 2-2 in FIG. 1 in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 3 Is a diagram showing an example in which a sealing layer on a display panel has a constant thickness according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 4 Is a diagram showing an example in which a sealing layer is thicker in a second region than in a first region according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 5 Is a diagram showing an example in which a sealing layer is thicker in a first region than in a second region according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 6 Is a cross-sectional view of a display area including a touch structure located below a sealing layer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figures 7 to 9 Is a diagram showing an example of applying a touch structure to a sealing layer on a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figures 10 to 12 Is a diagram showing an example in which a system space changes based on a change in the thickness of a sealing layer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figures 13 to 15 Is a diagram showing an example in which the thickness of a sealing layer changes based on a change in the thickness of a reinforcing member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 16 Is a block diagram schematically showing a system configuration of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals should be understood to represent the same elements, features, and structures. For clarity, illustration, and convenience, the relative sizes of these elements may be exaggerated and described. Detailed Embodiments

[0039] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. The progress of the described processing steps and / or operations is merely exemplary; however, the order of the steps and / or operations is not limited to the order set forth herein and may be changed as known in the art, except for steps and / or operations that must occur in a specific order. The names of the various elements used in the following description may have been chosen merely for convenience in preparing the specification and may thus be different from the names used in actual products.

[0040] With reference to the embodiments described in detail below in conjunction with the drawings, the advantages and features of the present disclosure and the methods for achieving these advantages and features will become apparent. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. Therefore, these embodiments are described merely to make the present disclosure complete and to fully inform those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains of the scope of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is limited only by the scope of the claims.

[0041] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the elements in the drawings need not be drawn to scale. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same or similar elements and thus perform similar functions. In addition, for simplicity of description, the description and details of well-known steps and elements are omitted. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Examples of various embodiments are further illustrated and described below. It should be understood that the description herein is not intended to limit the claims to the specific embodiments described. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0042] The shapes, sizes, dimensions (e.g., length, width, height, thickness, radius, diameter, area, etc.), ratios, angles, quantities, etc. disclosed in the drawings for illustrating the embodiments of the present disclosure are exemplary, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For convenience of description, the dimensions including the sizes and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are shown, and the present disclosure is not limited to the sizes and thicknesses of the components shown, but it should be noted that the relative dimensions including the relative sizes, positions, and thicknesses of the components shown in the respective drawings submitted herein are part of the present disclosure.

[0043] Any implementation described herein as an "example" is not necessarily to be construed as more preferred or advantageous than other implementations.

[0044] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and are not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" are also intended to include the plural forms. It should also be understood that when used in this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes" and "including" specify the presence of the described features, integers, operations, elements and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, operations, elements, components and / or portions thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. When placed before a list of elements, expressions such as "at least one" can modify the entire list of elements and not just a single element in the list. When interpreting numerical values, there may be errors or tolerances even if not explicitly described.

[0045] In addition, it should also be understood that when a first element or layer is referred to as being "on" a second element or layer, the first element or layer can be directly disposed on the second element or layer, or can be indirectly disposed on the second element or layer and a third element or layer is disposed between the first element or layer and the second element or layer.

[0046] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as "connected" or "coupled" to another element or layer, the one element or layer can be directly on or directly connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or there can be one or more intervening elements or layers. In addition, it should also be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, the one element or layer can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or there can be one or more intervening elements or layers.

[0047] In addition, as used herein, when a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is disposed “on” or “atop” another layer, film, region, plate, etc., the former can be in direct contact with the latter, or there can be another layer, film, region, plate, etc. disposed between the former and the latter. As used herein, when a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is directly disposed “on” or “atop” another layer, film, region, plate, etc., the former is in direct contact with the latter, and there is no other layer, film, region, plate, etc. disposed between the former and the latter. In addition, as used herein, when a layer, film, region, plate, etc. can be disposed “under” or “beneath” another layer, film, region, plate, etc., the former can be in direct contact with the latter, or another layer, film, region, plate, etc. can be disposed between the former and the latter. As used herein, when a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is directly disposed “under” or “beneath” another layer, film, region, plate, etc., the former is in direct contact with the latter, and there is no other layer, film, region, plate, etc. disposed between the former and the latter.

[0048] In the description of temporal relationships (e.g., the temporal precedence relationship between two events such as “after,” “subsequent to,” “before,” etc.), unless it is stated “immediately after,” “immediately subsequent to,” or “immediately before,” another event can occur therebetween.

[0049] The term “exemplary” is used to denote being an example or illustration. Each aspect is an exemplary aspect. “Embodiment,” “example,” “aspect,” etc. should not be construed as being more preferred or more advantageous than other implementations. Unless otherwise specified, an embodiment, example, exemplary embodiment, aspect, etc. can refer to one or more embodiments, one or more examples, one or more exemplary embodiments, one or more aspects, etc. In addition, the term “can” encompasses all meanings of the term “able to.”

[0050] In the description of positional relationships, when describing the positional relationship between two components (e.g., layers, films, regions, components, segments, etc.) using, for example, terms such as "above", "over", "top", "upper", "below", "above", "beneath", "under", "near", "close to", "adjacent to", "next to", "by", "located at or on one side of", etc., unless more restrictive terms such as "immediately", "directly", or "closely" are used, one or more additional components may be located between the two components. For example, when a structure is described as being "above", "on top of", "over", "at the top of", "upper", "below", "above", "beneath", "near", "adjacent to", "by", "located at or on one side of" another structure, etc., such description should be interpreted to include cases where the structures are in contact with each other and cases where one or more additional structures are disposed or interposed therebetween. Additionally, terms such as "front", "rear", "back", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "down", "up", "upper", "lower", "above", "below", "column", "row", "vertical", "horizontal", etc. refer to an arbitrary reference system.

[0051] Spatial relative terms such as "below", "under", "lower", "above", "on", "upper", etc. may be used to describe the correlation between various elements (e.g., layers, films, regions, components, segments, etc.) shown in the figures. The spatial relative terms should be understood to include terms for different orientations of the elements in use or operation in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures. For example, if the elements shown in the figures are flipped, an element described as being "below" or "under" other elements will be oriented "above" the other elements. Thus, the term "below", as an exemplary term, may include all directions of "above" and "below". Similarly, the exemplary terms "above" or "over" may include both directions of "above" and "below".

[0052] When a particular implementation can be achieved differently, the functions or operations specified in a particular block may occur in an order different from the order specified in the flowchart. For example, two consecutive blocks may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or the two blocks may be executed in the reverse order depending on the functions or operations involved.

[0053] It should be understood that although terms such as "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "(a)", and "(b)" may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another element, component, region, layer, or segment. Thus, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment described below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or segment.

[0054] The features of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined with each other in part or in whole, and may be technically related to or operable with each other. These embodiments may be implemented independently of each other or may be implemented together in an associated relationship.

[0055] When interpreting a numerical value, unless otherwise explicitly described separately, the value shall be interpreted as including the error range.

[0056] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the inventive concept pertains. It should also be understood that terms (e.g., terms defined in a common dictionary) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0057] As used herein, "embodiments", "examples", "aspects", etc. should not be construed as any aspect or design described being more preferred or more advantageous than other aspects or designs.

[0058] In addition, the term "or" means "inclusive or" rather than "exclusive or". That is, unless otherwise stated or clear from the context, the expression "x uses a or b" represents any natural inclusive arrangement.

[0059] The terms used in the following description have been selected as general terms in the relevant technical field. However, due to the development and / or change of technology, convention, preference of those skilled in the art, etc., there may be other terms in addition to these terms. Therefore, the terms used in the following description should not be construed as limiting the technical idea, but should be understood as examples of terms used to illustrate embodiments.

[0060] In addition, in a specific case, a term may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such a case, its detailed meaning will be described in the corresponding description part. Therefore, the terms used in the following description should not be simply understood based on the name of the term, but should be understood based on the meaning of the term and the content throughout the detailed description.

[0061] In the following, a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described, in which, during panel manufacturing, a sealing layer of the display panel extends from the display area into the bending area to prevent moisture from infiltrating into the bending area, reduce the bezel area, and reduce or minimize the risk of cracking in the bending portion of the display panel, thereby improving the quality of the display device.

[0062] Figure 1A The front surface of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1B The rear surface of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0063] In other words, Figure 1A the front surface where the display area AA is located in the display device 1 is briefly shown, and Figure 1B the rear surface of the display device 1 is briefly shown. The front surface and the upward direction defined in the present disclosure refer to the Z-axis direction, and the rear surface and the downward direction defined in the present disclosure refer to the -Z-axis direction.

[0064] Referring to Figure 1A and Figure 1B , a display device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cover member 20 provided on the front surface and a rear frame 30 provided on the rear surface.

[0065] In this regard, as an example, the cover member 20 may include a cover window and / or cover glass, but is not limited thereto.

[0066] A display module may be disposed between the rear surface of the cover member 20 and the upper surface of the rear frame 30. In this regard, the display module will be described in detail in Figure 2 , and the display module may include, for example, a flexible substrate, a backplane, a reinforcing member, a protective member, and / or a connecting member, but is not limited thereto.

[0067] The display device 1 may include a display area (active area) AA and a bezel area BZA located on the front surface. The bezel area BZA may be disposed along the outermost edge of the display device 1 in a form that completely or partially surrounds the display area AA.

[0068] The cover member 20 may be disposed to cover the front surface of the display module and may be used to protect the display module from external impacts.

[0069] The edge portion of the cover member 20 may have a circular shape bent toward the rear surface of the cover member 20 on which the display module is disposed, or may have a flat shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0070] In this case, as an example, the cover member 20 can be arranged to cover at least a partial area of the side surface of the display module provided on its rear surface, so that it can be used not only to protect the front surface of the display module from external impacts, but also to protect its side surface from external impacts.

[0071] Since the cover member 20 includes the display area AA of the display screen, the cover member 20 can be made of a transparent material such as cover glass to display the screen. For example, the cover member 20 can be made of transparent plastic, glass or tempered glass, but is not limited thereto.

[0072] The rear frame 30 can be arranged on the rear surface of the display module 17 and can accommodate the display module 17 therein. As an example, the rear frame 30 can be in contact with the cover member 20 to support the cover member 20, or can be spaced apart from the cover member 20 with an intermediate member or gap interposed therebetween, but is not limited thereto.

[0073] The rear frame 30 can be used as a housing constituting the rear surface and the outer edge of the display device 1. As an example, the rear frame 30 can be made of a rigid material or a flexible material. As an example, the rear frame 30 can be made of a metallic material such as aluminum (Al) or epoxy resin. Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0074] In this case, the rear frame 30 can be used as a housing constituting the outermost part of the display device 1. Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the rear frame 30 can be used as an intermediate frame of a housing for protecting the rear surface of the display module.

