Display device

Abstract

A display device is disclosed. A display device according to the present disclosure may include: a display panel including a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area; a light emitting element unit including a plurality of light emitting elements disposed on the display area of the display panel; a rigid enhancement layer disposed over the display panel; and a polarizing layer disposed on the rigidity enhancing layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device, and more particularly, for example but not limited to, to a display device having increased durability. Background Art

[0002] Display devices are applied to various electronic apparatuses such as TVs, mobile phones, laptop PCs, and tablets, etc. For this reason, research for developing display devices that are thinner, lighter, and have lower power consumption is continuously being conducted.

[0003] Examples of the display apparatus may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) display device, a plasma display panel (PDP) display device, a field emission display (FED) device, an electrowetting display (EWD) device, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device, and the like.

[0004] In display devices used to display various pieces of information as images, OLED display devices include multiple pixel regions arranged in a display area that displays the images, and OLEDs arranged to correspond to the multiple pixel regions. Because OLEDs are self-luminous elements that emit their own light, OLED display devices offer advantages over LCD devices, such as faster response times, higher luminous efficiency and brightness, wider viewing angles, and superior contrast and color gamut.

[0005] The description provided in the description of the background technology section should not be assumed to be prior art simply because it is mentioned in the description of the background technology section or is associated with the description of the background technology section. The description of the background technology section may include information describing one or more aspects of the subject technology, and the description in this section does not limit the present invention. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In related art, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display device may include a first substrate on which an OLED is disposed, and a second substrate disposed facing the first substrate. The OLED includes organic materials that are susceptible to degradation by moisture, oxygen, and the like. Therefore, a frit sealant is provided that joins the first and second substrates and surrounds the edge of the OLED display device, thereby sealing the OLED disposed within the frit sealant with an air gap.

[0007] However, the inventors have recognized that when the first and second substrates are opened, the frit sealant may separate from the first or second substrate and act as a foreign object in the display device, causing defects. Furthermore, since the organic light-emitting diode disposed between the first and second substrates is sealed by an air gap, there is a limitation that it is easily damaged due to insufficient rigidity.

[0008] Therefore, one example embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to providing a display device in which durability can be improved by arranging a reinforcement substrate at a position relatively close to a display area where an image is displayed.

[0009] An example embodiment of the present disclosure is also directed to providing a display device in which occurrence of defects caused by separation between vertically overlapped layers can be prevented by employing an adhesive member covering the entire surface of a display area.

[0010] An example embodiment of the present disclosure is also directed to providing a display device whose weight can be reduced by arranging a reinforcement surface, which can increase the rigidity of the display and can omit multiple layers for surface treatment due to the reinforcement surface.

[0011] The purpose of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned purpose, and other purposes and advantages of the present disclosure that are not mentioned can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, it will be easy to see that the purposes and advantages of the present disclosure can be achieved by the devices described in the claims and their combinations.

[0012] According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device may include: a display panel including a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area; a light-emitting element unit including a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged on the display area of the display panel; a rigidity reinforcement layer arranged above the display panel; and a polarization layer arranged on the rigidity reinforcement layer.

[0013] Additional details of example implementations are included in the Detailed Description and the accompanying drawings.

[0014] According to example embodiments of the present disclosure, durability may be improved by disposing a reinforcement substrate relatively close to a display area where an image is displayed.

[0015] Effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those having ordinary skill in the art from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The above and other aspects, features and other advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood through the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating a portion of a display device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of one side of a display device.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Magnified cross-sectional view of region 3 in FIG.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device is shown along line 4-4.

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device is shown along line 5-5.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device is shown along line 6-6.

[0023] Figure 7 is a diagram showing a method according to another exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of one side of a display device.

[0024] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 An enlarged cross-sectional view of region 8 in FIG.

[0025] Figure 9 According to another example embodiment Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device is shown along line 9-9.

[0026] Figure 10 According to another example embodiment Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device is shown along line 10 - 10 .

[0027] Figure 11 According to another example embodiment Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device shown in FIG. 1 is taken along line 11 - 11 .

[0028] Figure 12 is a view illustrating a viewing angle distance of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 13 is a diagram showing a method according to another exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of one side of a display device.

[0030] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 An enlarged cross-sectional view of region 14 in FIG.

[0031] Throughout the drawings and detailed description, unless otherwise described, the same drawing reference numerals should be understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures. The relative sizes and depictions of these elements may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and methods for achieving them will become clear with reference to the exemplary embodiments described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms, and these exemplary embodiments are provided solely to complete the disclosure of the present disclosure and fully inform those skilled in the art of the present disclosure of the scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] Since the shapes, sizes, areas, ratios, angles, quantities, etc. disclosed in the accompanying drawings for describing the example embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrative, the present disclosure is not limited to the items shown. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals represent the same components. In addition, when describing the present disclosure, when it is determined that the detailed description of the relevant known technology may unnecessarily obscure the main points of the present disclosure, its detailed description will be omitted. When using the terms "comprising", "having", "including", "containing", "constituting", "made of", "formed of", "composed of", etc. described in the present disclosure, other parts may be added unless "only" is used. When a component is represented in the singular, unless otherwise specifically stated, it includes the case where the component is provided as a plurality of components.

[0034] In interpreting components, even if there is no separate explicit description, the components are interpreted as including error tolerances.

[0035] When describing a positional relationship, for example, when terms such as "on," "over," "above," "under," "below," "beside," "under," "near," "near," "adjacent," "on the side of," "close to," etc. are used to describe the positional relationship between two parts, unless the terms "immediately" or "directly" are used, one or more other parts may be located between the two parts.

[0036] Spatially relative terms may be used herein, such as "below," "beneath," "under," "lower," "above," "upper," etc., to describe 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 elements in use or operation. For example, if the elements in the figures are inverted, elements described as being "below" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" may include both below and above orientations. Similarly, the exemplary terms "above" or "above" may include both above and below orientations.

[0037] When describing a temporal relationship, for example, when using the terms "after", "subsequently", "then", "before", etc., it can include non-continuous cases unless the terms "immediately" or "directly" are used.

[0038] Although terms such as "first," "second," "A," "B," "a," and "b" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, the first component described below may be the second component within the technical spirit of the present disclosure.

[0039] 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 limit the nature, order, or sequence of the corresponding components, but is only used to distinguish the corresponding components from other components. When describing that a certain structural element or layer is "connected," "coupled," "bonded," or "joined" to another structural element or layer, it is generally interpreted that the other structural element or layer can be "connected," "coupled," "bonded," or "joined" to the structural element or layer directly or indirectly.

[0040] 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, second, and third items" means all combinations of items listed from two or more of the first, second, and third items, as well as the first, second, or third item.

[0041] The term "device" as used herein may refer to a display device including a display panel and a driver for driving the display panel. Examples of display devices may include light-emitting devices, etc. In addition, examples of devices may include laptop computers, televisions, computer monitors, automotive devices, wearable devices, and automotive equipment devices, as well as complete electronic devices (or devices) or complete sets of devices (or devices) each including a light-emitting device as a complete product or final product, for example, mobile electronic devices such as smartphones or electronic tablets, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0042] Throughout the specification, like reference numerals generally refer to like elements.

