Transparent display device

Abstract

A transparent display device is disclosed. The transparent display device includes: a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other; a plurality of light emitting devices disposed on one surface of the first substrate; a display area including a light emitting area in which the plurality of light emitting devices are disposed and a transmission area for transmitting external light; a non-display area, wherein the non-display area is arranged outside the display area; an encapsulation layer disposed on the plurality of light emitting devices to cover the plurality of light emitting devices and including an inorganic layer; and a dam disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate in the non-display area, in which an end portion of the inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer overlaps the dam.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a transparent display device, and more particularly, for example but not limited to, a transparent display device capable of reducing the occurrence of defects due to moisture penetration. Background Art

[0002] With the progress of the information-oriented society, the demand for display devices for displaying images has increased in various forms. Various types of display devices such as liquid crystal display (LCD) devices, plasma display panel (PDP) devices, quantum dot light emitting displays (QLEDs), and organic light emitting display (OLED) devices have been widely used.

[0003] A display device includes two substrates, and a plurality of light emitting devices are disposed between the two substrates to display an image. Due to external factors such as external moisture and oxygen, the light emitting devices may be prone to deterioration. To prevent this, the display device includes a packaging layer to prevent external moisture and oxygen from penetrating the light emitting devices.

[0004] The descriptions provided in the background art section should not be assumed to be prior art merely because they are mentioned in the background art section or are associated with the descriptions in the background art section. The descriptions in the background art section may include information describing one or more aspects of the subject technology, and the descriptions in this section do not limit the present invention. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The inventors have recognized that when cracks occur in the packaging layer, moisture will penetrate through the cracks, thereby reducing the lifespan of the light emitting devices or causing malfunctions. Therefore, the present disclosure relates to providing a transparent display device that substantially eliminates one or more problems caused by the limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to providing a transparent display device capable of reducing the occurrence of defects due to moisture penetration.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to providing a transparent display device capable of achieving ESG (environment / society / governance) by reducing greenhouse gases generated due to the manufacturing process for manufacturing the transparent display device.

[0008] The additional advantages and features of the present disclosure will be partly set forth in the following description, and partly will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following description, or may be learned from the practice of the present disclosure. Other benefits of the present disclosure may be realized and obtained by the structures particularly pointed out in the written description, its claims, and the drawings.

[0009] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, a transparent display device is provided, which includes a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other; a plurality of light-emitting devices disposed on one surface of the first substrate; a display area having a light-emitting area in which a plurality of light-emitting devices are disposed and a transmissive area for transmitting external light; a non-display area disposed outside the display area; a encapsulation layer disposed on the plurality of light-emitting devices to cover the plurality of light-emitting devices and including an inorganic layer; and a dam disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate in the non-display area, wherein an end portion of the inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer overlaps with the dam.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the possibility of cracks occurring at the end portion of the inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer can be reduced.

[0011] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the occurrence of defects due to moisture penetration can be reduced, and thus the lifespan of the light-emitting devices can be increased. In addition, in the present disclosure, since the lifespan of the product can be increased, the manufacturing process cost can be reduced and the manufacturing process time can be shortened, thereby reducing production energy. Further, in the present disclosure, the generation of greenhouse gases due to the manufacturing process can be reduced, thereby achieving ESG (Environment / Society / Governance).

[0012] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present disclosure are both exemplary and explanatory, and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated into this application and constitute a part of this application. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, are used to explain the principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a transparent display device according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 2 is a plan view schematically showing a transparent display panel according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 3 is a plan view showing an example of a sub-pixel disposed in a transparent display panel according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 4 is a plan view showing an example of a dam disposed in a transparent display panel according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example taken along line I-I' shown in Figure 4 Figure 4;

[0019] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example taken along line II-II' shown in Figure 4 Figure 5;

[0020] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example taken along line III-III' shown in Figure 4 Figure 6;

[0021] Figure 8 shows an example where the end of the inorganic layer is provided outside the dam;

[0022] Figure 9 shows an example where the end of the inorganic layer is provided between the display area and the dam; and

[0023] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another example taken along line I-I' shown in Figure 4 Figure 7.

[0024] In the entire drawings and the detailed description, unless otherwise described, the same reference numerals should be understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures. For clarity, illustration, and convenience, the relative sizes and descriptions of these elements may be exaggerated. Detailed Embodiments

[0025] Now, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail, examples of which can be shown in the drawings. The progress of the described processing steps and / or operations is an example; however, the order of the steps and / or operations is not limited to that described herein and can 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 explanations may be chosen only for the convenience of writing the specification and may thus be different from the names used in actual products.

[0026] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and methods for achieving them will be clarified by the following exemplary embodiments described with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. In addition, the present disclosure is limited only by the scope of the claims.

[0027] The shapes, sizes, dimensions (e.g., length, width, height, thickness, radius, diameter, area, etc.), ratios, angles, and quantities disclosed in the accompanying drawings for describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are merely examples, and thus the present disclosure is not limited to the details shown. Like reference numerals always refer to like elements. In the following description, when it is determined that the detailed description of related known technologies unnecessarily obscures the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted. In the case of using "comprising", "having", "including", "containing", "constituting", "made of", "formed by", "composed of" described in the present disclosure, another part may be added unless "only" is used. Unless otherwise mentioned, terms in the singular form may include the plural form.

[0028] The dimensions, including the size and thickness, of the respective components shown in the drawings are shown for convenience of description, and the present disclosure is not limited to the size and thickness of the components shown. However, it should be noted that the relative dimensions, including the relative size, position, and thickness, of the components shown in each of the accompanying drawings submitted here belong to a part of the present disclosure.

[0029] When interpreting an element, the element is interpreted as including an error range even though there is no explicit description.

[0030] When describing the positional relationship, for example, when the positional relationship between two parts is described as "on", "above", "over", "under", "below", "beside", "beneath", "near", "close to", "adjacent to", "on the side of", "close", one or more other parts may be provided between the two parts unless "exactly" or "directly" is used.

[0031] Spatially relative terms, such as "under", "below", "beneath", "lower", "above", "upper", etc., may be used herein to facilitate the description of the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the figures, spatially relative terms may also include different orientations of the element during use or operation. For example, if the element in the figure is inverted, the element described as "under" or "below" another element or feature will be oriented "above" the other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term "below" may include both the below and above orientations. Similarly, the exemplary terms "above" or "over" may include both the "above" and "below" orientations.

[0032] When an element or layer is disposed "on" another element or layer, another layer or another element may be directly interposed on the other element or between the two elements or layers.

[0033] When describing temporal relationships, e.g., when describing temporal relationships such as "after", "subsequently", "next", "before", etc., it can include discontinuous cases, unless "exactly" or "directly" is used.

[0034] It should be understood that although terms such as "first", "second", "A", "B", "(A)", or "(B)" etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first element may be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element may be referred to as the first element.

[0035] In addition, when describing the components of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used herein. Each of these terms is not used to define the nature, order, or sequence of the corresponding component, but only to distinguish the corresponding component from other components.

[0036] The term "at least one" should be understood to include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, the meaning of "at least one of the first item, the second item, and the third item" represents all combinations of two or more of the first item, the second item, and the third item, as well as the first item, the second item, or the third item.