[0075] will be referred to Figures 2 to 6 to describe a display module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section taken along the cutting line 2-2 in FIG. 1 in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a structure in which the sealing layer 200 extends from the display area AA to the bending area BA in the display device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] Referring to Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device 1 can include a display module 17, a cover member 20 provided on top of the display module 17, and a rear frame 30 provided below the display module 17 and supporting the display module 17 and / or the cover member 20.

[0078] The display module 17 may include a display panel 100. The display panel 100 may be referred to as a "flexible panel". The display device 1 may include a first region 1A that constitutes its front surface and includes a display area AA and a border area BZA, a bending area BA provided below the first region 1A, and a second region 2A that constitutes its rear surface and is provided below the bending area BA.

[0079] The display device 1 may include a display module 17 having a portion disposed in the first region 1A, a portion disposed in the bending area BA, and a portion disposed in the second region 2A. That is, the display module 17 may be bent in the bending area BA so as to be disposed in the second region 2A.

[0080] The display module 17 may include a display panel 100 having a portion disposed in the first region 1A, a portion disposed in the bending area BA, and a portion disposed in the second region 2A. That is, the display panel 100 may be bent in the bending area BA so as to be disposed in the second region 2A.

[0081] In a plan view, the bending area BA may be located in the border area BZA of the display device 1. The bending area BA may be included between the first region 1A and the second region 2A in the vertical direction. The bending area BA may be disposed between the first region 1A and the second region 2A in the vertical direction while vertically overlapping a part of each of the first region 1A and the second region 2A.

[0082] The cover member 20 may be disposed on the display panel 100, and may include, in a plan view, a border area BZA including the bending area BA and a display area AA, and may include, in a cross-sectional view, a first region 1A including the display area AA.

[0083] The front surface of the cover member 20 may be divided into a display area AA and a non-display area (passive area) NA that is an area other than the display area AA. The non-display area NA may be formed along the edge of the display area AA, constitute the front surface of the cover member 20, and may be defined as the border area BZA.

[0084] The rear surface of the cover member 20 may include a first region 1A, a bending area BA, and a second region 2A in the downward direction. The bending area BA may be disposed between the rear surface of the cover member 20 and the upper surface of the rear frame 30. The embodiment is not limited thereto. As an example, the rear frame 30 may not include a protrusion (e.g., the bending area BA), or may only include a part of the bending area BA. As an example, the cover member 20 may include a protrusion, but is not limited thereto.

[0085] The display module 17 coupled to the rear surface of the cover member 20 may include a bending region BA. The bending region BA may be disposed below the rear surface of the cover member 20 in the Z-axis direction within the border region BZA.

[0086] To reduce the border region BZA of the rear surface of the cover member 20, it is advantageous to reduce the radius of curvature of the bending region BA. The radius of curvature of the bending region BA is proportional to the total thickness of each of the display module 17 and the display device 1. When the total thickness increases, the radius of curvature of the bending region BA increases, and when the total thickness decreases, the radius of curvature of the bending region BA decreases. Therefore, to avoid increasing the size of the border region BZA, it is advantageous to reduce or prevent an increase in the total thickness of each of the display module 17 and the display device 1.

[0087] The sealing layer 200 may be disposed on the display panel 100 and within the first region 1A. The sealing layer 200 may be disposed on the side surface of the display panel 100 within the bending region BA, and may be disposed below the display panel 100 within the second region 2A.

[0088] The cover member 20 may be disposed on top of the sealing layer 200 within the first region 1A.

[0089] The reinforcing member 11 that strengthens the bending of the display panel 100 may be disposed on the outer surface of the sealing layer 200 within the bending region BA. Within the second region 2A, the reinforcing member 11 may be disposed below the sealing layer 200.

[0090] The rear frame 30 may be disposed below the cover member 20 within the border region BA. Within the second region 2A, the rear frame 30 may be disposed below the reinforcing member 11 and the bent portion of the display panel 100.

[0091] As an example, the reinforcing member 11 may be made of a rigid material or a flexible material. As an example, the reinforcing member 11 may be made of a metallic material. As an example, the reinforcing member 11 may include a micro-coating (MCL). The micro-coating (MCL) may be referred to as a micro-cover layer (MCL). The embodiments are not limited thereto. As an example, the reinforcing member 11 may be omitted according to the design.

[0092] The reinforcing member 11 may extend to cover a portion of the display panel 100 within the bending region BA, and may cover a portion of the display panel 100 within the first region 1A that contacts the bending region BA, and may cover a portion of the display panel 100 within the second region 2A.

[0093] The reinforcing member 11 may include a resin (e.g., an ultraviolet (UV) curable acrylic resin). The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0094] As an example, the reinforcing member 11 may be made of a resin cured product obtained by coating a resin and subjecting the coated resin to a curing process. When the resin is an ultraviolet curable resin, ultraviolet rays may be used to cure the resin.

[0095] As an example, the reinforcing member 11 may be disposed on the outer surface of the display panel 100. As an example, the reinforcing member 11 may be disposed on the outer surface of the display panel 100 to cover various signal lines between the encapsulation portion and the pads of the display panel 100. Accordingly, the reinforcing member 11 may reduce or prevent moisture from infiltrating into the signal lines while protecting the signal lines from external impacts.

[0096] In addition, the reinforcing member 11 may be disposed on the outer surface of the display panel 100 in the bending region BA, so that the rigidity of the display panel 100 may be supplemented in the bending region BA where no support member exists. The support member may be adhered to the lower surface of the display panel 100 such that no support member exists in the region corresponding to the bending region BA. As an example, when the display panel has been bent, the first support member BP1 may remain on the lower surface of the display panel 100 in the first region 1A, and the second support member BP2 may remain on the top surface of the bent portion of the display panel 100 in the second region 2A. Accordingly, the rigidity of the display panel 100 in the bending region BA where no support member exists may be weakened. Therefore, the rigidity of the bending region BA may be supplemented by the reinforcing member 11 attached to the outer surface of the display panel 100 in the bending region BA.

[0097] The first region 1A vertically extends from the display panel 100 displaying an image in the upward direction to the top surface of the cover member 20, and may be referred to as a display region AA in the vertical direction.

[0098] The second region 2A vertically extends from the top surface of the second support member BP2 in the downward direction where no image is displayed to the bottom surface of the rear frame 30, and may thus be referred to as a non-display region NA in the vertical direction.

[0099] In a portion of the display module 17 located in the first region 1A, the sealing layer 200 may be disposed on the display panel 100, and the polarizing layer 14 may be formed on the sealing layer 200 through the first adhesive layer AD1, and the cover member 20 may be disposed on the polarizing layer 14 through the optical adhesive layer 15. The embodiment is not limited thereto. As an example, the polarizing layer 14, the first adhesive layer AD1, and / or the optical adhesive layer 15 may be omitted according to the design. As an example, the reinforcing member 11 may be formed on the same layer as the polarizing layer 14. As an example, the reinforcing member 11 may be in contact with the side surface of the polarizing layer 14. As an example, the reinforcing member 11 may be spaced apart from the side surface of the polarizing layer 14 such that a part of the top surface of the sealing layer 200 may be exposed between the polarizing layer 14 and the reinforcing member 11. As an example, the thickness of the reinforcing member 11 may be less than the thickness of the polarizing layer 14, or may be equal to or greater than the thickness of the polarizing layer 14. As an example, the reinforcing member 11 may extend from the side surface of the polarizing layer 14 to the end of the sealing layer 200. As an example, the reinforcing member 11 may extend from the side surface of the polarizing layer 14 to cover the end of the sealing layer 200. As an example, the reinforcing member 11 may be formed between the optical adhesive layer 15 and the sealing layer 200. As an example, the reinforcing member 11 may be in contact with the bottom surface of the optical adhesive layer 15 extending beyond the polarizing layer 14.

[0100] In the first region 1A, as an example, the display module 17 may have a black matrix (not shown) disposed between the optical adhesive layer 15 and the cover member 20, but is not limited thereto. The light-blocking black matrix may be disposed in the non-display region NA or the border zone BZA and is used to reduce or prevent light leakage. The embodiment is not limited thereto. As an example, the black matrix may be omitted according to the design.

[0101] As an example, in a portion of the display module 17 located in the bending region BA, the first support member (backplane) BP1 may be disposed below the display panel 100 through the second adhesive layer AD2, and the plate 12 may be disposed below the support member BP1 through the third adhesive layer AD3. The connecting member 13 may be disposed below the plate 12 through the fourth adhesive layer AD4. The embodiment is not limited thereto. As an example, the plate 12, the third adhesive layer AD3, the connecting member 13, and / or the fourth adhesive layer AD4 may be omitted according to the design.

[0102] As an example, in the portion of the display module 17 located in the second region 2A, the second support member BP2 can be disposed below the connection member 13 through the fifth adhesive layer AD5. The bent portion of the display panel 100 can be disposed below the second support member BP2 through the sixth adhesive layer AD6. The bent portion of the sealing layer 200 can be disposed below the bent portion of the display panel 100. The bent portion of the reinforcing member 11 can be disposed below the bent portion of the sealing layer 200. The embodiments are not limited thereto. As an example, the adhesive layer can be omitted according to the design. As an example, the second support member BP2, the sealing layer 200, and / or the reinforcing member 11 can be formed to have adhesiveness, but are not limited thereto.

[0103] In the bending region BA, the region inward of the bent portion of the display panel 100 can be filled with a resin including an organic insulating material, but is not limited thereto.

[0104] The sealing layer 200 can be disposed on the display panel 100 in the first region 1A. In the bending region BA, the sealing layer 200 can be disposed on the outer surface of the display panel 100. In the second region 2A, the sealing layer 200 can be disposed below the bent portion of the display panel 100.

[0105] The sealing layer 200 can be disposed on the outer surface of the display panel 100 located in a part of the second region A2 and the bending region BA. The sealing layer 200 can cover the display panel 100 in the bending region BA, and can extend to cover at least a part or all of the display panel 100 in the first region 1A in contact with the bending region BA, and cover at least a part or all of the display panel 100 in the second region A2.

[0106] The sealing layer 200 can have a flat shape in the first region 1A, a downward bending shape in the bending region BA, and a flat shape in the second region 2A.

[0107] As an example, the sealing layer 200 can include epoxy resin, but is not limited thereto.

[0108] The reinforcing member 11 can be disposed below the sealing layer 200 in the second region 2A. In the bending region BA, the reinforcing member 11 can be disposed on the outer surface of the sealing layer 200. As an example, the reinforcing member 11 can extend to cover at least a part or all of the sealing layer 200 in the second region 2A. As an example, the reinforcing member 11 can extend to align with the end of the sealing layer 200 in the second region 2A, can expose at least a part of the sealing layer 200 in the second region 2A, or can cover the end of the sealing layer 200 in the second region 2A.