[0043] The size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are illustrated for convenience of description, and the present disclosure is not limited to the size and thickness of the components shown.

[0044] The features of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be partially or entirely coupled or combined, and various technical intercommunications and drives are possible, and the exemplary embodiments may be implemented independently of each other or together in an associated relationship.

[0045] 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 example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0046] In aspects of the present disclosure, for ease of description, source electrodes and drain electrodes are distinguished from each other. However, source electrodes and drain electrodes may be used interchangeably. A source electrode may be a drain electrode, and a drain electrode may be a source electrode. In addition, a source electrode in any aspect of the present disclosure may be a drain electrode in another aspect of the present disclosure, and a drain electrode in any aspect of the present disclosure may be a source electrode in another aspect of the present disclosure.

[0047] A display device according to each exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Figure 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating a portion of a display device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of one side of a display device. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 For ease of description, the enlarged cross-sectional view of region 3 is shown in FIG. Figure 1 , among the various components of the display device 1000, only the display panel PNL, the printed circuit board 1020, the flexible circuit board 1010, and the integrated circuit chip 1015 provided on the flexible circuit board 1010 are shown, but the components of the display device 1000 of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In addition, all components of each display device according to all embodiments of the present disclosure are operably connected and configured.

[0049] Reference Figures 1 to 3 A display device 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel PNL, a cover substrate 160 disposed above the display panel PNL, and a back plate unit 180 disposed below the display panel PNL. A polarizing layer 153 may be disposed between the display panel PNL and the cover substrate 160, and a protective coating layer 170 may be disposed between the display panel PNL and the back plate unit 180. The display panel PNL and the polarizing layer 153 may be bonded by a first adhesive member 150, and the back plate unit 180 may be bonded to the protective coating layer 170 by a second adhesive member 173.

[0050] The display panel PNL includes a base substrate 101. The base substrate 101 may include transparent plastic or glass. In some example embodiments, the base substrate 101 may be made of a flexible plastic material or a flexible polymer film. For example, the flexible polymer film may be made of any one of polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polycarbonate (PC), polyethersulfone (PES), polyarylate (PAR), polysulfone (PSF), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), triacetyl cellulose (TAC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polystyrene (PS), and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In a plan view, the base substrate 101 may have a rectangular shape having a long side in a first direction and a short side in a second direction. Alternatively, the base substrate 101 may have a quadrilateral shape in which each corner has a rounded shape, but is not limited thereto. The first direction may be, for example, a horizontal direction or an X-axis direction of the base substrate 101 , and the second direction may be, for example, a vertical direction or a Y-axis direction of the base substrate 101 .

[0051] The display panel PNL may include a display area AA and a non-display area NAA outside the display area AA. For example, the non-display area NA is disposed near, around, or around the display area AA, but is not limited thereto.

[0052] A plurality of sub-pixels P may be arranged in the display area AA of the base substrate 101. Videos or images may be displayed in the display area AA through the plurality of sub-pixels P. The plurality of sub-pixels P are the smallest units constituting the display area AA, and n sub-pixels P may form one pixel. Each of the plurality of sub-pixels P may emit light having a different wavelength from one another. The plurality of sub-pixels may include a first sub-pixel, a second sub-pixel, and a third sub-pixel that emit light of different colors from one another. For example, the plurality of sub-pixels P may include a red sub-pixel PR as a first sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel PG as a second sub-pixel, and a blue sub-pixel PB as a third sub-pixel. In addition, the plurality of sub-pixels P may further include a white sub-pixel.

[0053] For example, a plurality of sub-pixels P may include a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, and a blue sub-pixel, wherein the red sub-pixel, the green sub-pixel, and the blue sub-pixel may be arranged in a repeated manner. Alternatively, a plurality of sub-pixels P may include a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, a blue sub-pixel, and a white sub-pixel, wherein the red sub-pixel, the green sub-pixel, the blue sub-pixel, and the white sub-pixel may be arranged in a repeated manner, or the red sub-pixel, the green sub-pixel, the blue sub-pixel, and the white sub-pixel may be arranged in a quadrilateral type. For example, the red sub-pixel, the blue sub-pixel, and the green sub-pixel may be arranged sequentially along the row direction, or the red sub-pixel, the blue sub-pixel, the green sub-pixel, and the white sub-pixel may be arranged sequentially along the row direction. However, in an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the color type, arrangement type, and arrangement order of the sub-pixels are not limited, and may be configured in various forms according to the luminous characteristics, device life, and device specifications.

[0054] Furthermore, subpixels may have different light-emitting areas depending on their light-emitting characteristics. For example, a subpixel emitting light of a color different from that of a blue subpixel may have a light-emitting area different from that of the blue subpixel. For example, a red subpixel, a blue subpixel, and a green subpixel, or a red subpixel, a blue subpixel, a white subpixel, and a green subpixel may each have a different light-emitting area.

[0055] Several drivers for driving the plurality of sub-pixels P disposed in the display area AA may be disposed in the non-display area NAA. For example, the drivers may include a gate driver, a data driver, a touch driver, and a timing controller, but are not limited thereto.

[0056] The non-display area NAA may be an area surrounding the display area AA and may be defined as an area in which no video or image is displayed. For example, the non-display area NAA may include an upper edge area, a lower edge area, a left edge area, and a right edge area of the display panel PNL. The flexible circuit board 1010 and the printed circuit board 1020 may be disposed on at least one edge of the non-display area NAA.

[0057] The integrated circuit chip 1015 may be provided on the flexible circuit board 1010. The flexible circuit board 1010 may have one side coupled to the base substrate 101 and the other side coupled to the printed circuit board 1020 to provide power for driving the light-emitting element unit and various signals supplied from the printed circuit board 1020 to the display area AA of the base substrate 101. For example, the various signals may include a high potential voltage, a low potential voltage, a scan signal, a data signal, a touch detection signal, etc.

[0058] The printed circuit board 1020 may supply signals to the integrated circuit chip 1015 provided on the flexible circuit board 1010. Various components for supplying various signals to the integrated circuit chip 1015 may be provided on the printed circuit board 1020. Figure 1 In the embodiment, one flexible circuit board 1010 and one printed circuit board 1020 are shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of flexible circuit boards 1010 and a plurality of printed circuit boards 1020 may be provided at an edge of one side of the base substrate 101 .

[0059] Reference Figure 1 , a plurality of data lines DL and a plurality of scan lines SL may be provided in the display area AA of the base substrate 101. Each of the plurality of data lines DL may be provided to intersect each of the plurality of scan lines SL. A sub-pixel P may be defined by the intersecting data lines DL and scan lines SL, and a plurality of sub-pixels P may be provided in the display area AA. For example, one sub-pixel P may be electrically connected to a gate line and a data line.

