Display device

Abstract

The utility model provides a display device. According to one embodiment of the utility model, the display device comprises a display panel which is divided into a display area and a non-display area and comprises a base layer, a light-emitting element layer which is arranged on the base layer and comprises a light-emitting element, and a packaging layer which is arranged on the light-emitting element; an input sensing unit disposed on the display panel and including a sensing electrode overlapping the display area and a signal line connected to the sensing electrode; and a window disposed on the input sensing unit and including an optically transparent base substrate. The packaging layer comprises an organic packaging layer, the organic packaging layer comprises a protruding part, at least one part of the protruding part is overlapped with the display area, and the protruding part protrudes in the thickness direction of the display panel. The projection refracts a portion of light generated from the display area, and at least one of the input sensing unit and the window includes an optical structure overlapping the projection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present utility model relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device with improved visibility. Background Art

[0002] A display device may include a display panel for displaying an image and an input sensing unit for sensing an external input. The input sensing unit may be formed integrally through a process continuous with the display panel. Alternatively, the input sensing unit may be formed through a process separated from the display panel and then combined with the display panel.

[0003] Recently, in order to improve visibility and reduce the dead space, a structure of a flexible display device that minimizes the non-display area or bends the non-display area has been proposed. In addition, in the case of reducing the dead space, visibility problems such as spots may occur in the outer contour area of the display device due to an uneven organic layer design or the like, and thus a process design capable of preventing such poor visibility is required. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] An object of the present utility model is to provide a display device that can prevent poor visibility of the display device while minimizing the dead space.

[0005] A display device according to an embodiment of the present utility model includes: a display panel divided into a display area and a non-display area, including a base layer, a light-emitting element layer disposed on the base layer and including light-emitting elements, and a packaging layer disposed on the light-emitting elements; an input sensing unit disposed on the display panel, including a sensing electrode overlapping with the display area and a signal line connected to the sensing electrode; and a window disposed on the input sensing unit, including an optically transparent base substrate. The packaging layer includes an organic packaging layer, and the organic packaging layer includes: a protruding portion, at least a part of which overlaps with the display area and protrudes along the thickness direction of the display panel. The protruding portion refracts a part of the light generated from the display area, and at least one of the input sensing unit and the window includes an optical structure overlapping with the protruding portion.

[0006] The window may include: a first optical structure protruding from the base substrate toward the lower direction of the window.

[0007] The base substrate and the first optical structure may have an integral shape.

[0008] The window may further include: a window protection layer disposed on the base substrate; and a printing layer disposed on one surface of the window protection layer and overlapping with the non-display area.

[0009] The input sensing unit may include: a first sensing insulating layer directly disposed on the encapsulation layer; a first conductive pattern layer disposed on the first sensing insulating layer; a second sensing insulating layer disposed on the first conductive pattern layer; and a second conductive pattern layer disposed on the second sensing insulating layer.

[0010] The input sensing unit may further include: a second optical structure disposed on the first sensing insulating layer and overlapping with the protrusion.

[0011] The second optical structure may be disposed to have a closed curve shape surrounding the display area in the non-display area.

[0012] The second optical structure may include a plurality of unit optical structures spaced apart from each other, and the plurality of unit optical structures may be arranged to surround the display area in the non-display area.

[0013] The sensing electrode may include a plurality of sensing patterns disposed on the second sensing insulating layer, and the signal line may be disposed at least on the second sensing insulating layer.

[0014] The display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include: an anti-reflection layer disposed between the input sensing unit and the window.

[0015] The display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include: an intermediate layer disposed between the anti-reflection layer and the window. The refractive index of the intermediate layer may be greater than the refractive index of the base substrate.

[0016] The input sensing unit may further include at least one sensing insulating layer. The refractive index of the sensing insulating layer may be greater than the refractive index of the organic encapsulation layer.

[0017] The organic encapsulation layer may further include: a flat portion overlapping with the display area; and an inclined portion overlapping with the non-display area. The protrusion may be disposed between the flat portion and the inclined portion.

[0018] The encapsulation layer may further include: a first inorganic encapsulation layer disposed under the organic encapsulation layer; and a second inorganic encapsulation layer disposed on the organic encapsulation layer. In the non-display area, the first inorganic encapsulation layer and the second inorganic encapsulation layer may be in contact.

[0019] A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a display panel divided into a display area and a non-display area, including a base layer, a light-emitting element layer disposed on the base layer and including light-emitting elements, and a packaging layer disposed on the light-emitting elements; an input sensing unit disposed on the display panel, including a sensing electrode overlapping with the display area and a signal line connected to the sensing electrode; and a window disposed on the input sensing unit. The packaging layer includes an organic packaging layer, and the organic packaging layer includes: a protruding portion, at least a part of which overlaps with the display area and protrudes along the thickness direction of the display panel. The window includes: an optically transparent base substrate; and a first optical structure protruding from the base substrate in a direction adjacent to the input sensing unit and overlapping with the protruding portion.

[0020] The base substrate and the first optical structure may have an integral shape.

[0021] A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include: an intermediate layer disposed between the input sensing unit and the window. The refractive index of the intermediate layer may be greater than the refractive index of the base substrate.

[0022] A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a display panel divided into a display area and a non-display area, including a base layer, a light-emitting element layer disposed on the base layer and including light-emitting elements, and a packaging layer disposed on the light-emitting elements; an input sensing unit disposed on the display panel; and a window disposed on the input sensing unit, including an optically transparent base substrate. The packaging layer includes an organic packaging layer, and the organic packaging layer includes: a protruding portion, at least a part of which overlaps with the display area and protrudes along the thickness direction of the display panel. The input sensing unit includes: a first sensing insulating layer disposed directly on the packaging layer; a second sensing insulating layer disposed on the first sensing insulating layer; and a second optical structure disposed on the first sensing insulating layer and overlapping with the protruding portion.

[0023] The input sensing unit may further include: a sensing electrode including a plurality of sensing patterns disposed on the second sensing insulating layer and overlapping with the display area; and a signal line connected to the sensing electrode.

[0024] The refractive index of the first sensing insulating layer may be greater than the refractive index of the organic packaging layer.

[0025] A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention can minimize the invalid area while preventing the generation of spots and the like in the display area adjacent to the non-display area, thereby improving the visibility of the display device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1a is an assembled perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0027] Figure 1b is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0028] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0029] Figure 3 is a plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0030] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a display module according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0031] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a part of a display device according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0032] Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of a display device according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0033] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a part of a display device according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0034] Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of a display device according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0035] Figure 9a and Figure 9b is a plan view of an input sensing unit according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0036] Description of Reference Numerals

[0037] DD: Display Device

[0038] DP: Display Panel

[0039] ISU: Input Sensing Unit

[0040] WM: Window

[0041] 142: Organic Encapsulation Layer

[0042] 142-PP: Protrusion

[0043] SPS1, SPS2: Optical Structures Detailed Description of the Embodiment

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present utility model will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] In this specification, when it is mentioned that a certain component (or region, layer, part, etc.) is "above" another component, "connected" or "combined" with another component, it means that it can be directly arranged on the other component or directly connected / combined with the other component, or a third component can also be arranged between them.

[0046] Like reference numerals refer to like components. Also, in the drawings, the thickness, ratio, and dimensions of the components are exaggerated for effective illustration of the technical content. "And / or" includes all combinations of more than one of the related components that can be defined.

[0047] Terms such as "first", "second", etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the rights of the present utility model, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may also be named the first component. The expression of "singular" includes the expression of "plural" as long as it does not clearly indicate a different meaning in the context.

[0048] Also, terms such as "below", "lower side", "above", "upper side", etc. are used to describe the relative relationship of the components shown in the drawings. These terms are relative concepts and are described based on the direction shown in the drawings.

[0049] Terms such as "comprising" or "having" should be understood as being intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and not to preclude the existence or additional possibility of one or more other features or numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof in advance.

[0050] In this specification, "directly arranged" may mean that there is no additional layer, film, region, plate, etc. between a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. and another part. For example, "directly arranged" may mean arranging without using additional components such as adhesive components between two layers or two components.