[0109] The rear frame 30 may be disposed below the cover member 20 and the reinforcement member 11.

[0110] The rear frame 30 may support the reinforcement member 11, support the border zone BZA of the cover member 20, and support the first region 1A, the second region 2A, and the bending region BA of the display panel 100. To this end, the rear frame 30 may contact the cover member 20 in the first region 1A, may contact the side surface of the reinforcement member 11 in the bending region BA, and may contact the bottom of the reinforcement member 11 in the second region 2A, and / or may contact the bent portion of the display panel 100 in the second region 2A. The embodiments are not limited thereto. As an example, the rear frame 30 may not directly contact the cover member 20 in the first region 1A, may not directly contact the side surface of the reinforcement member 11 in the bending region BA, may not directly contact the bottom of the reinforcement member 11 in the second region 2A, and / or may not directly contact the bent portion of the display panel 100 in the second region 2A.

[0111] As an example, the rear frame 30 may include epoxy resin. The epoxy resin may include epoxy-based resin. The embodiments are not limited thereto. As an example, the rear frame 30 may include any material capable of supporting the display panel 100.

[0112] The rear frame 30 may have a flat portion and a vertical portion protruding vertically upward from the edge of the flat portion. The flat portion of the rear frame 30 may be attached to the rear surface of the reinforcement member 110 by an adhesion means such as resin or tape. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The top of the vertical portion of the rear frame 30 may be adhered to the cover member 20 using, for example, double-sided tape, but is not limited thereto.

[0113] As an example, the rear frame 30 has a box shape with an open top and may accommodate the display module 17 therein, but is not limited thereto. The display module 17 may include the display panel 100.

[0114] Since the rear frame 30 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is made of epoxy resin, the rear frame may be thinner and may effectively protect the bending region BA, thereby achieving a narrow border of the display device 1.

[0115] Since the rear frame 30 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is made of epoxy resin, there may be no air gap in the display module including the display panel 100 of the display device 1, so that the display module does not move slightly. Therefore, the rear frame 30 may fix the display module in a more durable manner.

[0116] The display panel 100 may include, in the vertical direction (Z direction), a portion included in the first region 1A, a portion included in the bending region BA, and a portion included in the second region 2A. The first region 1A may correspond to the display region AA of the display panel 100, and the second region 2A may correspond to the pad PAD of the display panel 100. The first region 1A and the second region 2A may be arranged to face each other in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0117] The display panel 100 may have a flat shape in the first region 1A, a bent shape in the downward direction (-Z direction) in the bending region BA, and a flat shape extending inward from the bending region BA in the second region 2A.

[0118] As an example, in at least a part or all of the bending region BA, the first support member BP1 may be disposed below the display panel 100, but is not limited thereto. The first support member BP1 may support the portion of the display panel 100 in the first region 1A. For this purpose, the upper surface of the first support member BP1 may be joined to the lower surface of the display panel 100 through, for example, the second adhesive layer AD2, but is not limited thereto.

[0119] The first support member BP1 may be disposed below the lower surface of the display panel 100 to supplement the rigidity of the display panel 100 in the first region 1A and allow the portion constituting the front surface of the display panel 100 to maintain a flat state.

[0120] The display device 1 may include a second support member BP2 disposed in the second region 2A. The second support member BP2 may be disposed on top of the bent portion of the display panel 100.

[0121] Each of the first support member BP1 and the second support member BP2 may have a strength and thickness higher than a specific value to supplement the rigidity of the display panel 100.

[0122] Since the first support member BP1 is formed to have a specific strength and thickness to supplement the rigidity of the display panel 100, the first support member BP1 is not formed on the bent portion of the display panel 100 having a curved shape in the bending region BA.

[0123] The second support member BP2 may support the display panel 100 in the second region 2A. For this purpose, the lower surface of the second support member BP2 may be joined to the upper surface of the bent portion of the display panel 100 through, for example, the sixth adhesive layer AD6, but is not limited thereto.

[0124] The second support member BP2 may be vertically spaced apart from the first support member BP1 by a specific distance or more and may be disposed on top of the display panel 100 in the second region 2A.

[0125] Based on the shape of the display panel 100 before bending, the second support member BP2 may be disposed on the lower surface of the display panel 100 in a form horizontally spaced apart from the first support member BP1. The second support member BP2 may be disposed on the lower surface of the display panel 100, may supplement the rigidity of the display panel 100, and may keep the display panel 100 in a flat state. Since the second support member BP2 is formed to have a specific strength and thickness to supplement the rigidity of the display panel 100, the second support member BP2 may not be formed on a portion of the display panel 100 corresponding to a part of the bending area BA. Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. As an example, the second support member BP2 may be formed to have the same or different specific strength and thickness as the first support member BP1. For example, the second support member BP2 may include the same or different material as the first support member BP1. As an example, the second support member BP2 and the first support member BP1 may be integrally formed and then patterned, or may be formed separately.

[0126] After the display panel 100 has been bent, the second support member BP2 may be disposed on the top of the display panel 100 in the bending area BA and the second area 2A.

[0127] As an example, a plate 12 having a flat shape may be disposed between the first support member BP1 and the second support member BP2.

[0128] The plate 12 may include a rigid material such as metal to enhance the supporting force of the first support member BP1 and the second support member BP2, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the plate 12 may include one or a combination of stainless steel (SUS), glass, ceramics, and metal, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the plate 12 may be made of a plastic material including at least one of polycarbonate (PC), polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). As an example, the plate 12 may be omitted according to the design.

[0129] As an example, the first support member BP1 may be attached to the upper surface of the plate 12 through a third adhesive layer AD3.

[0130] As an example, a connecting member (border bending fixing band) 13 may be disposed on the lower surface of the plate 12. The connecting member 13 may fix the border bending state. Embodiments are not limited thereto. As an example, the connecting member 13 may be disposed on the upper surface of the plate 12, or may be omitted according to the design.

[0131] The connecting member 13 may be disposed between the second support member BP2 and the plate 12 to fix the bent portion of the display panel 100 at a position between the first region 1A and the second region 2A. The connecting member 13 may be adhered to the plate 12 through the fourth adhesive layer AD4 and may be adhered to the second support member BP2 through the fifth adhesive layer AD5, but is not limited thereto.

[0132] When the display panel 100 is bent in the bending region BA such that the pads of the display panel 100 are disposed on the lower surface of the display panel 100 (i.e., disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 100), a restoring force that returns the display panel 100 to its state before bending may be applied to the display panel 100.

[0133] When the restoring force acts on the display panel 100, a lifting phenomenon in which the pads of the bent portion of the display panel 100 are fixed but lifted may occur.

[0134] The connecting member 13 may be disposed between the front portion of the display panel 100 and the pads and may be used to fix the bent portion of the display panel 100, thereby maintaining its bent shape.

[0135] As an example, the connecting member 13 may be formed to have a constant thickness. As an example, the connecting member 13 may be implemented as a double-sided tape having a strong adhesive force that can fix the pads and the front portion of the display panel 100 to each other. As an example, the fourth adhesive layer AD4 and / or the fifth adhesive layer AD5 may be omitted.

[0136] As an example, the connecting member 13 may include at least one layer and may be made of at least one of an optically clear adhesive (OCA), an optically clear resin (OCR), or a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), but is not limited thereto.

[0137] As an example, the connecting member 13 may exist in the form of a foam tape or a foam pad having a shock-absorbing function or a double-sided tape having conductivity, but is not limited thereto. For example, the double-sided conductive tape may include an upper adhesive layer, a lower adhesive layer, and a conductive layer disposed between the upper adhesive layer and the lower adhesive layer, wherein each of the upper adhesive layer and the lower adhesive layer may include a conductive material.

[0138] The connecting member 13 may be attached to the plate 12 through the fourth adhesive layer AD4. The plate 12 may include a metallic material, but is not limited thereto. Although not shown, as an example, the plate 12 may include: a relief layer that contacts the first support member BP1; a buffer layer that is disposed below the relief layer and has a shock-absorbing function; and a heat dissipation layer that is disposed below the buffer layer and has a heat dissipation function, but is not limited thereto.

[0139] In Figure 2In the display device 1 shown, components can be stacked in the vertical direction (Z direction) and between a first region 1A and a second region 2A, as described below.

[0140] For example, a bent reinforcing member 11 can be provided on the rear frame 30, a bent portion of the sealing layer 200 can be provided on the reinforcing member 11, and a bent portion of the display panel 100 can be provided on the bent portion of the sealing layer 200.

[0141] A sixth adhesive layer AD6 can be provided on the bent portion of the display panel 100, a second support member BP2 can be provided on the sixth adhesive layer AD6, a fifth adhesive layer AD5 can be provided on the second support member BP2, and a connecting member 13 can be provided on the fifth adhesive layer AD5.

[0142] A fourth adhesive layer AD4 can be provided on the connecting member 13, and a plate 12 can be provided on the fourth adhesive layer AD4. A third adhesive layer AD3 can be provided on the plate 12. A first support member BP1 can be provided on the third adhesive layer AD3.

[0143] A second adhesive layer AD2 can be provided on the first support member BP1, and a flat portion of the display panel 100 can be provided on the second adhesive layer AD2.

[0144] A flat portion of the sealing layer 200 can be provided on the flat portion of the display panel 100, a first adhesive layer AD1 can be provided on the flat portion of the sealing layer 200, and a polarizing layer 14 can be provided on the first adhesive layer AD1. An optical adhesive layer (optical transparent adhesive) 15 can be provided on the polarizing layer 14, and a cover member 20 can be provided on the optical adhesive layer 15.

[0145] The cover member 20 can protect the display panel 100 from external impacts and can transmit light emitted from the display panel 100 so that an image displayed on the display panel 100 is visible from the outside.

[0146] The cover member 20 can be made of a material having impact resistance and light transmittance, and for example, can be made of any one of glass, tempered glass, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), cycloolefin polymer (COP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), or polyamide (PA). Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0147] The optical adhesive layer 15 may have a thickness of, for example, 100 μm to 300 μm, but is not limited thereto. When the optical adhesive layer 15 has a thickness of 100 μm or less, the bonding strength becomes weak, making it difficult to modularize the cover member 20 and the first support member BP1 and the second support member BP2. When the optical adhesive layer 15 has a thickness of 300 μm or more, folding of the display device 1 may be difficult. Therefore, the optical adhesive layer 15 may have a thickness of 100 μm to 300 μm. The embodiments are not limited thereto. As an example, the optical adhesive layer 15 may have a thickness outside the range of 100 μm to 300 μm.