[0060] A scan line SL extends along a first direction of the base substrate 101. Each of the plurality of scan lines SL may be spaced apart from one another in a second direction intersecting the first direction. A data line DL extends along a second direction. Each of the plurality of data lines DL may be spaced apart from one another in the first direction intersecting the second direction. The first direction may be, for example, a horizontal direction or an X-axis direction of the base substrate 101, and the second direction may be, for example, a vertical direction or a Y-axis direction of the base substrate 101.

[0061] The plurality of sub-pixels P disposed on the display area AA may be arranged in a matrix (M*N, where M and N are natural numbers) on the display area AA of the base substrate 101. A light-emitting element may be located in each sub-pixel P to emit light of a different color. For example, the light-emitting element may emit red, green, or blue light, but is not limited thereto.

[0062] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The base substrate 101 may include a transistor TR for driving a sub-pixel, a light emitting element unit EL, and a touch sensing unit TS. The base substrate 101 may include a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface. Circuit elements including the transistor TR may be disposed on the first surface of the base substrate 101, and a protective coating 170 may be disposed on the second surface where the transistor TR is not disposed.

[0063] The transistor TR may include a gate electrode 103, a gate insulating layer 105, a semiconductor layer 107, and source / drain electrodes 111. The gate insulating layer 105 may be provided between the gate electrode 103 and the semiconductor layer 107. Figure 3The transistor TR is shown to have a bottom gate structure, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the transistor TR may have a top gate structure or a double gate structure.

[0064] The gate electrode 103 may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers made of any one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd) and copper (Cu) or alloys thereof.

[0065] The semiconductor layer 107 may be made of an oxide semiconductor or a silicon-based semiconductor material. For example, the semiconductor layer 107 may include a transparent oxide semiconductor material, such as indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). In addition, the semiconductor layer 107 may include a low-temperature grown silicon semiconductor material. The semiconductor layer 107 may include a channel region and a source / drain region disposed on both sides, the channel region being located between the source region and the drain region. The gate insulating layer 105 may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers of silicon oxide (SiOx) or silicon nitride (SiNx), but is not limited thereto. For example, the gate insulating layer 105 may be formed by a single layer or multiple layers of an inorganic film, for example, a single layer of an inorganic film may be a silicon oxide (SiOx) film or a silicon nitride (SiNx) film, and a multilayer inorganic film may be formed by alternately stacking one or more layers of silicon oxide (SiOx) film, one or more layers of silicon nitride (SiNx) film, and one or more layers of amorphous silicon (a-Si), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0066] A buffer layer including an insulating material that reduces or prevents penetration of moisture or impurities through the base substrate 101 and a light blocking layer configured to block external light incident on the semiconductor layer 107 may be included between the base substrate 101 and the gate electrode 103 .

[0067] A light blocking layer may be provided on the base substrate 101. The light blocking layer blocks light incident on the semiconductor layer 107 of the plurality of transistors to minimize leakage current. For example, a light blocking layer is provided below the semiconductor layer 107 of the drive transistor DT to block light incident on the semiconductor layer 107. If light is irradiated onto the semiconductor layer 107, leakage current is generated, which reduces the reliability of the drive transistor DT. Therefore, a light blocking layer that blocks light is provided on the base substrate 101 to improve the reliability of the transistor. The light blocking layer may be formed of an opaque conductive material such as copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), or an alloy thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0068] A buffer layer may be provided on the light blocking layer. The buffer layer may reduce the penetration of moisture or impurities through the base substrate 101. For example, the buffer layer may be composed of a single layer, a double layer or more layers of silicon oxide (SiOx) or silicon nitride (SiNx), but is not limited thereto. For example, the buffer layer may be formed by a single layer or a multilayer inorganic film, for example, the single layer inorganic film may be a silicon oxide (SiOx) film or a silicon nitride (SiNx) film, and the multilayer inorganic film may be formed by alternately stacking one or more layers of silicon oxide (SiOx) film, one or more layers of silicon nitride (SiNx) film and one or more layers of amorphous silicon (a-Si), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. However, the buffer layer may be omitted depending on the type of the base substrate 101 or the type of the driving transistor DT, but is not limited thereto.

[0069] An interlayer insulating layer 109 may be provided on the gate electrode 103. Source / drain electrodes 111 may be provided through the interlayer insulating layer 109 and connected to the source / drain regions of the semiconductor layer 107. The source / drain electrodes 111 may be provided to cover a portion of the top surface of the interlayer insulating layer 109.

[0070] The planarization layer 115 may be provided on the interlayer insulating layer 109 and the source / drain electrodes 111. The planarization layer 115 may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers. The planarization layer 115 may flatten steps caused by lower circuit components including the transistor TR. The planarization layer 115 may include an organic insulating material, such as an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, or a polyimide resin. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the planarization layer 115 may include an organic insulating material capable of flattening steps.

[0071] The planarization layer 115 may include a contact hole 117 that passes through the planarization layer 115 while exposing a portion of a surface of one of the source / drain electrodes 111 of the transistor TR. The contact hole 117 may also be referred to as a pixel contact hole.

[0072] The light emitting element unit EL may be disposed on the planarization layer 115. The light emitting element unit EL may include an organic light emitting diode ED and a bank portion 121 having a bank hole 122. The organic light emitting diode ED includes a first electrode 120, an organic light emitting layer 123, and a second electrode 125. The first electrode 120 of the organic light emitting diode ED may also be referred to as an anode or a pixel electrode, and the second electrode 125 thereof may also be referred to as a cathode or an opposite electrode.

[0073] The first electrode 120 may be provided on the planarization layer 115. For example, the first electrode 120 may extend to the contact hole 117 and may contact the source / drain electrode 111 whose surface is exposed by the contact hole 117. The portion of the first electrode 120 extending to the contact hole 117 may be a contact electrode. Therefore, the first electrode 120 may be electrically connected to the transistor TR.

[0074] The first electrode 120 may include a transparent metal oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). Alternatively, the first electrode 120 may include a single-layer or multi-layer structure including a reflective metal film made of silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and compounds thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0075] The bank 121 provided with the bank hole 122 may be provided on the planarization layer 115. The bank 121 may divide each sub-pixel P (see Figure 1 To this end, the bank 121 can cover the edge of the first electrode 120. Thus, the bank 121 can prevent light of different colors from mixing and being output to adjacent sub-pixels. For example, the bank 121 can be formed of a black bank with high light absorption to suppress color mixing between adjacent sub-pixels. For example, the bank 121 can include an organic insulating film such as polyimide or epoxy resin, but is not limited thereto.

[0076] The bank hole 122 may expose a portion of the first electrode 120. The exposed portion of the first electrode 120 may become a light-emitting region. An organic light-emitting layer 123 may be disposed on the first electrode 120. In one example, the organic light-emitting layer 123 may include an organic material that emits light of a different color for each sub-pixel. For example, the organic light-emitting layer 123 may emit light in one of red, green, blue, and white, but is not limited thereto. In another example, the organic light-emitting layer 123 may be made of an organic material that emits white light and may display one of red, green, or blue through a color filter.

