Display device

Abstract

A display device includes a main display area and a component area adjacent to the main display area, the display device including: a substrate; a light emitting element layer disposed on the substrate in the main display area and the component area and including at least one light emitting element; an inorganic layer provided on the light emitting element layer; a planarization member disposed on the inorganic layer in the feature region and having a surface energy different from a surface energy of the inorganic layer; and an organic layer disposed on the inorganic layer and the planarization member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device having a component area. Background Art

[0002] A display device is a device that displays an image for providing visual information to a user. Recently, the thickness of a display device has become thinner and the weight of the display device has become lighter, and the range of use of the display device has expanded.

[0003] As the area occupied by the display area of the display device is expanded, various functions are added to the display area. For example, the display device may include a component area that performs various functions while displaying an image. Utility Model Content

[0004] The embodiment provides a display device with improved display quality.

[0005] According to one embodiment, a display device may include a main display area and a component area adjacent to the main display area, and the display device may include: a substrate; a light-emitting element layer, which is arranged on the substrate in the main display area and the component area and includes at least one light-emitting element; an inorganic layer, which is arranged on the light-emitting element layer; a planarization member, which is arranged on the inorganic layer in the component area and has a surface energy different from the surface energy of the inorganic layer; and an organic layer, which is arranged on the inorganic layer and the planarization member.

[0006] In an embodiment, the inorganic layer may have a stepped portion in the component region, and the planarizing member is arranged to overlap the stepped portion.

[0007] In one embodiment, the surface energy of the planarization member may be lower than the surface energy of the inorganic layer.

[0008] In one embodiment, the planarization member may include an inorganic material.

[0009] In an embodiment, the component area may include a transmission area through which external light passes and a non-transmission area adjacent to the transmission area.

[0010] In an embodiment, the planarization member may be disposed in the transmission area and the non-transmission area in a plan view.

[0011] In an embodiment, the planarizing member may transmit at least a portion of incident light.

[0012] In one embodiment, the inorganic layer may be an inorganic encapsulation layer covering the light emitting element, and the organic layer may be an organic encapsulation layer disposed on the inorganic encapsulation layer.

[0013] In one embodiment, the display device may further include: an encapsulation layer, arranged between the inorganic layer and the light-emitting element layer; and a touch layer, including a first touch insulating layer as an inorganic layer, a touch electrode and a second touch insulating layer as an organic layer, and the touch electrode is arranged between the inorganic layer and the organic layer.

[0014] In an embodiment, the upper surface of the organic layer may be substantially flat throughout the component region and at least a portion of the main display region adjacent to the component region.

[0015] According to one embodiment, a display device may include a main display area and a component area adjacent to the main display area, and the display device may include: a substrate; a light-emitting element layer, which is arranged on the substrate in the main display area and the component area and includes at least one light-emitting element; an inorganic layer, which is arranged on the light-emitting element layer; a planarization member, which is arranged on the inorganic layer in the component area and has a surface energy different from the surface energy of the inorganic layer; and an organic layer, which is arranged on the inorganic layer and the planarization member and includes an upper surface having a concave-convex structure, the concave-convex structure including a concave portion and a convex portion.

[0016] In an embodiment, the inorganic layer may have a stepped portion in the component region, and the planarizing member is arranged to overlap the stepped portion.

[0017] In one embodiment, the surface energy of the planarization member may be lower than the surface energy of the inorganic layer.

[0018] In one embodiment, the planarization member may include an inorganic material.

[0019] In an embodiment, the convex portion may be located corresponding to a position where the planarizing member is provided in a planar view.

[0020] In an embodiment, the planarizing member may transmit at least a portion of incident light.

[0021] In an embodiment, the component area may include a transmission area through which external light passes and a non-transmission area adjacent to the transmission area.

[0022] In an embodiment, the planarization member may be provided in the transmission area in a plan view.

