Display device

Abstract

A display device includes: a display panel provided with a receiving groove defined in an outer portion thereof; a cover member disposed on the display panel; and a reinforcing layer, at least a portion of which is accommodated in the accommodating groove and attached to the cover member.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0042717, filed on March 28, 2024, and all rights therefrom, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] One or more embodiments relate to a device, and more particularly, to a display device. Background Art

[0003] Mobile electronic devices are widely used in various fields. As mobile electronic devices, in addition to small electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablet personal computers (PCs) have been widely used in recent years.

[0004] Such mobile electronic devices often include display devices that support various functions, such as providing users with visual information such as images or videos. Recently, as other components driving the display devices have become smaller, the proportion of display devices in electronic devices has gradually increased. Devices that can be bent from a flat state to assume a specific angle are also being developed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] There are cases where force is applied to a display device. In such cases, the display device may break or be damaged and may not be able to effectively perform its own functions. One or more embodiments provide a display device that effectively withstands external impact or force applied thereto, thereby effectively preventing separation between a display panel of the display device and a cover member.

[0006] According to one or more embodiments, a display device includes a display panel provided with a receiving groove defined in an outer portion thereof; a cover member disposed on the display panel; and a reinforcement layer at least a portion of which is received in the receiving groove and attached to the cover member.

[0007] In one embodiment, the planar shape of the receiving groove may be a polygon or a U-shape.

[0008] In one embodiment, the planar shape of the display panel may be rectangular, and the receiving groove may be defined on a short side of the planar shape of the display panel.

[0009] In one embodiment, the reinforcement layer may include a first reinforcement layer disposed inside the receiving groove and a second reinforcement layer disposed outside the receiving groove.

[0010] In one embodiment, the sum of the width of the first reinforcement layer and the width of the second reinforcement layer may be less than about 1 mm.

[0011] In one embodiment, the display device may further include a support member, and the cover member is seated on the support member.

[0012] In one embodiment, the inner surface of the support member and the reinforcement layer may be spaced apart from each other.

[0013] In one embodiment, the display panel may include an organic light emitting element.

[0014] In one embodiment, the planar shape of the receiving groove may include a region where the width of the planar shape of the receiving groove gradually decreases.

[0015] In one embodiment, the receiving groove may be provided in plural, and one of the plural receiving grooves and another of the plural receiving grooves may be arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to an imaginary center line perpendicular to one side of the display panel.

[0016] According to one or more embodiments, a display apparatus includes a display panel; a cover member disposed on the display panel; a reinforcement layer on a side of the display panel; and a supporter disposed to be spaced apart from the reinforcement layer and to support the cover member.

[0017] In one embodiment, the planar shape of the reinforcement layer may be polygonal, partially circular, or partially elliptical.

[0018] In an embodiment, the reinforcement layer may be in contact with the cover member.

[0019] In an embodiment, in a plan view, a portion of the reinforcement layer may be inserted into the display panel, and another portion of the reinforcement layer may protrude outward from the display panel.

[0020] In an embodiment, the display panel may have a rectangular shape, and the reinforcement layer may be disposed on a short side of the display panel.

[0021] In an embodiment, the reinforcement layer may be provided in plural, and one of the plural reinforcement layers and another of the plural reinforcement layers may be arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to an imaginary center line perpendicular to one side of the display panel.

[0022] In one embodiment, the reinforcement layer may be in contact with the edges of the display panel on at least two sides.

[0023] In one embodiment, the planar shape of the reinforcement layer includes a region where the width of the planar shape of the reinforcement layer gradually decreases.

[0024] In one embodiment, the edge of the reinforcement layer and the edge of the display panel may form a straight line.

[0025] In one embodiment, the display device may further include a bracket, and the support member is placed on the bracket.

[0026] Other features and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be better understood from the accompanying drawings, appended claims, and detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The above and other features of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent through the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2 As an example Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the display device illustrated in FIG;

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 2 a rear view of the cover member and display panel illustrated in FIG;

[0031] Figure 4 for Figure 3 An enlarged rear view of area A;

[0032] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A plan view of the display panel illustrated in FIG;

[0033] Figure 6A and Figure 6B For schematic illustration Figure 5 The line VI-VI' intercepted Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display panel;

[0034] Figure 7 For schematic illustration Figure 5 The VII-VII' line is intercepted Figure 5 a cross-sectional view of a portion of a display panel;

[0035] Figure 8A and Figure 8B for Figure 5 A schematic circuit diagram of an embodiment of a pixel of a display panel illustrated in FIG;

[0036] Figure 9 is a rear view illustrating a portion of a display device according to another embodiment;

[0037] Figure 10A is a rear view illustrating a portion of a display device according to another embodiment;

[0038] Figure 10B is a rear view illustrating a portion of a display device according to another embodiment;

[0039] Figure 11A is a rear view illustrating a portion of a display device according to another embodiment; and

[0040] Figure 11B is a rear view illustrating a portion of a display device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments are shown. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0042] Since this specification allows for various changes and many embodiments, certain embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the written description. The effects and features of the present disclosure and methods for achieving them will be explained with reference to the embodiments described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments and can be embodied in various forms.

[0043] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0044] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0045] It will be understood that although the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a "first element," "component," "region," "layer," or "section" discussed below could be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings herein.

[0046] The terms used in this article are only used to describe the purpose of specific embodiments and are not intended to be restrictive. As used in this article, "one", "said" and "at least one" do not represent quantitative limitations and are intended to include both the singular and the plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Therefore, in a claim, citing an "one" element followed by citing the "said" element includes one element and a plurality of such elements. For example, "an element" has the same meaning as "at least one element", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. "At least one" is not interpreted as being limited to "one". As used in this article, the word "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related enumerated items. Throughout this disclosure, the expression "at least one of a, b or c" or "at least one selected from a, b and c" indicates only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, c or its variations.

[0047] It will be further understood that the terms “include” and / or “comprising” when used in this specification indicate the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0048] Furthermore, relative terms, such as "lower" or "bottom" and "upper" or "top," may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another element as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of a device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in one of the figures is flipped over, an element described as being on the "lower" side of the other elements would be oriented on the "upper" side of the other elements. Thus, depending on the particular orientation of the figures, the term "lower" may encompass both "lower" and "upper" orientations. Similarly, if the device in one of the figures is flipped over, an element described as being "below" or "beneath" the other elements would be oriented "above" the other elements. Thus, the term "below" or "beneath" may encompass both "upper" and "lower" orientations.

[0049] In addition, for the convenience of explanation, the size of the elements in the drawings may be enlarged or reduced. For example, since the size and thickness of the elements in the drawings are arbitrarily illustrated for the convenience of explanation, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0050] The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis shown in the drawings are not limited to the three axes of the rectangular coordinate system and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis can be perpendicular to each other, or can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other.

[0051] When a certain embodiment is implemented differently, the specific process order may be performed differently from the order described herein. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously, or in a reverse order to the described order.

[0052] As used herein, "about" or "approximately" is inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, 20%, 10%, or 5% of the stated value.

[0053] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. 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 technical field and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined as such herein.