[0037] The term "device" used herein may refer to a display device including a display panel and a driver for driving the display panel. Examples of the display device may include light-emitting elements, etc. In addition, examples of the device may include a laptop computer, a television, a computer monitor, an automotive device, a wearable device, and an automotive equipment device, and complete product or final product sets of electronic devices (or equipment) or sets of devices (or equipment) respectively including light-emitting elements, etc., such as mobile electronic devices such as smartphones or electronic tablets, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0038] The features of the various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be partially or wholly coupled or combined with each other, and may operate and be technically driven in various ways. The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be executed independently of each other, or may be executed together in a mutually dependent relationship.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0040] In aspects of the present disclosure, for ease of description, the source electrode and the drain electrode are distinguished from each other. However, the source electrode and the drain electrode may be used interchangeably. The source electrode may be the drain electrode, and the drain electrode may be the source electrode. In addition, the source electrode in any aspect of the present disclosure may be the drain electrode in another aspect of the present disclosure, and the drain electrode in any aspect of the present disclosure may be the source electrode in another aspect of the present disclosure.

[0041] Hereinafter, an example of a display device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. When assigning reference numerals to components in each drawing, the same components may have as identical reference numerals as possible, even if shown in different drawings. In addition, when it is determined that a detailed description of related known technologies unnecessarily obscures the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0042] Hereinafter, one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a transparent display device according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 is a plan view schematically showing a transparent display panel according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a plan view showing an example of sub-pixels provided in a transparent display panel according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] Hereinafter, the X-axis represents a direction parallel to the gate line, the Y-axis represents a direction parallel to the data line, and the Z-axis represents the height direction of the transparent display device 100. However, other variations are possible. For example, the Y-axis represents a direction parallel to the gate line, the X-axis represents a direction parallel to the data line, and the Z-axis represents the height direction of the transparent display device 100, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0045] An example in which the transparent display device 100 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is implemented as an organic light-emitting display device will be mainly described, but the transparent display device 100 may be implemented as a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, a plasma display panel (PDP), a quantum dot light-emitting display (OLED) device, or an electrophoretic display device, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0046] Reference Figures 1 to 3 According to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the transparent display device 100 may include a transparent display panel 110, a source driver integrated circuit (hereinafter referred to as "IC") 104, a flexible film 106, a circuit board 108, and a timing controller 240.

[0047] The transparent display panel 110 includes a first substrate 111 and a second substrate 112 facing each other. The second substrate 112 may be a packaging substrate. The first substrate 111 may be a plastic film or a glass substrate, but is not limited thereto. The first substrate 111 may be formed of a semiconductor material such as a silicon wafer. The second substrate 112 may be a plastic film, a glass substrate, or a packaging film, but is not limited thereto.

[0048] The transparent display panel 110 may be divided into a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA includes a plurality of pixels P and displays an image. The non-display area NDA does not display an image. The non-display area NDA may partially or entirely surround the display area DA. All or part of the non-display area NDA may be an area visible from the front of the transparent display device 100, or may be curved and invisible from the front of the transparent display device 100, but is not limited thereto.

[0049] Data lines DL, gate lines GL, and pixels P may be disposed in the display area DA, and a pad area PA in which pads PAD are disposed and at least one gate driver 205 may be disposed in the non-display area NDA.

[0050] The data lines DL may extend in a first direction (e.g., in the Y-axis direction) and may intersect the gate lines GL in the display area DA. The gate lines GL may extend from the display area DA in a second direction (e.g., along the X-axis direction).

[0051] As Figure 3 shown, the display area DA may include a transmissive area TA and a non-transmissive area NTA. The transmissive area is an area through which most of the light incident from the outside is transmitted, and the non-transmissive area is an area through which most of the light incident from the outside is not transmitted. For example, the transmissive area TA may be an area having a light transmittance greater than α%, and the non-transmissive area NTA may be an area having a light transmittance less than β%. In this example, α may be a value greater than β, and each of α and β may be a positive number. Due to the transmissive area TA of the transparent display panel 110, the transparent display device 100 may allow viewing of an object or a background scene located on the rear surface of the transparent display device 100.

[0052] The non-transmissive area NTA includes a plurality of pixels P that emit predetermined light to display an image. Each of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 can be any one of a first sub-pixel SP1 that emits red light, a second sub-pixel SP2 that emits green light, a third sub-pixel SP3 that emits blue light, and a fourth sub-pixel SP4 that emits white light, but is not limited thereto. The pixel P can include at least two of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. For example, as Figure 3 shown, the pixel P can include a first sub-pixel SP1, a second sub-pixel SP2, a third sub-pixel SP3, and a fourth sub-pixel SP4. In addition, the arrangement order of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 can be changed differently.

[0053] For example, the plurality of sub-pixels SP can include a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, and a blue sub-pixel, and the red sub-pixel, the green sub-pixel, and the blue sub-pixel can be set in a repeating manner. Alternatively, the plurality of sub-pixels SP can include a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, a blue sub-pixel, and a white sub-pixel, and the red sub-pixel, the green sub-pixel, the blue sub-pixel, and the white sub-pixel can be set in a repeating manner, or the red sub-pixel, the green sub-pixel, the blue sub-pixel, and the white sub-pixel can be set in a quadrilateral type. For example, the red sub-pixel, the blue sub-pixel, and the green sub-pixel can be sequentially set along the row direction, or the red sub-pixel, the blue sub-pixel, the green sub-pixel, and the white sub-pixel can be sequentially set along the row direction. However, in the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the color type, the arrangement type, and the arrangement order of the sub-pixels are not limited and can be configured in various forms according to the light-emitting characteristics, the device lifetime, and the device specifications.

[0054] In addition, according to the light-emitting characteristics, the sub-pixels can have different light-emitting areas. For example, a sub-pixel that emits light of a color different from the color of the blue sub-pixel can have a light-emitting area different from the light-emitting area of the blue sub-pixel. For example, the red sub-pixel, the blue sub-pixel, and the green sub-pixel or the red sub-pixel, the blue sub-pixel, the white sub-pixel, and the green sub-pixel can each have a different light-emitting area.

[0055] A plurality of pads can be provided in the pad area PA. Since the size of the first substrate 111 is larger than the size of the second substrate 112, a part of the first substrate 111 can be exposed and not covered by the second substrate 112. Pads such as power pads or data pads can be provided in the exposed part of the first substrate 111 that is not covered by the second substrate 112. For example, pads such as power pads or data pads can be provided on the first substrate 111, but not on the second substrate 112 and do not overlap with the second substrate 112.

[0056] The gate driver 205 is connected to the gate lines to supply gate signals. The gate driver 205 may be formed as an in-panel gate driver (GIP) type in a non-display area (NDA) outside one or both sides of the display area (DA). Alternatively, the gate driver 205 may be fabricated as a driver chip, mounted on a flexible film, and attached to the non-display area (NDA) outside one or both sides of the display area (DA) in a tape automated bonding (TAB) type.

[0057] The gate driver 205 may receive a first gate voltage corresponding to a conductive level voltage, a second gate voltage corresponding to a cut-off level voltage, and various gate drive control signals (GCS), and may generate gate signals and supply the generated gate signals to a plurality of gate lines (GL).