[0051] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used in this specification have the same meaning as that commonly understood by those skilled in the technical field to which the present utility model belongs. Also, terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related art, and should not be interpreted as having an overly ideal or overly formal meaning unless explicitly defined herein.

[0052] Hereinafter, a display device and a manufacturing method thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Figure 1a is an assembled perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1b is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Refer to Figure 1a and Figure 1b to describe the present invention.

[0054] The display device DD may be a device activated according to an electrical signal. The display device DD may display an image IM and may sense an external input TC. The display device DD may include various embodiments. For example, the display device DD may include a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a computer, a smart TV, etc. In the present embodiment, the display device DD is exemplarily illustrated as a smart phone.

[0055] The display device DD may display the image IM on the display surface FS facing the third direction DR3 in parallel to each of the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The display surface FS for displaying the image IM may correspond to the front surface of the display device DD and may correspond to the front surface FS of the window WM. Hereinafter, the display surface FS, the front surface of the display device DD, and the front surface FS of the window WM will be denoted by the same reference numeral. The image IM may include not only a moving image but also a still image. In Figure 1a as an example of the image IM, a clock and a plurality of icons are shown.

[0056] In the present embodiment, based on the direction of the displayed image IM, the front surface (or upper surface) and the rear surface (or lower surface) of each component are defined. The front surface and the rear surface oppose each other in the third direction DR3, and the normal direction of each of the front surface and the rear surface may be parallel to the third direction DR3. The separation distance in the third direction DR3 between the front surface and the rear surface may correspond to the thickness of the display module DM in the third direction DR3. In addition, the directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 are relative concepts and may be changed to other directions.

[0057] A display device DD according to an embodiment of the present invention can sense an input TC of a user (also referred to as an "external input TC") applied from the outside. The input TC of the user includes various forms of external inputs such as a part of the user's body, light, heat, and pressure. In this embodiment, the input TC of the user is illustrated as a user's hand applied to the front surface. However, this is shown by way of example, and as described above, the input TC of the user can be provided in various forms, and the display device DD can also sense the input TC of the user applied to the side surface or the rear surface of the display device DD according to the structure of the display device DD, and is not limited to a certain embodiment.

[0058] As Figure 1a and Figure 1b shown, the display device DD can include a window WM, a display module DM, and a housing HAU. In this embodiment, the window WM and the housing HAU are combined to form the appearance of the display device DD. In this embodiment, the housing HAU, the display module DM, and the window WM can be stacked in sequence along the third direction DR3.

[0059] The window WM can include an insulating panel. For example, the window WM can be made of glass, plastic, or a combination thereof.

[0060] As described above, the front surface FS of the window WM defines the front surface of the display device DD. The transmissive area TA can be an optically transparent area. For example, the transmissive area TA can be an area having a visible light transmittance of about 9% or more.

[0061] The border area BZA can be an area having a relatively low light transmittance compared to the transmissive area TA. The border area BZA defines the shape of the transmissive area TA. The border area BZA can be adjacent to the transmissive area TA and can surround the transmissive area TA.

[0062] The border area BZA can have a predetermined color. The border area BZA can cover at least a part of the peripheral area NAA of the display module DM, so that the peripheral area NAA can be blocked from being visible from the outside. In addition, the border area BZA can be defined by a printing layer PIT (refer to Figure 5 ) to be described later.

[0063] The display module DM can display an image IM and can sense an external input TC. The image IM can be displayed on the front surface IS of the display module DM. The front surface IS of the display module DM includes an active area AA and a peripheral area NAA. The active area AA can be an area activated according to an electrical signal.

[0064] In this embodiment, the active area AA can be an area for displaying the image IM and can also be an area for sensing an external input TC. The transmissive area TA overlaps at least with the active area AA. For example, the transmissive area TA overlaps with the entire surface or at least a part of the active area AA. Accordingly, a user can see the image IM through the transmissive area TA, or an external input TC can be provided. However, this is shown by way of example, and the area for displaying the image IM and the area for sensing the external input TC within the active area AA can also be separated from each other and are not limited to a particular embodiment.

[0065] The peripheral area NAA can be an area covered by the border area BZA. At least a part of the peripheral area NAA can be covered by the border area BZA. The peripheral area NAA is adjacent to the active area AA. The peripheral area NAA can surround the active area AA. A driving circuit or driving wiring for driving the active area AA can be arranged in the peripheral area NAA.

[0066] The display module DM can include a display panel and an input sensing unit. The image IM can be substantially displayed in the display panel, and the external input TC can be substantially sensed in the input sensing unit. Since the display module DM can include both the display panel and the input sensing unit, an external input TC can be sensed while the image IM is being displayed. A detailed description thereof will be given later.

[0067] At least a part of the display module DM can be bent. In this embodiment, by bending a part of the display module DM connected to the circuit board MB toward the rear surface of the display module DM, the circuit board MB can be assembled to overlap with the rear surface of the display module DM.

[0068] In addition, the display device DD can further include a circuit board MB connected to the display module DM. The circuit board MB is coupled to one side of the display module DM and is physically and electrically connected to the display module DM. The circuit board MB can generate an electrical signal provided to the display module DM, or can receive a signal generated in the display module DM, and thus can calculate a result value including position or intensity information of the sensed external input TC.

[0069] The housing HAU is combined with the window WM to define the appearance of the display device DD. The housing HAU provides a predetermined internal space. The display module DM can be housed in the internal space.

[0070] The housing HAU can include a substance having relatively high rigidity. For example, the housing HAU can include glass, plastic, or metal, or can include a plurality of frames and / or plates formed by using a combination thereof. The housing HAU can stably protect the components of the display device DD housed in the internal space from the influence of external shocks.

[0071] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 2 , the display device DD may include a display panel DP, an input sensing unit ISU, an anti-reflector RPP, and a window WM.

[0072] The display panel DP may be a light-emitting display panel. For example, the display panel DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel, an inorganic light-emitting display panel, a micro LED display panel, or a nano LED display panel. The display panel DP may include a base layer 110, a circuit layer 120, a light-emitting element layer 130, and a packaging layer 140.

[0073] The base layer 110 may provide a base surface for arranging the circuit layer 120. The base layer 110 may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate capable of bending, folding, rolling, etc. The base layer 110 may be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, or a polymer substrate, etc. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the base layer 110 may include an inorganic layer, an organic layer, or a composite material layer.

[0074] The base layer 110 may have a multi-layer structure. For example, the base layer 110 may include a first synthetic resin layer, a multi-layer or single-layer inorganic layer, and a second synthetic resin layer disposed on the multi-layer or single-layer inorganic layer. Each of the first synthetic resin layer and the second synthetic resin layer may include a polyimide resin and is not particularly limited.

[0075] The circuit layer 120 may be disposed on the base layer 110. The circuit layer 120 may include an insulating layer, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, and signal lines, etc. The circuit layer 120 includes a driving circuit for pixels PX (refer to Figure 3 ), which will be described later.

[0076] The light-emitting element layer 130 may be disposed on the circuit layer 120. The light-emitting element layer 130 may include light-emitting elements for pixels PX (refer to Figure 3 ), which will be described later. For example, the light-emitting elements may include organic light-emitting materials, inorganic light-emitting materials, organic-inorganic light-emitting materials, quantum dots, quantum rods, micro LEDs, or nano LEDs.

[0077] The encapsulation layer 140 may be disposed on the light-emitting element layer 130. The encapsulation layer 140 may protect the light-emitting element layer 130 from foreign substances such as moisture, oxygen, and dust particles. The encapsulation layer 140 may include at least one inorganic layer. The encapsulation layer 140 may include a stacked structure of an inorganic layer / an organic layer / an inorganic layer.

[0078] The input sensing unit ISU may be disposed on the display panel DP. The input sensing unit ISU may sense an external input applied from the outside. The external input may be a user input. The user input may include various forms of external inputs such as a part of the user's body, light, heat, a pen, and pressure.