[0148] The polarizing layer 14 reduces or prevents the contrast CR from being reduced due to external light. In the display device 1 according to the present disclosure, the display panel may be implemented as an OLED panel. In this case, when the display panel operates in a driving mode for displaying an image, the polarizing layer 14 that blocks external light incident from the outside may be disposed in the propagation path of the light emitted through the display panel, thereby improving the contrast.

[0149] The single support member provided in the first region 1A, the bending region BA, and the second region 2A may be cut out in the bending region BA, such that the first support member BP1 is located on top of the plate 12 in the first region 1A and below the display panel 100, while the second support member BP2 is located in the second region 2A including the rear surface of the display panel 100, but is not limited thereto.

[0150] In this regard, the support member in the bending region BA is cut out, thereby exposing a part of the display panel 100 in the bending region BA. Then, the reinforcing member 11 and the display panel 100 are bent in the bending region BA, and the connecting member 13 is joined to the second support member BP2 through the fifth adhesive layer AD5.

[0151] The reinforcing member 11 improves the deformation of the display panel 100 in the bending region BA. As an example, the reinforcing member 11 allows the display panel 100 to be bent with a constant curvature, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the display panel 100 may be bent with a varying curvature. The reinforcing member 11 may be formed of a resin layer to compensate for the weakening of rigidity due to the bending of the display panel 100 in the bending region BA, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the reinforcing member 11 may be made of a polymer such as polyimide (PI) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). When the reinforcing member 11 is implemented as a polymer film, the member 11 may have a modulus of about 1 to about 10 GPa. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0152] In Figure 2In [description], the rear frame 30 may include metal, but is not limited thereto. Thus, the rear frame 30 made of metal can accommodate components including the display panel 100 disposed on the rear surface of the cover member 20 therein and protect these components.

[0153] Alternatively, as an example, the rear frame 30 may include a plastic material such as resin having a shock-absorbing function. In this case, when an impact is applied to the rear frame 30 due to an external force exceeding a specific pressure, the impact can be mitigated by the shock-absorbing function of the plastic material.

[0154] Therefore, the buffering effect of the rear frame 30 can reduce or prevent cracks from occurring in the display panel 100 to protect the display panel 100.

[0155] In Figure 2 [description], the display device 1 may include a third region 3A excluding the bending region BA from the border region BZA. The third region 3A can adjust the size of the border region BZA. Thus, the third region 3A can be referred to as a "system space". Therefore, in the display device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the size of the border region BZA can be determined based on the third region 3A. The size of the third region 3A can be adjusted based on the thickness of the sealing layer 200 and the thickness of the reinforcing member 11. For example, when the sealing layer 200 can be set to extend into the bending region BA, the size of the third region 3A can be reduced. In this case, the size of the border region BZA can be reduced.

[0156] The sealing layer 200 can be disposed on top of the display panel 100 in the first region 1A, on the outer surface of the display panel 100 in the bending region BA, and below the display panel 100 in the second region 2A.

[0157] As Figure 3 shown, the sealing layer 200 disposed to extend from the first region 1A through the bending region BA to the second region 2A can have a constant thickness. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example in which the sealing layer on the display panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has a constant thickness. As Figure 3 shown, the sealing layer 200 can have a constant thickness across the display region AA, the bending region BA, and the non-display region NA. The sealing layer 200 can have a constant thickness across the first region 1A, the bending region BA, and the second region 2A.

[0158] As Figure 4 shown, the sealing layer 200-1 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can have different thicknesses in the first region 1A, the bending region BA, and the second region 2A. Figure 4FIG. is an example showing that the sealing layer in the second region 2A is thicker than that in the first region 1A according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, as Figure 4 shown, the thickness of the sealing layer 200-1 in the second region 2A can be greater than that in the first region 1A. As the sealing layer 200-1 extends from the first region 1A to the second region 2A through the bending region BA, the sealing layer 200-1 can have an increasingly larger thickness.

[0159] As Figure 5 shown, the sealing layer 200-2 according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can have different thicknesses in the first region 1A, the bending region BA, and the second region 2A. Figure 5 FIG. is an example showing that the sealing layer 200-2 is thicker in the first region 1A than in the second region 2A according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, as Figure 5 shown, the thickness of the sealing layer 200-2 in the first region 1A can be greater than that in the second region 2A. As the sealing layer 200-2 extends from the first region 1A to the second region 2A through the bending region BA, the sealing layer 200-2 can have a gradually decreasing thickness.

[0160] As Figures 2 to 5 shown, each of the sealing layers 200, 200-1, and 200-2 can include an organic material, but is not limited thereto.

[0161] As Figure 6 shown, the display panel 100 can include an encapsulation layer ENCAP and a touch layer TL located on the encapsulation layer ENCAP.

[0162] As Figure 6 shown, the sealing layer 200 can be disposed on top of the touch layer TL located on the encapsulation layer ENCAP. In this regard, the encapsulation layer ENCAP can include a first encapsulation layer PAS1 implemented as an inorganic film, a second encapsulation layer PCL implemented as an organic film and disposed on the first encapsulation layer PAS1, and a third encapsulation layer PAS2 implemented as an organic film and disposed on the second encapsulation layer PCL. The embodiment is not limited thereto. As an example, each of the first encapsulation layer PAS1, the second encapsulation layer PCL, and the third encapsulation layer PAS2 can be implemented as an organic film, an inorganic film, or a combination thereof.

[0163] Figure 6 FIG. is a cross-sectional view of a display area including a touch structure located below the sealing layer 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0164] Referring to Figure 6, the substrate SUB may include a first substrate SUB1, an interlayer insulating film IPD, and a second substrate SUB2. The interlayer insulating film IPD may be located between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. When the substrate SUB is composed of the first substrate SUB1, the interlayer insulating film IPD, and the second substrate SUB2, such a configuration can reduce or prevent moisture penetration. For example, each of the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 may be implemented as a polyimide (PI) substrate. The first substrate SUB1 may be referred to as the first PI substrate, and the second substrate SUB2 may be referred to as the second PI substrate. The embodiments are not limited thereto. As an example, the substrate SUB may include a single substrate or multiple substrates implemented as various organic or inorganic materials.

[0165] On the substrate SUB, various patterns ACT, SD1, and GATE for forming transistors such as a driving transistor DRT, various insulating films MBUF, ABUF1, ABUF2, GI, ILD1, ILD2, and PAS0, and various metal patterns TM, GM, ML1, and ML2 may be provided.

[0166] The multi-buffer layer MBUF may be provided on the second substrate SUB2, and the first active buffer layer ABUF1 may be provided on the multi-buffer layer MBUF, but it is not limited thereto.

[0167] The first metal layer ML1 and / or the second metal layer ML2 may be provided on the first active buffer layer ABUF1. In this regard, each of the first metal layer ML1 and the second metal layer ML2 may serve as a light-shielding layer LS for light shielding. As an example, the first metal layer ML1 and / or the second metal layer ML2 may be omitted according to the design.

[0168] The second active buffer layer ABUF2 may be provided on the first metal layer ML1 and the second metal layer ML2. The active layer ACT of the driving transistor DRT may be provided on the second active buffer layer ABUF2.

[0169] A gate insulating film GI may be provided to cover the active layer ACT.

[0170] The gate electrode GATE of the driving transistor DRT may be provided on the gate insulating film GI. In this regard, the gate material layer GM together with the gate electrode GATE of the driving transistor DRT may be provided at a position different from the formation position of the driving transistor DRT on the gate insulating film GI.

[0171] A first interlayer insulating film ILD1 may be provided to cover the gate electrode GATE and the gate material layer GM. A metal pattern TM may be provided on the first interlayer insulating film ILD1. The metal pattern TM may be located at a position different from the formation position of the driving transistor DRT. A second interlayer insulating film ILD2 may be provided to cover the metal pattern TM on the first interlayer insulating film ILD1.

[0172] Two first source / drain electrode patterns SD1 may be provided on the second interlayer insulating film ILD2. One of the two first source / drain electrode patterns SD1 may be used as a source node of the driving transistor DRT, and the other of the two first source / drain electrode patterns SD1 may be used as a drain node of the driving transistor DRT.

[0173] The two first source / drain electrode patterns SD1 may be electrically connected to one side and the other side of the active layer ACT respectively via contact holes extending through the second interlayer insulating film ILD2, the first interlayer insulating film ILD1, and the gate insulating film GI.

[0174] In one example, referring to Figure 6 , the second interlayer insulating film ILD2 may include a 2-1 interlayer insulating film ILD2-1 and a 2-2 interlayer insulating film ILD2-2, but is not limited thereto. The 2-1 interlayer insulating film ILD2-1 may be positioned to cover the metal pattern TM. The 2-2 interlayer insulating film ILD2-2 may be located on the 2-1 interlayer insulating film ILD2-1.

[0175] The overlapping portion of the active layer ACT and the gate electrode GATE serves as a channel region. One of the two first source / drain electrode patterns SD1 may be connected to one side of the channel region of the active layer ACT, and the other of the two first source / drain electrode patterns SD1 may be connected to the other side of the channel region of the active layer ACT.

[0176] A passivation layer PAS0 may be provided to cover the two first source / drain electrode patterns SD1. A planarization layer PLN may be provided on the passivation layer PAS0. The planarization layer PLN may include a first planarization layer PLN1 and a second planarization layer PLN2, or may include a single planarization layer or more than two planarization layers, but is not limited thereto.

[0177] The first planarization layer PLN1 may be provided on the passivation layer PAS0.

[0178] A second source / drain electrode pattern SD2 may be provided on the first planarization layer PLN1. The second source / drain electrode pattern SD2 may be connected to one of the two first source / drain electrode patterns SD1 via a contact hole extending through the first planarization layer PLN1.

[0179] A second planarization layer PLN2 may be provided to cover the second source / drain electrode pattern SD2. The light-emitting element ED may be provided on the second planarization layer PLN2.

[0180] Referring to the stacked structure of the light-emitting element ED, the anode electrode AE may be provided on the second planarization layer PLN2. The anode electrode AE may be electrically connected to the second source / drain electrode pattern SD2 through a contact hole extending through the second planarization layer PLN2.

[0181] A bank BANK may be provided to cover a part of the anode electrode AE. A part of the bank BANK corresponding to the light-emitting region EA of the sub-pixel SP may be open.

[0182] A part of the anode electrode AE may be exposed through the opening of the bank BANK. The light-emitting layer EL may be located on the side surface of the bank BANK adjacent to the opening of the bank BANK, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the light-emitting layer EL may also be located on a part of the top surface of the bank BANK. The whole or a part of the light-emitting layer EL may be located between adjacent parts of the bank BANK.

[0183] In the opening of the bank BANK, the light-emitting layer EL may be in contact with the anode electrode AE. The cathode electrode CE may be provided on the light-emitting layer EL.