[0023] In one embodiment, the inorganic layer may be an inorganic encapsulation layer covering the light emitting element, and the organic layer may be an organic encapsulation layer disposed on the inorganic encapsulation layer.

[0024] In one embodiment, the display device may further include: an encapsulation layer, arranged between the inorganic layer and the light-emitting element layer; a touch layer, including a first touch insulating layer serving as the inorganic layer, a touch electrode and a second touch insulating layer serving as the organic layer, and the touch electrode is arranged between the inorganic layer and the organic layer.

[0025] In a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device may include: an inorganic layer disposed on a light-emitting element layer; an organic layer disposed on the inorganic layer; and a planarization member disposed between the inorganic layer and the organic layer. The surface energy of the planarization member may be lower than that of the inorganic layer. Accordingly, the organic layer may have a substantially flat upper surface throughout the component region and the main display region due to the planarization member.

[0026] Furthermore, since the planarization member can have a circular ring shape in plan view, the organic layer can have a concave-convex structure comprising concave and convex portions. Consequently, when external incident light passes through the component region, the light concentration can be improved. Furthermore, the image quality characteristics of the display device in the component region can be further improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Illustrative, non-limiting embodiments will be more clearly understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2 As an example Figure 1 Magnified plan view of the component area in .

[0030] Figure 3 As an example, follow Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an example taken along line II' in FIG.

[0031] Figure 4 As an example Figure 3 An enlarged plan view of area A1 in FIG.

[0032] Figure 5 As an example, follow Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of another example taken along line II' in FIG.

[0033] Figure 6 is a plan view illustrating a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 7 As an example, follow Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an example taken along line II-II'.

[0035] Figure 8 As an example Figure 7 An enlarged plan view of area A2 in FIG.

[0036] Figure 9 As an example Figure 7 A plan view of the component area in .

[0037] Figure 10 For example, set Figure 7 A perspective view of the organic layer in the component area in FIG.

[0038] Figure 11 As an example, follow Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of another example taken along line II-II' in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The terms used in this article are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be restrictive. As used in this article, "a", "an", "said" and "at least one" do not represent quantitative limitations and are intended to include both the singular and the plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, "an element" has the same meaning as "at least one element", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. "At least one" should not be interpreted as being limited to "one" or "one". "Or" means "and / or". As used in this article, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related enumerated items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" or "includes" and / or "including", when used in this specification, indicate the presence of narrated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof.

[0040] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” or “connected to” another element, it can be directly on or directly connected to the other element, or intervening elements may exist therebetween. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element, no intervening elements are present. Hereinafter, a display device according to an embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and redundant descriptions of the same components will be omitted.

[0041] Figure 1 1 is a plan view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As used herein, a “plan view” is a view in the thickness direction (ie, the third direction DR3 ) of the substrate SUB.

[0042] See also Figure 1 , according to a display device DD1 of an embodiment (eg, Figure 3The substrate SUB in the display area may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA may include an assembly area CA and a main display area MDA surrounding at least a portion of the assembly area CA.

[0043] The main display area MDA can be defined as an area that displays an image by generating light or adjusting the transmittance of light provided from an external light source. At least one pixel PX can be disposed in the main display area MDA. The pixel PX can emit light. The pixels PX can be repeatedly arranged along a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2 that intersects the first direction DR1. In addition, the pixels PX can include a plurality of sub-pixels that emit light of different colors. For example, the sub-pixels can include a red sub-pixel that emits red light, a green sub-pixel that emits green light, and a blue sub-pixel that emits blue light.

[0044] The component area CA may be disposed in the display area DA. In one embodiment, the component area CA may be disposed at the upper center of the display area DA. In one embodiment, the component area CA may be disposed at the upper left corner of the display area DA. In one embodiment, the component area CA may be disposed at the upper right corner of the display area DA.

[0045] In one embodiment, the component area CA may have a circular shape in a plan view. In one embodiment, the component area CA may have a shape different from a circular shape. For example, the component area CA may have a polygonal shape in a plan view.