[0079] The input sensing unit ISU may be formed on the display panel DP through a continuous process. In this case, the input sensing unit ISU may be directly disposed on the display panel DP. In this specification, "B is directly disposed on A" may mean a case where no third component is disposed between component A and component B. For example, an adhesive layer may not be disposed between the input sensing unit ISU and the display panel DP.

[0080] The reflection prevention part RPP may be disposed on the input sensing unit ISU. The reflection prevention part RPP may reduce the reflectance of external light. The reflection prevention part RPP may be directly disposed on the input sensing unit ISU through a continuous process.

[0081] The reflection prevention part RPP reduces the reflectance of external light incident from the upper side of the window WM. The reflection prevention part RPP according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a retarder and a polarizer. The retarder may be a film type or a liquid crystal coating type, and may include a λ / 2 retarder and / or a λ / 4 retarder. The polarizer may also be a film type or a liquid crystal coating type. The film type may include an extended synthetic resin film, and the liquid crystal coating type may include liquid crystals arranged in a predetermined arrangement. The retarder and the polarizer may further include a protective film. The retarder and the polarizer themselves or the protective film may be defined as the base layer of the reflection prevention part RPP.

[0082] The reflection prevention part RPP according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a color filter. The color filter may have a predetermined arrangement. The arrangement of the color filter may be determined by considering the light-emitting color of the pixels included in the display panel DP. The reflection prevention part RPP may further include a black matrix adjacent to the color filter. The reflection prevention part RPP including the color filter may be directly disposed on the display panel DP.

[0083] The window WM is disposed on the reflection preventing part RPP. The window WM and the reflection preventing part RPP can be separated from each other with the intermediate layer FL therebetween. The window WM and the reflection preventing part RPP can be bonded through the intermediate layer FL. The intermediate layer FL can be an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer can be a pressure sensitive adhesive film (PSA) or an optically clear adhesive (OCA). The intermediate layer FL can also include a polymer resin.

[0084] The window WM includes at least one base substrate. The base substrate can be a glass substrate or a synthetic resin film. The window WM can have a multi-layer structure. The window WM can include a thin film glass substrate and a synthetic resin film disposed on the thin film glass substrate. The thin film glass substrate and the synthetic resin film can be bonded through an adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer and the synthetic resin film can be separated from the thin film glass substrate to replace them.

[0085] In an embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate layer FL can be omitted, and the window WM can also be directly disposed on the reflection preventing part RPP. An organic substance, an inorganic substance, or a ceramic substance can be coated on the reflection preventing part RPP.

[0086] Figure 3 is a plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a display module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , a display panel DP and a display module DM according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0087] With reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the display module DM can include a display panel DP and an input sensing unit ISU. The display panel DP generates an image IM. In Figure 3 , a part of the configuration of the display panel DP is shown in a plane.

[0088] For ease of explanation, in Figure 3 , a part of the configuration of the display panel DP is shown in a block form. With reference to Figure 3 , the display panel DP can include a base layer 110, a scan driving circuit SDV, a light emitting driving circuit EDV, a driving chip DIC, a plurality of panel signal lines SGL1 to SGLm, DL1 to DLn, EL1 to ELm, CSL1, CSL2, PL, a plurality of pixels PX, and a plurality of display pads DPD.

[0089] The base layer 110 includes a first base region AA1, a second base region AA2, and a bending region BA that are divided in the second direction DR2. The second base region AA2 and the bending region BA may be part of the non-display region NDA. The bending region BA is disposed between the first base region AA1 and the second base region AA2.

[0090] The first base region AA1 may be a region including Figure 1b the front surface IS. The second base region AA2 is separated from the first base region AA1 by the bending region BA. The second base region AA2 and the bending region BA may have a width narrower than that of the first base region AA1 in the first direction DR1. That is, in the first direction DR1, the lengths of the bending region BA and the second base region AA2 may be less than the length of the first base region AA1.

[0091] A region with a shorter length in the bending axis direction can be bent more easily. However, this is shown exemplarily, and the second base region AA2 and the bending region BA may also have the same width as the first base region AA1 in the second direction DR2, and are not limited to one embodiment.

[0092] The bending region BA is bent around a bending axis extending along the first direction DR1. When the bending region BA is not bent, the second base region AA2 may face the same direction as the first base region AA1, and when the bending region BA is bent, the second base region AA2 may face the direction opposite to that of the first base region AA1.

[0093] The above-described circuit board MB (refer to Figure 1b ) is physically connected to the second base region AA2. As the bending region BA is bent, the circuit board MB is located on the rear surface of the display panel DP. Accordingly, the region defining the front surface IS becomes the first base region AA1, and the second base region AA2 and the bending region BA are not seen through the front surface IS. Therefore, the bezel area of the display device can be reduced.

[0094] Each pixel PX includes a light-emitting element and a thin-film transistor connected to the light-emitting element. As Figure 3 shown, the shape of the display panel DP may be substantially the same as the shape on the plane of the above-described base layer 110. In this embodiment, the display region DA and the non-display region NDA may be divided according to whether a light-emitting element is disposed.

[0095] In Figure 3The case where the pixels PX are arranged in the display area DA is shown. The display area DA may be an area for displaying the image IM. Additionally, this is shown exemplarily, and a part of the configuration of each pixel PX may also include thin film transistors arranged in the non-display area NDA, not limited to one embodiment.

[0096] The scan driving circuit SDV, the driving chip DIC, and the light emitting driving circuit EDV may be arranged in the non-display area NDA. The driving chip DIC may include a data driving circuit.

[0097] The panel signal lines SGL1 to SGLm, DL1 to DLn, EL1 to ELm, CSL1, CSL2, PL may include a plurality of scan lines SGL1 to SGLm, a plurality of data lines DL1 to DLn, a plurality of light emitting lines EL1 to ELm, a first control line CSL1, a second control line CSL2, and a power line PL. The data lines DL1 to DLn, the first control line CSL1, the second control line CSL2, and the power line PL among the panel signal lines SGL1 to SGLm, DL1 to DLn, EL1 to ELm, CSL1, CSL2, PL may be respectively connected to a plurality of display pads DPD. Here, m and n are natural numbers. The pixels PX may be connected to the scan lines SGL1 to SGLm, the data lines DL1 to DLn, and the light emitting lines EL1 to ELm.

[0098] The scan lines SGL1 to SGLm may extend along the first direction DR1 and be connected to the scan driving circuit SDV. The data lines DL1 to DLn may extend along the second direction DR2 and may be connected to the driving chip DIC via the bending area BA. The light emitting lines EL1 to ELm may extend along the first direction DR1 and be connected to the light emitting driving circuit EDV.

[0099] The power line PL may include a portion extending along the second direction DR2 and a portion extending along the first direction DR1. The portion extending along the first direction DR1 and the portion extending along the second direction DR2 may be arranged on different layers from each other. The portion of the power line PL extending along the second direction DR2 may extend to the second base area AA2 via the bending area BA. The power line PL may supply a first voltage to the pixels PX.

[0100] The first control line CSL1 may be connected to the scan driving circuit SDV and may extend toward the lower end of the second base area AA2 via the bending area BA. The second control line CSL2 may be connected to the light emitting driving circuit EDV and may extend toward the lower end of the second base area AA2 via the bending area BA.

[0101] When viewed from a plane, the display pad DPD can be arranged adjacent to the lower end of the second base region AA2. The driving chip DIC, the power line PL, the first control line CSL1, and the second control line CSL2 can be connected to the display pad DPD. The circuit substrate MB can be electrically connected to the display pad DPD through an anisotropic conductive adhesive layer.

[0102] In Figure 4 a cross-section corresponding to one pixel region PXA and the surrounding non-pixel region NPXA is shown. In Figure 4 a cross-section of the light-emitting element LD included in one pixel PX and the transistor TFT connected thereto is shown as the center. The transistor TFT can be one of the multiple transistors included in the driving circuit of the pixel PX. In the present embodiment, the transistor TFT can be described as a silicon transistor, but it can also be a metal oxide transistor.