[0184] The light-emitting element ED may be composed of the anode electrode AE, the light-emitting layer EL, and the cathode electrode CE. The light-emitting layer EL may include an organic film.

[0185] As described above, the encapsulation layer ENCAP may be provided on the light-emitting element ED.

[0186] The encapsulation layer ENCAP may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. For example, as Figure 6 shown, the encapsulation layer ENCAP may include a first encapsulation layer PAS1, a second encapsulation layer PCL, and a third encapsulation layer PAS2.

[0187] For example, each of the first encapsulation layer PAS1 and the third encapsulation layer PAS2 may be implemented as an inorganic layer, and the second encapsulation layer PCL may be implemented as an organic layer. Among the first encapsulation layer PAS1, the second encapsulation layer PCL, and the third encapsulation layer PAS2, the second encapsulation layer PCL may be the thickest, but is not limited thereto. According to this exemplary configuration, the second encapsulation layer PCL may be used as a planarization layer. The first encapsulation layer PAS1 may be referred to as the first inorganic encapsulation layer, the second encapsulation layer PCL may be referred to as the organic encapsulation layer, and the third encapsulation layer PAS2 may be referred to as the second inorganic encapsulation layer.

[0188] The first encapsulation layer PAS1 can be disposed on the cathode electrode CE and can be the layer closest to the light-emitting element ED among the first encapsulation layer PAS1, the second encapsulation layer PCL, and the third encapsulation layer PAS2. The first encapsulation layer PAS1 can be made of an inorganic insulating material that can withstand low-temperature deposition, but is not limited thereto. For example, the first encapsulation layer PAS1 can be made of silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon oxynitride (SiON), or aluminum oxide (Al2O3), but is not limited thereto. Since the first encapsulation layer PAS1 is deposited in a low-temperature atmosphere, the first encapsulation layer PAS1 can reduce or prevent damage to the light-emitting layer EL containing organic materials that are vulnerable to high-temperature atmospheres during deposition.

[0189] The second encapsulation layer PCL can be formed to have an area smaller than the area of the first encapsulation layer PAS1, but is not limited thereto. In this case, the second encapsulation layer PCL can be formed so as not to cover two opposite ends of the first encapsulation layer PAS1, thereby exposing them. The second encapsulation layer PCL can be used as a shock-absorbing layer to relieve, for example, interlayer stress caused by bending of the display device 1, and can be used to enhance planarization performance. For example, the second encapsulation layer PCL can be made of acrylic resin, epoxy resin, polyimide, polyethylene, or silicon oxycarbide (SiOC), or can be made of other organic or organic insulating materials. For example, the second encapsulation layer PCL can be formed by an inkjet method.

[0190] The third encapsulation layer PAS2 can be formed on the substrate SUB on which the second encapsulation layer PCL has been formed to cover the upper surfaces and side surfaces of each of the second encapsulation layer PCL and the first encapsulation layer PAS1. The third encapsulation layer PAS2 can reduce, minimize, or block the infiltration of external moisture or oxygen into the first encapsulation layer PAS1 and the second encapsulation layer PCL. For example, the third encapsulation layer PAS2 can be made of an inorganic insulating material such as silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon oxynitride (SiON), or aluminum oxide (Al2O3), but is not limited thereto.

[0191] Referring to Figure 6 , when the touch sensor TS is built into the display panel 100, the touch layer TL including the touch sensor TS can be disposed on the encapsulation layer ENCAP, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the touch sensor TS can be omitted according to the design. A detailed description of the touch sensor structure is as follows.

[0192] The touch buffer film T-BUF can be disposed on the third encapsulation layer PAS2 of the encapsulation layer ENCAP. The touch sensor TS and the touch interlayer insulating film T-ILD can be disposed on the touch buffer film T-BUF. The touch protection film PAC can be disposed on the touch sensor TS and the touch interlayer insulating film T-ILD. The sealing layer 200 can be disposed on the touch protection film PAC.

[0193] The touch sensor TS can include a touch sensor metal TSM and a bridging metal BRG located in different layers.

[0194] The touch interlayer insulating film T-ILD can be disposed between each of the touch sensor metals TSM and the bridging metal BRG.

[0195] For example, the touch sensor metal TSM can include a first touch sensor metal TSM, a second touch sensor metal TSM, and a third touch sensor metal TSM disposed adjacent to each other. The third touch sensor metal TSM can be disposed between the first touch sensor metal TSM and the second touch sensor metal TSM. When the first touch sensor metal TSM and the second touch sensor metal TSM must be electrically connected to each other, the first touch sensor metal TSM and the second touch sensor metal TSM can be electrically connected to each other via a bridging metal BRG located in a layer different from the layers of the first touch sensor metal TSM and the second touch sensor metal TSM. The bridging metal BRG can be insulated from the third touch sensor metal TSM by the touch interlayer insulating film T-ILD.

[0196] When forming the touch sensor TS in the display panel 100, chemicals (such as developers or etchants) used in the process may flow into the lower layer, or moisture may flow in from the outside into the lower layer. Therefore, when the touch sensor TS is disposed on the touch buffer film T-BUF, during the manufacturing process of the touch sensor TS, the infiltration of chemicals or moisture into the light-emitting layer EL containing organic materials can be reduced or prevented. Therefore, the touch buffer film T-BUF can mitigate or prevent damage to the light-emitting layer EL vulnerable to chemicals or moisture.

[0197] The touch buffer film T-BUF can be made of an organic insulating material, which can be deposited at a low temperature below a specific temperature (e.g., 100 degrees Celsius) to reduce or prevent damage to the light-emitting layer EL containing organic materials susceptible to high temperatures, and which has a low dielectric constant of 1 to 3, but is not limited thereto. For example, the touch buffer film T-BUF can be made of an allyl group, epoxy group, or siloxanyl group material. As the display device 1 is bent, the encapsulation layer ENCAP may be damaged, and the touch sensor metal located on the touch buffer film T-BUF may be broken. In the present exemplary embodiment, even when the display device 1 is bent, the touch buffer film T-BUF made of an organic insulating material and having a planarization property can reduce or prevent damage to the encapsulation layer ENCAP and / or can mitigate or prevent breakage of the metals TSM and BRG constituting the touch sensor TS.

[0198] The touch protection film PAC can be disposed on the touch sensor TS and the touch layer inter-insulating film T-ILD. The touch protection film PAC can be disposed to cover the touch sensor TS. The touch protection film PAC can be implemented as an organic insulating film, but is not limited thereto. The sealing layer 200 can be disposed on the touch protection film PAC, but is not limited thereto. In this regard, the sealing layer 200 can be made of an insulating material such as an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, a polyimide, a polyethylene, or silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) to reduce or prevent moisture from penetrating from the outside.

[0199] In one example, the manufacturing apparatus can be used to form the sealing layer 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure on the display panel 100. The manufacturing apparatus can include a resin coating valve (spraying valve) and a resin coating nozzle, but is not limited thereto. Accordingly, the forming process of the sealing layer 200 can be performed when the chip-on-film (COF), the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), and / or the FPC protection film (FPC top liner) have already been provided, but is not limited thereto.

[0200] As an example, the sealing layer 200 can be formed by coating a mixed solution of a resin component and aluminum (Al) nanoparticles through a coating nozzle when the resin coating valve is already located at one end of the display panel 100, but is not limited thereto.

[0201] As an example, the resin component is a material for forming the reinforcing member 11 as a microcoating (MCL), but is not limited thereto. In the mixed solution of the resin component and aluminum nanoparticles, the aluminum nanoparticles may correspond to a thickness of 10 to 30 nanometers (nm) and may have a content of 10 vol%. The mixed solution may be coated to a total thickness of 60 nanometers (nm). In this regard, vol% refers to a physical volume unit and represents the volume ratio of a material with respect to 100% as a unit volume. Thus, the fact that the content of the aluminum nanoparticles is 10 vol% indicates that the aluminum nanoparticles occupy 10% of the volume ratio in the 100 vol% mixed solution. The embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the thickness and content of the aluminum nanoparticles and the total thickness of the mixed solution may be adjusted in various ways.

[0202] The sealing layer 200 formed by the above process includes aluminum (Al) nanoparticles. Thus, when ultraviolet (UV) light is irradiated, the ultraviolet light can be reflected from the aluminum nanoparticles.

[0203] In this regard, it has been found that aluminum nanoparticles have a higher ultraviolet reflectivity than other metal nanoparticles. When the wavelength λ of the ultraviolet light is 350 nanometers (nm), it has been found that the aluminum nanoparticles have an ultraviolet reflectivity of 0.9. Thus, it can be determined that aluminum has a higher ultraviolet reflectivity than other metals when irradiated with ultraviolet light of the same wavelength. The embodiments are not limited thereto. As an example, the sealing layer 200 may not include aluminum (Al) nanoparticles.

[0204] Due to the high ultraviolet reflectivity of the aluminum nanoparticles, the mixed solution of the resin component and the aluminum nanoparticles can reflect 90% of the ultraviolet light with a wavelength λ of 350 nanometers (nm) irradiated onto the sealing layer 200.

[0205] As an example, the mixed solution of the resin component and aluminum nanoparticles as a composite material is coated onto the reinforcing member 11 or the display panel 100 to a thickness of 60 nanometers (nm). In this case, when the aluminum nanoparticles are deposited at 10 vol% in the mixed solution, high reflectivity and modulus values are found. When the aluminum nanoparticles are deposited to a thickness equal to or less than 6 nanometers (nm) (corresponding to 10 vol% of the total thickness of 60 nanometers (nm) of the sealing layer 200), its ultraviolet reflectivity is about 90%, and its modulus is about 1625 megapascals (MPa).

[0206] As described above, the reinforcing member 11 and the sealing layer 200 are provided on the outer surface of the bent portion of the display panel 100 in the bending region BA. Thus, when ultraviolet light is irradiated, the ultraviolet light is reflected from the metal nanoparticles to reduce or prevent cracks and damage to the panel.

[0207] In addition, during the manufacture of the display panel 100, the amount of ultraviolet light irradiation can be locally controlled based on the deposition amount of metal nanoparticles included in the sealing layer 200 in the bending area BA vulnerable to ultraviolet light irradiation.

[0208] In addition, during the manufacture of the display panel 100, ultraviolet light can be reflected from the metal nanoparticles included in the sealing layer 200, thereby supplementing the compressive rigidity of the bending area BA of the display panel 100.

[0209] In one example, the driving integrated circuit can be disposed on the opposite side of the pad of the display panel 100.

[0210] As an example, the driving integrated circuit can be mounted in the display panel 100 in a chip bonding process or a surface mounting process, but is not limited thereto. Based on the bending state, the driving integrated circuit can be disposed below the display panel 100. For example, the driving integrated circuit can be disposed below the pad.

