Display device with encapsulated weir

Abstract

A display device including an encapsulation dam is provided. The display device may include a device substrate. A light-emitting device may be disposed on a display area of ​​the device substrate. The device substrate may include a border area disposed outside the display area. An encapsulation dam may be disposed on the border area of ​​the device substrate. A power supply line and a dummy line may be disposed between the device substrate and the encapsulation dam. A first side surface of the encapsulation dam facing the display area may overlap with the power supply line and the dummy line. The amount of light reflected by the dummy line disposed between the power supply line and the first side surface of the encapsulation dam may be less than the amount of light reflected by the power supply line. Therefore, in the display device, the encapsulation dam can be stably formed by an exposure process.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0202818, filed on December 31, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a display device in which the display area is surrounded by an encapsulated weir. Background Technology

[0004] Typically, a display device provides images to a user. For example, a display device may include a light-emitting device. The light-emitting device can emit light that displays a specific color. For example, the light-emitting device may include a light-emitting unit located between a first electrode and a second electrode.

[0005] An encapsulation structure can be formed on the light-emitting device. The encapsulation structure may include an organic encapsulation layer disposed between inorganic encapsulation layers. The display area where the light-emitting device is located can be surrounded by an encapsulation dam. The encapsulation dam can define the area where the organic encapsulation layer is formed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, this disclosure relates to a display device that substantially eliminates one or more problems caused by the limitations and disadvantages of related technologies.

[0007] One object of this disclosure is to provide a display device capable of stably forming an encapsulated weir.

[0008] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a display device that can reduce light reflection caused by a power supply line disposed between the device substrate and the first side surface of the encapsulation dam.

[0009] Some of the additional advantages, objects, and features of this disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and some will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description, or may be learned from practice of this disclosure. The objects and other advantages of this disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the draft specification and its claims, as well as the accompanying drawings.

[0010] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposes of this disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, a display device is provided, the display device comprising a device substrate. The device substrate includes a display area and a bezel area. The bezel area is disposed outside the display area. A power supply line is disposed on the bezel area of ​​the device substrate. An encapsulation dam is disposed on the power supply line in the bezel area. The encapsulation dam includes a first side surface facing the display area. A dummy line is disposed between the power supply line and the first side surface of the encapsulation dam. The first side surface of the encapsulation dam overlaps with the power supply line and the dummy line. The reflectivity of the dummy line is less than the reflectivity of the power supply line.

[0011] The dummy line may have a smaller size than the power supply line.

[0012] The dummy line may include a conductive material.

[0013] The dummy line may include metal.

[0014] The power supply line can be electrically connected to the dummy line.

[0015] The power supply line may include a first supply line and a second supply line. The second supply line may be disposed on the first supply line. The second supply line may include a material different from the first supply line. The second supply line may include an area in contact with the dummy line.

[0016] The dummy line may include a first line and a second line. The first line may overlap with the first side surface of the encapsulation weir. The second line may be spaced apart from the first line.

[0017] An intermediate barrier may be provided between the display area and the encapsulation dam. The intermediate barrier may have a smaller size than the encapsulation dam. The side surface of the intermediate barrier may overlap with the power supply line and the second line.

[0018] The encapsulated weir may include a first weir pattern and a second weir pattern. The second weir pattern may be disposed on the first weir pattern. The dummy line may extend between the first weir pattern and the second weir pattern.

[0019] The dummy line may include the end covered by the second weir pattern.

[0020] In another embodiment, a display device is provided, comprising a display area. The display area is surrounded by an encapsulation weir. A power supply line and a dummy line are disposed outside the display area. The power supply line extends along the edge of the display area. The dummy line overlaps with the power supply line. The dummy line extends parallel to the power supply line. The encapsulation weir includes a first side surface and a second side surface. The first side surface of the encapsulation weir faces the display area. The second side surface is opposite to the first side surface. The first side surface of the encapsulation weir includes a region overlapping with the power supply line. The dummy line is disposed between the power supply line and the first side surface of the encapsulation weir. The light loss caused by the dummy line is greater than the light loss caused by the power supply line.

[0021] The dummy line may include insulating material.

[0022] The dummy line may include dummy patterns arranged side by side along the power supply voltage line.

[0023] The interval between adjacent dummy patterns can be smaller than that between each dummy pattern.

[0024] A light-emitting device may be disposed in the display area. The light-emitting device may include a first electrode, a light-emitting unit, and a second electrode stacked sequentially. One of the layers constituting the power supply line may include the same material as the first electrode of the light-emitting device. The second electrode of the light-emitting device may be electrically connected to the power supply line. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a view of the display area of ​​the display panel in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a view showing the circuitry of a pixel region in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a view showing a cross-section of a pixel region in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of region K in the image;

[0031] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 The view captured by I-I';

[0032] Figures 7 to 13 This is a view of a display device according to another embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0033] In the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating some embodiments of this disclosure, the details related to the above-mentioned objectives, technical configurations, and operational effects of the embodiments of this disclosure will become clear. Embodiments of this disclosure are provided herein to satisfactorily convey the technical spirit of this disclosure to those skilled in the art; therefore, this disclosure may be embodied in other forms and is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0034] Furthermore, throughout the specification and drawings, identical or very similar elements may be represented by the same reference numerals, and for convenience, the length and thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated. It should be understood that when a first element is referred to as being "on" a second element, although the first element may be disposed on the second element in contact with it, a third element may be inserted between the first and second elements.