[0103] The base layer 110 can be a flexible substrate capable of bending, folding, rolling, etc. The base layer 110 can be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, a polymer substrate, etc. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the base layer 110 can be an inorganic layer, an organic layer, or a composite material layer. Substantially, the base layer 110 has the same shape as the display panel DP.

[0104] The base layer 110 can have a multilayer structure. For example, the base layer 110 can include a first synthetic resin layer, a second synthetic resin layer, and an inorganic layer disposed therebetween. Each of the first synthetic resin layer and the second synthetic resin layer can include a polyimide resin and is not particularly limited.

[0105] The buffer layer 10br can be disposed on the base layer 110. The buffer layer 10br can prevent the phenomenon of metal atoms or impurities diffusing from the base layer 110 to the upper semiconductor pattern. The semiconductor pattern includes the active region AC1 of the transistor TFT.

[0106] A shielding pattern BMLa can be disposed below the transistor TFT. The shielding pattern BMLa can block external light from reaching the transistor TFT. The shielding pattern BMLa can be disposed between the base layer 110 and the buffer layer 10br. In an embodiment of the present invention, a barrier layer of an inorganic layer can also be disposed between the shielding pattern BMLa and the buffer layer 10br. The shielding pattern BMLa can be connected to an electrode or a wiring and can receive a constant voltage or a signal from the electrode or the wiring.

[0107] A semiconductor pattern may be disposed on the buffer layer 10br. The semiconductor pattern may include a silicon semiconductor. For example, the silicon semiconductor may include amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, etc. For example, the semiconductor pattern may include low-temperature polycrystalline silicon.

[0108] The semiconductor pattern may include a first region with high conductivity and a second region with low conductivity. The first region may be doped with an N-type dopant or a P-type dopant. A P-type transistor may include a doped region doped with a P-type dopant, and an N-type transistor may include a doped region doped with an N-type dopant. The second region may be an undoped region, or may be a region doped at a lower concentration compared to the first region.

[0109] The conductivity of the first region may be greater than that of the second region, and the first region may substantially serve as an electrode or a signal line. The second region may substantially correspond to the active region (or, channel region) of the transistor. In other words, a part of the semiconductor pattern may be the active region of the transistor, another part may be the source or drain region of the transistor, and yet another part may be a connection electrode or a connection signal line.

[0110] The source region SA1 (or source), active region AC1 (or channel), and drain region DA1 (or drain) of the transistor TFT may be formed using the semiconductor pattern. The source region SA1 and the drain region DA1 may extend in opposite directions from the active region AC1 in cross-section.

[0111] The first insulating layer 10 may be disposed on the buffer layer 10br. The first insulating layer 10 may commonly overlap multiple pixels PX (refer to Figure 3 ), and may cover the semiconductor pattern. The first insulating layer 10 may be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer, and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The inorganic layer may include at least one of alumina, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. In this embodiment, the first insulating layer 10 may be a single-layer silicon oxide layer. Not only the first insulating layer 10, but also the insulating layers of the circuit layer 120 described later may be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer, and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The inorganic layer may include at least one of the above substances, but is not limited thereto.

[0112] The gate GT1 of the transistor TFT is disposed on the first insulating layer 10. The gate GT1 may be part of a metal pattern. The gate GT1 overlaps with the active region AC1. In the process of doping the semiconductor pattern, the gate GT1 can function as a mask. The gate GT1 may include titanium (Ti), silver (Ag), silver-containing alloys, molybdenum (Mo), molybdenum-containing alloys, aluminum (Al), aluminum-containing alloys, aluminum nitride (AlN), tungsten (W), tungsten nitride (WN), copper (Cu), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), etc., but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0113] The second insulating layer 20 may be disposed on the first insulating layer 10 and may cover the gate GT1. The third insulating layer 30 may be disposed on the second insulating layer 20. The second electrode CE20 of the storage capacitor Cst may be disposed between the second insulating layer 20 and the third insulating layer 30. And, the first electrode CE10 of the storage capacitor Cst may be disposed between the first insulating layer 10 and the second insulating layer 20.

[0114] The first connection electrode CN1 may be disposed on the third insulating layer 30. The first connection electrode CN1 may be connected to the drain region DA1 of the transistor TFT through a contact hole penetrating the first insulating layer 10, the second insulating layer 20, and the third insulating layer 30.

[0115] The fourth insulating layer 40 may be disposed on the third insulating layer 30. The second connection electrode CN2 may be disposed on the fourth insulating layer 40. The second connection electrode CN2 may be connected to the first connection electrode CN1 through a contact hole penetrating the fourth insulating layer 40. The fifth insulating layer 50 may be disposed on the fourth insulating layer 40 and may cover the second connection electrode CN2. The stacked structure of the first insulating layer 10 to the fifth insulating layer 50 is only exemplary, and additional conductive layers and insulating layers may be disposed in addition to the first insulating layer 10 to the fifth insulating layer 50.

[0116] Each of the fourth insulating layer 40 and the fifth insulating layer 50 may be an organic layer. For example, the organic layer may include at least one of general common polymers such as benzocyclobutene (BCB), polyimide, hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or polystyrene (PS), polymer derivatives having phenolic groups, acrylic polymers, imide polymers, aryl ether polymers, amide polymers, fluorine polymers, parylene polymers, vinyl alcohol polymers, and mixtures thereof.

[0117] The light-emitting element LD may include a first electrode AE (or, a pixel electrode), a light-emitting layer EL, and a second electrode CE (or, a common electrode). The first electrode AE may be disposed on the fifth insulating layer 50. The first electrode AE may be a (semi)transparent electrode or a reflective electrode. The first electrode AE may include a reflective layer formed of Ag, Mg, Cu, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, Mo, Ti, Yb, W, or a compound or mixture containing them (e.g., AgMg, AgYb, or MgYb), or a material having a multilayer structure such as LiF / Ca or LiF / Al, and a transparent or semi-transparent electrode layer formed on the reflective layer. The transparent or semi-transparent electrode layer may include at least one selected from the group including indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In2O3), and aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO). For example, the first electrode AE may include a stacked structure of ITO / Ag / ITO.

[0118] The pixel definition film PDL may be disposed on the fifth insulating layer 50. According to an embodiment, the pixel definition film PDL may have the property of absorbing light. For example, the pixel definition film PDL may be black. The pixel definition film PDL may include a black coloring agent. The black coloring agent may include a black dye and a black pigment. The black coloring agent may include a metal such as carbon black, chromium, or their oxides. The pixel definition film PDL may correspond to a light-shielding pattern having a light-shielding characteristic.

[0119] The pixel definition film PDL may cover a part of the first electrode AE (e.g., an anode). For example, an opening PDL-OP for exposing a part of the first electrode AE may be defined in the pixel definition film PDL. The opening PDL-OP of the pixel definition film PDL may define a pixel region PXA.

[0120] The pixel definition film PDL may increase the distance between the edge of the first electrode AE and the second electrode CE (e.g., a cathode). Therefore, the pixel definition film PDL can function to prevent arcing from occurring at the edge of the first electrode AE.

[0121] Although not shown, a hole control layer may be disposed between the first electrode AE and the light-emitting layer EL. The hole control layer includes a hole transport layer and may further include a hole injection layer. An electron control layer may be disposed between the light-emitting layer EL and the second electrode CE. The electron control layer includes an electron transport layer and may further include an electron injection layer.

[0122] The encapsulation layer 140 may be disposed on the light-emitting element layer 130. The encapsulation layer 140 may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer 141, an organic encapsulation layer 142, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer 143 that are sequentially stacked, but the layers constituting the encapsulation layer 140 are not limited thereto.

[0123] The inorganic encapsulation layers 141 and 143 may protect the light-emitting element layer 130 from moisture and oxygen, and the organic encapsulation layer 142 may protect the light-emitting element layer 130 from foreign substances such as dust particles. The inorganic encapsulation layers 141 and 143 may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, an aluminum oxide layer, or the like. The organic encapsulation layer 142 may include an acrylic organic layer, but is not limited thereto.