[0046] At least one pixel PX that may emit light may also be disposed in the component area CA. The pixels PX may be repeatedly arranged along the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0047] The component 300 may be disposed on a substrate (eg, Figure 3 The component 300 can receive the light of the transmission component area CA. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The description about the component 300 is explained.

[0048] The non-display area NDA may be located around the display area DA. In one embodiment, for example, the non-display area NDA may surround at least a portion of the display area DA. A driver may be disposed in the non-display area NDA. In one embodiment, for example, the driver may include a data driver and / or a gate driver.

[0049] The non-display area NDA may not display an image. Meanwhile, the present disclosure may not be limited thereto, and in another embodiment, an image may be displayed in at least a portion of the non-display area NDA.

[0050] Figure 2 As an example Figure 1 Magnified plan view of the component area in .

[0051] See also Figure 2 , the component area CA may include a transmission area TA and a non-transmission area NTA. The non-transmission area NTA may be adjacent to the transmission area TA.

[0052] The transmissive area TA may be arranged by repeating the arrangement along the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 in a plan view. Furthermore, the non-transmissive area NTA may be a region between two adjacent transmissive areas TA. In one embodiment, the transmissive area TA may be a region that transmits light. In one embodiment, for example, the transmissive area TA may be a region where no metal material (e.g., pixel electrode AE) is provided. Furthermore, the non-transmissive area NTA may be a region where a metal material is provided. Accordingly, the arrangement relationship and region of the transmissive area TA and the non-transmissive area NTA may vary depending on the shape of the metal material.

[0053] Figure 3 As an example, follow Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an example taken along line II' in FIG. Figure 4 As an example Figure 3 An enlarged plan view of area A1 in FIG.

[0054] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 The display device DD1 may include a substrate SUB, an isolation layer BAR, a buffer layer BUF, an active pattern ACT, a first insulating layer IL1, a gate electrode GE, a second insulating layer IL2, a first electrode E1, a second electrode E2, an organic insulating layer VIA, a pixel electrode AE, a light emitting layer EML, a pixel defining layer PDL, a common electrode CE, an encapsulation layer 140, a touch layer 160, a planarization member 200 and a component 300.

[0055] The substrate SUB may include a transparent material or an opaque material. The substrate SUB may include a transparent resin substrate. In one embodiment, for example, the transparent resin substrate may include a polyimide substrate.

[0056] Alternatively, the substrate SUB may include a quartz substrate, a synthetic quartz substrate, a calcium fluoride substrate, a fluorine-doped quartz substrate, a soda-lime glass substrate, and / or an alkali-free glass substrate, etc. These may be used alone or in combination with one another.

[0057] The isolation layer BAR may be provided on the substrate SUB. The isolation layer BAR may prevent impurities from penetrating into the upper portion of the substrate SUB from the outside. The isolation layer BAR may include an inorganic material. In one embodiment, for example, the inorganic material may include silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon nitride (SiNx ) and silicon oxynitride (SiN x O y ) etc. These may be used alone or in combination with each other.

[0058] The isolation layer BAR may be formed in a single layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The isolation layer BAR may be continuously disposed across the main display area MDA, the non-transmission area NTA, and the transmission area TA.

[0059] The buffer layer BUF may be disposed on the isolation layer BAR. The buffer layer BUF may prevent metal atoms or impurities from diffusing into the active pattern ACT. The buffer layer BUF may be disposed in the main display area MDA and the non-transmission area NTA. That is, the buffer layer BUF may not be disposed in the transmission area TA.

[0060] In one embodiment, the buffer layer may include an inorganic material. In one embodiment, for example, the inorganic material may include silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and / or silicon oxynitride, etc. These may be used alone or in combination.