[0058] The source driver integrated circuit (IC) 104 receives digital video data and source control signals from the timing controller 240. The source driver IC 104 converts the digital video data into analog data voltages according to the source control signals and supplies them to the data lines. If the source driver IC 104 is fabricated as a driver chip, it may be mounted on the flexible film 106 in a chip-on-film (COF) type or a chip-on-plastic (COP) type.

[0059] The flexible film 106 may include lines connecting pads to the source driver IC 104 and lines connecting pads to the wirings of the circuit board 108. The flexible film 105 may be attached to the pads using an anisotropic conductive film, thereby connecting the lines of the pads and the flexible film 106.

[0060] The source driver IC 104 may be connected to one side (e.g., the upper side or the lower side) of the transparent display panel 110. Depending on the driving method, panel design method, etc., the source driver IC 104 may be connected to both sides (e.g., the upper side and the lower side) of the transparent display panel 110, or may be connected to two or more sides out of the four sides of the transparent display panel 110.

[0061] The source driver IC 104 may be connected to the outside of the display area (DA) of the transparent display panel 110, but alternatively, it may be disposed in the display area (DA) of the transparent display panel 110.

[0062] The circuit board 108 may be attached to the flexible film 106. The circuit board 108 may have a plurality of circuits implemented with driving chips mounted thereon. For example, the timing controller 240 may be mounted on the circuit board 108. The circuit board 108 may be a printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board.

[0063] The timing controller 240 receives digital video data and a timing signal from an external system board. The timing controller 240 generates a gate control signal for controlling the operation timing of the gate driver and a source control signal for controlling the source driver IC 104 based on the timing signal. The timing controller 240 supplies the gate control signal to the gate driver 205 and supplies the source control signal to the source driver IC 104.

[0064] The timing controller 240 can be implemented using various circuits or electronic components, such as an integrated circuit (IC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a processor, but is not limited thereto.

[0065] The timing controller 240 can transmit and receive signals with the source driver IC 104 according to one or more predetermined interfaces. For example, the interface can include a low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) interface, an embedded clock point-to-point interface (EPI), or a serial peripheral interface (SPI), but is not limited thereto. In addition, the timing controller 240 can transmit and receive signals with the gate driver 205 and includes a storage medium such as one or more registers.

[0066] Figure 4 is a plan view showing an example of a dam provided in a transparent display panel according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 5 is shown along Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of an example taken along the line I-I' shown, Figure 6 is shown along Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of an example taken along the line II-II' shown, Figure 7 is shown along Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of an example taken along the line III-III' shown. Figure 8 shows an example in which an end portion of the inorganic layer is provided outside the dam, and Figure 9 shows an example in which an end portion of the inorganic layer is provided between the display area and the dam.

[0067] Referring to Figures 4 to 7 , the transparent display panel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA is provided with pixels P capable of displaying an image.

[0068] Each of the plurality of pixels P can include a first sub-pixel SP1, a second sub-pixel SP2, a third sub-pixel SP3, and a fourth sub-pixel SP4. As Figures 5 to 7As shown, each of the first sub-pixel SP1, the second sub-pixel SP2, the third sub-pixel SP3, and the fourth sub-pixel SP4 may be provided with a circuit element T and a light-emitting device ED between the first substrate 111 and the second substrate 112. The light-emitting device ED may include a first electrode E1, an organic layer EL, and a second electrode E2.

[0069] The circuit element T is provided on the first substrate 111. The circuit element T may include various signal lines, thin-film transistors, capacitors, and the like. A circuit element T is provided for each of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. The signal lines may include a gate line, a data line, a driving power line, a common power line, a reference line, and the like. The thin-film transistors may include a switching transistor, a driving transistor, a sensing transistor, but are not limited thereto.

[0070] The active layer of the thin-film transistor TFT may be formed of a semiconductor material, such as an oxide semiconductor, an amorphous semiconductor, or a polycrystalline semiconductor, but is not limited thereto.

[0071] The oxide semiconductor material may have an excellent effect of preventing leakage current and a relatively low manufacturing cost. The oxide semiconductor may be made of metal oxides such as zinc (Zn), indium (In), gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), and titanium (Ti), or a combination of metals such as zinc (Zn), indium (In), gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), or titanium (Ti) and their oxides. Specifically, the oxide semiconductor may include zinc oxide (ZnO), zinc tin oxide (ZTO), zinc indium oxide (ZIO), indium oxide (InO), titanium oxide (TiO), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium gallium tin oxide (IGTO), and indium gallium oxide (IGO), but is not limited thereto.

[0072] The polycrystalline semiconductor material has a fast moving speed of carriers such as electrons and holes, so it has a high mobility, and has low energy consumption and excellent reliability. The polycrystalline semiconductor may be made of polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si), but is not limited thereto.

[0073] The amorphous semiconductor material may be made of amorphous silicon (a-Si), but is not limited thereto.

[0074] The planarization layer 120 may be disposed on the circuit element T to planarize the step difference caused by the circuit element T. The planarization layer 120 may be disposed in the display area DA. The planarization layer 120 may be disposed in the non-transmissive area NTA and may not be disposed in at least a part of the transmissive area TA. The planarization layer 120 may cause refraction of light when it transmits light, thereby reducing transparency. Accordingly, the transparent display panel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may increase transparency by removing a part of the planarization layer 120 in the transmissive area TA.

[0075] The planarization layer 120 may extend from the display area DA to a part of the non-display area NDA. The planarization layer 120 may be formed to cover the gate driver 205 disposed in the non-display area NDA.

[0076] The planarization layer 120 may be formed of an organic insulating material, such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, or polyimide resin, but is not limited thereto.

[0077] The light-emitting device ED and the bank BN may be disposed on the planarization layer 120. The light-emitting device ED may include a first electrode E1, an organic layer EL, and a second electrode E2.

[0078] The first electrode E1 may be disposed on the planarization layer 120 for each of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4. The first electrode E1 may be electrically connected to the circuit element T, particularly the driving transistor DT. Specifically, the first electrode E1 may be connected to one of the source electrode and the drain electrode of the driving transistor DT through the contact hole CH. The bank BN is disposed between the adjacent first electrodes E1, and the adjacent first electrodes E1 may be electrically insulated from each other by the bank BN.

[0079] The bank BN may be disposed at the boundary between the plurality of sub-pixels SP and may suppress color mixing of light beams from the plurality of sub-pixels SP. The bank BN may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx), or an organic insulating material such as benzocyclobutene (BCB)-based resin, acrylic resin, or polyimide. For example, the bank BN may be formed of a black resin. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0080] The first electrode E1 may be formed of a highly reflective metal material, such as a stacked structure of aluminum and titanium (Ti / Al / Ti), a stacked structure of aluminum and ITO (ITO / Al / ITO), an Ag alloy, a stacked structure of an Ag alloy and ITO (ITO / Ag alloy / ITO), a MoTi alloy, and a stacked structure of a MoTi alloy and ITO (ITO / MoTi alloy / ITO). The Ag alloy may be an alloy such as silver Ag, palladium Pd, copper Cu, etc. The MoTi alloy may be an alloy of molybdenum Mo and titanium Ti. The first electrode E1 may be an anode electrode.