[0124] The input sensing unit ISU may be disposed on the display panel DP. The input sensing unit ISU may include a first sensing insulating layer ISU-IL1, a first conductive pattern layer ISU-CL1, a second sensing insulating layer ISU-IL2, a second conductive pattern layer ISU-CL2, and a third sensing insulating layer ISU-IL3. The first sensing insulating layer ISU-IL1 may be directly disposed on the encapsulation layer 140.

[0125] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first sensing insulating layer ISU-IL1 and / or the third sensing insulating layer ISU-IL3 may be omitted. When the first sensing insulating layer ISU-IL1 is omitted, the first conductive pattern layer ISU-CL1 may be disposed on the uppermost insulating layer of the encapsulation layer 140. The third sensing insulating layer ISU-IL3 may also be replaced with an adhesive layer or an insulating layer of a reflection prevention member RPP disposed on the input sensing unit ISU.

[0126] The first conductive pattern layer ISU-CL1 may include a first conductive pattern, and the second conductive pattern layer ISU-CL2 may include a second conductive pattern. The first conductive pattern layer ISU-CL1 is disposed on the first sensing insulating layer ISU-IL1. The second conductive pattern layer ISU-CL2 is disposed on the second sensing insulating layer ISU-IL2. Hereinafter, the first conductive pattern layer ISU-CL1 and the first conductive pattern are denoted by the same reference numeral, and the second conductive pattern layer ISU-CL2 and the second conductive pattern are denoted by the same reference numeral. In addition, the first conductive pattern ISU-CL1 and the second conductive pattern ISU-CL2 may correspond to a sensing electrode and a signal line to be described later, respectively.

[0127] Each of the first conductive pattern ISU-CL1 and the second conductive pattern ISU-CL2 may have a single-layer structure or may have a multi-layer structure stacked along the third direction DR3. The conductive pattern of the multi-layer structure may include at least two of a transparent conductive layer and a metal layer. The conductive pattern of the multi-layer structure may include metal layers containing different metals from each other. The transparent conductive layer may include indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), PEDOT, metal nanowires, graphene. The metal layer may include molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum, and their alloys.

[0128] The thickness of each of the first conductive pattern ISU-CL1 and the second conductive pattern ISU-CL2 may be 0.1 micrometers or more and 1 micrometer or less. When the thickness of each of the first conductive pattern ISU-CL1 and the second conductive pattern ISU-CL2 is less than 0.1 micrometers, the wiring resistance may increase, thereby reducing the input sensing performance of the input sensing unit ISU. When the thickness of each of the first conductive pattern ISU-CL1 and the second conductive pattern ISU-CL2 exceeds 1 micrometer, the thickness of the input sensing unit ISU may increase excessively, so that the total thickness of the display device DD (refer to Figure 1a ) increases and the folding property is reduced.

[0129] In this embodiment, each of the first sensing insulating layer ISU-IL1 to the third sensing insulating layer ISU-IL3 may include an inorganic layer or an organic layer. In this embodiment, the first sensing insulating layer ISU-IL1 to the third sensing insulating layer ISU-IL3 may include an inorganic layer. The inorganic layer may include silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride.

[0130] In an embodiment of the present utility model, at least one of the first sensing insulating layer ISU-IL1 to the third sensing insulating layer ISU-IL3 may be an organic layer. For example, the third sensing insulating layer ISU-IL3 may include an organic layer. The organic layer may include at least one of acrylic resin, methacrylic resin, polyisoprene resin, vinyl resin, epoxy resin, urethane resin, cellulose resin, silicone resin, polyimide resin, polyamide resin, and perylene resin.

[0131] The antireflection component RPP may be disposed on the input sensing unit ISU. The antireflection component RPP may reduce the reflectance of external light. The antireflection component RPP may be directly disposed on the input sensing unit ISU by a continuous process.

[0132] The antireflection component RPP reduces the reflectance of external light incident from the upper side of the window WM. The antireflection component RPP according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a retarder and a polarizer. The retarder may be a film type or a liquid crystal coating type, and may include a λ / 2 retarder and / or a λ / 4 retarder. The polarizer may also be a film type or a liquid crystal coating type. The film type may include an extended synthetic resin film, and the liquid crystal coating type may include liquid crystals arranged in a predetermined arrangement. The retarder and the polarizer may further include a protective film. The retarder and the polarizer themselves or the protective film may be defined as the base layer of the antireflection component RPP.

[0133] The antireflection component RPP according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a color filter. The color filter may have a predetermined arrangement. The arrangement of the color filter may be determined by considering the light emitting color of the pixels included in the display panel DP. The antireflection component RPP may further include a black matrix adjacent to the color filter. The antireflection component RPP including the color filter may be directly disposed on the display panel DP. In the case where the antireflection component RPP includes a color filter, the antireflection component RPP may further include a light shielding pattern overlapping with the non-pixel region NPXA. In the case where the antireflection component RPP includes a color filter, the antireflection component RPP may further include a planarization layer covering the color filter.

[0134] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a part of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 5 and Figure 6 a cross-section corresponding to a non-display area NDA of the display panel DP and a part of an adjacent display area DA is shown.

[0135] Referring to Figure 5 , the display panel DP may include a base layer 110, a circuit layer 120, a light emitting element layer 130, and a packaging layer 140. The packaging layer 140 at least includes an organic packaging layer 142. The packaging layer 140 may include a first inorganic packaging layer 141, an organic packaging layer 142, and a second inorganic packaging layer 143 stacked in sequence.

[0136] The organic encapsulation layer 142 may have a thickness greater than those of the inorganic encapsulation layers 141 and 143, and may cover the light-emitting element layer 130 to provide a flat upper surface. The organic encapsulation layer 142 overlaps with the display area DA and at least a part of the non-display area NDA. The organic encapsulation layer 142 may overlap with a part of the non-display area NDA and not overlap with the remaining part, and the first inorganic encapsulation layer 141 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 143 may be in contact with each other in an area where the organic encapsulation layer 142 is not disposed.

[0137] The organic encapsulation layer 142 includes a protrusion 142-PP at least a part of which overlaps with the display area DA. The protrusion 142-PP may overlap with the boundary between the display area DA and the non-display area NDA. A part of the protrusion 142-PP may overlap with the display area DA, and the remaining part may overlap with the non-display area NDA. The protrusion 142-PP may be formed at the boundary between the display area DA and the non-display area NDA due to a step difference caused by the structure included in the light-emitting element layer 130.

[0138] The protrusion 142-PP has a shape protruding along a third direction DR3 which is the thickness direction. The protrusion 142-PP may have a shape protruding in a manner adjacent to the input sensing unit ISU. The protrusion 142-PP may have a bulging shape with a smooth upper surface.

[0139] The organic encapsulation layer 142 may further include a flat part 142-FP overlapping with the display area DA and an inclined part 142-SP overlapping with the non-display area NDA. The inclined part 142-SP may be a part closer to the end of the display device DD than the flat part 142-FP, and may be a part having an inclined surface inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a plane parallel to the upper surface of the base layer 110. The flat part 142-FP may be a part having a flat surface parallel to the upper surface of the base layer 110. The protrusion 142-PP may be disposed between the flat part 142-FP and the inclined part 142-SP. The protrusion 142-PP may be a part further protruding a predetermined height from the upper surface of the flat part 142-FP.

[0140] The display device DD may include an input sensing unit ISU, an anti-reflection member RPP, an intermediate layer FL, and a window WM which are sequentially disposed on the display panel DP.

[0141] The input sensing unit ISU may include at least one sensing insulating layer. The input sensing unit ISU may include a first sensing insulating layer ISU-IL1, a second sensing insulating layer ISU-IL2, and a third sensing insulating layer ISU-IL3 that are stacked in sequence. The first sensing insulating layer ISU-IL1 may be directly disposed on the encapsulation layer 140. In an embodiment of the present utility model, the first sensing insulating layer ISU-IL1 and / or the third sensing insulating layer ISU-IL3 may be omitted. Additionally, although not shown in Figure 5 , as described above, the input sensing unit ISU may further include a first conductive pattern layer ISU-CL1 disposed on the first sensing insulating layer ISU-IL1 (refer to Figure 4 ), and a second conductive pattern layer ISU-CL2 disposed on the second sensing insulating layer ISU-IL2 (refer to Figure 4 ).