[0211] In this case, a flexible printed circuit board (not shown) can be disposed between the pad and the driving integrated circuit such that the driving integrated circuit can be located on the rear surface of the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), but is not limited thereto.

[0212] The driving integrated circuit generates a data signal and / or a gate control signal based on image data and a timing synchronization signal provided from an external host driving system. The driving integrated circuit can supply the data signal to the data line of each pixel and supply the gate control signal to a gate driving circuit (not shown) through the pad.

[0213] The driving integrated circuit can be mounted in a chip mounting area defined in the display panel 100, can be electrically connected to the pad, and can be connected to signal lines of a pixel array and a gate driving circuit provided on the display panel 100.

[0214] Since the driving integrated circuit generates a considerable amount of heat, it is advantageous to effectively dissipate heat from the driving integrated circuit. As an example, the heat from the driving integrated circuit can be mainly dissipated through the support plate.

[0215] The pad can be disposed on a side of the display panel 100 connected to the driving integrated circuit. The pad can be electrically connected to a flexible printed circuit board on which an upper circuit board has been mounted on the rear surface of the display panel 100.

[0216] For example, in a film attachment process using a conductive adhesive layer, one side of the flexible printed circuit board can be electrically connected to the pad disposed on one side of the display panel 100, but is not limited thereto. The flexible printed circuit board can be located on the rear surface of the display panel 100.

[0217] In this case, as an example, the conductive adhesive layer can be implemented as an anisotropic conductive film (ACF).

[0218] The circuit board can supply the image data and the timing synchronization signal provided from the host driving system to the driving integrated circuit, and can supply the voltages required to drive each of the pixel array, the gate driving circuit, and the driving integrated circuit.

[0219] The flexible printed circuit board connected to one side of the display panel 100 can be formed to extend such that the flexible printed circuit board is bent together with the display panel 100 toward the rear surface of the display panel 100.

[0220] The flexible printed circuit board extending from the side connected to the display panel 100 can be located on a portion of the rear surface of the display panel 100 that is not covered by the pads of the display panel 100.

[0221] Therefore, at least a portion of the flexible printed circuit board can contact the rear surface of the display panel 100.

[0222] The display device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure refers to a display device having flexibility, and can refer to a bendable display device, a rollable display device, an unbreakable display device, and a foldable display device, but is not limited thereto.

[0223] As an example, the driving integrated circuit can be implemented as a thin film transistor (TFT) in the non-display area NA. Such a driving integrated circuit can be referred to as an in-panel gate (GIP) circuit. The GIP circuit GIP can include a gate driver of the GIP structure. In this regard, the gate driver can be implemented as a bottom-gate type thin film transistor (BG-T), and the source-drain metal film of the bridging wiring can extend to be connected to the drain of the BG-type thin film transistor, but is not limited thereto.

[0224] In addition, some components such as a data driver IC can be mounted on a separate printed circuit board, and can be coupled to a connection interface (pad / bump, pin, etc.) provided in the non-display area NA using circuit films such as a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), a chip on film (COF), a tape carrier package (TCP), etc. The non-display area NA can be bent together with the connection interface such that the printed circuit board (COF, PCB, etc.) can be located on the rear surface or the back surface of the display device 1.

[0225] The display device 1 according to the present disclosure may include various additional elements for generating various signals or for driving pixels PX in a display area. The additional elements for driving pixels may include, but are not limited to, an inverter circuit, a multiplexer, an electrostatic discharge circuit, etc. The display device 1 according to the present disclosure may include additional elements associated with functions other than pixel operations. For example, the display device 1 according to the present disclosure includes additional elements providing a touch detection function, a user authentication function (e.g., fingerprint recognition), a multi-level pressure detection function, a haptic feedback function, etc. The above additional elements may be located in a non-display area NA and / or in an external circuit connected to a connection interface.

[0226] Multiple portions of the display device 1 according to the present disclosure may be bent along a bending line. The bending line may extend horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Accordingly, based on a desired design, the display device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be bent in a combination of horizontal, vertical, and diagonal directions.

[0227] One or more edges of the display device 1 according to the present disclosure may be bent along a bending line so as to be away from a central portion. The bending line may be located near an edge of the display device 1, but may also extend through a central portion of the display device 1 or diagonally extend from one or more corners of the display device 1. Such a structure may make the display device 1 a foldable display device or a display device that displays images on each of two folding surfaces.

[0228] Since one or more portions of the display device 1 may be bent, the display device 1 according to the present disclosure may include a substantially flat portion and a bent portion. A portion of the display device 1 may be referred to as a substantially flat area. A portion of the display device 1 may be bent at a predetermined angle, and this portion may be referred to as a bending area or a curvature area. The curvature area includes a bent segment that is actually bent at a predetermined bending radius.

[0229] The term "substantially flat" also includes a portion that is not completely flat. For example, in some embodiments, a recessed central portion and a protruding central portion may also be described as a substantially flat portion. One or more bending portions may be present adjacent to the recessed central portion or the protruding central portion and may be bent inward or outward along the bending line at a certain angle with respect to a bending axis. The curvature radius of the curvature area is smaller than the curvature radius of the flat area. In other words, the term "substantially flat" refers to a portion having a curvature smaller than the curvature of an adjacent segment. In addition, the term "substantially flat" also includes a completely flat portion.

[0230] As an example, depending on the position of the bending line, the portion on one side of the bending line is positioned toward the center of the display device 1, and the portion on the other side of the bending line is positioned toward the edge of the display device 1. The portion disposed toward the center of the display device 1 may be referred to as a central portion, and the portion disposed toward the edge of the display device 1 may be referred to as an edge portion. Although not always the case, the central portion of the display device 1 may be substantially flat, and the edge portion may be a curved portion. The substantially flat portion may be located at the edge portion. In some shapes of the display device 1, the bent portion may be located between two substantially flat portions.

[0231] When the non-display area NA is bent, the non-display area NA may be invisible or only minimally visible to a viewer in front of the display device 1. The portion of the non-display area NA visible to a viewer in front of the display device 1 may be covered by a bezel. The bezel may be a separate structure or may be formed as a housing or a suitable component. The portion of the non-display area NA visible to a viewer in front of the display device 1 may be hidden under an opaque mask layer such as black ink (e.g., a polymer filled with carbon black). The opaque mask layer may be disposed on various layers (touch sensor layer, polarizing layer, cover layer, etc.) included in the display device 1.

[0232] In some exemplary embodiments, the curved portion of the display device 1 may include a display area capable of displaying an image. As an example, the bending line may be disposed within the display area such that at least some pixels of the display area are included in the curved portion. The embodiments are not limited thereto. As an example, the curved portion of the display device 1 may not include a display area capable of displaying an image.

[0233] Figures 7 to 9 FIG. is a diagram illustrating an example of applying a touch structure to a sealing layer on a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0234] Referring to Figure 7 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing layer 200 may be provided to have a constant thickness, and the reinforcing member 11 may be provided to cover the top surface and the side surface of the sealing layer 200.

[0235] In this regard, the sealing layer 200 may include a touch structure therein. The touch structure may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer PAS1, an organic encapsulation layer PCL disposed on the first inorganic encapsulation layer PAS1, a second inorganic encapsulation layer PAS2 disposed on the organic encapsulation layer PCL, a touch buffer film T-BUF disposed on the second inorganic encapsulation layer PAS2, a touch interlayer insulating film T-ILD disposed on the touch buffer film T-BUF, and a touch protection film PAC disposed on the touch interlayer insulating film T-ILD. The embodiments are not limited thereto. As an example, at least one of the above components may be omitted, and / or one or more additional components may also be included.

[0236] Referring to Figure 8 , the sealing layer 200-1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may have a shape in which the thickness gradually increases as the sealing layer extends from one side to the other side. The reinforcing member 11 may be disposed to cover the top surface and the side surface of the sealing layer 200-1.

[0237] In this regard, the sealing layer 200-1 may include a touch structure therein. The touch structure may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer PAS1, an organic encapsulation layer PCL disposed on the first inorganic encapsulation layer PAS1, a second inorganic encapsulation layer PAS2 disposed on the organic encapsulation layer PCL, a touch buffer film T-BUF disposed on the second inorganic encapsulation layer PAS2, a touch interlayer insulating film T-ILD disposed on the touch buffer film T-BUF, and a touch protection film PAC disposed on the touch interlayer insulating film T-ILD.

[0238] Referring to Figure 9 , the sealing layer 200-2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may have a shape in which the thickness gradually decreases as the sealing layer extends from one side to the other side. The reinforcing member 11 may be disposed to cover the top surface and the side surface of the sealing layer 200-2.

[0239] In this regard, the sealing layer 200-2 may include a touch structure therein. The touch structure may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer PAS1, an organic encapsulation layer PCL disposed on the first inorganic encapsulation layer PAS1, a second inorganic encapsulation layer PAS2 disposed on the organic encapsulation layer PCL, a touch buffer film T-BUF disposed on the second inorganic encapsulation layer PAS2, a touch interlayer insulating film T-ILD disposed on the touch buffer film T-BUF, and a touch protection film PAC disposed on the touch interlayer insulating film T-ILD.

[0240] As an example, as Figures 7 to 9Each of the illustrated sealing layers 200, 200-1, and 200-2 may include metal nanoparticles. The metal nanoparticles include, for example, aluminum (Al) nanoparticles. The embodiments are not limited thereto. As an example, as Figures 7 to 9 each of the illustrated sealing layers 200, 200-1, and 200-2 may include metal nanoparticles other than aluminum (Al) nanoparticles. For example, as Figures 7 to 9 each of the illustrated sealing layers 200, 200-1, and 200-2 may not include metal nanoparticles.

[0241] Each of the sealing layers 200, 200-1, and 200-2 may be disposed between the display panel 100 and the reinforcing member 11. In this case, when the reinforcing member 11 is implemented as a microcoating (MCL), each of the sealing layers 200, 200-1, and 200-2 may be formed by coating a mixed solution of the components of the microcoating (MCL) and aluminum (Al) nanoparticles. In this regard, the components of the microcoating (MCL) may include an acrylic-based resin, but are not limited thereto.

[0242] Each of the sealing layers 200, 200-1, and 200-2 may be applied to the display panel 100. In this case, when ultraviolet rays (UV) are irradiated, the amount of ultraviolet rays irradiated to the bending area BA of the display panel 100 may be reduced, and the rigidity of a local area near the bending area BA of the display panel 100 may be enhanced.

[0243] In addition, when ultraviolet rays (UV) are irradiated to the display module 17, the damage to the vulnerable area of the display module 17 may be reduced by 10% compared with the conventional case, thereby improving the lifespan of the display panel 100.