[0081] The bank BN may be disposed on the planarization layer 120. The bank BN may be formed to cover the edge of the first electrode E1 and expose a part of the first electrode E1. Thus, the bank BN can prevent a problem of deterioration in luminous efficiency due to current concentration on the end portion of the first electrode E1.

[0082] The bank BN may define the light-emitting region of each of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. The light-emitting region of each of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 represents a region where the first electrode E1, the organic layer EL, and the second electrode E2 are sequentially stacked such that holes from the first electrode E1 and electrons from the second electrode E2 are coupled to each other in the organic layer EL to emit light. In this example, the region where the bank BN is provided does not emit light and thus becomes a non-light-emitting region NEA, and the region where the bank BN is not provided and the first electrode E1 is exposed may be a light-emitting region.

[0083] The organic layer EL may be disposed on the first electrode E1. The organic layer EL may be a hole transport layer, a light-emitting layer, and an electron transport layer. In this example, when a voltage is applied to the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2, holes and electrons move to the light-emitting layer through the hole transport layer and the electron transport layer, respectively, and combine with each other in the light-emitting layer to emit light.

[0084] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the organic layer EL may be a common layer formed in the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. In this example, the light-emitting layer may be a white light-emitting layer that emits white light.

[0085] In another exemplary embodiment, the light-emitting layer of the organic layer EL may be formed for each of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. For example, a red light-emitting layer that emits red light may be formed in the first sub-pixel SP1, a green light-emitting layer that emits green light may be formed in the second sub-pixel SP2, a blue light-emitting layer that emits blue light may be formed in the third sub-pixel SP3, and a white light-emitting layer that emits white light may be formed in the fourth sub-pixel SP4, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0086] The second electrode E2 may be disposed on the organic layer EL and the bank BN. The second electrode E2 may be formed of a transparent metal material TCO capable of transmitting light, such as ITO or IZO, or a semi-transmissive conductive material such as magnesium Mg, silver Ag, or an alloy of magnesium Mg and silver Ag, but is not limited thereto. When the second electrode E2 is formed of a semi-transmissive conductive material, the light emission efficiency can be improved due to the microcavity. The second electrode E2 may be a cathode electrode.

[0087] The encapsulation layer 130 may be disposed on the light-emitting device ED. The encapsulation layer 130 may be formed on the second electrode E2 to cover the second electrode E2. The encapsulation layer 130 is used to prevent oxygen or moisture from penetrating into the organic layer EL and the second electrode E2. To this end, the encapsulation layer 130 may include at least one inorganic layer 131. The encapsulation layer 130 may further include at least one organic layer. The encapsulation layer 130 has a structure in which inorganic encapsulation layers and organic encapsulation layers are alternately stacked, so that the encapsulation layer 130 can protect the light-emitting element while suppressing the penetration of moisture or oxygen into the light-emitting element. For example, the encapsulation layer 130 may have a multi-insulating film structure in which an organic film and an inorganic film are alternately stacked. The inorganic film can block the penetration of moisture or oxygen. The organic film can flatten the surface of the inorganic film. When the organic film and the inorganic film are stacked in multiple layers, the movement path of moisture or oxygen can be longer than that of a single layer, thereby effectively blocking the penetration of moisture and oxygen that affect the light-emitting layer. In this example, the encapsulation layer 130 may have an inorganic layer 131 on its uppermost part. The encapsulation layer 130 may cover the display area DA and may extend from the display area DA to a part of the non-display area NDA. The encapsulation layer 130 may be formed to cover the planarization layer 120, the bank BN, and the light-emitting device ED. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0088] The inorganic layer 131 provided in the encapsulation layer 130 may be formed of a silicon oxide SiOx layer, a silicon nitride SiNx layer, or a multi-layer thereof, but is not limited thereto. The organic layer provided in the encapsulation layer 130 may be formed of an organic insulating material such as an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, or a polyimide resin, but is not limited thereto.

[0089] For example, the encapsulation layer 130 includes a first inorganic encapsulation layer, a first organic encapsulation layer, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer stacked in sequence. For example, the encapsulation layer 130 includes a first inorganic encapsulation layer, a first organic encapsulation layer, a second inorganic encapsulation layer, a second organic encapsulation layer, and a third inorganic encapsulation layer stacked in sequence.

[0090] The first inorganic encapsulation layer, the second inorganic encapsulation layer, and the third inorganic encapsulation layer may be used to block the penetration of moisture or oxygen. The first inorganic encapsulation layer, the second inorganic encapsulation layer, and the third inorganic encapsulation layer may be made of an inorganic material, such as an inorganic material such as silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), or aluminum oxide (AlOx). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0091] A first organic encapsulation layer is disposed between the first inorganic encapsulation layer and the second inorganic encapsulation layer, and a second organic encapsulation layer is disposed between the second inorganic encapsulation layer and the third inorganic encapsulation layer. The first organic encapsulation layer and the second organic encapsulation layer may each have a greater thickness than each of the first inorganic encapsulation layer, the second inorganic encapsulation layer, and the third inorganic encapsulation layer, so as to adsorb or block particles that may be generated during the manufacturing process of the display device. The first organic encapsulation layer and the second organic encapsulation layer may fill cracks that may form in the first inorganic encapsulation layer and the second inorganic encapsulation layer. The first organic encapsulation layer and the second organic encapsulation layer may flatten the upper portions of the first inorganic encapsulation layer and the second inorganic encapsulation layer by covering the particles on the first inorganic encapsulation layer and the second inorganic encapsulation layer, respectively. For example, the first organic encapsulation layer may flatten the upper portion of the first inorganic encapsulation layer by covering the particles on the first inorganic encapsulation layer. For example, the second organic encapsulation layer may flatten the upper portion of the second inorganic encapsulation layer by covering the particles on the second inorganic encapsulation layer. The first organic encapsulation layer and the second organic encapsulation layer may be made of an organic material, and for example, an epoxy polymer, an acrylic polymer, etc. may be used. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0092] In addition, the encapsulation layer 130 is not limited to three layers or five layers. For example, it may include n layers (where n is an integer greater than 1) in which inorganic encapsulation layers and organic encapsulation layers are alternately stacked.

[0093] A cover layer CPL may be further disposed between the light-emitting device ED and the encapsulation layer 130. The cover layer CPL may be disposed on the second electrode E2 to cover the second electrode E2. The cover layer CPL may improve the viewing angle characteristics and increase the external light-emitting efficiency. The cover layer CPL may include at least one of an organic material and an inorganic material having a light transmittance.

[0094] A color filter CF may be disposed on one surface of the second substrate 112 facing the first substrate 111. The color filter CF may be patterned for each of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. For example, the color filter CF may include a first color filter, a second color filter, a third color filter, and a fourth color filter. The first color filter may be disposed corresponding to the first sub-pixel SP1 and may be a red color filter that transmits red light. The second color filter may be disposed corresponding to the second sub-pixel SP2 and may be a green color filter that transmits green light. The third color filter may be disposed corresponding to the third sub-pixel SP3 and may be a blue color filter that transmits blue light. The fourth color filter may be disposed corresponding to the fourth sub-pixel SP4 and may be a white color filter that transmits white light. The white color filter may be made of a transparent organic material that transmits white light, but is not limited thereto.