[0077] In one example embodiment, the organic light emitting layer 123 may be formed to cover a portion of the side surfaces of the first electrode 120 and the bank 121. In another example embodiment, the organic light emitting layer 123 may extend across the entire surface of the display area AA to cover the exposed surfaces of the bank 121 and the first electrode 120.

[0078] The organic light-emitting layer 123 may include a stacked structure including a hole transport layer HTL, a light-emitting material layer EML, an electron transport layer ETL, a hole blocking layer HBL, a hole injection layer HIL, an electron blocking layer EBL, and an electron injection layer EIL. The light-emitting material layer EML of the organic light-emitting layer 123 may emit light by recombination of holes injected from the first electrode 120 and electrons injected from the second electrode 125.

[0079] The second electrode 125 may be disposed on the organic light-emitting layer 123. The second electrode 125 may be formed to cover the organic light-emitting layer 123. The second electrode 125 may be formed collectively on a plurality of sub-pixels P. The second electrode 125 may include a transparent metal oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). Alternatively, the second electrode 125 may include a single-layer or multi-layer structure including a reflective metal film made of silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and compounds thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0080] In addition, depending on the bottom emission type or top emission type of the display device, one of the first electrode and the second electrode may include a single layer or multiple layers of an opaque conductive material with relatively high reflection efficiency, and the other of the first electrode and the second electrode may include a transparent conductive material or a semi-transparent conductive material, but is not limited thereto.

[0081] For example, the opaque conductive material may include a material having a relatively low work function such as aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), and alloys thereof. For example, the transparent conductive material may include indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), etc., but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0082] The encapsulation layers 127, 129, and 130 may be provided on the light emitting element unit EL. The encapsulation layers 127, 129, and 130 may protect the light emitting element unit EL and the transistor TR from external oxygen or moisture. The encapsulation layers 127, 129, and 130 may cover the display area AA (see FIG. Figure 1 ) and extends to the non-display area NAA surrounding the display area AA (see Figure 1 The encapsulation layers 127 , 129 , and 130 may include a multi-layer structure in which a first encapsulation layer 127 , a second encapsulation layer 129 , and a third encapsulation layer 130 are stacked.

[0083] The first encapsulation layer 127 may be provided to cover the second electrode 125 of the light emitting element unit EL. The first encapsulation layer 127 may include an insulating material. For example, the first encapsulation layer 127 may include at least one inorganic insulating material of silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), and silicon oxynitride (SiON).

[0084] The second encapsulation layer 129 may cover the first encapsulation layer 127 and have a sufficient thickness to have a flat surface. The second encapsulation layer 129 may prevent foreign matter from penetrating the light emitting element unit EL or the transistor TR. The second encapsulation layer 129 may include an insulating material. For example, the second encapsulation layer 129 may include at least one of epoxy resin, polyimide, polyethylene, or acrylate.

[0085] The third encapsulation layer 130 may be disposed on the second encapsulation layer 129. The third encapsulation layer 130 may cover the second encapsulation layer 129 and include an inorganic insulating material. For example, the third encapsulation layer 130 may include at least one of silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), and silicon oxynitride (SiON).

[0086] In addition, the encapsulation layer is not limited to three layers, and for example, may include n layers (where n is an integer greater than 3) in which inorganic encapsulation layers and organic encapsulation layers are alternately stacked.

[0087] The base substrate 101 may include a dam structure 126 disposed between the display area and the pad area where the pad electrode 145 is disposed. The dam structure 126 is used to prevent the second encapsulation layer 128 from overflowing into the pad area. For example, the dam structure 126 may include a structure in which a first dam formed coplanar with the planarization layer 115 and a second dam formed coplanar with the bank 121 are vertically stacked. For example, the first dam may be formed of the same material as the planarization layer 115, but is not limited thereto. For example, the second dam may be formed of the same material as the bank 121, but is not limited thereto.

[0088] The first encapsulation layer 127 may extend to a portion of the dam structure 126 of the display panel PNL to cover the side surface of each of the planarization layer 115 and the dam structure 126 .

[0089] The touch sensing unit TS may be disposed on the third encapsulation layer 130. The touch sensing unit TS may include a touch buffer film 133, a touch sensor disposed on the touch buffer film 133 and including a plurality of touch electrodes 135 and 137 and a plurality of bridge electrodes 139, a touch interlayer insulating layer 136, and a touch protection film 143.

[0090] The touch interlayer insulating layer 136 may be provided between the plurality of touch electrodes 135 and 137 and the plurality of bridge electrodes 139 to insulate the plurality of touch electrodes 135 and 137 from the plurality of bridge electrodes 139. The touch interlayer insulating layer 136 may include a contact hole that exposes a portion of the surface of the bridge electrode 139. Adjacent touch electrodes among the plurality of touch electrodes 135 and 137 may be electrically connected through the contact hole.

[0091] The multiple touch electrodes 135 and 137 may include multiple first touch electrodes 135 and multiple second touch electrodes 137. The multiple first touch electrodes 135, the multiple second touch electrodes 137, and the multiple bridge electrodes 139 may be located on different layers. For example, the multiple first touch electrodes 135 may be spaced apart from each other along a first direction of the base substrate 101, and the multiple second touch electrodes 137 may be spaced apart from each other along a second direction of the base substrate 101. The second touch electrodes 137 may be located between the multiple first touch electrodes 135 located adjacent to each other. The multiple first touch electrodes 135 located adjacent to each other may be electrically connected via the bridge electrodes 139 located on different layers.

[0092] Each of the plurality of touch electrodes 135 and 137 can be electrically connected to a pad electrode 145 via a plurality of touch link lines 140 disposed outside the display area AA. The touch link lines 140 can be disposed coplanar with the plurality of touch electrodes 135 and 137, but are not limited thereto. The touch link lines 140 can extend along the exposed surface of the touch interlayer insulating layer 136 and can be connected to the pad electrode 145.

[0093] The touch protection film 143 may be provided to cover the plurality of touch electrodes 135 and 137. The touch protection film 143 may include an organic insulating material.

[0094] A polarizing layer 153 may be provided above the touch protection film 143. The polarizing layer 153 may suppress external light reflection and change the polarization state of light emitted from the light emitting element unit EL. The polarizing layer 153 may be bonded to the display panel PNL via a first adhesive member 150. For example, the first adhesive member 150 may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0095] The cover substrate 160 may be disposed on the polarizing layer 153. The cover substrate 160 may cover the display panel PNL including the base substrate 101 to protect the transistors TR, the light emitting element units EL, and circuit elements disposed on the base substrate 101. The cover substrate 160 may also be referred to as a cover window, a window cover, or a cover glass.

[0096] The cover substrate 160 may include a glass substrate. An optical bonding member 155 may be further included between the polarizing layer 153 and the cover substrate 160. The optical bonding member 155 may include an optically clear adhesive film (OCA), but is not limited thereto.

[0097] The front surface of the cover substrate 160 may be a light-emitting surface through which light emitted from the light-emitting element unit EL is emitted to the outside. A user can view a video or image displayed by the display panel PNL through the front surface of the cover substrate 160. Multiple functional layers such as an anti-fingerprint coating, an anti-reflection layer, and an anti-glare layer may be provided on the front surface of the cover substrate 160 in a multilayer structure, but are not limited thereto.