[0035] Here, for example, terms such as “first” and “second” may be used to distinguish one element from another. However, without departing from the technical spirit of this disclosure, the first element and the second element may be named arbitrarily according to the convenience of those skilled in the art.

[0036] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. For example, elements described in the singular are intended to include multiple elements unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it will be further understood in this disclosure that the terms “comprising” and “including” specify the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0037] Unless “direct” is used, the terms “connection” and “linkage” can include two components “connected” or “linked” through one or more other components located between the two components.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments pertain. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in common dictionaries should be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly defined herein.

[0039] (Implementation Method)

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a view of the display area of ​​the display panel in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a view showing the circuitry of a pixel region in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a view showing a cross-section of a pixel region in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a display panel DP. The display panel DP can generate an image provided to a user. For example, the display panel DP may include pixel regions PA. Various signals can be applied to each pixel region PA via signal wirings GL, DL, PL. For example, each pixel region PA may include a driving circuit DC electrically connected to the signal wirings GL, DL, PL, and a light-emitting device 500 electrically connected to the driving circuit DC.

[0042] The operation of the light-emitting device 500 can be controlled by the driving circuit DC. The signal wiring GL, DL, and PL may include a gate line GL for applying a gate signal, a data line DL for applying a data signal, and a first power supply voltage supply line PL for providing a first power supply voltage. For example, the driving circuit DC can provide a driving current to the light-emitting device 500 corresponding to the data signal using the first power supply voltage based on the gate signal. The driving current provided to the light-emitting device 500 by the driving circuit DC can be maintained for one frame. For example, the driving circuit DC may include a first thin-film transistor TR1, a second thin-film transistor TR2, and a storage capacitor Cst.

[0043] The first thin-film transistor TR1 can transmit a data signal to the second thin-film transistor TR2 according to the gate signal. For example, the first thin-film transistor TR1 can be used as a switching thin-film transistor. The first thin-film transistor TR1 may include a first semiconductor pattern 211, a first gate electrode 213, a first drain electrode 215, and a first source electrode 217.

[0044] The first semiconductor pattern 211 may include a first drain region electrically connected to a first drain electrode 215, a first source region electrically connected to a first source electrode 217, and a first channel region disposed between the first drain region and the first source region. The first drain electrode 215 may be electrically connected to a data line DL. The first gate electrode 213 may be electrically connected to a gate line GL. The first gate electrode 213 may overlap with the first channel region of the first semiconductor pattern 211. The first semiconductor pattern 211 may be insulated from the first gate electrode 213. For example, the first source region of the first semiconductor pattern 211 may be electrically connected to the first drain region of the first semiconductor pattern 211 according to the voltage of the signal applied to the first gate electrode 213.

[0045] The second thin-film transistor TR2 can generate a drive current corresponding to the data signal using the first power supply voltage. For example, the second thin-film transistor TR2 can be used as a driving thin-film transistor. The second thin-film transistor TR2 may include a second semiconductor pattern 221, a second gate electrode 223, a second drain electrode 225, and a second source electrode 227.

[0046] The second semiconductor pattern 221 may include a second drain region electrically connected to the second drain electrode 225, a second source region electrically connected to the second source electrode 227, and a second channel region disposed between the second drain region and the second source region. The second gate electrode 223 may be electrically connected to the first source electrode 217. The second gate electrode 223 may overlap with the second channel region of the second semiconductor pattern 221. The second semiconductor pattern 221 may be insulated from the second gate electrode 223. For example, the second channel region of the second semiconductor pattern 221 may have a conductivity corresponding to the voltage of the signal applied to the second gate electrode 223. The second drain electrode 225 may be electrically connected to the first power supply voltage line PL.

[0047] The voltage of the signal applied to the second gate electrode 223 can be maintained by the storage capacitor Cst. The storage capacitor Cst can have a stacked structure of capacitor electrodes. For example, the storage capacitor Cst can have a structure in which a first capacitor electrode electrically connected to the second gate electrode 233 and a second capacitor electrode electrically connected to the second source electrode 227 are stacked.

[0048] The driving circuit DC of each pixel region PA can be supported by the device substrate 100. The device substrate 100 may include an insulating material. For example, the device substrate 100 may include glass or plastic. At least one insulating layer 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 may be provided on the device substrate 100 to prevent unwanted electrical connections. For example, a lower buffer layer 110, a lower gate insulating layer 120, a separation insulating layer 130, an upper buffer layer 140, an upper gate insulating layer 150, an interlayer insulating layer 160, a device passivation layer 170, a device planarization layer 180, and a dam insulating layer 190 may be provided on the device substrate 100.

[0049] A lower buffer layer 110 may be disposed on the device substrate 100. The lower buffer layer 110 can prevent contamination caused by the device substrate 100 during the process of forming the driving circuit DC of each pixel region PA. For example, the upper surface of the device substrate 100 facing the driving circuit DC of each pixel region PA can be covered by the lower buffer layer 110. The first thin-film transistor TR1, the second thin-film transistor TR2, and the storage capacitor Cst of each pixel region PA may be disposed on the lower buffer layer 110.

[0050] The lower gate insulating layer 120 can be disposed on the lower buffer layer 110. The first gate electrode 213 of each pixel region PA can be insulated from the first semiconductor pattern 211 of the corresponding pixel region PA through the lower gate insulating layer 120. For example, the first semiconductor pattern 211 of each pixel region PA can be disposed between the lower buffer layer 110 and the lower gate insulating layer 120.