[0095] The black matrix BM can be disposed between the color filters CF. The black matrix BM can be disposed between the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 to prevent color mixing from occurring between adjacent sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. In addition, the black matrix BM can prevent light incident from the outside from being reflected by the plurality of signal lines disposed between the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. The black matrix BM can include a light-absorbing material, such as a black dye that absorbs all light in the visible band, but is not limited thereto.

[0096] The filler 140 can be disposed between the first substrate 111 including the light-emitting device ED and the second substrate 112 including the color filter CF and the black matrix BM. In this example, the filler 140 can use a thermosetting resin or a UV curable resin, and can be formed of an organic material having adhesiveness. In an exemplary embodiment, the filler 140 can include a hydrogen-absorbing material, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0097] The pad region PA provided with the pads PAD and the dam 200 can be disposed in the non-display area NDA.

[0098] The dam 200 can be disposed between the first substrate 111 and the second substrate 112 in the non-display area NDA. The dam 200 can be formed between the first substrate 111 and the second substrate 112 to contact each of the first substrate 111 and the second substrate 112, and thus the first substrate 111 and the second substrate 112 can be joined to each other.

[0099] The dam 200 can be disposed to surround the display area DA while being spaced apart from the display area DA. The dam 200 can be disposed to be spaced apart from the edge of the second substrate 112. That is, the dam 200 can be disposed to surround the display area DA between the edge of the second substrate 112 and the display area DA.

[0100] The dam 200 can be spaced apart from the display area DA, where the gate driver 205 is interposed between the dam 200 and the display area DA in the non-display area NDA. In this example, the dam 200 can be disposed so as not to overlap with the gate driver 205 disposed in the non-display area NDA.

[0101] The dam 200 can block the flow of the filler 140 so that the filler 140 does not flow out. The dam 200 can have an inner surface IS and an outer surface OS. The inner surface IS can contact the filler 140. The outer surface OS can be exposed to the outside and cannot contact the filler 140.

[0102] The dam 200 may include an organic material 210 and a plurality of particles 220 and 230 distributed in the organic material 210. The organic material 210 may be made of various materials known in the art, such as a thermosetting resin or a UV curable resin, but is not limited thereto.

[0103] The plurality of particles 220 and 230 may include at least one of a plurality of spacers 220 and a plurality of getters 230. The plurality of getters 230 may be formed of a material that absorbs moisture. The plurality of getters 230 may absorb moisture distributed in the organic material 210 and penetrating into the transparent display panel 110 from the outside. Accordingly, the plurality of getters 230 may prevent moisture from penetrating into the transparent display panel 110.

[0104] The plurality of spacers 220 may have a size greater than that of the plurality of getters 230. The plurality of spacers 220 may be distributed in the organic material 210 to limit the gap between the first substrate 111 and the second substrate 112 within the dam 200. Accordingly, when the first substrate 111 and the second substrate 112 are combined, the plurality of spacers 220 may prevent the dam 200 from collapsing due to pressure.

[0105] In the transparent display device 100 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the encapsulation layer 130 overlaps with the dam 200. Specifically, the encapsulation layer 130 includes at least one inorganic layer 131. An end E of the inorganic layer 131 included in the encapsulation layer 130 may overlap with the dam 200. When the encapsulation layer 130 includes a plurality of inorganic layers, an end E of the uppermost inorganic layer 131 of the encapsulation layer 130 may overlap with the dam 200.

[0106] The inorganic film layer of the encapsulation layer 130 may be formed to cover the display area DA and may extend from the display area DA to the non-display area NDA. In this example, the inorganic layer 131 of the encapsulation layer 130 may extend inside the dam 200. The inorganic layer 131 of the encapsulation layer 130 may overlap with a part of the dam 200, and the end E may be located within the dam 200. The end E of the inorganic layer 131 may be spaced apart from the outer surface OS of the dam 200. For example, the end E of the inorganic layer 131 may be disposed between the inner surface IS and the outer surface OS of the dam 200, but is not limited thereto.

[0107] Different from the transparent display panel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the inorganic layer 131 of the encapsulation layer 130 may be designed to extend to the outside of the dam 200, as Figure 8 shown. In this case, the end E of the inorganic layer 131 may be located outside the dam 200. For example, the end E of the inorganic layer 131 may be located outside the outer surface OS of the dam 200, but is not limited thereto.

[0108] The inorganic layer 131 can be deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In the CVD technique, a mask is disposed on the first substrate 111, and a gas including elements constituting the inorganic layer 131 is supplied onto the first substrate 111. The supplied gas causes a chemical reaction on the surface of the first substrate 111 in the region where no mask is provided, and thus the inorganic layer 131 is formed on the surface of the first substrate 111 in the region where no mask is provided. However, in the CVD technique, since the mask is spaced apart from the first substrate 111 at a predetermined interval, the gas may partially penetrate between the mask and the first substrate 111, such that a chemical reaction may occur on the surface of the first substrate 111 in a part of the region where the mask is provided. Accordingly, the end E of the inorganic layer 131 may be thinly formed under the mask. The end E of the inorganic layer 131 may include a corner portion EG where the lower surface and the inclined side intersect.

[0109] Since the inorganic layer 131 has a thin end E, the inorganic layer 131 is vulnerable to external impacts and may thus be prone to cracking. As Figure 8 shown, when the end E of the inorganic layer 131 is disposed outside the dam 200 and exposed to the outside, the possibility of cracking due to external impacts during the process increases.

[0110] Different from the transparent display panel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the inorganic layer 131 of the encapsulation layer 130 may be designed to extend between the dam 200 and the display area DA, as Figure 9 shown. In this case, the end E of the inorganic layer 131 may be disposed between the dam 200 and the display area DA.

[0111] A plurality of layers disposed in the display area DA may extend to a part of the non-display area NDA between the dam 200 and the display area DA. For example, the planarization layer 120, the organic layer EL, the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting device ED, and the cover layer CPL may extend from the display area DA to a part of the non-display area NDA, but are not limited thereto.

[0112] The inorganic layer 131 of the encapsulation layer 130 may preferably be disposed to cover all the layers extending to the non-display area NDA for encapsulation performance. However, even if the inorganic layer 131 of the encapsulation layer 130 is designed to cover all the layers disposed under the encapsulation layer 130, due to process errors, the inorganic layer 131 may not cover at least a part of the layers disposed under the encapsulation layer 130.

[0113] For example, as Figure 9As shown, the inorganic layer 131 cannot completely cover the planarization layer 120 disposed in the non-display area NDA, and the end E can be disposed on the side surface of the planarization layer 120. At least a part of the side surface of the planarization layer 120 is not covered by the inorganic layer 131 and can be exposed. Moisture can easily penetrate into the planarization layer 120 through the exposed side surface and can propagate through the planarization layer 120 to the area where the light-emitting device ED is disposed. As a result, deterioration of the light-emitting device ED may occur, and the lifespan of the light-emitting device ED may be reduced.