[0054] The embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments. As such, variations in the illustrated shapes are to be expected due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should not be construed as limited to the specific shapes of the regions illustrated herein, but should include deviations in shape that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, a region illustrated or described as flat may typically have rough and / or nonlinear features. Furthermore, sharp corners that are illustrated may be rounded. Therefore, the regions illustrated in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of the regions and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0055] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 As an example Figure 1 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the display device 1 illustrated in FIG. Figure 3 for Figure 2 1 is a rear view of the cover member 110 and the display panel 130 illustrated in FIG. Figure 4 for Figure 3 Magnified view of area A.

[0056] refer to Figures 1 to 4 , an embodiment of the display device 1 may include a display module 100 , a support member 200 and a bracket 300 .

[0057] The display module 100 can be configured to display an image. Figure 2As shown in FIG, the display module 100 may include a cover member 110 , a functional layer 120 , a display panel 130 , and a back member 140 .

[0058] The cover member 110 may be disposed on the display panel 130. In one embodiment, the cover member 110 may cover an upper portion of the display panel 130. Thus, the cover member 110 may protect the top surface of the display panel 130. Here, the top surface of the display panel 130 may be a display surface through which an image is displayed or output.

[0059] In one embodiment, the cover member 110 may include a transmissive cover (or transmissive portion) 110DA corresponding to the display panel 130 and a light-blocking cover (or light-blocking portion) 110NDA corresponding to an area other than the display panel 130. The light-blocking cover 110NDA may include an opaque material that blocks light. The light-blocking cover 110NDA may include a pattern that can be shown to the user when no image is displayed.

[0060] The display panel 130 may be disposed under the cover member 110. The display panel 130 may overlap the transmissive cover 110DA of the cover member 110.

[0061] In one embodiment, although not illustrated, the cover member 110 may include a cover window (not shown) and a protective member (not shown). In one embodiment, the cover window may include a transparent material. In such an embodiment, the cover window may include glass, a transparent synthetic resin, or the like. The cover window may include at least one layer or have a layered structure.

[0062] In one embodiment, the protective member may be disposed on the top surface of the cover window and may effectively prevent or substantially minimize the occurrence of scratches on the cover window. In one embodiment, an opaque layer 110-1 may be disposed on a portion of the cover window and / or a portion of the protective member. In one embodiment, the opaque layer 110-1 may be disposed on an edge portion of the cover window or an edge portion of the protective member. The opaque layer 110-1 may block light and may be disposed in the light-blocking cover 110NDA of the cover member 110.

[0063] The display panel 130 may include a display area (not shown) for displaying an image and a peripheral area (not shown) surrounding the display area. Subpixels each including a display element may be arranged in the display area. In one embodiment, a plurality of subpixels may be provided. When viewed in a plan view, the subpixels may be spaced apart from each other. Some subpixels, other subpixels, and still other subpixels may emit light of different colors, respectively. The display device 1 may provide an image by using light beams emitted from the subpixels arranged in the display area, and the peripheral area may be a non-display area in which no subpixels are arranged.

[0064] The display panel 130 may display (or output) information processed by the display device 1. In one embodiment, for example, the display panel 130 may display execution screen information of an application driven by the display device 1, or user interface (UI) or graphical user interface (GUI) information based on the execution screen information. The display panel 130 may include a display layer configured to display an image and a touch sensor layer (not shown) configured to sense user touch input. In such an embodiment, the display panel 130 may be used as one of the input devices configured to provide an input interface between the display device 1 and the user, and may also be used as one of the output devices configured to provide an output interface between the display device 1 and the user.

[0065] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the display device 1 is an organic light-emitting display device will be described as an example, but the display device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the display device 1 may include an inorganic light-emitting display (or an inorganic electroluminescent (EL) display) or a quantum dot light-emitting display, etc. For example, the emission layer of the display element provided in the display device 1 may include an organic material, an inorganic material, or quantum dots, may include an organic material and quantum dots, or may include an inorganic material and quantum dots.

[0066] In one embodiment, the display panel 130 may be a bendable, foldable, or rollable flexible display panel. In such an embodiment, the display panel 130 may be a foldable display panel, a curved display panel having a curved display surface, a curved display panel in which an area other than the display surface is bent, a rollable display panel, or a stretchable display panel. In one embodiment, the display panel 130 may be a rigid display panel that is rigid and not easily bent.

[0067] The display panel 130 may be connected to a display circuit board (not shown) through an anisotropic conductive film.

[0068] A touch sensor driver (not shown) may be provided on a display circuit board. In one embodiment, although not illustrated, the display driver (not shown) may be provided directly on the substrate 10 of the display panel 130. In another embodiment, the display driver may be provided on the display circuit board. Hereinafter, for ease of description, the embodiment in which the display driver is provided on the display circuit board will be primarily described in detail.

[0069] At least a portion of the substrate 10 of the display panel 130 may be bendable. In one embodiment, a bending protection layer may be provided on the bent portion of the substrate 10 to effectively prevent cracks from occurring in the substrate 10. The bending protection layer may include, for example, a polymer resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyimide (PI).

[0070] In one embodiment, the display device 1 may include a panel protection member (not shown) as the back member 140 disposed below the display panel 130. In another embodiment, the display device 1 may include a digitizer (not shown) configured to receive an external signal as the back member 140. In another embodiment, the display device 1 may include a panel protection member and a digitizer as the back member 140. In another embodiment, the back member 140 may include a panel protection member, a digitizer, and a display circuit board (not shown).

[0071] In one embodiment, the touch sensor layer may be provided in the form of a panel or film. Alternatively, the touch sensor layer may be integrally formed with the display panel 130. For example, in one embodiment, when the touch sensor layer is in the form of a film, the touch sensor layer may be integrally formed with an encapsulation layer to encapsulate the display panel 130.

[0072] In another embodiment, the touch sensor layer may have electrodes arranged in a pattern on the display panel 130. In such an embodiment, the electrodes may be arranged to cross each other on the packaging layer, and the change in capacitance depending on the user's touch may be measured at the intersection. The touch sensor layer may be connected to the display circuit board.

[0073] The touch sensor driver may apply a touch drive signal to the touch sensor layer, sense a first sensing signal sensed from the touch sensor layer, and analyze the first sensing signal to calculate a user touch position. Additionally, the touch sensor driver may apply a touch drive signal to a sensor (not shown), sense a second sensing signal sensed from the sensor, and analyze the second sensing signal to calculate a touch position of a signal inputter (not shown).

[0074] In one embodiment, the functional layer 120 may be disposed on the touch sensor layer. In such an embodiment, the functional layer 120 may be disposed on the first adhesive member 151, which is disposed on the touch sensor layer. The functional layer 120 may include an anti-reflection layer. The anti-reflection layer may reduce the reflectivity of light (external light) incident from the outside through the display device 1.

[0075] In some embodiments, the anti-reflection layer may be provided as a polarizing film. The polarizing film may include a linear polarizing plate and a phase retardation film, such as a λ / 4 plate (quarter wave plate). The phase retardation film may be provided on the touch sensor layer, and the linear polarizing plate may be provided on the phase retardation film.