[0051] The separator insulating layer 130 may be disposed on the lower gate insulating layer 120. For example, the first gate electrode 213 of each pixel region PA may be disposed between the lower gate insulating layer 120 and the separator insulating layer 130. The separator insulating layer 130 may contain a relatively small amount of hydrogen. For example, the separator insulating layer 130 may have a greater thickness than the lower gate insulating layer 120.

[0052] An upper buffer layer 140 may be disposed on the separating insulating layer 130. A second semiconductor pattern 221 for each pixel region PA may be disposed on the upper buffer layer 140. A light-shielding pattern 300 overlapping the second semiconductor pattern 221 of the corresponding pixel region PA may be disposed between the separating insulating layer 130 and the upper buffer layer 140 of each pixel region PA. The light-shielding pattern 300 of each pixel region PA may include a material capable of blocking light. For example, the light-shielding pattern 300 of each pixel region PA may include a metal. Therefore, in the display device according to the present disclosure embodiment, external light propagating from the device substrate 100 toward the second semiconductor pattern 221 of each pixel region PA can be blocked by the light-shielding pattern 300 of the corresponding pixel region PA. Therefore, in the display device according to the present disclosure embodiment, characteristic changes of the second thin-film transistor TR2 in each pixel region PA due to external light can be prevented.

[0053] The upper gate insulating layer 150 can be disposed on the upper buffer layer 140. The second gate electrode 223 of each pixel region PA can be insulated from the second semiconductor pattern 221 of the corresponding pixel region PA through the upper gate insulating layer 150. For example, the second semiconductor pattern 221 of each pixel region PA can be disposed between the upper buffer layer 140 and the upper gate insulating layer 150.

[0054] An interlayer insulating layer 160 may be disposed on the upper gate insulating layer 150. The second drain electrode 225 and the second source electrode 227 of each pixel region PA can be insulated from the second gate electrode 223 of the corresponding pixel region PA through the interlayer insulating layer 160. For example, the second gate electrode 223 of each pixel region PA may be disposed between the upper gate insulating layer 150 and the interlayer insulating layer 160. The first drain electrode 215 and the first source electrode 217 of each pixel region PA may be disposed on the same layer as the second drain electrode 225 and the second source electrode 227 of the corresponding pixel region PA. For example, the first drain electrode 215, the first source electrode 217, the second drain electrode 225, and the second source electrode 227 of each pixel region PA may be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 160.

[0055] The device passivation layer 170 can be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 160. The device passivation layer 170 can prevent the drive circuit DC in each pixel region PA from being damaged by external shocks and moisture. For example, the first drain electrode 215, the first source electrode 217, the second drain electrode 225, and the second source electrode 227 of each pixel region PA can be disposed between the interlayer insulating layer 160 and the device passivation layer 170.

[0056] Device planarization layer 180 may be disposed on device passivation layer 170. Device planarization layer 180 can eliminate thickness differences caused by the driving circuit DC of each pixel region PA. For example, the upper surface of device planarization layer 180 opposite to device substrate 100 may be flat. Device planarization layer 180 may include a material having relatively higher fluidity than lower buffer layer 110, lower gate insulating layer 120, separation insulating layer 130, upper buffer layer 140, upper gate insulating layer 150, interlayer insulating layer 160, and device passivation layer 170. For example, lower buffer layer 110, lower gate insulating layer 120, separation insulating layer 130, upper buffer layer 140, upper gate insulating layer 150, interlayer insulating layer 160, and device passivation layer 170 may be inorganic insulating layers made of inorganic insulating materials, and device planarization layer 180 may be an organic insulating layer made of organic insulating materials.

[0057] The device planarization layer 180 may have a multi-layer structure. For example, the device planarization layer 180 may include a lower planarization layer 181 and an upper planarization layer 182 disposed on the lower planarization layer 181. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the thickness difference caused by the driving circuit DC of each pixel region PAC can be effectively removed. The upper planarization layer 182 may include the same material as the lower planarization layer 181. For example, the boundary between the lower planarization layer 181 and the upper planarization layer 182 is not identifiable.

[0058] The light-emitting device 500 of each pixel region PA can be disposed on the upper surface of the device planarization layer 180. The light-emitting device 500 of each pixel region PA can emit light displaying a specific color. For example, the light-emitting device 500 of each pixel region PA may include a first electrode 510, a light-emitting unit 520 and a second electrode 530 stacked sequentially on the upper surface of the device planarization layer 180.

[0059] The light-emitting unit 520 can generate light with a brightness corresponding to the voltage difference between the first electrode 510 and the second electrode 530. For example, the light-emitting unit 520 may include at least one light-emitting material layer (EML). The first electrode 510 and the second electrode 530 may include conductive materials. The second electrode 530 may include a material different from the first electrode 510. For example, the first electrode 510 may be a reflective electrode including metals such as aluminum (Al) and silver (Ag), and the second electrode 530 may be a transparent electrode made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO and IZO. Therefore, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the light generated by the light-emitting unit 520 can be emitted to the outside through the second electrode 530.