[0114] On the other hand, if the end between the layer disposed under the inorganic layer 131 and the encapsulation layer 130 is designed to be sufficiently spaced apart in consideration of process errors, the width of the non-display area NDA may increase, thereby reducing the area of the display area DA.

[0115] In the transparent display panel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the end E of the inorganic layer 131 of the encapsulation layer 130 can be disposed in the dam 200. The end E of the inorganic layer 131 may include a corner portion EG where the lower surface and the inclined side intersect. In the transparent display panel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the corner portion EG of the inorganic layer 131 may overlap with the dam 200. In the transparent display panel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the end E of the inorganic layer 131 may directly contact the dam 200 and may be covered by the dam 200. Accordingly, in the transparent display panel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the width of the non-display area NDA can be reduced and the area of the display area DA can be increased. In addition, in the transparent display panel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the possibility of cracks occurring at the end E of the inorganic layer 131 can be reduced.

[0116] In the transparent display panel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, an element made of an organic material can be spaced apart from the dam 200. In this example, the element made of an organic material can be one of the elements made of an organic material among the elements disposed in the display area DA. As an example, the planarization layer 120 can be spaced apart from the dam 200. As another example, the bank BN can be disposed to be spaced apart from the dam 200. When there is an element made of an organic material other than the planarization layer 120 and the bank BN in the display area DA, the element can also be disposed to be spaced apart from the dam 200.

[0117] Since the end E of the inorganic layer 131 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is not exposed to the outside, an external impact is not directly applied. That is, the inorganic layer 131 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure does not have a high possibility of cracking. However, in the dam 200, large particles and small particles such as the spacer 220 and the getter 230 are distributed in the organic material 210. When an external impact is applied, particles such as the spacer 220 and the getter 230 may collide with the inorganic layer 131. In this case, cracks may occur due to particles such as the spacer 220 and the getter 230 at the end E formed to have a relatively thin thickness.

[0118] In this way, cracks may occur in the region where the inorganic layer 131 and the dam 200 overlap each other. Accordingly, the transparent display panel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure prevents the organic material from being disposed in the lower portion of the region where the inorganic layer 131 and the dam 200 overlap. Specifically, in the transparent display panel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the planarization layer 120 and the bank BN may not be disposed in the region where the inorganic layer 131 and the dam 200 overlap each other.

[0119] For example, an end of the planarization layer 120 formed in the non-display area NDA may be spaced apart from the inner surface IS of the dam 200 by a first distance. In addition, an end of the bank BN formed in the non-display area NDA may be spaced apart from the inner surface IS of the dam 200 by a second distance. The first distance and the second distance may be the same as or different from each other. The first distance may be less than the second distance, but is not necessarily limited thereto. The first distance may be greater than the second distance.

[0120] Organic material layers such as the planarization layer 120 and the bank BN are vulnerable to moisture, and moisture may propagate to the display area DA through the organic material layer. The inorganic layer 131 may block external moisture by covering the organic material layer having such characteristics. However, when cracks appear in the inorganic layer 131 deposited on the upper portion of the organic material layer, the organic material layer may be exposed between the cracks of the inorganic layer 131. Moisture may penetrate into the organic material layer through the cracks of the inorganic layer 131.

[0121] Since there is a possibility that cracks may occur in the region where the inorganic layer 131 and the dam 200 overlap each other, in the transparent display panel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, an organic material layer such as the planarization layer 120 or the bank BN may be disposed at an interval from the dam 200, and the inorganic layer 131 may be disposed to contact the first substrate 111 in the region where the inorganic layer 131 and the dam 200 overlap each other. Therefore, in the transparent display panel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, even if cracks occur in the region where the inorganic layer 131 and the dam 200 overlap each other, the organic material layer will not be exposed to external moisture.

[0122] In addition, even if moisture propagates toward the display area DA through the crack of the inorganic layer 131, the moisture propagation speed is very slow compared to the organic material layer, and since the cracked portion and the organic material layer are separated by a predetermined distance, the time for moisture to penetrate into the organic material layer can be very long. As a result, in the transparent display panel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, even if cracks occur in the region where the inorganic layer 131 and the dam 200 overlap each other, the lifetime of the light-emitting device ED can be increased due to the increased time for moisture to reach the light-emitting device ED.

[0123] In the transparent display panel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the moisture penetration path can be blocked by forming an opening area OA in the organic material layer provided in the non-display area NDA. Specifically, in the transparent display panel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the opening area OA may be provided in the planarization layer 120, as Figure 7 shown. In this example, the opening area OA may be provided between the dam 200 and the display area DA. That is, in the transparent display panel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, due to the opening area OA, the planarization layer 120 may not be continuously formed from the end of the planarization layer 120 to the display area DA. For example, the planarization layer 120 may be divided into at least two parts spaced apart from each other by the opening area OA, but is not limited thereto.

[0124] In the transparent display panel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, even if moisture reaches the end of the planarization layer 120 through the crack of the inorganic layer 131, the opening area OA can prevent the moisture from spreading to the planarization layer 120 provided in the display area DA.

[0125] The planarization layer 120 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may have an opening area OA on at least one side of the display area DA. The display area DA may include a first side facing the pad area PA1, a second side opposite to the first side, and third and fourth sides facing the gate driver 205. The planarization layer 120 may have an opening area OA on at least one of the first to fourth sides of the display area DA. For example, when the non-display area NDA is set to completely surround the display area DA, the planarization layer 120 may have an opening area OA on all of the first to fourth sides of the display area DA, but is not limited thereto.

[0126] In an exemplary embodiment, the planarization layer 120 may have an opening area OA on the first side of the display area DA. The planarization layer 120 may not have an opening area OA on the second to fourth sides of the display area DA.

[0127] To achieve a narrow bezel, the display area DA may have a small spacing distance from the dam 200 on the second to fourth sides of the display area DA. Therefore, since the spacing distance between the end of the planarization layer 120 and the display area DA is small on the second to fourth sides of the display area DA, it is difficult to form the opening area OA. In addition, in order to form the opening area OA in the planarization layer 120, the spacing distance between the display area DA and the dam 200 must be increased, thereby increasing the bezel area. The planarization layer 120 may not have an opening area OA on the second to fourth sides of the display area DA so as not to increase the bezel area, that is, the width of the non-display area NDA.

[0128] In contrast, a non-display area NDA having a relatively wide width may be provided on the first side of the display area DA to provide signal lines to be connected to the pads PAD. Since the spacing distance between the end of the planarization layer 120 and the display area DA is relatively large on the first side of the display area DA, the opening area OA can be formed without increasing the width of the non-display area NDA.

[0129] In addition, in the transparent display panel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a step difference portion may not be provided in the area overlapping with the dam 200. In the display area DA, when circuit elements, the planarization layer 120, the light-emitting device ED, and the cover layer CPL are formed on the first substrate 111, a step difference portion may occur. Since the multiple layers provided in the display area DA may extend to the non-display area NDA, the step difference portion may also occur in the non-display area NDA. The inorganic layer 131 of the encapsulation layer 130 may be provided along the step difference portion in the display area DA and the non-display area NDA.