[0142] The window WM provides the outer surface of the display device DD. The window WM includes a base substrate WIN. The base substrate WIN may have an optically transparent property. The base substrate WIN may include a glass substrate or a synthetic resin film. For example, the base substrate WIN may include a thin film glass substrate.

[0143] The window WM may include the base substrate WIN, a window protection layer WP, and a printing layer PIT (or, a black matrix layer).

[0144] The window protection layer WP may be disposed on the base substrate WIN. Although not shown, the window protection layer WP may be attached to the base substrate WIN through an adhesive layer. The window protection layer WP may include a flexible plastic material such as polyimide or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0145] The printing layer PIT may be disposed on the lower surface of the window protection layer WP. The printing layer PIT may be a black matrix layer. The printing layer PIT may be black, but the color of the printing layer PIT is not limited thereto. The printing layer PIT may be adjacent to the edge of the window protection layer WP. The printing layer PIT may overlap with the non-display area NDA. The stacking structure of the window WM is not limited to the above structure, and the window WM may further include a hard coat disposed on the window protection layer WP.

[0146] The window WM may be divided into a transmissive area TA and a border area BZA. The transmissive area TA may be an optically transparent area. For example, the transmissive area TA may be an area having a visible light transmittance of about 90% or more. The border area BZA may be an area having a relatively low light transmittance compared to the transmissive area TA. The border area BZA defines the shape of the transmissive area TA. The border area BZA may be adjacent to the transmissive area TA and may surround the transmissive area TA.

[0147] The border area BZA may have a predetermined color. The border area BZA may be defined by the printing layer PIT. In the display device DD of an embodiment, the width of the border area BZA may be smaller than the width of the non-display area NDA. That is, only a part of the non-display area NDA may be covered by the printing layer PIT, and the remaining part may not overlap with the printing layer PIT.

[0148] The display device DD of an embodiment includes an optical structure that overlaps with the protrusion 142-PP. The optical structure may overlap with the protrusion 142-PP on a plane to change the path of the light refracted or scattered by the protrusion 142-PP again, or may block at least a part of the refracted light and the scattered light. The display device DD of an embodiment includes an optical structure, so that the refracted light and the scattered light can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the generation of spots and the like in the display area DA adjacent to the non-display area NDA, and accordingly, the visibility of the display device DD can be improved. Even if the display device DD of an embodiment includes a printing layer PIT with a small width that exposes a part of the non-display area NDA, the refracted light and the scattered light can be reduced according to the inclusion of the optical structure. The optical structure may be a component included in the input sensing unit ISU or the window WM arranged on the display panel DP. The optical structure may overlap with the non-display area NDA.

[0149] As Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, the window WM of the display device DD may include a first optical structure SPS1 protruding from the base substrate WIN. The first optical structure SPS1 may protrude in the downward direction. The first optical structure SPS1 may protrude from the base substrate WIN in a manner adjacent to the intermediate layer FL. The first optical structure SPS1 may have a bulging shape with a smooth lower surface. The first optical structure SPS1 may be arranged in the non-display area NDA, and at least a part thereof may overlap with the protrusion 142-PP of the organic encapsulation layer 142.

[0150] The first optical structure SPS1 may have a shape integrated with the base substrate WIN. The first optical structure SPS1 may include the same material as the base substrate WIN and may be formed by the same process. The base substrate WIN and the first optical structure SPS1 may be from the same mother substrate. In an embodiment, when a slimming process is performed on the mother substrate, which is a glass substrate, the base substrate WIN and the first optical structure SPS1 may be formed by adjusting the thickness of the part corresponding to the first optical structure SPS1.

[0151] The first optical structure SPS1 can improve the visibility of the display device DD by compensating for the path of light refracted or scattered by the protrusion 142-PP of the organic encapsulation layer 142.

[0152] As Figure 6 shown, the light L1 generated in the display area DA adjacent to the non-display area NDA and initially traveling along the third direction DR3 can be refracted at the first position point IP1 in the interface between the protrusion 142-PP and the input sensing unit ISU.

[0153] In addition, the refractive indices of the organic encapsulation layer 142 including the protrusion 142-PP and the input sensing unit ISU can be different. In the wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm, which is the visible light wavelength range, the organic encapsulation layer 142 can have a refractive index different from that of at least one of the plurality of sensing insulating layers ISU-IL1, ISU-IL2, ISU-IL3 included in the input sensing unit ISU. In the visible light wavelength range, the refractive index of at least one of the plurality of sensing insulating layers ISU-IL1, ISU-IL2, ISU-IL3 included in the input sensing unit ISU can be greater than the refractive index of the organic encapsulation layer 142.

[0154] The light L1 refracted at the first position point IP1 can be refracted again at the interface between the intermediate layer FL and the window WM. The light L1 can be refracted again by the first optical structure SPS1 protruding below the base substrate WIN of the window WM, so that the light path can be adjusted to travel in the third direction DR3, which is the front direction. The light L1 is refracted again at the second position point IP2 in the interface between the intermediate layer FL and the first optical structure SPS1, so that it can travel in the third direction DR3. In the display device DD according to an embodiment, even if the light L1 emitted from the front is refracted at the first position point IP1 and the light path is changed, the path of the light L1 can be changed again to face the third direction DR3 by the first optical structure SPS1, so that the refracted light and scattered light can be reduced, and accordingly, spots and the like can be prevented from being generated in the display area DA adjacent to the non-display area NDA.

[0155] In addition, the refractive index of the intermediate layer FL can be different from the refractive indices of the base substrate WIN and the first optical structure SPS1 having an integrated shape therewith. In the wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm, which is the visible light wavelength range, the base substrate WIN and the first optical structure SPS1 can have refractive indices different from that of the intermediate layer FL. In the visible light wavelength range, the refractive index of the intermediate layer FL can be greater than each of the refractive indices of the base substrate WIN and the first optical structure SPS1.

[0156] Figure 7It is a cross-sectional view of a part of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 7 and Figure 8 a cross-section corresponding to a non-display area NDA of the display panel DP and a part of an adjacent display area DA is shown.

[0157] Referring to Figure 7 , the display panel DP may include a base layer 110, a circuit layer 120, a light-emitting element layer 130, and a packaging layer 140. The packaging layer 140 at least includes an organic packaging layer 142. The packaging layer 140 may include a first inorganic packaging layer 141, an organic packaging layer 142, and a second inorganic packaging layer 143 stacked in sequence.

[0158] The organic packaging layer 142 may have a thickness thicker than those of the inorganic packaging layers 141 and 143, and may cover the light-emitting element layer 130 to provide a flat upper surface. The organic packaging layer 142 overlaps with the display area DA and at least a part of the non-display area NDA. The organic packaging layer 142 may overlap with a part of the non-display area NDA and not overlap with the rest, and the first inorganic packaging layer 141 and the second inorganic packaging layer 143 may be in contact with each other in an area where the organic packaging layer 142 is not arranged.

[0159] The organic packaging layer 142 includes a protrusion 142-PP at least a part of which overlaps with the display area DA. The protrusion 142-PP may overlap with the boundary between the display area DA and the non-display area NDA. A part of the protrusion 142-PP may overlap with the display area DA, and the rest may overlap with the non-display area NDA. The protrusion 142-PP may be formed at the boundary between the display area DA and the non-display area NDA due to a step difference caused by the structure included in the light-emitting element layer 130.

[0160] The protrusion 142-PP has a shape protruding along a third direction DR3 which is the thickness direction. The protrusion 142-PP may have a shape protruding in a manner adjacent to the input sensing unit ISU. The protrusion 142-PP may have a bulging shape with a smooth upper surface.