[0098] The rear surface facing the front of the cover substrate 160 may be a light incident surface onto which light emitted from the light emitting element unit EL is incident. A light blocking pattern 157 may be provided on the rear surface of the cover substrate 160. The light blocking pattern 157 is used to prevent the circuit pattern provided on the non-display area (NAA) from being visible to the user. For example, the circuit pattern provided on the non-display area (NAA) may include a metal line, a pad electrode, an integrated circuit chip, a flexible circuit board, or a printed circuit board, but is not limited thereto.

[0099] To this end, the light-blocking pattern 157 may be located on the non-display area (NAA) and may have a closed loop shape surrounding four edge portions of the rear surface of the cover substrate 160. For example, the light-blocking pattern 157 may be configured to include an upper edge region, a lower edge region, a left edge region, and a right edge region. The light-blocking pattern 157 may include a film mixed with an opaque pigment. For example, the opaque pigment may include carbon black or titanium black, but is not limited thereto.

[0100] Return Reference Figure 2 , a protective coating layer 170 may be provided on the second surface of the base substrate 101. In the process for forming the transistor TR on the first surface of the base substrate 101 (see Figure 3 ) in a process such as a deposition process. The portion of the second surface of the base substrate 101 where the micro damage remains may have deteriorated rigidity compared to the portion in which the damage does not occur. Therefore, defects such as damage to the base substrate 101 caused by a small impact may occur. Therefore, the damaged portion of the second surface of the base substrate 101 can be removed by an etching process, and a protective coating 170 can be provided on the surface of the removed second surface. The protective coating 170 can increase the rigidity of the base substrate 101. The protective coating 170 can be formed by coating an opaque insulating material. For example, the protective coating 170 can include a black resin, but is not limited thereto.

[0101] The back plate unit 180 may be provided on the second surface of the base substrate 101 provided with the protective coating layer 170. The back plate unit 180 may strengthen the rigidity of the base substrate 101, provide a heat dissipation function, and absorb external impact. To this end, the back plate unit 180 may include a multilayer structure of a second adhesive member 173, an impact absorbing layer 175, a third adhesive member 177, and a heat dissipation layer 179, but is not limited thereto.

[0102] The second adhesive member 173 can attach the impact absorbing layer 175 to the protective coating 170. The second adhesive member 173 may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). The impact absorbing layer 175 may be made of a foam material to mitigate external impact. For example, the impact absorbing layer 175 may include polyurethane (PU), but is not limited thereto. The impact absorbing layer 175 can prevent damage to the display panel PNL caused by external impact.

[0103] The heat dissipation layer 179 may be attached to the impact absorbing layer 175 via a third adhesive member 177. The second adhesive member 173 may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). When the light-emitting element unit EL is driven, the heat dissipation layer 179 may dissipate heat generated inside the display panel PNL to the outside. The heat dissipation layer 179 may include a metal material with high thermal conductivity to serve as a grounding member for circuit elements provided on the display panel PNL. In addition, the heat dissipation layer 179 may include a relatively rigid metal material to enhance the rigidity of the display panel PNL. For example, the heat dissipation layer 179 may include aluminum (Al), but is not limited thereto.

[0104] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device is shown along line 4-4. Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device along line 5-5 is shown. In addition, Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device is shown along line 6-6. Figures 4 to 6 , for the convenience of description, the display panel PNL and the back plate unit 180 are schematically shown.

[0105] Refer to it together Figures 4 to 6 as well as Figure 1 , the display device 1000 may include a display area AA and a non-display area NAA surrounding the outside of the display area AA. The non-display area NAA may be the first areas dt-a1, ds-a1, and db-a1 between the outermost end portion 160E of the cover substrate 160 and the boundary of the display area AA. The first areas dt-a1, ds-a1, and db-a1 of the non-display area NAA may be the first areas dt-a1 at the upper edge of the display panel PNL (see Figure 4), the first area ds-a1 at the left and right edges of the display panel PNL (see Figure 5 ) and the first area db-a1 at the lower edge of the display panel PNL (see Figure 6 ).

[0106] The non-display area (NAA) may be positioned to overlap with the viewing area V / A. The viewing area V / A may be an area visible to a user. The display area AA may be an area where a video or image is displayed. The light blocking pattern 157 surrounding the four outer edge portions of the cover substrate 160 may be provided to form the viewing area V / A. The viewing area V / A may be located between an inner end portion 157E of the light blocking pattern 157 disposed near a boundary of the display area AA and a boundary of the display area AA. For example, the viewing area V / A may have a first separation distance dt-a2, ds-a2, and db-a2 between the inner end portion 157E of the light blocking pattern 157 and the boundary of the display area AA. The first separation distances dt-a2, ds-a2, and db-a2 of the viewing area V / A may be the first separation distance dt-a2 at the upper edge of the display panel PNL (see Figure 4 ), a first separation distance ds-a2 at the left and right edges of the display panel PNL (see Figure 5 ) and a first separation distance db-a2 at the lower edge of the display panel PNL (see Figure 6 For example, in the second direction of the base substrate 101, the length of the first region dt-a1 at the upper edge of the display panel PNL is equal to the sum of the first separation distance dt-a2 at the upper edge of the display panel PNL and the length of the light blocking pattern 157 (see Figure 4 For example, in the first direction of the base substrate 101, the length of the first area ds-a1 at the left and right edges of the display panel PNL is equal to the sum of the first separation distance ds-a2 at the left and right edges of the display panel PNL and the length of the light blocking pattern 157 (see Figure 5 For example, in the second direction of the base substrate 101, the length of the first area db-a1 at the lower edge of the display panel PNL is equal to the sum of the first separation distance db-a2 at the lower edge of the display panel PNL and the length of the light blocking pattern 157 (see Figure 6 ). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0107] In a display device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a cover substrate 160 may be located on the uppermost layer of the display device 1000. Since the cover substrate 160 includes glass, a functional layer for surface treatment of the cover substrate 160 is required. For example, multiple functional layers such as an anti-fingerprint coating, an anti-reflection layer, and an anti-glare layer may be provided in a multi-layer structure on the front side of the cover substrate 160. However, in order to form the functional layers in multiple layers, separate processes are required, and manufacturing costs increase. In addition, foreign matter and the like may be generated as defects during each process for forming the multi-layer structure. As a result, the video or image quality of the display device may be reduced.

[0108] Therefore, there is a need for a structure that can reduce manufacturing costs without reducing the video or image quality of the display device.

[0109] Figure 7 is a diagram showing a method according to another exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of one side of a display device. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 An enlarged cross-sectional view of region 8. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In, due to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The same components have the same reference numerals, and thus duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted or briefly described, and different parts will be described.