[0130] In the transparent display panel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the stepped portion may be provided so as not to overlap with the dam 200. When the stepped portion is provided in the area where the dam 200 is provided, the inorganic layer 131 may be provided along the stepped portion even in the area where the dam 200 is provided. In this example, the inorganic layer 131 may be deposited thinner on the stepped portion than on the flat surface. The spacers 220 or getters 230 distributed in the dam 200 may get stuck in the stepped portion provided in the area where the dam 200 is provided, thereby causing cracks in the inorganic layer 131 thinly deposited on the stepped portion.

[0131] In the transparent display panel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, since the stepped portion may be provided so as not to overlap with the dam 200, the possibility of cracks occurring in the inorganic layer 131 can be reduced.

[0132] In the transparent display panel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the occurrence of defects due to moisture penetration can be reduced, thereby increasing the lifespan of the light-emitting device. In addition, in the transparent display panel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, since the lifespan of the product can be increased, the manufacturing process cost can be reduced and the manufacturing process time can be shortened, thereby reducing the production energy. In addition, in the transparent display panel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the generation of greenhouse gases due to the manufacturing process can be reduced, thereby achieving ESG (Environment / Society / Governance).

[0133] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another example taken along the Figure 4 line I-I' shown.

[0134] Referring to Figure 10 , the transparent display panel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may further include an inner dam pattern IDP and an outer dam pattern ODP provided in the non-display area NDA.

[0135] The outer dam pattern ODP may be provided outside the dam 200 in the non-display area NDA. The outer dam pattern ODP may be provided adjacent to the outer surface OS of the dam 200 to block the flow of the dam 200 so that the dam 200 does not overflow to the outside.

[0136] As Figure 10 shown, the outer dam pattern ODP may be spaced apart from the dam 200, but is not limited thereto. Due to process errors, the outer dam pattern ODP may contact the outer surface OS of the dam 200. Even if process errors occur, the dam 200 will not be formed outside the outer dam pattern ODP.

[0137] The inner dam pattern IDP can be set between the dam 200 and the display area DA in the non-display area NDA. The inner dam pattern IDP can be disposed adjacent to the inner surface IS of the dam 200 to block the flow of the dam 200, so that the dam 200 does not spread toward the display area DA.

[0138] As Figure 10 shown, the inner dam pattern IDP can be spaced apart from the dam 200, but is not limited thereto. Due to process errors, the inner dam pattern IDP may also contact the inner surface IS of the dam 200. Even if a process error occurs, the dam 200 is not formed to exceed the inner dam pattern IDP.

[0139] For example, even when the dam 200 may contact the inner dam pattern IDP and the outer dam pattern ODP, the dam 200 can be formed between the inner dam pattern IDP and the outer dam pattern ODP.

[0140] In the transparent display panel 110 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an element made of an organic material can be disposed to be spaced apart from the inner dam pattern IDP. In this example, the element made of an organic material can be one of the elements made of an organic material among the elements disposed in the display area DA. As an example, the planarization layer 120 can be disposed to be spaced apart from the inner dam pattern IDP. As another example, the bank BN can be disposed to be spaced apart from the inner dam pattern IDP. When there are other elements made of an organic material in the display area DA other than the planarization layer 120 and the bank BN, the other element can also be disposed to be spaced apart from the inner dam pattern IDP.

[0141] In this way, cracks may occur in the region where the inorganic layer 131 and the dam 200 overlap each other. Therefore, the transparent display panel 110 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure prevents an organic material from being disposed below the region where the inorganic layer 131 and the dam 200 overlap each other. Specifically, in the transparent display panel 110 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the planarization layer 120 and the bank BN may not be disposed in the region where the inorganic layer 131 and the dam 200 overlap each other.

[0142] The position of the dam 200 may change due to process errors. However, even if a process error occurs in the dam 200, since the flow of the dam 200 is blocked by the inner dam pattern IDP, the dam is not formed to exceed the inner dam pattern IDP.

[0143] In the transparent display panel 110 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the planarization layer 120 and the bank BN may be spaced apart from the inner dam pattern IDP in a plan view. That is, the planarization layer 120 and the bank BN may be spaced apart from the vertical line VL extending vertically from the inner surface of the inner dam pattern IDP without overlapping. Accordingly, the transparent display panel 110 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can ensure that the dam 200, the planarization layer 120, and the bank BN do not overlap even when a process error occurs.

[0144] For example, the planarization layer 120 may have an end portion formed in the non-display area NDA and spaced apart from the inner surface of the inner dam pattern IDP by a first distance. In addition, the bank BN may have an end portion formed in the non-display area NDA and spaced apart from the inner surface of the inner dam pattern IDP by a second distance. The first distance and the second distance may be the same as or different from each other. The first distance may be less than the second distance, but is not necessarily limited thereto. The first distance may be greater than the second distance.

[0145] In the transparent display panel 110 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, since an organic material layer such as the planarization layer 120 or the bank BN may be provided to be spaced apart from the inner dam pattern IDP, the organic material layer is not exposed to external moisture even when a crack occurs in a region where the inorganic layer 131 and the dam 200 overlap each other.

[0146] The outer dam pattern ODP and the inner dam pattern IDP may include the same material as the black matrix BM. The outer dam pattern ODP and the inner dam pattern IDP may include a light-absorbing material, such as the same material as the black matrix BM, for example, a black dye that absorbs all light in the visible band. The outer dam pattern ODP and the inner dam pattern IDP may be formed by the same process as the black matrix BM. In an exemplary embodiment in which the outer dam pattern ODP and the inner dam pattern IDP are formed by the same process as the black matrix BM, a separate process for forming the outer dam pattern ODP and the inner dam pattern IDP may be unnecessary.

[0147] In the present disclosure, by disposing the end portion of the inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer inside the dam, the width of the non-display area can be reduced, and the area of the display area can be increased.

[0148] In addition, in the present disclosure, the possibility of a crack occurring at the end portion of the inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer can be reduced.

[0149] In addition, in the present disclosure, since an organic material layer such as a planarization layer or a bank is provided to be spaced apart from the dam, the organic material layer is not exposed to external moisture through the crack even when a crack occurs in the inorganic layer.

[0150] In addition, in the present disclosure, the occurrence of defects due to moisture penetration can be reduced, and thus the lifespan of the light-emitting device can be increased. In addition, in the present disclosure, since the lifespan of the product can be increased, the manufacturing process cost can be reduced and the manufacturing process time can be shortened, thereby reducing the production energy. In addition, in the present disclosure, the generation of greenhouse gases due to the manufacturing process can be reduced, thereby achieving ESG (Environment / Society / Governance).

[0151] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are briefly described as follows.

[0152] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the transparent display device includes: a first substrate and a second substrate, the first substrate and the second substrate facing each other; a plurality of light-emitting devices disposed on one surface of the first substrate; a display area including a light-emitting area and a transmissive area, the plurality of light-emitting devices being disposed in the light-emitting area, the transmissive area being for transmitting external light; a non-display area disposed outside the display area; a packaging layer disposed on the plurality of light-emitting devices to cover the plurality of light-emitting devices and including an inorganic layer; and a dam disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate in the non-display area, wherein an end portion of the inorganic layer of the packaging layer overlaps with the dam.

[0153] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the dam is disposed to cover the end portion of the inorganic layer of the packaging layer.