[0161] The organic encapsulation layer 142 may further include a flat portion 142-FP overlapping with the display area DA and an inclined portion 142-SP overlapping with the non-display area NDA. The inclined portion 142-SP may be a portion adjacent to the end of the display device DD compared to the flat portion 142-FP, and may be a portion having an inclined surface inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a plane parallel to the upper surface of the base layer 110. The flat portion 142-FP may be a portion having a flat surface parallel to the upper surface of the base layer 110. A protruding portion 142-PP may be disposed between the flat portion 142-FP and the inclined portion 142-SP. The protruding portion 142-PP may be a portion further protruding a predetermined height from the upper surface of the flat portion 142-FP.

[0162] The display device DD may include an input sensing unit ISU, an anti-reflection member RPP, an intermediate layer FL, and a window WM sequentially disposed on the display panel DP.

[0163] The input sensing unit ISU may include at least one sensing insulating layer. The input sensing unit ISU may include a first sensing insulating layer ISU-IL1, a second sensing insulating layer ISU-IL2, and a third sensing insulating layer ISU-IL3 stacked in sequence. The first sensing insulating layer ISU-IL1 may be directly disposed on the encapsulation layer 140. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first sensing insulating layer ISU-IL1 and / or the third sensing insulating layer ISU-IL3 may be omitted. The input sensing unit ISU may further include a first conductive pattern layer ISU-CL1 disposed on the first sensing insulating layer ISU-IL1 (refer to Figure 4 ), and a second conductive pattern layer ISU-CL2 disposed on the second sensing insulating layer ISU-IL2 (refer to Figure 4 ).

[0164] The display device DD of an embodiment includes an optical structure overlapping with the protruding portion 142-PP. The optical structure may overlap with the protruding portion 142-PP on a plane to change the path of the light refracted or scattered by the protruding portion 142-PP again, or may block at least a part of the refracted light and the scattered light. The display device DD of an embodiment includes an optical structure, so that the refracted light and the scattered light can be reduced, and thus spots and the like can be prevented from being generated in the display area DA adjacent to the non-display area NDA, and accordingly, the visibility of the display device DD can be improved. The optical structure may be a component included in the input sensing unit ISU or the window WM disposed on the display panel DP. The optical structure may overlap with the non-display area NDA.

[0165] As Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the input sensing unit ISU of the display device DD may include a second optical structure SPS2. The second optical structure SPS2 may be disposed on one of the plurality of sensing insulating layers ISU-IL1, ISU-IL2, and ISU-IL3 included in the input sensing unit ISU. In one embodiment, the second optical structure SPS2 may be disposed on the first sensing insulating layer ISU-IL1. The second optical structure SPS2 may be disposed in the non-display area NDA, and at least a part thereof may overlap with the protrusion 142-PP of the organic encapsulation layer 142.

[0166] The second optical structure SPS2 may include the same material as the first conductive pattern layer ISU-CL1 and may be formed by the same process. The second optical structure SPS2 and the first conductive pattern layer ISU-CL1 may be from the same metal material layer. In one embodiment, after the metal material layer is formed on the first sensing insulating layer ISU-IL1, at a position corresponding to the non-display area NDA, a part of the metal material layer is patterned to correspond to the protrusion 142-PP of the organic encapsulation layer 142, thereby forming the second optical structure SPS2.

[0167] The second optical structure SPS2 may improve the visibility of the display device DD by blocking a part of the light refracted or scattered by the protrusion 142-PP of the organic encapsulation layer 142.

[0168] As Figure 8 shown, the light L2 generated in the display area DA adjacent to the non-display area NDA and initially traveling along the third direction DR3 may be refracted at the first position point IP1 in the interface between the protrusion 142-PP and the input sensing unit ISU.

[0169] In addition, the refractive indices of the organic encapsulation layer 142 including the protrusion 142-PP and the input sensing unit ISU may be different. In the wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm, which is the visible light wavelength range, the organic encapsulation layer 142 may have a refractive index different from at least one of the plurality of sensing insulating layers ISU-IL1, ISU-IL2, and ISU-IL3 included in the input sensing unit ISU. In the visible light wavelength range, the refractive index of at least one of the plurality of sensing insulating layers ISU-IL1, ISU-IL2, and ISU-IL3 included in the input sensing unit ISU may be greater than the refractive index of the organic encapsulation layer 142.

[0170] At least a part of the light L2 refracted at the first position point IP1 may be blocked by the second optical structure SPS2 disposed in the upper part, so that the intensity of the light can be reduced. The second optical structure SPS2 includes a metal substance and has a low transmittance. Therefore, at least a part of the light L2 refracted at the first position point IP1 is blocked, so that the intensity of the light L2' traveling upward can be reduced. In the display device DD according to an embodiment, even if the light L2 emitted from the front is refracted at the first position point IP1 and the light path is changed, the intensity of at least a part of the light L2' blocked by the second optical structure SPS2 can be reduced, so that the refracted light and the scattered light can be reduced. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the generation of spots and the like in the display area DA adjacent to the non-display area NDA.

[0171] Figure 9a is a plan view of an input sensing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9b is a plan view of an input sensing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0172] Referring to Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9a , the input sensing unit ISU may include a first sensing insulating layer ISU-IL1, a first conductive pattern layer ISU-CL1 (refer to Figure 4 ), a second sensing insulating layer ISU-IL2, a second conductive pattern layer ISU-CL2 (refer to Figure 4 ), and a third sensing insulating layer ISU-IL3. The first sensing insulating layer ISU-IL1 may be directly disposed on the encapsulation layer 140.

[0173] The first conductive pattern layer ISU-CL1 may include a first conductive pattern, and the second conductive pattern layer ISU-CL2 may include a second conductive pattern. Hereinafter, the first conductive pattern layer ISU-CL1 and the first conductive pattern are denoted by the same reference numeral, and the second conductive pattern layer ISU-CL2 and the second conductive pattern are denoted by the same reference numeral.

[0174] Each of the first conductive pattern ISU-CL1 and the second conductive pattern ISU-CL2 may have a single-layer structure or may have a multi-layer structure stacked along the third direction DR3. The conductive pattern of the multi-layer structure may include at least two of a transparent conductive layer and a metal layer. The conductive pattern of the multi-layer structure may include metal layers containing different metals from each other. The transparent conductive layer may include indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), PEDOT, metal nanowires, graphene. The metal layer may include molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum, and their alloys.

[0175] In this embodiment, each of the first sensing insulating layer ISU-IL1 to the third sensing insulating layer ISU-IL3 may include an inorganic layer or an organic layer. In this embodiment, the first sensing insulating layer ISU-IL1 to the third sensing insulating layer ISU-IL3 may include an inorganic layer. The inorganic layer may include silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride.

[0176] In an embodiment of the present utility model, at least one of the first sensing insulating layer ISU-IL1 to the third sensing insulating layer ISU-IL3 may be an organic layer. For example, the third sensing insulating layer ISU-IL3 may include an organic layer. The organic layer may include at least one of acrylic resin, methacrylic resin, polyisoprene resin, vinyl resin, epoxy resin, urethane resin, cellulose resin, silicone resin, polyimide resin, polyamide resin, and perylene resin.

[0177] The input sensing unit ISU includes a sensing area ISU-DA and a non-sensing area ISU-NDA adjacent to the sensing area ISU-DA. The sensing area ISU-DA and the non-sensing area ISU-NDA may respectively correspond to Figure 3 the shown display area DA (refer to Figure 3 ), and the non-display area NDA (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0178] The input sensing unit ISU may include first electrodes E1-1 to E1-7 and second electrodes E2-1 to E2-4 that are arranged in the sensing area ISU-DA and are insulated and cross each other. The input sensing unit ISU includes signal lines SL arranged in the non-sensing area ISU-NDA. The signal lines SL may include a first group of signal lines SL1 electrically connected to the first electrodes E1-1 to E1-7 and a second group of signal lines SL2 electrically connected to the second electrodes E2-1 to E2-4. As a reference Figure 4 andFigure 7 The combination of the first conductive pattern ISU-CL1 and the second conductive pattern ISU-CL2 of the description can define the first electrodes E1-1 to E1-7, the second electrodes E2-1 to E2-4, the first set of signal lines SL1, and the second set of signal lines SL2.