[0060] A dam insulating layer 190 may be disposed on the device planarization layer 180. The dam insulating layer 190 may include an insulating material. For example, the dam insulating layer may be an organic insulating layer made of an organic insulating material. The edge of the first electrode 510 in each pixel region PA may be covered by the dam insulating layer 190. For example, the dam insulating layer 190 may define a light-emitting region EA in each pixel region PA. The light-emitting unit 520 of each pixel region PA may be in direct contact with the first electrode 510 and the second electrode 530 of the corresponding pixel region PA in the light-emitting region EA of the corresponding pixel region PA. The first electrode 510 of each pixel region PA may be insulated from the first electrode 510 of adjacent pixel regions PA by the dam insulating layer 190.

[0061] A connecting electrode 400 may be disposed between the lower planarization layer 181 and the upper planarization layer 182. The connecting electrode 400 may include a conductive material. The connecting electrode 400 may include a material with relatively low resistance. For example, the connecting electrode 400 may include a metal. The first electrode 510 of each pixel region PA may be electrically connected to the driving circuit DC of the corresponding pixel region PA via a connecting electrode 400. For example, the first electrode 510 of each pixel region PA may be in direct contact with a connecting electrode 400 through the upper planarization layer 182, and each connecting electrode 400 may be in direct contact with the second source electrode 227 of a pixel region PA through the lower planarization layer 181. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the light-emitting device 500 of each pixel region PA may be stably connected to the driving circuit DC of the corresponding pixel region PA.

[0062] The signal applied to the second electrode 530 of each pixel region PA can be the same as the signal applied to the second electrode 530 of adjacent pixel regions PA. For example, a second power supply voltage can be applied to the second electrode 530 of each pixel region PA. The second power supply voltage can be different from the first power supply voltage applied through the first power supply voltage supply line PL. For example, the first power supply voltage can be a positive power supply voltage (VDD), and the second power supply voltage can be a negative power supply voltage (VSS).

[0063] The second electrode 530 of each pixel region PA can be electrically connected to the second electrode 530 of adjacent pixel regions PA. For example, the second electrode 530 of each pixel region PA can be in direct contact with the second electrode 530 of adjacent pixel regions PA. The second electrode 530 of each pixel region PA can extend onto the retaining layer 190. For example, the second electrode 530 of each pixel region PA can be formed simultaneously with the second electrode 530 of adjacent pixel regions PA. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the process of forming the second electrode 530 in each pixel region PA can be simplified.

[0064] The encapsulation structure 600 can be disposed on the second electrode 530 of each pixel region PA. The encapsulation structure 600 can prevent the light-emitting device 500 in each pixel region PA from being damaged by external impact and moisture. For example, the light-emitting device 500 of each pixel region PA can be completely covered by the encapsulation structure 600. The encapsulation structure 600 can have a multi-layer structure. For example, the encapsulation structure 600 may include a first encapsulation layer 610, a second encapsulation layer 620, and a third encapsulation layer 630 stacked sequentially. The second encapsulation layer 620 may have relatively higher fluidity than the first encapsulation layer 610 and the third encapsulation layer 630. For example, the first encapsulation layer 610 and the third encapsulation layer 630 may be inorganic encapsulation layers made of inorganic insulating materials, and the second encapsulation layer 620 may be an organic encapsulation layer made of organic insulating materials.

[0065] A touch sensor TS can be disposed on the package structure 600. The touch sensor TS can detect touches from a user or tool. For example, the touch sensor TS may include touch electrodes 710 and bridging electrodes 720 connected between the touch electrodes 710.

[0066] Touch electrode 710 and bridging electrode 720 may include conductive materials. Touch electrode 710 and bridging electrode 720 may include materials with relatively low resistance. For example, touch electrode 710 and bridging electrode 720 may include metal. Some light passing through the encapsulation structure 600 may be blocked by touch electrode 710 or bridging electrode 720. Touch electrode 710 and bridging electrode 720 may be disposed outside the light-emitting area EA defined in each pixel region PA. That is, in the display device according to the present disclosure, the light-emitting area EA of each pixel region PA may not overlap with touch electrode 710 and bridging electrode 720. Therefore, in the display device according to the present disclosure, the loss of light emitted from the light-emitting area EA of each pixel region PA due to touch sensor TS can be prevented.

[0067] At least some of the bridging electrodes 720 can be disposed on a different layer than the touch electrode 710. For example, in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a touch buffer layer 701 can be disposed on the encapsulation structure 600, some of the bridging electrodes 720 disposed on the touch buffer layer 701 can be covered by a touch insulating layer 750, and the touch electrode 710 can be disposed on the touch insulating layer 750. The touch buffer layer 701 and the touch insulating layer 750 can include insulating materials. For example, the touch buffer layer 701 and the touch insulating layer 750 can be inorganic insulating layers made of inorganic insulating materials. Therefore, in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch electrode 710 can be connected in various directions via the bridging electrodes 720.

[0068] An optical insulating layer 800 may be disposed on the touch sensor TS. The optical insulating layer 800 prevents the touch sensor TS from being damaged by external impacts and moisture. For example, the touch electrode 710 of the touch sensor TS may be covered by the optical insulating layer 800. The optical insulating layer 800 may include an insulating material. The optical insulating layer 800 may include a transparent material. Thickness differences caused by the touch sensor TS can be eliminated by the optical insulating layer 800. For example, the optical insulating layer 800 may include a region overlapping with the touch sensor TS and a region overlapping with the light-emitting region EA of each pixel region PA. Therefore, in the display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the optical distance of light emitted from the light-emitting region EA of each pixel region PA can be sufficiently ensured.