[0110] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 A display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a rigid reinforcement layer 200 disposed on a display panel PNL. A polarizing layer 153 may be disposed above the rigid reinforcement layer 200. The display panel PNL may include a light emitting element unit EL and a touch sensing unit TS disposed on a base substrate 101 provided with a transistor TR. The light emitting element unit EL may be sealed with an encapsulation layer including a first encapsulation layer 127, a second encapsulation layer 129, and a third encapsulation layer 130. The touch sensing unit TS may be disposed on the encapsulation layers 127, 129, and 130. A backplane unit 180 may be disposed below the display panel PNL.

[0111] Since the polarizing layer 153 is disposed on the rigid reinforcement layer 200, the polarization characteristics of light passing through the rigid reinforcement layer 200 can be changed when passing through the polarizing layer 153. In addition, the polarizing layer 153 can prevent the visibility in the display area AA from being reduced due to the reflection of external incident light from the metal wires disposed on the display panel PNL. For example, the polarizing layer 153 can be a quarter-wavelength retardation film, but is not limited thereto.

[0112] When external light is incident on a display device having a polarizing layer 153 disposed on the rigid reinforcement layer 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, only light that matches an axial direction (e.g., a first axial direction) of the polarizing layer 153 can pass through the polarizing layer 153. The first axial direction may be an X-axis direction. When light aligned in the first axial direction of the polarizing layer 153 passes through the polarizing layer 153, the phase of the light may change by 45 degrees and be incident on the rigid reinforcement layer 200.

[0113] Light passing through the rigid reinforcement layer 200 may be reflected from metal wires disposed on the display panel PNL to re-pass through the rigid reinforcement layer 200 and may be emitted toward the polarization layer 153. The rigid reinforcement layer 200 may include an optical layer that does not generate a phase difference when light is transmitted.

[0114] Due to the phase change in polarizing layer 153, light that re-enters polarizing layer 153 without any phase change upon passing through rigidity reinforcement layer 200 can have a second axis direction different from the first axis direction. For example, the second axis direction can be the Y axis direction. Therefore, since the light in the second axis direction is different from the axis direction of polarizing layer 153, the light is not emitted to the outside, thereby preventing the light from being visible to the user in display area AA. Therefore, degradation of visibility in display area AA can be prevented. In another example, the first axis direction can be the Y axis direction, and the second axis direction can be the X axis direction.

[0115] Here, when the rigid reinforcement layer 200 includes an optical layer that changes the phase, the phase of light passing through the rigid reinforcement layer 200 may be changed, and the phase of the light may be re-changed in the polarization layer 153. In this case, since light aligned with the polarization layer 153 in the axial direction is emitted to the outside, visibility in the display area AA may be deteriorated.

[0116] Therefore, the rigid reinforcement layer 200 may include an optical layer that does not cause a phase difference when light is transmitted. For example, the rigid reinforcement layer 200 may include an optical layer that does not cause a phase difference when light emitted from the light emitting element unit EL of the display panel PNL, light incident from the outside, or reflected light inside the display panel PNL is transmitted.

[0117] When the polarizing layer 153 is disposed below the rigid reinforcement layer 200, the surface of the rigid reinforcement layer 200 may require an additional surface treatment process to increase wear resistance. For example, a hard coating layer may be formed on the surface of the rigid reinforcement layer 200. When an additional surface treatment process is performed, manufacturing costs may increase.

[0118] In contrast, when the polarizing layer 153 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is disposed on the rigid reinforcement layer 200, it is possible to omit an additional surface treatment process for the rigid reinforcement layer 200. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the rigid reinforcement layer 200 can be reduced.

[0119] The rigidity reinforcement layer 200 may include tempered glass, polycarbonate (PC), or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The rigidity reinforcement layer 200 may have a thickness in the range of 0.2T to 0.5T to ensure the rigidity of the display device. For example, the rigidity reinforcement layer 200 may have a thickness in the range of 0.25T to 0.45T, but is not limited thereto.

[0120] The rigidity reinforcement layer 200 may be bonded to the display panel PNL by an optical bonding member 155. The optical bonding member 155 may include an optically clear adhesive film (OCA) or an optically clear adhesive resin (OCR). When an optically clear adhesive film (OCA) or an optically clear adhesive resin (OCR) is used as the optical bonding member 155, the manufacturing cost of the display device may be reduced.

[0121] One surface of the optical bonding member 155 may be in contact with the top surface of the touch protection film 143 of the touch sensing unit TS, and the other surface may be disposed in contact with the back surface of the rigidity reinforcement layer 200. The rigidity reinforcement layer 200 may be attached to the entire area of the display panel PNL through the optical bonding member 155, thereby increasing the rigidity of the display device.

[0122] The rigid reinforcement layer 200 may include a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being a light incident surface on which light emitted from the light emitting element unit EL is incident, and the second surface facing the first surface and being a light emitting surface from which the incident light is emitted to the outside. For example, the first surface of the rigid reinforcement layer 200 may be positioned facing the light emitting element unit EL, and the second surface may be positioned facing the polarizing layer 153.

[0123] The light-blocking pattern 157 may be provided on an edge portion of the first surface of the rigidity reinforcement layer 200. The light-blocking pattern 157 may prevent the circuit pattern provided on the non-display area (NAA) from being visible to the user. For example, the circuit pattern provided on the non-display area (NAA) may include, but is not limited to, a metal line, a pad electrode, an integrated circuit chip, a flexible circuit board, or a printed circuit board.

[0124] To this end, the light blocking pattern 157 may be located on the non-display area (NAA) of the rigid reinforcement layer 200. The light blocking pattern 157 may have a closed loop shape surrounding four sides of the first surface of the rigid reinforcement layer 200. For example, the light blocking pattern 157 may be provided to cover the upper edge region, the lower edge region, the left edge region, and the right edge region of the rigid reinforcement layer 200. The light blocking pattern 157 may include a film mixed with an opaque pigment. For example, the opaque pigment may include carbon black or titanium black, but is not limited thereto.

[0125] The polarizing layer 153 may be disposed on the second surface of the rigid reinforcement layer 200. The polarizing layer 153 may be bonded to the second surface of the rigid reinforcement layer 200 by the first adhesive member 150. For example, the first adhesive member 150 may include a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), but is not limited thereto.

[0126] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the rigidity reinforcement layer 200 can be disposed below the polarizing layer 153. The polarizing layer 153 can be disposed on the uppermost layer of the display device. Therefore, multilayer structures serving as functional layers for surface treatment, such as anti-fingerprint coatings, anti-reflection layers, and anti-glare layers, can be omitted from the rigidity reinforcement layer 200. This simplifies the manufacturing process of the display device and reduces manufacturing costs. Furthermore, multiple processes for forming the multilayer structure can be omitted, thereby preventing the generation of foreign matter during each process. Consequently, the video or image quality of the display device can be maintained.

[0127] Because the rigid reinforcement layer 200 is positioned relatively closer to the display panel PNL and the polarizing layer 153 protrudes further than the outermost portion 200E of the rigid reinforcement layer 200, a three-sided borderless design can be achieved. Therefore, compared to display devices with bezels, a relatively larger display area AA can be provided to the user. This further enhances the user's immersion in the video or image.