[0154] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the dam includes an inner surface and an outer surface, and the end portion of the inorganic layer of the packaging layer is located between the inner surface and the outer surface.

[0155] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the dam includes an organic material and a plurality of particles distributed in the organic material.

[0156] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of particles include at least one of a getter that absorbs moisture and a spacer having a size larger than that of the getter.

[0157] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the dam joins the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0158] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the dam is disposed to surround the display area.

[0159] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the inorganic layer of the packaging layer contacts the first substrate in a region overlapping with the dam.

[0160] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the transparent display device further includes at least one organic layer disposed between the first substrate and the plurality of light-emitting devices, wherein the at least one organic layer is spaced apart from the dam.

[0161] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the transparent display device further includes a circuit element disposed between the first substrate and the plurality of light-emitting devices, wherein the at least one organic layer includes a planarization layer disposed between the circuit element and the plurality of light-emitting devices.

[0162] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the transparent display device further includes an opening region disposed in the planarization layer in the non-display region to divide the planarization layer into at least two discontinuous portions.

[0163] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the transparent display device further includes an inner dam pattern and an outer dam pattern disposed on one surface of the second substrate in the non-display region, the inner dam pattern and the outer dam pattern being spaced apart from each other, and the dam being interposed between the inner dam pattern and the outer dam pattern, wherein the inner dam pattern is spaced apart from the at least one organic layer in a plane.

[0164] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the transparent display device further includes: a color filter disposed on one surface of the second substrate in the display region; and a black matrix disposed between the color filters on one surface of the second substrate, wherein the inner dam pattern and the outer dam pattern are made of the same material as the black matrix.

[0165] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer is disposed along at least one step difference portion disposed in the non-display region, and the step difference portion does not overlap with the dam.

[0166] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the transparent display device further includes a gate driver disposed on one surface of the first substrate, the gate driver being disposed on at least one side of the display region, wherein the gate driver is disposed between the dam and the display region.

[0167] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer covers the gate driver.

[0168] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the transparent display device further includes a pad region disposed on one surface of the first substrate, the pad region being disposed on one side of the display region, wherein an end portion of the inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer is spaced apart from the pad region, and at least a part of the dam is interposed between the end portion of the inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer and the pad region.

[0169] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the end portion of the inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer is in contact with the dam.

[0170] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the encapsulation layer includes a plurality of inorganic layers, and an end portion of the uppermost inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer overlaps with the dam.

[0171] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the end portion of the inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer includes a corner portion where a lower surface intersects an inclined side of the end portion, and the corner portion of the inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer overlaps with the dam.

[0172] The above features, structures, and effects of the present disclosure are included in at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, but are not limited to only one exemplary embodiment. In addition, the features, structures, and effects described in at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can be achieved by those skilled in the art through combinations or modifications of other exemplary embodiments. Therefore, the content associated with the combinations and modifications should be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0173] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover modifications and variations of the present disclosure.

[0174] The above various exemplary embodiments can be combined to provide additional exemplary embodiments.

[0175] Based on the above detailed description, these and other changes can be made to the exemplary embodiments. Generally, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed as limiting the claims to the specific exemplary embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be construed as including all possible exemplary embodiments and the entire scope of equivalents to which these claims are entitled. Therefore, the claims are not limited by the present disclosure.

[0176] Cross-reference to related applications

[0177] This application claims the benefit of priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0191328, filed in Korea on December 26, 2023, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference into this application.

Claims

1. A transparent display device, comprising: a first substrate and a second substrate, the first substrate and the second substrate facing each other; a plurality of light emitting devices, the plurality of light emitting devices being arranged on one surface of the first substrate; A display area, the display area includes a light-emitting area and a transmission area, the light-emitting area is provided with the plurality of light-emitting devices, and the transmission area is used to transmit external light; a non-display area, the non-display area being arranged outside the display area; an encapsulation layer, the encapsulation layer being disposed on the plurality of light emitting devices to cover the plurality of light emitting devices, and the encapsulation layer comprising an inorganic layer; and a dam, wherein the dam is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate in the non-display area, Wherein, an end portion of the inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer overlaps with the dam.

2. The transparent display device according to claim 1, wherein: The dam is provided to cover the end portion of the inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer.

3. The transparent display device according to claim 1, wherein: The dam comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, and Wherein, the end portion of the inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer is located between the inner surface and the outer surface.

4. The transparent display device according to claim 1, wherein: The dam includes an organic material and a plurality of particles distributed in the organic material.

5. The transparent display device according to claim 4, wherein: The plurality of particles include at least one of a getter that absorbs moisture and a spacer having a size greater than that of the getter.

6. The transparent display device according to claim 1, wherein: The dam joins the first substrate and the second substrate.

7. The transparent display device according to claim 1, wherein: The dam is disposed to surround the display area.

8. The transparent display device according to claim 1, wherein: The inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer contacts the first substrate in a region overlapping the dam.

9. The transparent display device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one organic layer disposed between the first substrate and the plurality of light emitting devices, in, The at least one organic layer is spaced apart from the dam.

10. The transparent display device according to claim 9, further comprising a circuit element disposed between the first substrate and the plurality of light emitting devices, in, The at least one organic layer includes a planarization layer disposed between the circuit element and the plurality of light emitting devices. 11 . The transparent display device according to claim 10 , further comprising an opening area, wherein the opening area is provided in the planarization layer in the non-display area to divide the planarization layer into at least two discontinuous parts.

12. The transparent display device according to claim 9, further comprising an inner dam pattern and an outer dam pattern provided on one surface of the second substrate in the non-display area, the inner dam pattern and the outer dam pattern being spaced apart from each other, and the dam being interposed between the inner dam pattern and the outer dam pattern, in, The inner dam pattern is plane-spaced apart from the at least one organic layer.

13. The transparent display device according to claim 12, further comprising: a color filter disposed on the one surface of the second substrate in the display area; as well as a black matrix disposed between the color filters on the one surface of the second substrate, Wherein, the inner dam pattern, the outer dam pattern and the black matrix are made of the same material.

14. The transparent display device according to claim 1, wherein: The inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer is disposed along a step difference portion disposed in the non-display area, and Wherein, the step difference portion does not overlap with the dam.

15. The transparent display device according to claim 1, further comprising a gate driver disposed on the one surface of the first substrate, the gate driver being disposed on one side or more sides of the display area, in, The gate driver is disposed between the dam and the display area.

16. The transparent display device according to claim 15, wherein: The inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer covers the gate driver.

17. The transparent display device according to claim 1, further comprising a pad region disposed on the one surface of the first substrate, the pad region being disposed at one side of the display region, in, An end portion of the inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer is spaced apart from the pad region, and at least a portion of the dam is interposed between the end portion of the inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer and the pad region.

18. The transparent display device according to claim 1, wherein: The end portion of the inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer is in contact with the dam.

19. The transparent display device according to claim 1, wherein: The encapsulation layer includes a plurality of inorganic layers, and The end portion of the uppermost inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer overlaps with the dam.

20. The transparent display device according to claim 1, wherein: The end portion of the inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer includes a corner portion where a lower surface intersects an inclined side of the end portion, and Wherein, the corner portion of the inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer overlaps with the dam.

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