[0069] like Figure 1 As shown, the device substrate of the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display area AA having a pixel area PA and a border area BZ disposed outside the display area AA. For example, the display area AA may be surrounded by the border area BZ. A gate driver GD electrically connected to a gate line GL, a data driver electrically connected to a data line DL, and a power supply unit electrically connected to a first power supply voltage supply line PL may be disposed outside the display area AA. At least one of the gate driver GD, the data driver, and the power supply unit may be disposed on the border area BZ of the device substrate 100. For example, the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a GIP (Gate In Panel) type display device in which the gate driver GD is disposed within the border area BZ.

[0070] The pad area PAD for applying external signals can be disposed in the bezel area BZ. For example, in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a data driver disposed outside the display panel DP can be electrically connected to the data line DL via the pad area PAD. The pad area PAD can be disposed on the side of the display area AA.

[0071] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of region K in the image. Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 The view captured by I-I'.

[0072] Reference Figures 1 to 6The display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a second power supply voltage line VSL on a bezel region BZ. A second power supply voltage applied to the second electrode 530 of each pixel region PA can be provided via the second power supply voltage line VSL. For example, the second electrode 530 of each pixel region PA may be electrically connected to the second power supply voltage line VSL. The second power supply voltage line VSL may be electrically connected to a power supply unit. For example, the second power supply voltage line VSL may be electrically connected to a power pad VSP disposed in the bezel region BZ. The power pad VSP may be disposed side-by-side with pad regions PAD. For example, pad regions PAD may be disposed between power pads VSP.

[0073] The second power supply voltage supply line VSL can extend along the edge of the display area AA. Therefore, in the display device according to the present disclosure, the process of electrically connecting the second electrode 530 of each pixel area PA to the second power supply voltage supply line VSL can be simplified. The second power supply voltage supply line VSL can have a multilayer structure. For example, the second power supply voltage supply line VSL can have a stacked structure of a first supply line V1, a second supply line V2, and a third supply line V3. The first supply line V1, the second supply line V2, and the third supply line V3 can include conductive materials. The second supply line V2 can be electrically connected to the first supply line V1, and the third supply line V3 can be electrically connected to the second supply line V2. For example, the second supply line V2 can include a region that is in direct contact with the first supply line V1 and a region that is in direct contact with the third supply line V3. Therefore, in the display device according to the present disclosure, the resistance of the second power supply voltage supply line VSL can be minimized. That is, in the display device according to the present disclosure, voltage drop of the second power supply voltage applied through the second power supply voltage supply line VSL can be prevented.

[0074] The first supply line V1, the second supply line V2, and the third supply line V3 can be formed using a process that forms a conductive layer disposed between the device substrate 100 and the second electrode 530 of each pixel region PA. For example, the first supply line V1 can be formed simultaneously with the second source electrode 227 of each pixel region PA, the second supply line V2 can be formed simultaneously with the connection electrode 400, and the third supply line V3 can be formed simultaneously with the first electrode 510 of each pixel region PA. The first supply line V1 may include an end disposed between the interlayer insulating layer 160 and the device passivation layer 170 in the border region BZ, the second supply line V2 may include an end disposed between the lower planarization layer 181 and the upper planarization layer 182 in the border region BZ, and the third supply line V3 may include an end disposed between the upper planarization layer 182 and the embankment insulating layer 190. The third supply line V3 can extend to the display region AA. For example, the second electrode 530 of each pixel region PA can directly contact the third supply line V3 through the embankment insulating layer 190.

[0075] The encapsulation structure 600 on the second electrode 530 of each pixel region PA can extend beyond the display region AA. An encapsulation dam 910 can be provided on the border region BZ to prevent the flow of the second encapsulation layer 620, which serves as an organic insulating layer. The second encapsulation layer 620 can be formed in the region defined by the encapsulation dam 910. For example, the display region AA can be surrounded by the encapsulation dam 910. The first encapsulation layer 610, the third encapsulation layer 630, the touch buffer layer 701, and the touch insulating layer 750 can extend beyond the encapsulation dam 910. For example, on the upper surface of the encapsulation dam 910 opposite to the device substrate 100, the third encapsulation layer 630 can directly contact the first encapsulation layer 610. The encapsulation dam 910 can include a region disposed between the display region AA and the pad region PAD. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the second encapsulation layer 620 cannot flow into the pad region PAD. That is, in the display device according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the pad region PAD is not covered by the second encapsulation layer 620. For example, in the display device provided in this embodiment, the data driver disposed outside the display panel DP can be stably connected to the pad area PAD disposed on the bezel area BZ. Therefore, in the display device according to this embodiment, distortion of the signal applied through the pad area PAD can be prevented.

[0076] A spacer 195 may be provided on the insulating layer 190 of the display area AA. A portion of the second encapsulation layer 620 provided in the display area AA may have a certain thickness on the spacer 195. Therefore, in the display device according to the present disclosure embodiment, the flow of the second encapsulation layer 620 toward the outside of the display area AA can be reduced by the spacer 195. For example, in the display device according to the present disclosure embodiment, a portion of the second encapsulation layer 620 may include an end provided around the spacer 195. Therefore, in the display device according to the present disclosure embodiment, the flow of the second encapsulation layer 620 can be effectively blocked.