[0061] The first insulating layer IL1 may be disposed on the buffer layer BUF. The first insulating layer IL1 may cover the active pattern ACT. The first insulating layer IL1 may include an inorganic material. The first insulating layer IL1 may be disposed in the main display area MDA and the non-transmission area NTA. That is, the first insulating layer IL1 may not be disposed in the transmission area TA.

[0062] The gate electrode GE may be disposed on the first insulating layer IL1. The gate electrode GE may overlap the channel region of the active pattern ACT in a plan view. The gate electrode GE may include a metal, an alloy, a conductive metal oxide, a conductive metal nitride, and / or a transparent conductive material. The gate electrode GE may be disposed in the main display area MDA and the non-transmission area NTA. In other words, the gate electrode GE may not be disposed in the transmission area TA.

[0063] The second insulating layer IL2 may be disposed on the first insulating layer IL1. The second insulating layer IL2 may cover the gate electrode GE. The second insulating film IL2 may include an inorganic material. The second insulating layer IL2 may be disposed in the main display area MDA and the non-transmission area NTA. That is, the second insulating layer IL2 may not be disposed in the transmission area TA.

[0064] The first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 may be disposed on the second insulating layer IL2. The first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 may contact the source region and the drain region of the active pattern ACT through contact holes penetrating the first insulating layer IL1 and the second insulating layer IL2. The first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 may include a metal, an alloy, a conductive metal oxide, a conductive metal nitride, and / or a transparent conductive material. The active pattern ACT, the gate electrode GE, the first electrode E1, and the second electrode E2 may form a transistor TR. The first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 may be disposed in the main display area MDA and the non-transmission area NTA. In other words, the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 may not be disposed in the transmission area TA.

[0065] The organic insulating layer VIA may be disposed on the second insulating layer IL2. The organic insulating layer VIA may cover the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2. The organic insulating layer VIA may comprise an organic insulating material. In one embodiment, for example, the organic insulating material may comprise a phenolic resin, a polyacrylate resin, a polyimide resin, a polyamide resin, a siloxane resin, and / or an epoxy resin. These materials may be used alone or in combination. The organic insulating layer VIA may be disposed in the main display area MDA and the non-transmissive area NTA. In other words, the organic insulating layer VIA may not be disposed in the transmissive area TA.

[0066] The pixel electrode AE may be disposed on the organic insulating layer VIA. The pixel electrode AE may contact the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 through a contact hole penetrating the organic insulating layer VIA. Accordingly, the pixel electrode AE may be electrically connected to the transistor TR. The pixel electrode AE may be disposed in the main display area MDA and the non-transmission area NTA. In other words, the pixel electrode AE may not be disposed in the transmission area TA.

[0067] The pixel-defining layer (PDL) may be disposed on the organic insulating layer (VIA). The pixel-defining layer (PDL) may partially cover the pixel electrode (AE) on the organic insulating layer (VIA). The pixel-defining layer (PDL) may define a pixel opening that exposes at least a portion of the upper surface of the pixel electrode (AE). The pixel-defining layer (PDL) may be disposed in the main display area (MDA) and the non-transmission area (NTA). In other words, the pixel-defining layer (PDL) may not be disposed in the transmission area (TA).

[0068] In one embodiment, the pixel defining layer (PDL) may include an inorganic material or an organic material. In one embodiment, for example, the organic material may include an epoxy resin and / or a silicone resin. These materials may be used alone or in combination. In one embodiment, the pixel defining layer (PDL) may further include a light-blocking material including a black pigment and / or a black dye.

[0069] The light-emitting layer (EML) may be disposed on the pixel electrode (AE). In one embodiment, for example, the light-emitting layer (EML) may be disposed on the pixel electrode (AE) exposed from the pixel-defining layer (PDL). In one embodiment, the light-emitting layer (EML) may have a multilayer structure including a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an organic light-emitting layer, an electron transport layer, and / or an electron injection layer. The light-emitting layer (EML) may be disposed in the main display area (MDA) and the non-transmission area (NTA).