[0179] Each of the first electrodes E1-1 to E1-7 and the second electrodes E2-1 to E2-4 may include a plurality of conductive lines that cross each other. The plurality of conductive lines may define a plurality of openings, and each of the first electrodes E1-1 to E1-7 and the second electrodes E2-1 to E2-4 may have a mesh shape. Each of the plurality of openings may be defined to correspond to the light-emitting region of the display panel DP.

[0180] One of the first electrodes E1-1 to E1-7 and the second electrodes E2-1 to E2-4 may have an integral shape. In the present embodiment, the first electrodes E1-1 to E1-7 having an integral shape are exemplarily shown. The first electrodes E1-1 to E1-7 may include the sensing electrodes SP1 and the intermediate part CP1. The sensing electrodes SP1 and the intermediate part CP1 may have an integral shape. A part of the second conductive pattern ISU-CL2 described above may correspond to the first electrodes E1-1 to E1-7.

[0181] Each of the second electrodes E2-1 to E2-4 may include the sensing electrodes SP2 and the bridging patterns CP2 (or, connection patterns). Two adjacent sensing electrodes SP2 may be connected to two bridging patterns CP2 through the contact holes CH-I that penetrate the second sensing insulating layer ISU-IL2 (refer to Figure 4 ). However, the number of the bridging patterns CP2 is not limited. A part of the second conductive pattern ISU-CL2 described above may correspond to the sensing electrodes SP2. A part of the first conductive pattern ISU-CL1 described above may correspond to the bridging patterns CP2.

[0182] In the present embodiment, it is described that the bridging patterns CP2 are formed from the first conductive pattern ISU-CL1 shown in Figure 7 and the first electrodes E1-1 to E1-7 and the sensing electrodes SP2 are formed from the second conductive pattern ISU-CL2, but it is not limited thereto. It is also possible to form the first electrodes E1-1 to E1-7 and the sensing electrodes SP2 from the first conductive pattern ISU-CL1 shown in Figure 4 and form the bridging patterns CP2 from the second conductive pattern ISU-CL2.

[0183] One of the first group of signal lines SL1 and the second group of signal lines SL2 transmits a transmission signal for sensing an external input from an external circuit, and the other transmits a capacitance change between the first electrodes E1-1 to E1-7 and the second electrodes E2-1 to E2-4 as a reception signal to the external circuit. Each of the first group of signal lines SL1 and the second group of signal lines SL2 can be connected to the sensing pad PD, and can receive the transmission signal transmitted from the external circuit from the sensing pad PD, or can transmit the capacitance change between the first electrodes E1-1 to E1-7 and the second electrodes E2-1 to E2-4 to the external circuit through the sensing pad PD. When viewed from a plane, the sensing pad PD can be disposed at a portion corresponding to the lower end of the second base region AA2 of the display panel DP. In the sensing pad PD, the above-mentioned circuit board MB can be electrically connected through an anisotropic conductive adhesive layer (refer to Figure 1b ).

[0184] A part of the above-mentioned second conductive pattern ISU-CL2 can correspond to the first group of signal lines SL1 and the second group of signal lines SL2. As Figure 7 shown, a part of the second conductive pattern ISU-CL2 can be disposed on the second sensing insulating layer ISU-IL2 corresponding to the signal line SL. However, it is not limited thereto, and the signal line SL can also have a multilayer structure including a first layer line disposed on the first sensing insulating layer ISU-IL1 and a second layer line disposed on the second sensing insulating layer ISU-IL2.

[0185] Refer to Figure 7 and Figure 9a , the second optical structure SPS2 can be disposed in the non-sensing area ISU-NDA corresponding to the non-display area NDA, and can have a shape surrounding the sensing area ISU-DA corresponding to the display area DA. In one embodiment, the second optical structure SPS2 can have a closed curve shape that completely surrounds the sensing area ISU-DA on a plane. However, it is not limited thereto, and the second optical structure SPS2 can have a shape that surrounds a part of the sensing area ISU-DA and does not surround the remaining part of the sensing area ISU-DA.

[0186] Refer to Figure 7 and Figure 9b , the second optical structure SPS2' included in the input sensing unit ISU-1 can include a plurality of unit optical structures SPS2-U disposed in the non-sensing area ISU-NDA corresponding to the non-display area NDA. The plurality of unit optical structures SPS2-U can be disposed at intervals from each other. The plurality of unit optical structures SPS2-U can be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval, and can be arranged to surround at least a part of the sensing area ISU-DA.

[0187] Refer to againFigure 7 and Figure 9a The second optical structure SPS2 can be arranged in the non-sensing area ISU-NDA corresponding to the non-display area NDA and can overlap a part of the signal line SL in a plane. A part of the second optical structure SPS2 can overlap the signal line SL, and the remaining part can not overlap the signal line SL.

[0188] As mentioned above, although the description has been made with reference to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art or those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field can understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and technical scope of the present invention described in the claims. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the content described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A display device, characterized in that, Comprising: A display panel, which is divided into a display area and a non-display area, includes a base layer, a light-emitting element layer disposed on the base layer and including light-emitting elements, and a packaging layer disposed on the light-emitting elements; An input sensing unit, disposed on the display panel, includes sensing electrodes overlapping with the display area and signal lines connected to the sensing electrodes; And A window, disposed on the input sensing unit, includes an optically transparent base substrate, Wherein, the packaging layer includes an organic packaging layer, The organic packaging layer includes: a protruding portion, at least a part of which overlaps with the display area and protrudes along the thickness direction of the display panel, The protruding portion refracts a part of the light generated from the display area, At least one of the input sensing unit and the window includes an optical structure overlapping with the protruding portion.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The window includes: a first optical structure protruding from the base substrate toward the lower direction of the window.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein The base substrate and the first optical structure have an integral shape.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The input sensing unit includes: A first sensing insulating layer directly disposed on the packaging layer; A first conductive pattern layer disposed on the first sensing insulating layer; A second sensing insulating layer disposed on the first conductive pattern layer; and A second conductive pattern layer disposed on the second sensing insulating layer.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein The input sensing unit further includes: A second optical structure disposed on the first sensing insulating layer and overlapping with the protruding portion.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein The second optical structure is disposed to have a closed curve shape surrounding the display area in the non-display area.

7. The display device according to claim 5, wherein The second optical structure includes a plurality of unit optical structures spaced apart from each other, Wherein, the plurality of unit optical structures are arranged to surround the display area in the non-display area.

8. The display device according to claim 4, wherein The sensing electrodes include a plurality of sensing patterns disposed on the second sensing insulating layer, The signal lines are at least disposed on the second sensing insulating layer.

9. A display device, characterized in that, Comprising: A display panel, which is divided into a display area and a non-display area, includes a base layer, a light-emitting element layer disposed on the base layer and including light-emitting elements, and a packaging layer disposed on the light-emitting elements; An input sensing unit, disposed on the display panel, includes sensing electrodes overlapping with the display area and signal lines connected to the sensing electrodes; And A window, disposed on the input sensing unit, Wherein, the packaging layer includes an organic packaging layer, The organic packaging layer includes: a protruding portion, at least a part of which overlaps with the display area and protrudes along the thickness direction of the display panel, The window includes: An optically transparent base substrate; and A first optical structure that protrudes from the base substrate in a direction adjacent to the input sensing unit and overlaps with the protruding portion.

10. A display device, characterized in that, Comprising: A display panel divided into a display area and a non-display area, including a base layer, a light-emitting element layer disposed on the base layer and including light-emitting elements, and a packaging layer disposed on the light-emitting elements; An input sensing unit disposed on the display panel; And A window disposed on the input sensing unit, including an optically transparent base substrate, Wherein, the packaging layer includes an organic packaging layer, The organic packaging layer includes: a protruding portion, at least a part of which overlaps with the display area and protrudes along the thickness direction of the display panel, The input sensing unit includes: A first sensing insulating layer directly disposed on the packaging layer; A second sensing insulating layer disposed on the first sensing insulating layer; and A second optical structure disposed on the first sensing insulating layer and overlapping with the protruding portion.

Images