[0076] In one embodiment, the anti-reflective layer may include a black matrix and a filter layer including a color filter. The color filter may be arranged based on the color of light emitted from each sub-pixel of the display panel 130. In one embodiment, for example, the filter layer may include a red, green, or blue color filter. In such an embodiment, the filter layer may be provided on the touch sensor layer of the display panel 130 without using a separate adhesive layer.

[0077] In one embodiment, the anti-reflection layer may include a destructive interference structure. The destructive interference structure may include a first reflective layer and a second reflective layer on different layers. First reflected light and second reflected light reflected from the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer, respectively, may destructively interfere with each other, thereby reducing the reflectivity of external light.

[0078] In one embodiment, the functional layer 120 may further include a vibration damping layer. In such an embodiment, the vibration damping layer may protect structures (such as the display panel 130 thereunder) from external impact. In one embodiment, the vibration damping layer may be a polymer film. The polymer film may include, for example, at least one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethersulfone (PES), polyimide (PI), polyarylate (PAR), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and cyclic olefin copolymer (COC).

[0079] In one embodiment, the functional layer 120 may also include an anti-reflection layer and a vibration reduction layer. In such an embodiment, the anti-reflection layer and the vibration reduction layer may be sequentially stacked on the display panel 130 or the touch sensor layer.

[0080] The display circuit board may be attached to one side of the display panel 130. In one embodiment, for example, the display circuit board may be attached to a pad provided on one side of the display panel 130 by using an anisotropic conductive film.

[0081] The display circuit board may be bent downward from an upper portion of the display panel 130. The display circuit board may be connected to a main circuit board (not shown) through a display connector (not shown).

[0082] In one embodiment, the support member 200 may be disposed or provided between the cover member 110 and the bracket 300, and may support the cover member 110 and be seated on the bracket 300. In such an embodiment, the support member 200 may have a groove in its upper portion and / or lower portion in a cross-sectional view. In addition, the support member 200 may include a flat surface so that the bottom surface of the cover member 110 is stably seated thereon, and a portion of the support member 200 (e.g., an edge portion) may protrude to effectively prevent one end of the cover member 110 from being pushed outward. In addition, the support member 200 may be formed to have an arched bottom surface to absorb a portion of the external force applied to the cover member 110. The support member 200 may be provided with a hole, and a camera device or the like described below may be inserted into the hole or exposed at the hole.

[0083] The bracket 300 supporting the display panel 130 may be disposed under the display panel 130. The bracket 300 may include plastic, metal, or both plastic and metal.

[0084] In one embodiment, the bracket 300 may be provided with a connector hole (not shown) through which a connector passes. In addition, the bracket 300 may be provided with a camera hole (not shown) into which a camera device (not shown) is inserted. In such an embodiment, the display device 1 may further include a lower cover (not shown). The lower cover may be disposed below the main circuit board. The lower cover may be fixedly coupled to the bracket 300. The lower cover may form the appearance of the bottom surface of the display device 1. The lower cover may include plastic, metal, or both plastic and metal.

[0085] In one embodiment, the display device 1 may not include a lower cover, and the main circuit board may be provided on the bracket 300. In such an embodiment, the bracket 300 may not have separate camera holes and connector holes. In such an embodiment, the lower cover may not be provided.

[0086] The main circuit board may include a main processor (not shown), a camera device (not shown), a main connector (not shown) and components (not shown). The main processor may be implemented as an integrated circuit. The camera device may be provided on both the top surface and the bottom surface of the main circuit board, and each of the main processor and the main connector may be provided on the top surface or the bottom surface of the main circuit board. The components may include an input device and an output device. In such an embodiment, the input device may include an image input device such as a camera device configured to input an image signal, an audio input device such as a microphone configured to input an audio signal, and an input device configured to receive information from a user. The output device is configured to generate an output related to vision, hearing or touch, etc., and may include at least one of an audio output device, a tactile module and a light emitter. The main circuit board is not limited to those described above, and various components may be provided on the main circuit board.

[0087] In one embodiment, the display panel 130 may include a receiving groove 130-1 when viewed in a plan view or in the Z-axis direction. In one embodiment, the receiving groove 130-1 may be defined in an outer portion of the display panel 130. Here, the Z-axis direction may be the thickness direction of the display panel 130, or may be a direction perpendicular to the plane defining the display surface. In such an embodiment, at least a portion of the reinforcing layer 160 may be arranged to be inserted into the receiving groove 130-1. In one embodiment, for example, the planar shape of the receiving groove 130-1 may be a trapezoid. In addition, the reinforcing layer 160 may be completely inserted into the receiving groove 130-1. In one embodiment, as Figure 2 , the side surface of the reinforcing layer 160 may be formed to be inclined. In one embodiment, for example, when viewed in a plan view or in the Z-axis direction, the side surface of the reinforcing layer 160 that contacts the cover member 110 may be arranged at a position farthest from the edge of the display panel 130, and the side surface of the reinforcing layer 160 adjacent to the back member 140 may be arranged at a position closest to the edge of the display panel 130. In another embodiment, the side surface of the reinforcing layer 160 may be rounded or curved. In such an embodiment, the side surface of the reinforcing layer 160 may be formed to protrude outward or be recessed inward.

[0088] In one embodiment, the outer portion of the reinforcing layer 160 disposed in the receiving groove 130-1 and the outer portion of the display panel 130 may be formed to be nearly straight or substantially on the same imaginary straight line. That is, the reinforcing layer 160 is completely inserted into the receiving groove 130-1 of the display panel 130. Therefore, when the reinforcing layer 160 and the display panel 130 are viewed together in a plan view or in the Z-axis direction, the planar shape of the display panel 130 on which the reinforcing layer 160 is disposed may form a rectangle, such as Figure 3 In such an embodiment, the outer portion of the reinforcement layer 160 may refer to an outer portion of a region where the reinforcement layer 160 and the cover member 110 contact each other.

[0089] The reinforcement layer 160 may be in full contact with the side surfaces of the display panel 130. For example, the reinforcement layer 160 may be in contact with the edges of the display panel 130 on at least two sides. In one embodiment, for example, the portion where the reinforcement layer 160 and the display panel 130 are in contact with each other may be in direct contact with the edge of the display panel 130 defining the receiving groove 130-1 at three locations. Therefore, the bonding force between the reinforcement layer 160 and the display panel 130 can be increased.

[0090] In one embodiment, the width of the receiving groove 130-1 (e.g., the distance from the edge of the display panel 130 where the receiving groove 130-1 is not formed to the most recessed inner surface of the receiving groove 130-1) may be approximately 1 millimeter (mm) or less. If the width of the receiving groove 130-1 is greater than approximately 1 mm, cracks or the like may occur in the display panel 130 when an external force is applied thereto.

[0091] In such an embodiment, the width L of the reinforcement layer 160 (e.g., the distance from the portion in contact with the display panel 130 to the edge of the portion where the reinforcement layer 160 contacts the cover member 110) may also be approximately 1 mm or less. Therefore, the reinforcement layer 160 may not interfere with the support member 200, and damage to the reinforcement layer 160 due to contact with the support member 200 may be substantially reduced.