[0128] In addition, since the rigidity reinforcement layer 200 is disposed at a position relatively close to the display panel PNL, the distance between the viewing area and the display area can be reduced. The following description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0129] Figure 9 According to another example embodiment Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device is shown along line 9-9. Figure 10 According to another example embodiment Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device along line 10-10 is shown. In addition, Figure 11 According to another example embodiment Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device shown in FIG. 1 along line 11-11. Figures 9 to 11 , for the convenience of description, the display panel PNL and the back plate unit 180 are schematically shown.

[0130] Refer to it together Figures 9 to 11 as well as Figure 1, the display device 1000 may include a display area AA and a non-display area NAA surrounding the outside of the display area AA. The non-display area NAA may be the second areas dt-b1, ds-b1, and db-b1 between the outermost portion 200E of the rigidity reinforcement layer 200 and the boundary of the display area AA. The second areas dt-b1, ds-b1, and db-b1 of the non-display area NAA may be the second areas dt-b1 at the upper edge of the display panel PNL (see Figure 9 ), the second area ds-b1 at the left and right edges of the display panel PNL (see Figure 10 ) and the second area db-b1 at the lower edge of the display panel PNL (see Figure 11 ).

[0131] The non-display area (NAA) may be positioned to overlap with the viewing area V / A. The viewing area V / A may be an area visible to a user. The display area AA may be an area where a video or image is displayed. The light blocking pattern 157 surrounding the four outer edge portions of the rigid reinforcement layer 200 may be provided to form the viewing area V / A. The viewing area V / A may be located between an inner end portion 157E of the light blocking pattern 157 close to the boundary of the display area AA and the boundary of the display area AA. For example, the viewing area V / A may have a second separation distance dt-b2, ds-b2, and db-b2 between the inner end portion 157E of the light blocking pattern 157 and the boundary of the display area AA. The second separation distances dt-b2, ds-b2, and db-b2 of the viewing area V / A may be the second separation distance dt-b2 at the upper edge of the display panel PNL (see Figure 9 ), a second separation distance ds-b2 at the left and right edges of the display panel PNL (see Figure 10 ) and a second separation distance db-b2 at the lower edge of the display panel PNL (see Figure 11 For example, in the second direction of the base substrate 101, the length of the second region dt-b1 at the upper edge of the display panel PNL is equal to the sum of the second separation distance dt-b2 at the upper edge of the display panel PNL and the length of the light blocking pattern 157 (see Figure 9 For example, in the first direction of the base substrate 101, the length of the second region ds-b1 at the left and right edges of the display panel PNL is equal to the sum of the second separation distance ds-b2 at the left and right edges of the display panel PNL and the length of the light blocking pattern 157 (see Figure 10 For example, in the second direction of the base substrate 101, the length of the second region db-b1 at the lower edge of the display panel PNL is greater than the sum of the second separation distance db-b2 at the lower edge of the display panel PNL and the length of the light blocking pattern 157 (see Figure 11). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0132] Since the rigidity reinforcement layer 200 is disposed at a position relatively closer to the display panel PNL, when the cover substrate 160 is disposed at the uppermost portion of the display device, the second separation distances dt-b2, ds-b2, and db-b2 between the viewing area and the display area can be reduced more than the first separation distances dt-a2, ds-a2, and db-a2 between the viewing area and the display area.

[0133] Figure 12 is a view illustrating a viewing angle distance of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 (a) shows the viewing angle distance of a display device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, Figure 12 (b) shows a viewing angle distance of a display device according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0134] refer to Figure 12 , the viewing angle θ may be a viewing range in which there is no difference in brightness or color gamut between when viewing the display device from the front of the display device and when viewing the display device after moving from the front of the display device at an angle of 45 degrees.

[0135] Reference Figure 12 (a), the viewing angle distance VDref of the display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be the sum of the first gap G1 where the viewing angle θ reaches from the inner end portion 157E of the light blocking pattern 157 and the second gap G2 between the inner end portion 157E of the light blocking pattern 157 and the surface of the display panel PNL. In addition, referring to Figure 12 (b) The viewing angle distance VDex of the display device according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure may be the sum of a third gap G3 where the viewing angle θ is reached from the inner end portion 157E of the light blocking pattern 157 and a fourth gap G4 between the inner end portion 157E of the light blocking pattern 157 and the surface of the display panel PNL.

[0136] In a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a rigid reinforcement layer 200 may be provided below the polarizing layer 153. As the distance between the light-blocking pattern 157 on the rigid reinforcement layer 200 and the display panel PNL decreases, the fourth gap G4 between the light-blocking pattern 157 and the display panel (PNL) may decrease more than the second gap G2. Therefore, when the rigid reinforcement layer 200 is provided, the second separation distance dt-b2 in the viewing area V / A may be smaller than the first separation distance dt-a2 when the cover substrate 160 is provided on the uppermost layer of the display device.

[0137] The rigidity reinforcing layer 200 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may also be applied to the display panel PNL on which the touch sensing unit TS is not provided.

[0138] Figure 13 is a diagram showing a method according to another exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of one side of a display device. Figure 14 yes Figure 13 An enlarged cross-sectional view of region 14 in FIG. Figure 13 and Figure 14 In, due to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The same components have the same reference numerals, so their repeated descriptions will be omitted or briefly described, and different parts will be described.

[0139] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14 , a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may have a rigidity enhancement layer 200 provided on a display panel PNL. The display panel PNL may include a light emitting element unit EL provided on a base substrate 101 provided with a transistor TR. The light emitting element unit EL may include an organic light emitting diode ED and a dam portion 121 provided with a dam hole 122, the organic light emitting diode ED including a first electrode 120, an organic light emitting layer 123, and a second electrode 125. The light emitting element unit EL may be sealed with encapsulation layers 127, 129, and 130. The encapsulation layers 127, 129, and 130 may include a first encapsulation layer 127, a second encapsulation layer 129, and a third encapsulation layer 130. A back plate unit (back plate portion) 180 may be provided under the base substrate 101 of the display panel PNL to enhance the rigidity of the display device and mitigate external impact. In addition, the back plate unit (back plate portion) 180 may dissipate heat generated inside the display panel PNL to the outside.

[0140] The base substrate 101 may include a dam structure 126 disposed between the display region and the pad region in which the pad electrode 145 is disposed. The dam structure 126 may include, for example, a structure in which a first dam formed coplanar with the planarization layer 115 and a second dam formed coplanar with the bank 121 are vertically stacked. The dam structure 126 may be covered with a first encapsulation layer 127 and a third encapsulation layer 130.

[0141] The rigidity reinforcement layer 200 may be disposed on the third encapsulation layer 130. The rigidity reinforcement layer 200 may be attached to the third encapsulation layer 130 of the display panel PNL via an optical bonding member 155. The optical bonding member 155 may include an optically clear adhesive film (OCA) or an optically clear adhesive resin (OCR). The optical bonding member 155 may be disposed such that the rigidity reinforcement layer 200 contacts the entire area of the display panel PNL. Since the rigidity reinforcement layer 200 is disposed in close contact with the entire area of the display panel PNL, the rigidity of the display device may be increased.