[0070] The common electrode CE may be disposed on the light-emitting layer EML and the pixel-defining layer PDL. The light-emitting layer EML may emit light based on a voltage difference between the pixel electrode AE and the common electrode CE. The common electrode CE may be disposed in the main display area MDA and the non-transmission area NTA. The pixel electrode AE, the light-emitting layer EML, and the common electrode CE may form a light-emitting diode (LED). Furthermore, the light-emitting element layer 120 may include at least one light-emitting element (e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED)).

[0071] The encapsulation layer 140 may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and one organic encapsulation layer. In one embodiment, for example, the encapsulation layer 140 may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer 142, a second inorganic encapsulation layer 146 disposed on the first inorganic encapsulation layer 142, and an organic encapsulation layer 144 disposed between the first inorganic encapsulation layer 142 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 146. The encapsulation layer 140 may reduce the formation of a path for moisture or oxygen to penetrate into the light-emitting element layer 120 from the outside.

[0072] The first inorganic encapsulation layer 142 may be provided on the common electrode CE. In one embodiment, for example, the first inorganic encapsulation layer 142 may cover the upper portion of the light-emitting element layer 120 throughout the transmission area TA, the non-transmission area NTA, and the main display area MDA. The first inorganic encapsulation layer 142 may include an inorganic material. In one embodiment, for example, the inorganic material may include silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and / or silicon oxynitride, etc. These may be used alone or in combination with each other. In this specification, the first inorganic encapsulation layer 142 may be referred to as an "inorganic layer."

[0073] exist Figure 4 , it may be shown that all configurations between the upper portion of the isolation layer BAR and the lower portion of the first inorganic encapsulation layer 142 are not provided in the transmission area TA, but the present disclosure may not be limited thereto. For another example, among the various configurations provided on the substrate, at least one of the configurations other than the configuration for emitting light may be provided in the transmission area TA.

[0074] Since at least one of the configurations of the light emitting element layer 120 disposed in the non-transmission area NTA is not disposed in the transmission area TA, the upper surface of the light emitting element layer 120 in the component area CA may have a step. Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the first inorganic encapsulating layer 142 disposed on the light emitting element layer 120 may have a stepped portion 142 a in the component area CA.

[0075] The planarization member 200 may be disposed on the first inorganic encapsulation layer 142. In one embodiment, for example, the planarization member 200 may be disposed in the entire component area CA and a portion of the main display area adjacent to the component area CA. Specifically, during the process, a portion of the planarization member 200 may not be removed from the main display area MDA, and the portion of the planarization member 200 may be disposed in a portion of the main display area MDA adjacent to the component area CA.

[0076] In one embodiment, the planarizing member 200 may be disposed to overlap the stepped portion 142 a in a plan view. Accordingly, the planarizing member 200 may compensate for the step of the stepped portion 142 a of the first inorganic encapsulating layer 142 .

[0077] The planarization member 200 may have a surface energy different from that of the first inorganic encapsulation layer 142. In one embodiment, the surface energy of the planarization member 200 may be lower than that of the first inorganic encapsulation layer 142. Accordingly, the organic material forming the organic encapsulation layer 144 may be concentrated in the region where the planarization member 200 is provided, rather than in the region where only the first inorganic encapsulation layer 142 is provided. Accordingly, despite the presence of a step between the transmissive layer TA and the non-transmissive area NTA (that is, the stepped portion 142a of the first inorganic encapsulation layer 142), the organic encapsulation layer 144 may have a substantially flat upper surface throughout the component area CA and the main display area MDA.

[0078] In one embodiment, the planarizing member 200 may transmit at least a portion of the incident light. Accordingly, the incident light may reach the component 300 by passing through the planarizing member 200 .