[0092] In one embodiment, a distance D from the outermost portion of the reinforcing layer 160 to the inner surface of the support member 200 (e.g., the surface of the protruding portion) may be approximately 0.5 mm or less and greater than approximately zero (0) mm. In such an embodiment, interference between the reinforcing layer 160 and the support member 200 may be effectively prevented.

[0093] The receiving groove 130-1 and the reinforcing layer 160 may be spaced a certain distance from the corner of the display panel 130. That is, in a plan view or when viewed in the Z-axis direction, when a force is applied to a portion of the display panel 130 adjacent to the corner of the display panel 130, the maximum stress may occur at the edge of the display panel 130. This stress may cause separation between the display panel 130 and the cover member 110 or damage to the display panel 130. In this case, the receiving groove 130-1 and the reinforcing layer 160 may be arranged to overlap with the edge of the display panel 130 where the maximum stress occurs in the above case. Therefore, the reinforcing layer 160 can reduce the maximum stress of the display panel 130 and reduce damage to the display panel 130 or separation between the display panel 130 and the cover member 110.

[0094] Figure 5 for Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a plan view of the display panel 130 illustrated in FIG.

[0095] refer to Figure 5 In one embodiment, the display panel 130 may be a light-emitting display panel including a light-emitting element. Examples of the display panel 130 may include an organic light-emitting display panel using an organic light-emitting diode (LED) including an organic emission layer, a micro light-emitting diode display panel using micro LEDs, a quantum dot light-emitting display panel using a quantum dot LED including a quantum dot emission layer, and an inorganic light-emitting display panel using an inorganic LED including an inorganic semiconductor.

[0096] The display panel 130 may be a flexible display panel that is bendable, foldable, or rollable. Examples of the display panel 130 may include a foldable display panel, a curved display panel having a curved display surface, a curved display panel in which an area other than the display surface is bent, a rollable display panel, or a stretchable display panel.

[0097] In one embodiment, the display panel 130 may be a transparent display panel implemented to be transparent so that an object or background on the bottom surface of the display panel 130 can be seen from the top surface of the display panel 130. Alternatively, the display panel 130 may be a reflective display panel capable of reflecting an object or background on the top surface of the display panel 130.

[0098] The display panel 130 may include a display area DA in which an image is realized and a peripheral area PA arranged to surround the display area DA. A separate driving circuit, a pad, etc. may be arranged in the peripheral area PA.

[0099] The display panel 130 may include a pad area PDA to which a display circuit board is attached. The pad area PDA may be arranged in a portion of the peripheral area PA.

[0100] The touch sensor layer of the display panel 130 can sense user touch input by using at least one of various touch methods including a resistive method and a capacitive method. In one embodiment, for example, the touch sensor layer of the display panel 130 senses user touch input by using a capacitive method, and the touch sensor driver can determine the presence or absence of user touch by applying a drive signal to a drive electrode in the touch electrode and sensing the voltage charged in the mutual capacitance between the drive electrode and the sensing electrode through the sensing electrode in the touch electrode. User touch may include contact touch and proximity touch. Contact touch refers to a touch in which an object such as a user's finger or a pen is in direct contact with a cover member provided on the touch sensor layer. Proximity touch refers to a touch in which an object such as a user's finger or a pen is close to the cover member, such as hovering. The touch sensor driver can be configured to transmit sensor data to a main processor based on the sensed voltage, and the main processor can be configured to analyze the sensor data to calculate the touch coordinates where the touch input occurred.

[0101] In one embodiment, a power supply configured to supply driving voltages for driving the pixels (also referred to as sub-pixels), the scan driver, and the display driver of the display panel 130 may be further provided on the display circuit board. Alternatively, the power supply may be integrated with the display driver. In such an embodiment, the display driver and the power supply may be formed as a single integrated circuit.

[0102] The display panel 130 may include at least one receiving groove 130-1 into which a reinforcement layer (not shown) is inserted. A plurality of receiving grooves 130-1 may be provided, that is, the receiving groove 130-1 may be provided in plurality. In such an embodiment, one of each receiving groove 130-1 and the other of each receiving groove 130-1 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to an imaginary center straight line perpendicular to one side of the display panel 130. In one embodiment, for example, the display panel 130 is rectangular, and one of each receiving groove 130-1 and the other of each receiving groove 130-1 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to an imaginary center straight line perpendicular to the short side and / or long side of the display panel 130. In another embodiment, the display panel 130 is square, and one of each receiving groove 130-1 and the other of each receiving groove 130-1 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to an imaginary center straight line perpendicular to one side of the display panel 130.

[0103] In one embodiment, for example, the display panel 130 is rectangular, and at least one of the receiving grooves 130-1 may be arranged on a short side of the display panel 130. In such an embodiment, one of the receiving grooves 130-1 and the other of the receiving grooves 130-1 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a diagonal direction of the display panel 130.

[0104] At least one of the receiving grooves 130-1 may be arranged adjacent to at least one corner of the display panel 130. In one embodiment, for example, a distance between a center of at least one of the receiving grooves 130-1 and a center of one side of the display panel 130 may be greater than a distance between a center of at least one of the receiving grooves 130-1 and a corner of the display panel 130.

[0105] The structure described above can allow the display device 1 to effectively withstand the force applied thereto by the reinforcement layer arranged in the receiving groove 130-1. For example, after the display device 1 is set on various electronic devices, when a user applies force to the corners of the display device 1 or the corners of the electronic device touch the ground, the display panel 130 and the cover member (not shown) may separate from each other at the corners of the display device 1. In one embodiment, the reinforcement layer can effectively prevent the display panel 130 and the cover member from separating from each other. In such an embodiment, the reinforcement layer can effectively prevent damage to the display panel 130 by absorbing some of the impact applied to the corners of the display device 1.

[0106] Figure 6A and Figure 6B For the Figure 5 The line VI-VI' is intercepted Figure 5 sectional view of an embodiment of a display panel 130.

[0107] refer to Figure 6A and Figure 6BAn embodiment of the display panel 130 may include a substrate 10, a display layer D, and an encapsulation layer. In such an embodiment, the encapsulation layer may have various shapes.

[0108] In one embodiment, the packaging layer may include a sealing layer 30 - 1 b and a packaging substrate 30 - 1 a . Figure 6A The sealing layer 30-1b may be arranged to surround Figure 5 In this embodiment, the sealing layer 30-1b may be in the form of a closed loop, and in a plan view, the display layer D may be arranged inside the sealing layer 30-1b. That is, the display layer D may be arranged to Figure 5 The sealing layer 30-1b may be arranged on the display area DA. Figure 5 The package substrate 30-1a may be arranged to face the substrate 10. In one embodiment, Figure 5 The receiving groove 130-1 illustrated in the figure may be formed in the packaging substrate 30-1a. In another embodiment, the receiving groove 130-1 may be formed in each of the substrate 10 and the packaging substrate 30-1a. In such an embodiment, the substrate 10 and the packaging substrate 30-1a may have corresponding shapes. In such an embodiment, the receiving groove 130-1 may be arranged outside the sealing layer 30-1b.