[0077] The encapsulation dam 910 may have a multi-layer structure. For example, the encapsulation dam 910 may include a first dam pattern 911, a second dam pattern 912, and a third dam pattern 913 stacked sequentially. The first dam pattern 911, the second dam pattern 912, and the third dam pattern 913 may include an insulating material. The first dam pattern 911, the second dam pattern 912, and the third dam pattern 913 may be formed using a process that forms insulating layers 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, and 195 disposed between the device substrate 100 and the encapsulation structure 600 in each pixel region PA. For example, the first dam pattern 911 may include the same material as the upper planarization layer 182, the second dam pattern 912 may include the same material as the dam insulating layer 190, and the third dam pattern 913 may include the same material as the spacer 195. The first dam pattern 911 can be formed by forming connection contact holes in the upper planarization layer 182 to partially expose the connection electrodes 400 of each pixel region PA. The second dam pattern 912 can be formed by forming openings in the dam insulating layer 190 to define the light-emitting regions EA of each pixel region PA. The third dam pattern 913 can be formed by patterning the spacers 195. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the reduction in process efficiency due to the formation of the encapsulation dam 910 can be prevented.

[0078] The lower buffer layer 110, lower gate insulating layer 120, separation insulating layer 130, upper buffer layer 140, upper gate insulating layer 150, interlayer insulating layer 160, and device passivation layer 170 can extend between the device substrate 100 and the first dam pattern 911 in the border region BZ. The first dam pattern 911 can be spaced apart from the lower planarization layer 181 and the upper planarization layer 182, and the dam insulating layer 190 covering the end of the upper planarization layer 182 facing the encapsulation dam 910 can be spaced apart from the second dam pattern 912. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, a space can be formed between the encapsulation dam 910 and the dam insulating layer 190. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the flow of the second encapsulation layer 620 can be effectively blocked.

[0079] The encapsulation dam 910 may include a first side surface 910s1 facing the display area AA and a second side surface 910s2 opposite to the first side surface 910s1. The second power supply voltage supply line VSL may include a region disposed between the display area AA and the encapsulation dam 910. For example, the first side surface 910s1 of the encapsulation dam 910 may overlap with the second power supply voltage supply line VSL. The ends of the first supply line V1 opposite to the display area AA (i.e., the ends in the direction away from the display area AA), the ends of the second supply line V2 opposite to the display area AA, and the ends of the third supply line V3 opposite to the display area AA may overlap with the encapsulation dam 910. For example, the third supply line V3 may include an end disposed between the first dam pattern 911 and the second dam pattern 912.

[0080] A dummy line LR may be provided between the second power supply voltage supply line VSL and the first side surface 910s1 of the encapsulation weir 910. The dummy line LR may be arranged parallel to the second power supply voltage supply line VSL. For example, the dummy line LR may extend between the third supply line V3 and the first side surface 910s1 of the encapsulation weir 910. The dummy line LR may overlap with the second power supply voltage supply line VSL. For example, the dummy line LR may have a smaller dimension than the second power supply voltage supply line VSL. For example, the dummy line LR may have a smaller width than the second power supply voltage supply line VSL. The first side surface 910s1 of the encapsulation weir 910 may include an area overlapping with the dummy line LR. The dummy line LR may extend between the first weir pattern 911 and the second weir pattern 912. For example, the end of the dummy line LR may be covered by the second weir pattern 912 on the first weir pattern 911.

[0081] The processes for forming connecting contact holes in the upper planarization layer 182, forming openings in the dam insulation layer 190, and patterning spacers 195 may include light exposure processes. That is, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first dam pattern 911, the second dam pattern 912, and the third dam pattern 913 of the encapsulation dam 910 can be formed using a light exposure process. The dummy line LR may have a lower reflectivity than the second power supply voltage supply line VSL. For example, the reflectivity of the dummy line LR may be less than the reflectivity of the third supply line V3. Therefore, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the exposure process for forming the second dam pattern 912 and the third dam pattern 913, the amount of light reflected by the dummy line LR may be less than the amount of light reflected by the second power supply voltage supply line VSL. In other words, the light loss caused by the dummy line LR may be greater than the light loss caused by the second power supply voltage supply line VSL.

[0082] Typically, in the exposure process of the second material layer disposed on the first material layer, light reflected by the first material layer can illuminate the lower end of the second material layer, and the lower end of the second material layer illuminated by the light reflected by the first material layer may be over-etched. For example, when the amount of light reflected by the first material layer increases, the shape of the pattern formed by the exposure process of the second material layer cannot be maintained, or the side surface of the pattern formed by the exposure process of the second material layer may have a large tilt angle. Therefore, in the display device according to the present disclosure embodiment, by providing a dummy line LR between the second power supply voltage supply line VSL and the first side surface 910s1 of the encapsulation weir 910, the amount of light reflected in the exposure process of forming the second weir pattern 912 and the third weir pattern 913 can be reduced, and the first side surface 910s1 of the encapsulation weir 910 overlapping with the second power supply voltage supply line VSL can be stably formed. Furthermore, in the display device according to the present disclosure embodiment, the first side surface 910s1 of the encapsulation weir 910 (including the side surface of the second weir pattern 912 and the side surface of the third weir pattern 913) can be formed with a gentle slope. Therefore, in the display device according to the present disclosure embodiment, the penetration of external moisture through the encapsulation weir 910 can be reduced.