[0244] The metal nanoparticles included in each of the sealing layers 200, 200-1, and 200-2 disposed between the display panel 100 and the reinforcing member 11 may be coated to a thickness of 10 to 30 nanometers (nm), or a thickness less than 10 nanometers (nm) or greater than 30 nanometers (nm).

[0245] The sealing layer 200 and the reinforcing member 11 may be applied to the display panel 100, and thus may have a length of 2.6 millimeters (mm) and a thickness of 60 micrometers (μm), for example.

[0246] Each of the sealing layers 200, 200-1, and 200-2 can be bent together with the display panel 100 and the reinforcing member 11 in the bending region BA, so that it can be disposed below the bent portion of the display panel 100 and horizontally extend in the second region 2A. The bent portion of each of the sealing layers 200, 200-1, and 200-2 can have a length of, for example, about 1.428 millimeters (mm). The length of the bent portion of each of the sealing layers 200, 200-1, and 200-2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto and can vary based on the template.

[0247] Figures 10 to 12 FIG. is an example showing that the system space according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure changes based on the change in the thickness of the sealing layer.

[0248] Referring to Figure 10 , when the sealing layer 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has a constant thickness over the first region 1A, the bending region BA, and the second region 2A, the third region 3A can become the first change region A. The size of the first change region A is smaller than the size of the third region 3A. When the sealing layer 200 extends from the display region AA into the bending region BA, the system space A of the display device 1 can be further reduced, and thus, the bezel region BAZ becomes smaller.

[0249] In this case, the thickness of the reinforcing member 11 disposed on the outer surface of the sealing layer 200 in the bending region BA can be reduced by about 32%.

[0250] In addition, compared with the conventional case, the first maximum strain (MS1) value of the source-drain metal layer in the bending region BA can be increased by about 16%.

[0251] Therefore, the risk of breakage in the bending region BA of the display device 1 can be reduced.

[0252] Referring to Figure 11 , when the thickness of the sealing layer 200-1 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure becomes larger as it extends from the first region 1A through the bending region BA to the second region 2A, the third region 3A can become the second change region B. The size of the second change region B is smaller than the size of the third region 3A. When the sealing layer 200-1 becomes thicker as it extends from the display region AA to the bending region BA, the system space B of the display device 1 can be further reduced, and thus, the bezel region BAZ can be further reduced.

[0253] In this case, compared with the conventional case, the second maximum strain (MS2) value of the source-drain metal layer in the bending region BA can be increased by about 25%.

[0254] Accordingly, the risk of breakage in the bending region BA of the display device 1 can be reduced.

[0255] Referring to Figure 12 , when the thickness of the sealing layer 200-2 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure decreases as it extends from the first region 1A through the bending region BA to the second region 2A, the third region 3A can become the third changing region C. The size of the third changing region C is smaller than the size of the third region 3A. When the sealing layer 200-2 becomes thinner as it extends from the display region AA to the bending region BA, the system space C of the display device 1 can be further reduced. Accordingly, the bezel region BAZ can be further reduced.

[0256] In this case, compared with the conventional case, the value of the third maximum strain (MS3) of the source-drain metal layer in the bending region BA can be increased by about 21%.

[0257] Accordingly, the risk of breakage in the bending region BA of the display device 1 can be reduced.

[0258] Figures 13 to 15 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the thickness of a sealing layer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure changes based on a change in the thickness of a reinforcing member.

[0259] Referring to Figure 13 , the bent portion of the reinforcing member 11 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is disposed on the outer surface of the bent portion of the sealing layer 200 and has a constant thickness along the first cross-section A-A'. In this regard, the sealing layer 200 can have a constant thickness.

[0260] Referring to Figure 14 , the bent portion of the reinforcing member 11-1 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can be disposed on the outer surface of the bent portion of the sealing layer 200-1 and has a thickness that gradually increases as it extends from point B to point B' in the second cross-section B-B'. In this regard, the sealing layer 200-1 can have a thickness that gradually decreases as it extends from point B to point B' in the second cross-section B-B'.

[0261] Referring to Figure 15 , the bent portion of the reinforcing member 11-2 according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can be disposed on the outer surface of the bent portion of the sealing layer 200-2 and has a thickness that gradually decreases as it extends from point C to point C' in the second cross-section C-C'. In this regard, the sealing layer 200-2 can have a thickness that gradually increases as it extends from point C to point C' in the second cross-section C-C'.

[0262] Figure 16It is a block diagram schematically showing the system configuration of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0263] Referring Figure 16 , a display device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel 100 and a display driving circuit.

[0264] The display driving circuit refers to a circuit for driving the display panel 100, and may include a data driver 120, a gate driver 130, and a controller 140.

[0265] The display panel 100 may include a display area AA for displaying an image and a non-display area NA for not displaying an image. The non-display area NA may be outside the display area AA and is also referred to as a border area BZA. The whole or a part of the non-display area NA is visible to a viewer in front of the display device 1, or may be bent so as not to be visible to a viewer in front of the display device.

[0266] The display panel 100 may include a substrate SUB and a plurality of sub-pixels SP provided on the substrate SUB. In addition, the display panel 100 may further include various types of signal lines for driving the plurality of sub-pixels SP.

[0267] The display device 1 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be a liquid crystal display device. Alternatively, the display device 1 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may include a self-emitting display panel 100. When the display device 1 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is a self-emitting display device, each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP may include a light-emitting element.

[0268] For example, the display device 1 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be an organic light-emitting display device in which the light-emitting element is implemented as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). In another example, the display device 1 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be an inorganic light-emitting display device in which the light-emitting element is implemented as an inorganic-based light-emitting diode. In yet another example, the display device 1 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be a quantum dot display device in which the light-emitting element is implemented as a quantum dot which is a self-emitting semiconductor crystal.

[0269] According to the type of the display device 1, the structure of each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP may vary. For example, when the display device 1 is a self-emitting display device in which the sub-pixel SP emits light by itself, each sub-pixel SP may include a self-emitting light-emitting element, one or more transistors, and one or more capacitors.

[0270] For example, various types of signal lines may include a plurality of data lines DL that carry data signals (also referred to as data voltages or image signals) and a plurality of gate lines GL that carry gate signals (also referred to as scan signals).

[0271] The plurality of data lines DL and the plurality of gate lines GL may intersect each other. Each of the plurality of data lines DL may extend in a first direction. Each of the plurality of gate lines GL may extend in a second direction.

[0272] In this regard, the first direction may be the column direction, and the second direction may be the row direction. Alternatively, the first direction may be the row direction, and the second direction may be the column direction.

[0273] The data driver 120 may be configured to drive the plurality of data lines DL and may output data signals to the plurality of data lines DL. The data driver 120 may supply data voltages to the display panel 100.

[0274] The gate driver 130 may be configured to drive the plurality of gate lines GL and may output gate signals to the plurality of gate lines GL. The gate driver 130 may supply gate signals to the display panel 100.

[0275] The controller 140 may be configured to control the data driver 120 and the gate driver 130. The controller 140 may control the driving timing of the plurality of data lines DL and the driving timing of the plurality of gate lines GL.

[0276] The controller 140 may supply a data driving control signal DCS to the data driver 120 to control the data driver 120. The controller 140 may supply a gate driving control signal GCS to the gate driver 130 to control the gate driver 130.

[0277] The controller 140 may receive input image data from the host system 150 and may supply image data Data to the data driver 120 based on the input image data.

[0278] The data driver 120 may supply data signals to the plurality of data lines DL under the driving timing control of the controller 140.

[0279] The data driver 120 may receive image data Data in digital form from the controller 140, may convert the received image data Data into analog-form data signals, and may output the data signals to the plurality of data lines DL.

[0280] The gate driver 130 may provide gate signals to a plurality of gate lines GL under the timing control of the controller 140. The gate driver 130 may receive a first gate voltage corresponding to a conduction level voltage, a second gate voltage corresponding to a cutoff level voltage, and various gate driving control signals GCS, and generate gate signals based on the received voltages and signals, and may provide the generated gate signals to the plurality of gate lines GL.

[0281] For example, the data driver 120 may be connected to the display panel 100 using a TAB (Tape Automated Bonding) scheme, or may be connected to the bonding pads of the display panel 100 in a chip-on-glass (COG) scheme or a chip-on-panel (COP) scheme, or may be connected to the display panel 100 in a chip-on-film (COF) scheme.

[0282] The gate driver 130 may be connected to the display panel 100 using a tape automated bonding (TAB) scheme, or may be connected to the bonding pads of the display panel 100 using a chip-on-glass (COG) or chip-on-panel (COP) scheme, or may be connected to the display panel 100 in a chip-on-film (COF) scheme. Alternatively, the gate driver 130 may be of the gate-in-panel (GIP) type and may be formed in the non-display area NA of the display panel 100. The gate driver 130 may be disposed on the substrate SUB or connected to the substrate SUB. That is, when the gate driver 130 is of the gate-in-panel (GIP) type, the gate driver may be disposed in the non-display area NA of the substrate SUB. When the gate driver is of the chip-on-glass (COG) type or the chip-on-film (COF) type, the gate driver 130 may be connected to the substrate.

[0283] In one example, at least one of the data driver 120 and the gate driver 130 may be disposed in the display area AA of the display panel 100. For example, at least one of the data driver 120 and the gate driver 130 may be disposed so as not to overlap with the sub-pixels SP, or may be disposed so as to partially or entirely overlap with the sub-pixels SP.

[0284] The data driver 120 may be connected to one side (e.g., the upper side or the lower side) of the display panel 100. Depending on the driving scheme, the panel design scheme, etc., the data driver 120 may be connected to two opposite sides (e.g., the upper side and the lower side) of the display panel 100, or may be connected to more than two of the four sides of the display panel 100.

[0285] The gate driver 130 can be connected to one side (e.g., the left side or the right side) of the display panel 100. Depending on the driving scheme, the display panel design scheme, etc., the gate driver 130 can be connected to two opposite sides (e.g., the left side and the right side) of the display panel 100, or can be connected to two or more sides of the four sides of the display panel 100.

[0286] The controller 140 can be implemented as a component separate from the data driver 120. Alternatively, the controller 140 and the data driver 120 can be integrated with each other into an integrated circuit.

[0287] The controller 140 can be implemented as a timing controller used in typical display technologies, or as a control device including a timing controller and capable of performing other control functions, or as a control device other than a timing controller, or as a circuit within a control device. Various circuits or electronic components (e.g., integrated circuits (ICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or processors) can be used to implement the controller 140.

[0288] The controller 140 can be electrically connected to the data driver 120 and the gate driver 130 through a printed circuit board (PCB), a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), etc.