[0109] In another embodiment, the encapsulation layer may include a thin film encapsulation layer 30-2, such as Figure 6B The thin film encapsulation layer 30-2 may be in direct contact with the counter electrode or upper layer described below. In such an embodiment, the thin film encapsulation layer 30-2 may cover a portion of the display area DA and the peripheral area PA to effectively prevent the penetration of external moisture and oxygen.

[0110] The thin film encapsulation layer 30-2 may include at least one organic encapsulation layer and at least one inorganic encapsulation layer. For ease of description, the following embodiment will be described in detail: the thin film encapsulation layer 30-2 includes a first inorganic encapsulation layer (not shown), an organic encapsulation layer (not shown), and a second inorganic encapsulation layer (not shown), each layer being stacked on an upper layer (not shown) in the order described.

[0111] In this embodiment, the first inorganic encapsulation layer may cover the upper layer and may include silicon oxide, silicon nitride and / or silicon oxynitride. Because the first inorganic encapsulation layer is formed along the structure below it, the top surface of the first inorganic encapsulation layer may be uneven. The organic encapsulation layer may cover the first inorganic encapsulation layer. Unlike the first inorganic encapsulation layer, the top surface of the organic encapsulation layer may be substantially flat. Specifically, the organic encapsulation layer may have a substantially flat top surface in the portion corresponding to the display area DA. The organic encapsulation layer may include at least one material selected from polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyimide, polyethylene sulfonate, polyoxymethylene, polyarylate and hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO). The second inorganic encapsulation layer may cover the organic encapsulation layer and may include silicon oxide, silicon nitride and / or silicon oxynitride.

[0112] In such an embodiment, the receiving groove 130-1 may be disposed outside the thin film encapsulation layer 30-2. That is, the receiving groove 130-1 may be formed only in the substrate 10 (or defined only by the substrate 10).

[0113] Figure 7 For schematic illustration Figure 5 The VII-VII' line is intercepted Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a display panel.

[0114] refer to Figure 7 An embodiment of a display panel (not denoted by a reference numeral) may include a substrate 10, a display layer D, an encapsulation layer (not shown), and a touch sensor layer (not shown). The display layer D may include a buffer layer 11, a circuit layer (not denoted by a reference numeral), and a display element layer (not denoted by a reference numeral), and the layers are stacked in the order described. In this embodiment, the encapsulation layer may be the same as the reference numeral. Figure 6A and Figure 6B The encapsulation layers described are the same, and the touch sensor layers can be similar to those of reference Figures 1 to 4 Describe the touch sensor layers.

[0115] In one embodiment, as described above, the substrate 10 may include an insulating material such as glass, quartz, or polymer resin. The substrate 10 may be a flexible substrate that is bendable, foldable, or rollable.

[0116] The buffer layer 11 may be provided on the substrate 10. The buffer layer 11 may substantially reduce or effectively prevent foreign matter, moisture, or ambient air from penetrating from below the substrate 10, and may provide a flat surface on the substrate 10. The buffer layer 11 may include an inorganic material, an organic material, or an organic / inorganic composite material such as an oxide or a nitride, and may have a single layer or a multilayer structure including an inorganic material and an organic material. An isolation layer (not shown) that effectively prevents ambient air from penetrating may be further included between the substrate 10 and the buffer layer 11. In some embodiments, the buffer layer 11 may include silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN x The buffer layer 11 may include a first buffer layer 11a and a second buffer layer 11b, and the layers are stacked in the order described.

[0117] The circuit layer may be disposed on the buffer layer 11 and may include a pixel circuit PC, a first gate insulating layer 12, a second gate insulating layer 13, an interlayer insulating layer 15, and a planarization layer 17. The pixel circuit PC may include a thin film transistor TFT and a storage capacitor Cst.

[0118] A thin film transistor (TFT) may be disposed on the buffer layer 11. The thin film transistor (TFT) may include a first semiconductor layer (A1), a first gate electrode (G1), a first source electrode (S1), and a first drain electrode (D1). The thin film transistor (TFT) may be connected to an organic light emitting diode (OLED) as a light emitting element and may drive the organic light emitting diode (OLED).

[0119] In one embodiment, the first semiconductor layer A1 may be disposed on the buffer layer 11 and may include polycrystalline silicon. In another embodiment, the first semiconductor layer A1 may include amorphous silicon. In another embodiment, the first semiconductor layer A1 may include an oxide of at least one selected from the group consisting of indium (In), gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), hafnium (Hf), cadmium (Cd), germanium (Ge), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), and zinc (Zn). The first semiconductor layer A1 may include a channel region and a source region and a drain region doped with impurities.

[0120] The first gate insulating layer 12 may be provided to cover the first semiconductor layer A1. The first gate insulating layer 12 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO2), silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2) or zinc oxide (ZnO x ). Zinc oxide (ZnO x ) may be ZnO and / or ZnO 2 . The first gate insulating layer 12 may include or be defined by a single layer or a plurality of layers, each layer including at least one selected from the above inorganic insulating materials.

[0121] The first gate electrode G1 may be disposed on the first gate insulating layer 12 to overlap the first semiconductor layer A1. The first gate electrode G1 may include molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), or the like, and may include a single layer or multiple layers. In one embodiment, for example, the first gate electrode G1 may be a single Mo layer.

[0122] The second gate insulating layer 13 may be provided to cover the first gate electrode G1. The second gate insulating layer 13 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO2), silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2) or zinc oxide (ZnO x ). Zinc oxide (ZnO x ) may be ZnO and / or ZnO 2 . The second gate insulating layer 13 may include or be defined by a single layer or a plurality of layers, each layer including at least one selected from the above inorganic insulating materials.

[0123] The first upper electrode CE2 of the storage capacitor Cst may be disposed on the second gate insulating layer 13 .

[0124] In the display area DA, the first upper electrode CE2 may overlap the first gate electrode G1 thereunder. The first gate electrode G1 and the first upper electrode CE2 overlapping each other with the second gate insulating layer 13 therebetween may constitute a storage capacitor Cst. The first gate electrode G1 may be a first lower electrode CE1 of the storage capacitor Cst.

[0125] The first upper electrode CE2 may include aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W) and / or copper (Cu), and may include a single layer or multiple layers or be defined by a single layer or multiple layers, each layer including at least one selected from the above materials.

[0126] The interlayer insulating layer 15 may be provided to cover the first upper electrode CE2. The interlayer insulating layer 15 may include silicon oxide (SiO2), silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2) or zinc oxide (ZnO x ). Zinc oxide (ZnO x ) may be ZnO and / or ZnO 2 . The interlayer insulating layer 15 may include or be defined by a single layer or a plurality of layers, each layer including at least one selected from the above-mentioned inorganic insulating materials.

[0127] The first source electrode S1 and the first drain electrode D1 may be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 15. The first source electrode S1 and the first drain electrode D1 may each include a conductive material, such as molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), etc., and may each include or be defined by a single layer or multiple layers, each layer including at least one selected from the above conductive materials. In one embodiment, for example, the first source electrode S1 and the first drain electrode D1 may each have a multilayer structure of Ti / Al / Ti.