[0083] The dummy line LR may include a conductive material. For example, the dummy line LR may include a metal having a lower reflectivity than the first supply line V1, the second supply line V2, and the third supply line V3 of the second power supply voltage supply line VSL. The second power supply voltage supply line VSL may be electrically connected to the dummy line LR. For example, a portion of the dummy line LR may be in direct contact with the third supply line V3. Therefore, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the resistance of the second power supply voltage supply line VSL can be minimized.

[0084] At least one intermediate stop 920 may be provided between the first side surface 910s1 of the encapsulation dam 910 and the display area AA. The intermediate stop 920 may have a smaller size than the encapsulation dam 910. For example, the intermediate stop 920 may have a smaller height and / or width than the encapsulation dam 910. For example, the intermediate stop 920 may be formed simultaneously with the second dam pattern 912 and / or the third dam pattern 913. The flow of the second encapsulation layer 620 in the border area BZ can be reduced by the intermediate stop 920. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the flow of the second encapsulation layer 620 can be effectively blocked. For example, in the display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, a portion of the second encapsulation layer 620 may include an end disposed around the intermediate stop 920.

[0085] The intermediate stop 920 may overlap with the second power supply voltage line VSL. A dummy line LR may extend between the second power supply voltage line VSL and the intermediate stop 920. Therefore, in the display device according to the present disclosure embodiment, the intermediate stop 920 can be stably formed by an exposure process. Therefore, in the display device according to the present disclosure embodiment, production energy can be reduced through process optimization.

[0086] Therefore, the display device according to the present disclosure embodiment may include: a light-emitting device 500 on a display area AA of a device substrate 100, a second power supply voltage supply line VSL on a border area BZ of the device substrate 100, a dummy line LR on the second power supply voltage supply line VSL in the border area BZ, and an encapsulation weir 910 on the dummy line LR, wherein the first side surface 910s1 of the encapsulation weir 910 facing the display area AA may include a region overlapping with the second power supply voltage supply line VSL and the dummy line LR, wherein the dummy line may have a lower reflectivity than the second power supply voltage supply line VSL. Therefore, in the display device according to the present disclosure embodiment, the reflection of light irradiated during the exposure process of forming the encapsulation weir 910 can be reduced. Therefore, in the display device according to the present disclosure embodiment, the encapsulation weir 910 can be stably formed by the exposure process.

[0087] The display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described as having a driving circuit DC consisting of a first thin-film transistor TR1, a second thin-film transistor TR2, and a storage capacitor Cst. However, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the driving circuit DC may include a driving thin-film transistor and at least one switching thin-film transistor. For example, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the driving circuit DC may further include a third thin-film transistor to initialize the storage capacitor Cst according to a gate signal. The third thin-film transistor may include a third semiconductor pattern, a third gate electrode, a third drain electrode, and a third source electrode. The third gate electrode may be electrically connected to a gate line GL, and the third drain electrode may be electrically connected to an initialization line to which a signal for initializing the storage capacitor Cst is applied. Therefore, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexibility in configuring the driving circuit DC can be increased.

[0088] In the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the positions and electrical connections of the first drain electrode 215, the first source electrode 217, the second drain electrode 225, and the second source electrode 227 in each driving circuit DC can vary depending on the configuration of the respective driving circuit DC and / or the type of the respective thin-film transistors TR1 and TR2. For example, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second gate electrode 223 can be electrically connected to the first drain electrode 215. Therefore, in the display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the degree of freedom in the configuration of each driving circuit DC and the type of each thin-film transistor TR1 and TR2 can be increased.

[0089] The display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described as having a second semiconductor pattern 221 for each pixel region PA disposed on a different layer than the first semiconductor pattern 211 of the corresponding pixel region PA. However, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second semiconductor pattern 221 for each pixel region PA may be disposed on the same layer as the first semiconductor pattern 211 of the corresponding pixel region PA. For example, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second semiconductor pattern 221 for each pixel region PA may include the same material as the first semiconductor pattern 211 of the corresponding pixel region PA. The second semiconductor pattern 221 for each pixel region PA may be formed simultaneously with the first semiconductor pattern 211 of the corresponding pixel region PA. Therefore, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the degree of freedom in the configuration of each pixel region PA can be increased.

[0090] The display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described as having a dummy line LR comprising a conductive material. However, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the dummy line LR may be formed of an insulating material. For example, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the dummy line LR may be an inorganic insulating layer made of an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiOx) and silicon nitride (SiNx). Therefore, in the display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, light reflection during the exposure process of forming the second weir pattern 912 and the third weir pattern 913 can be greatly reduced by the dummy line LR. Therefore, in the display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the encapsulation weir 910 can be stably formed by the exposure process.

[0091] In a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the dummy line LR may include a material capable of absorbing light. For example, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the dummy line LR may include a black dye, such as carbon black. Therefore, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the reflection of light irradiated during the exposure process forming the first side surface 910s1 of the encapsulation weir 910 can be significantly reduced. Therefore, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the stability of the encapsulation weir 910 formed by the exposure process can be significantly increased.

[0092] The display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described as having the intermediate stop 920 formed by an exposure process. However, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the intermediate stop 920 can be formed in various ways. For example, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the intermediate stop 920 can be disposed outside the dummy line LR, such as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown. The end of the dummy line LR facing the display area AA can be disposed between the encapsulation weir 910 and the intermediate stop 920. Therefore, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the degree of freedom in the process of forming the intermediate stop 920 can be increased.