[0142] The light blocking pattern 157 may be disposed on an edge portion of the first surface of the rigidity reinforcement layer 200. The light blocking pattern 157 may have a closed loop shape surrounding four outer edge portions of the rigidity reinforcement layer 200.

[0143] The polarizing layer 153 may be disposed on the second surface of the rigid reinforcement layer 200 facing the first surface provided with the light blocking pattern 157. The polarizing layer 153 may be bonded to the second surface of the rigid reinforcement layer 200 by the first adhesive member 150. For example, the first adhesive member 150 may include a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0144] Since the rigidity reinforcement layer 200 is attached to the display panel PNL instead of being provided on the uppermost layer of the display device, and since the polarizing layer 153 is provided on the uppermost layer of the display device, the functional layer for surface treatment can be omitted. For example, the functional layer may include a multi-layer structure such as an anti-fingerprint coating, an anti-reflection layer, and an anti-glare layer, but is not limited thereto.

[0145] By omitting the functional layer used for surface treatment, the manufacturing cost of the display device can be reduced and the occurrence of defects can be reduced or eliminated. Therefore, the video or image quality of the display device can be maintained. In addition, since the rigid reinforcement layer 200 is relatively close to the display panel PNL to reduce the distance between the viewing area and the display area, the user's immersion in the video or image can be further enhanced.

[0146] According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device may include: a display panel, which includes a display area and a non-display area adjacent to the display area; a light-emitting element unit, which includes a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged on the display area of the display panel; a rigidity reinforcement layer, which is arranged above the display panel; and a polarization layer, which is arranged on the rigidity reinforcement layer.

[0147] The polarizing layer may be disposed to protrude more than an outermost portion of the rigidity reinforcing layer with respect to the display panel.

[0148] The polarizing layer may be bonded to the upper surface of the rigidity reinforcing layer by an adhesive member.

[0149] In the display device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the substrate may further include a touch sensing unit disposed above the light emitting element unit and including a plurality of touch electrodes.

[0150] In a display device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the display device may further include an optical adhesive member in contact with a rear surface of the rigidity reinforcing layer and provided in an entire area of the display panel.

[0151] In the display apparatus according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the optical bonding member may include an optically transparent bonding resin.

[0152] In the display apparatus according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the rigidity reinforcement layer may include a material that does not cause a phase difference when light is transmitted and include tempered glass, polycarbonate, or polymethyl methacrylate.

[0153] In a display device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the rigidity enhancing layer may include a thickness ranging from 0.2T to 0.5T.

[0154] In a display device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the rigidity reinforcement layer may include a first surface facing the light emitting element unit and a second surface opposite to the first surface and facing the polarizing layer, wherein the first surface of the rigidity reinforcement layer further includes a light blocking pattern provided on an edge portion.

[0155] The light blocking pattern may include a film mixed with an opaque pigment.

[0156] Opaque pigments may include carbon black or titanium black.

[0157] In a display device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the light blocking pattern may be located on the non-display area and include a closed loop shape surrounding four sides of the rigidity reinforcing layer.

[0158] In the display device of some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the light blocking pattern may be provided to surround the upper edge, the left edge, the right edge, and the lower edge of the display panel.

[0159] In a display device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the display device may further include a viewing area located outside the display area and overlapping the non-display area, and the viewing area may include a separation distance between a boundary of the display area and an inner edge portion of the light blocking pattern.

[0160] In the display device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, since the light blocking pattern disposed on the rigidity reinforcing layer is closer to the display panel, the separation distance may be reduced.

[0161] In a display device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the light-emitting element unit may include: an organic light-emitting element including a first electrode located on a display area of a display panel, an organic light-emitting layer covering an exposed portion of the first electrode, and a second electrode arranged on the organic light-emitting layer; and a dam covering an edge of the first electrode and including a dam hole exposing the exposed portion of the first electrode.

[0162] According to example embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to increase the rigidity of a display device and enhance its durability.

[0163] According to example embodiments of the present disclosure, by disposing an adhesive member covering the entire area of the display panel and disposing a rigidity reinforcing layer over the adhesive member, it is possible to prevent the adhesive member from acting as a defect as a foreign substance by peeling from the film.

[0164] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a rigidity-enhancing layer capable of increasing the rigidity of a display device can be provided below the polarizing layer provided at the uppermost portion of the display device. Therefore, since a functional layer having a multi-layer structure for surface treatment can be omitted, a lightweight display device can be realized, thereby reducing the weight of the overall product.

[0165] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0166] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these exemplary embodiments, and various modifications may be performed without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present disclosure, but are intended to describe the technical spirit of the present disclosure, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present disclosure is not limited by these exemplary embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the above exemplary embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive in all aspects.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A display panel, the display panel comprising a display area and a non-display area adjacent to the display area; a light emitting element unit, the light emitting element unit comprising a plurality of light emitting elements arranged on the display area of the display panel; a rigid reinforcement layer, the rigid reinforcement layer being disposed above the display panel; as well as A polarizing layer is provided on the rigidity reinforcing layer.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The polarizing layer is disposed to protrude more than an outermost portion of the rigidity reinforcing layer with respect to the display panel.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The polarizing layer is bonded to an upper surface of the rigidity reinforcing layer by an adhesive member. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein: The display panel further includes a touch sensing unit disposed above the light emitting element unit and including a plurality of touch electrodes. 5 . The display apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising an optical bonding member that is in contact with a rear surface of the rigidity reinforcing layer and is provided in an entire area of the display panel. The display device according to claim 5 , wherein: The optical bonding member includes an optically transparent bonding resin.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The rigidity-enhancing layer includes a material that does not generate a phase difference when light is transmitted.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The rigid reinforcement layer comprises tempered glass, polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The rigidity reinforcing layer has a thickness ranging from 0.2T to 0.5T.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The rigid reinforcement layer comprises: a first surface facing the light emitting element unit; and a second surface opposite to the first surface and facing the polarizing layer, and Wherein, the first surface of the rigidity reinforcement layer further includes a light blocking pattern provided on an edge portion.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein The light blocking pattern includes a film mixed with an opaque pigment.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein The opaque pigment includes carbon black or titanium black.

13. The display device according to claim 10, wherein The light blocking pattern is located on the non-display area and includes a closed loop shape surrounding four sides of the rigidity reinforcing layer.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein The light blocking pattern surrounds upper, left, right, and lower edges of the display panel.

15. The display device according to claim 10, further comprising a viewing area located outside the display area and overlapping the non-display area, in, The viewing area includes a separation distance between a boundary of the display area and an inner edge portion of the light blocking pattern.

16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein The separation distance decreases as the light blocking pattern disposed on the rigidity reinforcing layer is closer to the display panel.

17. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The light emitting element unit includes: an organic light-emitting element, the organic light-emitting element comprising a first electrode located on the display area of the display panel, an organic light-emitting layer covering an exposed portion of the first electrode, and a second electrode disposed on the organic light-emitting layer; and A bank covering an edge of the first electrode and including a bank hole exposing the exposed portion of the first electrode.

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