[0128] The planarization layer 17 may be disposed to cover the first source electrode S1 and the first drain electrode D1. The planarization layer 17 may have a flat top surface so that the pixel electrode 21 disposed thereon is formed to be flat.

[0129] The planarization layer 17 may include an organic material or an inorganic material and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. In one embodiment, the planarization layer 17 may include a general polymer (e.g., benzocyclobutene (BCB), polyimide, HMDSO, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or polystyrene (PS)), a polymer derivative having a phenolic group, an acrylic polymer, an imide polymer, an aryl ether polymer, an amide polymer, a fluorine polymer, a paraxylene polymer, or a vinyl alcohol polymer. In one embodiment, the planarization layer 17 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO2), silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2) or zinc oxide (ZnO x ). Zinc oxide (ZnO x ) may be ZnO and / or ZnO 2 . When the planarization layer 17 is formed, a layer may be formed, and then chemical mechanical polishing may be performed on a top surface of the layer to provide a flat top surface.

[0130] The planarization layer 17 may have a through hole exposing one of the first source electrode S1 and the first drain electrode D1 of the thin film transistor TFT, and the pixel electrode 21 may contact the first source electrode S1 or the first drain electrode D1 through the through hole and be electrically connected to the thin film transistor TFT.

[0131] The pixel electrode 21 may include a conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In2O3), indium gallium oxide (IGO) or aluminum zinc oxide (AZO). The pixel electrode 21 may include a reflective layer comprising silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr) or any compound thereof. In one embodiment, for example, the pixel electrode 21 may have a structure comprising a layer of ITO, IZO, ZnO or In2O3 above / below the reflective layer. In such an embodiment, for example, the pixel electrode 21 may have a stacked structure of ITO / Ag / ITO.

[0132] The pixel defining layer 19 may cover the edge of the pixel electrode 21 on the planarization layer 17 and may be provided with a first opening OP1 exposing a central portion of the pixel electrode 21. The size and shape of the emission region of the organic light emitting diode OLED (ie, sub-pixel) are defined by the first opening OP1.

[0133] The pixel defining layer 19 can effectively prevent arcing, etc., from occurring at the edge of the pixel electrode 21 by increasing the distance between the edge of the pixel electrode 21 and the counter electrode 23 on the pixel electrode 21. The pixel defining layer 19 may include an organic insulating material such as polyimide, polyamide, acrylic resin, BCB, HMDSO, or phenolic resin, and may be formed by spin coating.

[0134] An emission layer 22b corresponding to the pixel electrode 21 may be disposed in the first opening OP1 of the pixel defining layer 19. The emission layer 22b may include a high molecular weight material or a low molecular weight material and may emit red, green, blue, or white light to the outside.

[0135] The organic functional layer 22e may be disposed on and / or below the emission layer 22b. The organic functional layer 22e may include a first functional layer 22a and / or a second functional layer 22c. Alternatively, the first functional layer 22a or the second functional layer 22c may be omitted.

[0136] The first functional layer 22a may be disposed below the emission layer 22b. The first functional layer 22a may be defined by a single layer or multiple layers, each layer including an organic material. The first functional layer 22a may be a hole transport layer (HTL) having a single-layer structure. Alternatively, the first functional layer 22a may include a hole injection layer (HIL) and the HTL. The first functional layer 22a may be integrally formed to correspond to the organic light emitting diode OLED included in the display area DA.

[0137] The second functional layer 22c may be disposed on the emission layer 22b. The second functional layer 22c may be a single layer or multiple layers including an organic material. The second functional layer 22c may include an electron transport layer (ETL) and / or an electron injection layer (EIL). The second functional layer 22c may be formed integrally or collectively to correspond to the organic light emitting diode OLED included in the display area DA.

[0138] The counter electrode 23 may be disposed on the second functional layer 22c. The counter electrode 23 may include a conductive material having a low work function. In one embodiment, for example, the counter electrode 23 may include a (semi-) transparent layer comprising silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), or any alloy thereof. Alternatively, the counter electrode 23 may further include a layer comprising ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In2O3 on the (semi-) transparent layer comprising the above-mentioned materials. The counter electrode 23 may be formed integrally or collectively to correspond to the organic light emitting diode OLED included in the display area DA.

[0139] The layers from the pixel electrode 21 to the opposite electrode 23 formed in the display area DA may constitute an organic light emitting diode OLED.

[0140] An upper layer 25 including an organic material may be provided on the counter electrode 23. The upper layer 25 may be a layer provided to protect the counter electrode 23 and to increase light extraction efficiency. The upper layer 25 may include an organic material having a refractive index higher than that of the counter electrode 23. Alternatively, the upper layer 25 may be provided by stacking layers having different refractive indices. In one embodiment, for example, the upper layer 25 may be provided by stacking a high refractive index layer, a low refractive index layer, and a high refractive index layer. In such an embodiment, the refractive index of the high refractive index layer may be greater than or equal to about 1.7, and the refractive index of the low refractive index layer may be less than or equal to about 1.3.

[0141] The upper layer 25 may further include LiF. Alternatively, the upper layer 25 may further include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN x ). If necessary, the upper layer 25 may be omitted. However, for convenience of description, an embodiment in which the upper layer 25 is provided on the counter electrode 23 will be mainly described in detail.

[0142] refer to Figure 6A or Figure 6B The described encapsulation layer may be provided on the upper layer 25. Additionally, a touch sensor layer may be provided on the encapsulation layer.

[0143] Figure 8A and Figure 8B for Figure 5Schematic circuit diagram of an embodiment of a pixel of a display panel illustrated in FIG.

[0144] refer to Figure 8A and Figure 8B In one embodiment, the pixel circuit PC can be connected to the light-emitting element ED to enable light emission in the sub-pixel. The pixel circuit PC can include a driving thin film transistor T1, a switching thin film transistor T2, and a storage capacitor Cst. The switching thin film transistor T2 can be connected to a scan line SL and a data line DL and can be configured to transmit a data signal Dm input through the data line DL to the driving thin film transistor T1 in response to a scan signal Sn input through the scan line SL.

[0145] The storage capacitor Cst may be connected to the switching thin film transistor T2 and the driving voltage line PL and may be configured to store a voltage corresponding to a difference between a voltage received from the switching thin film transistor T2 and the driving voltage ELVDD supplied to the driving voltage line PL.

[0146] The driving thin film transistor T1 may be connected to the driving voltage line PL and the storage capacitor Cst, and may be configured to control a driving current flowing from the driving voltage line PL to the light-emitting element ED in accordance with a voltage value stored in the storage capacitor Cst. The light-emitting element ED may be configured to emit light having a specific brightness corresponding to the driving current.

[0147] although Figure 8A The illustrated pixel circuit PC includes an embodiment in which two thin film transistors and one storage capacitor are included, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0148] refer to Figure 8B In another embodiment, the pixel circuit PC may include a driving thin film transistor T1, a switching thin film transistor T2, a compensation thin film transistor T3, a first initialization thin film transistor T4, an operation control thin film transistor T5, an emission control thin film transistor T6 and a second initialization thin film transistor T7.