[0093] In a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the dummy line LR may include separate regions. For example, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the dummy line LR may include a first line L1 overlapping with the first side surface 910s1 of the encapsulation dam 910, and a second line L2 covered on the first dam pattern 911 by the second dam pattern 912, such as... Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown. Therefore, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, during the exposure process of forming a second weir pattern 912 overlapping the end of the third supply line V3, light reflected from the upper surface opposite to the device substrate 100 toward the second weir pattern 912 can be reduced. Therefore, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the stability of the second weir pattern 912 formed by the exposure process can be increased.

[0094] In a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first line L1 in the dummy line LR that overlaps with the first side surface 910s1 of the encapsulation dam 910 can be spaced apart from the portion of the dummy line LR disposed outside the encapsulation dam 910. For example, as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the dummy line LR may include: a second line L2 disposed outside the first line L1, a third line L3 disposed outside the second line L2, a fourth line L4 disposed outside the third line L3, and a fifth line L5 disposed outside the fourth line L4. Furthermore, the side surface of each intermediate block 920 disposed between the encapsulation dam 910 and the display area AA may overlap with one of the second line L2, the third line L3, the fourth line L4, and the fifth line L5. Therefore, in the display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the degree of freedom in the shape of the dummy line LR can be increased.

[0095] The display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described as having a dummy line LR extending parallel to a second power supply voltage line VSL. However, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the dummy line LR may have various shapes. For example, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the dummy line LR may include a dummy pattern RP arranged side-by-side along the second power supply voltage line VSL, such as... Figure 13 As shown. Therefore, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the amount of light reflected during the exposure process of forming the second weir pattern and the third weir pattern can be adjusted by the size of each dummy pattern RP and the area of ​​the second power supply voltage line VSL exposed between adjacent dummy patterns RP. That is, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the tilt of the first side surface 910s1 can be adjusted by the amount of light reflected by the dummy line LR and the second power supply voltage line VSL during the exposure process of forming the second weir pattern and the third weir pattern. For example, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the spacing between adjacent dummy patterns RP can be smaller than that between each dummy pattern RP. Therefore, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the stability of the encapsulation weir 910 formed by the exposure process can be effectively increased. Furthermore, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the degree of freedom of the material of the dummy line LR can be improved.

[0096] Therefore, the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a light-emitting device disposed on a display area of ​​a device substrate, a power supply line disposed outside the display area, a dummy line disposed on the power supply line, and an encapsulation dam disposed on the dummy line, wherein the encapsulation dam may include a first side surface overlapping the power supply line and the dummy line, and wherein the amount of light reflected by the dummy line may be less than the amount of light reflected by the power supply line. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the reflection of light irradiated during the exposure process for forming the encapsulation dam can be reduced. Thus, in the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the encapsulation dam can be formed stably. Furthermore, in the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, production energy can be reduced through process optimization.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: The device substrate includes a display area and a frame area disposed outside the display area; Power supply voltage lines on the frame region of the device substrate; An encapsulation dam on the power supply line in the border region, the encapsulation dam including a first side surface facing the display region; as well as A dummy line between the power supply voltage line and the first side surface of the encapsulation dam. The first side surface of the encapsulation dam overlaps with the power supply line and the dummy line, and The reflectivity of the dummy line is less than that of the power supply line.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the dummy line has a smaller size than the power supply line.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the dummy line comprises a conductive material.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the dummy line comprises metal.

5. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the power supply voltage supply line is electrically connected to the dummy line.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein the power supply voltage supply line includes a first supply line and a second supply line disposed on the first supply line, and The second supply line comprises a material different from that of the first supply line, and the second supply line includes an area that contacts the dummy line.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the dummy line includes a first line overlapping the first side surface of the encapsulation weir and a second line spaced apart from the first line.

8. The display device of claim 7, further comprising an intermediate stop member between the display area and the encapsulation weir, the intermediate stop member having a smaller size than the encapsulation weir. The side surface of the intermediate blocking member overlaps with the power supply line and the second line.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the encapsulation weir includes a first weir pattern and a second weir pattern disposed on the first weir pattern, and The dummy line extends between the first weir pattern and the second weir pattern.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein the dummy line includes an end covered by the second weir pattern.

11. A display device, comprising: The display area surrounded by the encapsulation weir; A power supply line is disposed outside the display area, and the power supply line extends along the edge of the display area. as well as A dummy line overlapping the power supply voltage line, the dummy line extending parallel to the power supply voltage line. The encapsulation weir includes a first side surface facing the display area and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface. The first side surface of the encapsulation dam includes a region that overlaps with the power supply voltage line, and The light loss caused by the dummy line located between the power supply voltage line and the first side surface of the encapsulation dam is greater than the light loss caused by the power supply voltage line.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the dummy line comprises an insulating material.

13. The display device of claim 11, wherein the dummy line comprises a dummy pattern arranged side by side along the power supply voltage line.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein the interval between adjacent dummy patterns is smaller than that between each dummy pattern.

15. The display device according to claim 11, further comprising a light-emitting device in the display area. The light-emitting device includes a first electrode, a light-emitting unit, and a second electrode stacked sequentially. One of the layers constituting the power supply voltage line includes the same material as the first electrode of the light-emitting device, and The second electrode of the light-emitting device is electrically connected to the power supply voltage line.

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