[0289] The controller 140 can send signals to and receive signals from the data driver 120 through one or more predetermined interfaces. In this regard, for example, the interface can include a low voltage differential signal (LVDS) interface, an EPI interface, and a serial peripheral interface (SPI).

[0290] Referring to Figure 16 , the display device 1 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can include one or more opening regions OA in which at least a part of the substrate SUB has been removed, but is not limited thereto.

[0291] One or more electro-optical devices (not shown) can be disposed in a region that at least partially overlaps with the opening region OA. For example, one or more electro-optical devices can include one or more of a photographic device such as a camera (image sensor), a detection sensor such as a proximity sensor, and an illuminance sensor, but is not limited thereto.

[0292] For example, a photographing device such as a camera can be located below the first opening region OA1, and the detection sensor can be located below the second opening region OA2.

[0293] The electro-optical device can be located below the substrate SUB, and the electro-optical device can be positioned to at least partially overlap with the opening region OA.

[0294] Each of the first opening region OA1 and the second opening region OA2 may have various shapes such as circular, oval, square, hexagonal, or octagonal. The shapes of the first opening region OA1 and the second opening region OA2 may be the same as or different from each other. The area size of the first opening region OA1 may be the same as or different from the area size of the second opening region OA2.

[0295] For ease of description, an example is described in which the shape of each of the first opening region OA1 and the second opening region OA2 is circular and their area sizes are equal to each other. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0296] In one example, one or more opening regions OA may be located in a region where the substrate SUB has been removed. The opening region OA may be a non-display region NA in which sub-pixels SP are not provided, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the opening region OA may be a display region AA in which sub-pixels SP are provided.

[0297] The opening region OA located in the display region AA is referred to as HiAA (Hole in Active Area).

[0298] Signal lines (e.g., data lines DL, gate lines GL, etc.) provided on the substrate SUB may bypass the opening region OA.

[0299] A display device 1 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a touch sensor; and a touch sensing circuit that detects whether a touch of a touch object such as a finger or a pen has occurred or detects a touch position based on a sensing result of the touch sensor, thereby providing not only an image display function but also a touch sensing function.

[0300] The touch sensing circuit includes: a touch driving circuit 160 that drives and senses the touch sensor to generate and output touch sensing data; and a touch controller 170 that detects whether a touch has occurred or detects a position of the touch based on the touch sensing data.

[0301] The touch sensor may include a plurality of touch electrodes. The touch sensor may further include a plurality of touch lines for electrically connecting the plurality of touch electrodes to the touch driving circuit 160.

[0302] The touch sensor may exist in the form of a touch panel outside the display panel 100, or may exist inside the display panel 100.

[0303] When the touch sensor exists outside the display panel 100 in the form of a touch panel, the touch sensor may be an external type. When the touch sensor is of the external type, the touch panel and the display panel 100 may be manufactured separately and bonded to each other during the assembly process. The external type of touch panel may include a substrate for the touch panel and a plurality of touch electrodes located on the substrate for the touch panel.

[0304] When the touch sensor exists inside the display panel 100, the touch sensor and signal lines and electrodes related to display operations may be formed in the substrate SUB during the manufacturing process of the display panel 100.

[0305] The touch driving circuit 160 may provide a touch driving signal to at least one of the plurality of touch electrodes, sense at least one of the plurality of touch electrodes, and generate touch sensing data based on the sensing result.

[0306] The touch sensing circuit may perform touch sensing in a self-capacitance sensing scheme or a mutual-capacitance sensing scheme.

[0307] When the touch sensing circuit performs touch sensing in a self-capacitance sensing scheme, the touch sensing circuit may perform touch sensing based on the capacitance between each touch electrode and a touch object (e.g., a finger, a pen, etc.).

[0308] According to the self-capacitance sensing scheme, each of the plurality of touch electrodes may serve as a driving touch electrode and a sensing touch electrode. The touch driving circuit 160 may drive all or some of the plurality of touch electrodes and sense all or some of the plurality of touch electrodes.

[0309] When the touch sensing circuit performs touch sensing in a mutual-capacitance sensing scheme, the touch sensing circuit may perform touch sensing based on the capacitance between the touch electrodes.

[0310] According to the mutual-capacitance sensing scheme, the plurality of touch electrodes may be classified into driving touch electrodes and sensing touch electrodes. The touch driving circuit 160 may drive the driving touch electrodes and sense the sensing touch electrodes.

[0311] The touch driving circuit 160 and the touch controller 170 included in the touch sensing circuit may be implemented as separate devices or a single device. In addition, the touch driving circuit 160 and the data driver 120 may be implemented as separate devices or a single device.

[0312] The display device 1 may further include a power supply circuit that supplies various types of power to the display driving circuit and / or the touch sensing circuit.

[0313] The display device 1 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as a mobile terminal such as a smart phone or a tablet computer, or a monitor or a television (TV) of various sizes. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The display device 1 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as a display device capable of displaying information or images and having various types and sizes.

[0314] As described above, according to the present disclosure, the border area of the display device can be reduced, and the rigidity of the display panel can be increased, so that crack defects in the bent portion can be reduced, thereby realizing a display device that prevents quality defects, ensures reliability, and realizes a narrow border.

[0315] In addition, according to the present disclosure, a display device can be realized in which the thickness of a reinforcing member for reinforcing a bent portion of a display panel can be adjusted, and a sealing layer in a display area located on the display panel can extend into a bent area in a non-display area, and the thickness of the reinforcing member can be adjusted based on the shape of an extension portion of the sealing layer.

[0316] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure does not have to be limited to these embodiments, and can be modified in various ways within the scope of the technical spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure are intended to describe rather than limit the technical idea of the present disclosure, and the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not restrictive in all respects but illustrative.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A display panel, the display panel comprising: a first region, the first region constituting a front surface of the display panel and including a display region and a frame region; a bending area, the bending area being arranged below the first area; and a second region constituting a rear surface of the display panel and disposed below the bending region; and A sealing layer is disposed on the top of the display panel in the first area, on the outer surface of the bent portion of the display panel in the bent area, and below the display panel in the second area.

2. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A reinforcing member is provided on an outer surface of a bent portion of the sealing layer in the bent region and is provided below the sealing layer in the second region.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The reinforcing member is also disposed on a portion of the top surface of the sealing layer in the first region.

4. The display device according to claim 2, further comprising: a cover member disposed on top of the sealing layer in the first region; A rear frame is disposed under the cover member in the bezel region and under the reinforcing member and the bent portion of the display panel in the second region to support the cover member and the display panel.

5. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The reinforcement member includes a micro-coating.

6. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The reinforcing member includes an ultraviolet curable acrylic resin, and Wherein, the sealing layer comprises aluminum nanoparticles.

7. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The display panel is bent at a constant curvature in the bending area.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The sealing layer has a flat shape in the first region, has a bent shape bent downward in the bent region, and has a flat shape in the second region.

9. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The rear frame is in contact with the cover member in the bezel region, and is in contact with the reinforcement member and the bent portion of the display panel in the second region.

10. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The rear frame is in contact with a side surface of the reinforcement member in the bending region.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The sealing layer includes epoxy resin.

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display panel has a flat shape in the first region, has a bent shape bent downward in the bent region, and has a flat shape in the second region.

13. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a first supporting member disposed below the display panel and supporting the display panel in the first region; a second supporting member, the second supporting member being disposed on the top of the bent portion of the display panel and supporting the bent portion of the display panel in the second region; as well as A plate is disposed between the first support member and the second support member. 14 . The display device according to claim 13 , further comprising a connecting member disposed between the second supporting member and the plate to fix the bent portion of the display panel.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: The connection member includes at least one layer and is made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of an optically clear adhesive OCA, an optically clear resin OCR, and a pressure sensitive adhesive PSA.

16. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: The connection member is implemented as a foam tape or a foam pad, and includes a conductive tape or a conductive double-sided tape.

17. The display device according to claim 13, wherein: The plate is made of a metallic material.

18. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The sealing layer has a constant thickness across the first region, the bending region, and the second region.

19. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The sealing layer has different thicknesses in the first region and the second region.

20. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The sealing layer has a thickness in the second region greater than a thickness in the first region.

21. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The sealing layer has a thickness in the first region greater than a thickness in the second region.

22. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The sealing layer includes an organic material.

23. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display panel comprises an encapsulation layer, The encapsulation layer includes a first encapsulation layer implemented as an inorganic film, a second encapsulation layer implemented as an organic film and disposed on the first encapsulation layer, and a third encapsulation layer implemented as an inorganic film and disposed on the second encapsulation layer.

24. The display device according to claim 23, further comprising: a touch buffer film, wherein the touch buffer film is disposed on the third encapsulation layer; A touch sensor and a touch interlayer insulating film, wherein the touch sensor and the touch interlayer insulating film are arranged on the touch buffer film; as well as a touch protection film, the touch protection film being disposed on the touch sensor and the touch interlayer insulating film, Wherein, the sealing layer is arranged on the touch protection film.

25. The display device according to claim 24, wherein: The touch sensor includes a touch sensor metal and a bridge metal located at different layers.

26. The display device according to claim 2, further comprising a polarizing layer disposed on the sealing layer in the first region, in, The reinforcing member contacts a side surface of the polarizing layer in the first region, and extends from the side surface of the polarizing layer to the bending region.

27. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The reinforcing member covers an end portion of the sealing layer in the second region.

28. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The sealing layer covers a portion of the display panel in the second region and exposes an end portion of the display panel in the second region.

29. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a gate driver configured to provide a gate signal to the display panel; a data driver configured to provide a data voltage to the display panel; as well as A controller is configured to control the gate driver and the data driver.

30. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A polarizing layer, wherein the polarizing layer is disposed on the sealing layer through a first adhesive layer; a cover member, the cover member being disposed on the polarizing layer via an optical adhesive layer; a first supporting member, the first supporting member being disposed below the display panel via a second adhesive layer; a plate, the plate being disposed below the first supporting member via a third adhesive layer; a connecting member, the connecting member being disposed below the plate through a fourth adhesive layer; as well as a second supporting member, the second supporting member being arranged below the connecting member through a fifth adhesive layer, Wherein, the bent portion of the display panel is arranged below the second supporting member through a sixth adhesive layer. Wherein, the bent portion of the sealing layer is arranged below the bent portion of the display panel. Wherein, the reinforcing member is arranged below the bent portion of the sealing layer.

31. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: In the bending area, an inward area of ​​the bending portion of the display panel is filled with a resin including an organic insulating material.

32. The display device according to claim 13, wherein: The plate is made of one or a combination of stainless steel, glass, ceramic and metal.

33. The display device according to claim 13, wherein: The plate is made of a plastic material including at least one of polycarbonate, polyimide, polyethylene naphthalate, and polyethylene terephthalate.

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