[0149] although Figure 8B In the embodiment described above, the signal lines SL, SL-1, SL+1, EL, DL, the initialization voltage line VL, and the drive voltage line PL are provided for each pixel circuit PC, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, at least one of the initialization voltage line VL and / or the signal lines SL, SL-1, SL+1, EL, and DL may be shared by adjacent pixel circuits.

[0150] The drain electrode of the driving thin film transistor T1 may be electrically connected to the light emitting element ED via the emission control thin film transistor T6. The driving thin film transistor T1 may be configured (or connected) to receive the data signal Dm based on the switching operation of the switching thin film transistor T2 and provide a driving current to the light emitting element ED.

[0151] The gate electrode of the switching thin film transistor T2 may be connected to the scan line SL, and the source electrode of the switching thin film transistor T2 may be connected to the data line DL. The drain electrode of the switching thin film transistor T2 may be connected to the source electrode of the driving thin film transistor T1 and connected to the driving voltage line PL via the operation control thin film transistor T5.

[0152] The switching thin film transistor T2 may be configured to be turned on in response to a scan signal Sn received through the scan line SL and perform a switching operation of transmitting the data signal Dm from the data line DL to the source electrode of the driving thin film transistor T1 .

[0153] The gate electrode of the compensation thin-film transistor T3 can be connected to the scan line SL. The source electrode of the compensation thin-film transistor T3 can be connected to the drain electrode of the drive thin-film transistor T1 and, via the emission control thin-film transistor T6, to the pixel electrode of the light-emitting element ED. The drain electrode of the compensation thin-film transistor T3 can be connected to one electrode of the storage capacitor Cst, the source electrode of the first initialization thin-film transistor T4, and the gate electrode of the drive thin-film transistor T1. The compensation thin-film transistor T3 can be configured to turn on in response to a scan signal Sn received via the scan line SL and connect the gate electrode of the drive thin-film transistor T1 to the drain electrode of the drive thin-film transistor T1. Therefore, the drive thin-film transistor T1 can be diode-connected.

[0154] The gate electrode of the first initialization thin film transistor T4 may be connected to the previous scan line SL-1. The drain electrode of the first initialization thin film transistor T4 may be connected to the initialization voltage line VL. The source electrode of the first initialization thin film transistor T4 may be connected to one electrode of the storage capacitor Cst, the drain electrode of the compensation thin film transistor T3, and the gate electrode of the driving thin film transistor T1. The first initialization thin film transistor T4 may be configured to be turned on in response to the previous scan signal Sn-1 received through the previous scan line SL-1, and perform an initialization operation of transmitting the initialization voltage Vint to the gate electrode of the driving thin film transistor T1 to initialize the voltage of the gate electrode of the driving thin film transistor T1.

[0155] The gate electrode of the operation control thin film transistor T5 may be connected to the emission control line EL. The source electrode of the operation control thin film transistor T5 may be connected to the driving voltage line PL. The drain electrode of the operation control thin film transistor T5 may be connected to the source electrode of the driving thin film transistor T1 and the drain electrode of the switching thin film transistor T2.

[0156] The gate electrode of the emission control thin film transistor T6 may be connected to the emission control line EL. The source electrode of the emission control thin film transistor T6 may be connected to the drain electrode of the drive thin film transistor T1 and the source electrode of the compensation thin film transistor T3. The drain electrode of the emission control thin film transistor T6 may be electrically connected to the pixel electrode of the light-emitting element ED. The operation control thin film transistor T5 and the emission control thin film transistor T6 may be simultaneously turned on in response to the emission control signal En received via the emission control line EL, and transmit the driving voltage ELVDD to the light-emitting element ED, so that a driving current flows through the light-emitting element ED.

[0157] The gate electrode of the second initialization thin film transistor T7 may be connected to the next scan line SL+1. The source electrode of the second initialization thin film transistor T7 may be connected to the pixel electrode of the light-emitting element ED. The drain electrode of the second initialization thin film transistor T7 may be connected to the initialization voltage line VL. The second initialization thin film transistor T7 may be configured to be turned on in response to the next scan signal Sn+1 received through the next scan line SL+1 and initialize the pixel electrode of the light-emitting element ED.

[0158] although Figure 8B In the embodiment described above, the first initialization thin film transistor T4 and the second initialization thin film transistor T7 are connected to the previous scan line SL-1 and the next scan line SL+1, respectively, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, both the first initialization thin film transistor T4 and the second initialization thin film transistor T7 may be connected to the previous scan line SL-1 and may be driven in response to the previous scan signal Sn-1.

[0159] The other electrode of the storage capacitor Cst may be connected to the driving voltage line PL. One electrode of the storage capacitor Cst may be connected to the gate electrode of the driving thin film transistor T1, the drain electrode of the compensation thin film transistor T3, and the source electrode of the first initialization thin film transistor T4.

[0160] The counter electrode (eg, cathode) of the light emitting element ED may be configured (or connected) to receive a common voltage ELVSS. The light emitting element ED may be configured (or connected) to receive a driving current from the driving thin film transistor T1 and emit light to the outside.

[0161] The pixel circuit PC is not limited to the reference Figure 8A and Figure 8B The number and circuit design of thin film transistors and storage capacitors are described, and the number and circuit design of thin film transistors and storage capacitors may be modified in various ways.

[0162] Figure 9 is a rear view illustrating a portion of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0163] refer to Figure 9, the receiving groove 130-1 may have a trapezoidal shape. In a plan view or when viewed in the Z-axis direction, a portion of the reinforcing layer 160 may be arranged in the receiving groove 130-1. In one embodiment, for example, the reinforcing layer 160 may include a first reinforcing layer 161 arranged inside the receiving groove 130-1 and a second reinforcing layer 162 protruding outward from the receiving groove 130-1. In such an embodiment, the first reinforcing layer 161 and the second reinforcing layer 162 may be connected to each other and may be integrally formed with each other as a single, integral, and inseparable part. In such an embodiment, as described above, the width L of the reinforcing layer 160 may be approximately 1 mm or less. That is, the sum of the first width L1 of the first reinforcing layer 161 and the second width L2 of the second reinforcing layer 162 may be approximately 1 mm or less.

[0164] With the above structure, the reinforcement layer 160 can contact not only the edge of the receiving groove 130-1, but also at least a portion of the edge of the display panel 130 surrounding the receiving groove 130-1. By increasing the area of ​​contact with the edge of the display panel 130, the reinforcement layer 160 does not separate from the display panel 130 even when a force is applied to the display panel 130. In addition, the reinforcement layer 160 can reduce damage to the display panel 130 or separation between the display panel 130 and the cover member 110 due to the force applied to the edge of the display panel 130.

[0165] The shape of the second reinforcement layer 162 is not limited thereto. That is, in one embodiment, the planar shape of the second reinforcement layer 162 may be as follows: Figure 9 In another embodiment, the second reinforcement layer 162 may be formed to have rounded edges. In such an embodiment, the second width L2 may refer to the distance from the edge of the display panel 130 to the portion of the second reinforcement layer 162 farthest from the edge of the display panel 130 in the planar shape of the second reinforcement layer 162. In such an embodiment, the distance between a portion of the second reinforcement layer 162 and the edge of the display panel 130 may be measured in a direction perpendicular to the edge of the display panel 130.

[0166] Figure 10A is a rear view illustrating a portion of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0167] refer to Figure 10A In one embodiment, the plane shape of the receiving groove 130-1 may be a polygonal shape, such as a triangular shape. Hereinafter, for the convenience of description, the embodiment in which the plane shape of the receiving groove 130-1 is a triangle will be described in detail.

[0168] In such an embodiment, the width of the planar shape of the receiving groove 130 - 1 may gradually decrease from one point to one end of the receiving groove 130 - 1 .

[0169] The reinforcement layer 160 may be inserted into the receiving groove 130-1. In this embodiment, the planar shape of the reinforcement layer 160 may correspond to the planar shape of the receiving groove 130-1. In this embodiment, the reinforcement layer 160 may contact the display panel 130 at two or more portions of the edge of the display panel 130. The maximum width L of the reinforcement layer 160 may be approximately 1 mm or less. In this embodiment, the edge of the reinforcement layer 160 may form a nearly straight line with the edge of the display panel 130 where the receiving groove 130-1 is not formed.

[0170] Figure 10B is a rear view illustrating a portion of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0171] refer to Figure 10B In one embodiment, the planar shape of the receiving groove 130-1 may be triangular. In one embodiment, for example, the reinforcement layer 160 may include a first reinforcement layer 161 disposed inside the receiving groove 130-1 and a second reinforcement layer 162 disposed outside the receiving groove 130-1. In such an embodiment, the first reinforcement layer 161 and the second reinforcement layer 162 may be integrally formed as a single, indivisible body and may directly contact the outer portion of the display panel 130. In addition, the planar shape of the first reinforcement layer 161 may correspond to the planar shape of the receiving groove 130-1.

[0172] In such an embodiment, the width L of the reinforcement layer 160 (the sum of the first width L1 of the first reinforcement layer 161 and the second width L2 of the second reinforcement layer 162 ) may be approximately 1 mm or less.

[0173] In addition, in one embodiment, the planar shape of the second reinforcement layer 162 may be as follows: Figure 10B In another embodiment, the second reinforcement layer 162 may be formed to have rounded edges, rather than the rectangular shape shown in FIG.

[0174] Figure 11A is a rear view illustrating a portion of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0175] refer to Figure 11A In one embodiment, the planar shape of the receiving groove 130-1 may be a partial circle or an ellipse. That is, the receiving groove 130-1 may have a U-shape. The width of the planar shape of the receiving groove 130-1 may gradually decrease from one point to one end of the receiving groove 130-1.

[0176] The reinforcement layer 160 may be inserted into the receiving groove 130-1. In this embodiment, the planar shape of the reinforcement layer 160 may correspond to the planar shape of the receiving groove 130-1. In this embodiment, the maximum width L of the reinforcement layer 160 may be approximately 1 mm or less. In this embodiment, the edge of the reinforcement layer 160 may form a nearly straight line with the edge of the display panel 130 where the receiving groove 130-1 is not formed.

[0177] Figure 11B is a rear view illustrating a portion of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0178] refer to Figure 11B In one embodiment, the planar shape of the receiving groove 130-1 may be a partial circle or an ellipse. That is, the receiving groove 130-1 may have a U-shape, such as a semicircular or semi-elliptical shape. In one embodiment, for example, the reinforcement layer 160 may include a first reinforcement layer 161 arranged inside the receiving groove 130-1 and a second reinforcement layer 162 arranged outside the receiving groove 130-1. In such an embodiment, the first reinforcement layer 161 and the second reinforcement layer 162 may be integrally formed as a single, integral, and indivisible body and may be in direct contact with the outer portion of the display panel 130. In addition, the planar shape of the first reinforcement layer 161 may correspond to the planar shape of the receiving groove 130-1.

[0179] In such an embodiment, the width L of the reinforcement layer 160 (the sum of the first width L1 of the first reinforcement layer 161 and the second width L2 of the second reinforcement layer 162 ) may be approximately 1 mm or less.

[0180] In addition, in one embodiment, the planar shape of the second reinforcement layer 162 may be as follows: Figure 11B In another embodiment, the second reinforcement layer 162 may be formed to have rounded edges, rather than the rectangular shape shown in FIG.

[0181] The display apparatus according to one or more embodiments can effectively prevent separation between the display panel and the cover member.

[0182] The display apparatus according to one or more embodiments may substantially or effectively reduce damage caused by external force applied to a corner of the display apparatus.

[0183] The present invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0184] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: a display panel provided with a receiving groove defined in an outer portion thereof; a cover member, disposed on the display panel; as well as A reinforcing layer at least a portion of which is accommodated in the accommodation groove and attached to the cover member. 2 . The display device according to claim 1 , wherein a planar shape of the receiving groove is a polygon or a U-shape.

3. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the planar shape of the display panel is rectangular, and The receiving groove is defined on a short side of the planar shape of the display panel.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcement layer comprises: a first reinforcement layer, disposed inside the receiving groove; as well as The second reinforcement layer is arranged outside the receiving groove. 5 . The display device according to claim 4 , wherein a sum of a width of the first reinforcement layer and a width of the second reinforcement layer is 1 mm or less. The display apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a support on which the cover member is seated. 7 . The display apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein an inner side surface of the support member and the reinforcement layer are spaced apart from each other. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the display panel comprises an organic light emitting element. 9 . The display apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a planar shape of the receiving groove includes a region where a width of the planar shape of the receiving groove gradually decreases.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the receiving groove is provided in plurality, and One of the plurality of receiving grooves and another of the plurality of receiving grooves are arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to an imaginary center straight line perpendicular to one side of the display panel.

11. A display device comprising: Display panel; a cover member, disposed on the display panel; a reinforcement layer on a side of the display panel; as well as A support member is provided to be spaced apart from the reinforcement layer and to support the cover member. 12 . The display device according to claim 11 , wherein a planar shape of the reinforcement layer is polygonal, partially circular, or partially elliptical. 13 . The display apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the reinforcement layer is in contact with the cover member. 14 . The display apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein a portion of the reinforcement layer is inserted into the display panel, and another portion of the reinforcement layer protrudes outward from the display panel in a plan view.

15. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the display panel has a rectangular shape, and The reinforcement layer is arranged on a short side of the display panel.

16. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the reinforcement layer is provided in plural, and One of the plurality of reinforcement layers and another one of the plurality of reinforcement layers are arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to an imaginary center straight line perpendicular to one side of the display panel. 17 . The display apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the reinforcement layer is in contact with edges of the display panel on at least two sides. 18 . The display apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein a planar shape of the reinforcement layer includes a region where a width of the planar shape of the reinforcement layer gradually decreases. 19 . The display apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein an edge of the reinforcement layer and an edge of the display panel form a straight line. 20 . The display device according to claim 11 , further comprising a bracket, the support member being seated on the bracket.

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