[0079] The organic encapsulation layer 144 may be disposed on the first inorganic encapsulation layer 142. The organic encapsulation layer 144 may not form a step around the first inorganic encapsulation layer 142, and as previously explained in detail, the organic encapsulation layer 144 may have a substantially flat upper surface. In one embodiment, the upper surface of the organic encapsulation layer 144 may be substantially flat throughout the component area CA and at least a portion of the main display area adjacent to the component area CA. As described above, the flatness of the upper surface of the organic encapsulation layer 144 may be due to the difference between the surface energy of the planarization member 200 and the surface energy of the first inorganic encapsulation layer 142. As used herein, "substantially flat" includes a set value and means within a range of acceptable deviations from a particular value determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account the measurements being discussed and the errors associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "substantially flat" may mean within one or more standard deviations, or within a step portion (e.g., Figure 3 The step portion 142a of the first inorganic encapsulating layer 142 or Figure 5 The step portion 162a of the first touch insulating layer 162 is within ±10% or ±5% of the step.

[0080] Organic encapsulation layer 144 may include an organic material. In one embodiment, for example, the organic material may include polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyimide, polyethylene sulfonate, polyoxymethylene, polyarylate, and / or hexamethyldisiloxane. These materials may be used alone or in combination. Organic encapsulation layer 144 may be referred to as an "organic layer."

[0081] The second inorganic encapsulating layer 146 may be disposed on the organic encapsulating layer 144. The second inorganic encapsulating layer 146 may have a substantially uniform thickness and a substantially flat surface. The second inorganic encapsulating layer 146 may include an inorganic material. In one embodiment, for example, the inorganic material includes silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and / or silicon oxynitride. These may be used alone or in combination.

[0082] The touch layer 160 may be disposed on the encapsulation layer 140. In one embodiment, for example, the touch layer 160 may be disposed on the second inorganic encapsulation layer 146. Specifically, the touch layer 160 may be disposed on the second inorganic encapsulation layer 146 over the main display area MDA and the component area CA. The touch layer 160 may include touch electrodes (e.g., Figure 5 The touch layer 160 may detect a touch from the outside and transmit a signal to a touch driver.

[0083] The component 300 may be disposed below the substrate SUB. The component 300 may be disposed corresponding to the component area CA in a plan view. In one embodiment, for example, light incident on the component area CA may be transmitted through the transmissive area TA. Pixels (e.g., pixels PX) may not be disposed in the transmissive area TA. Accordingly, the resolution of an image provided from the component area CA may be relatively lower than the resolution of an image provided from the main display area MDA.

[0084] In one embodiment, examples of component 300 may include a camera module, a facial recognition sensor module, a pupil recognition sensor module, an acceleration sensor module, a geomagnetic sensor module, a proximity sensor module, an infrared sensor module, and / or an illumination sensor module. The camera module may be a module that captures or recognizes images of objects located in front of the display device. The facial recognition sensor module may be a module that detects a user's face. The pupil recognition sensor module may be a module that detects a user's pupils. The acceleration sensor module and the geomagnetic sensor module may be modules that determine movement of the display device. The proximity sensor module and the infrared sensor module may be modules that detect proximity to the front of the display device. The illumination sensor module may be a module that measures the degree of external brightness.

[0085] When the planarizing member 200 is not disposed on the first inorganic encapsulating layer 142 , the height of the organic encapsulating layer 144 in the component area CA may be relatively lower than that in the main display area MDA by the stepped portion 142 a of the first inorganic encapsulating layer 142 .

[0086] The display device DD1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a planarizing member 200 having a surface energy different from that of the first inorganic encapsulating layer 142. Furthermore, the planarizing member 200 may be disposed on the first inorganic encapsulating layer 142 so as to overlap with the stepped portion 142a in a plan view. Accordingly, the height difference between the organic encapsulating layer 144 in the component area CA and the main display area MDA adjacent to the component area CA may be reduced. Accordingly, the organic encapsulating layer 144 may have a substantially flat upper surface throughout the component area CA and the main display area MDA adjacent to the component area CA via the planarizing member 200.

[0087] Figure 5 As an example, follow Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of another example taken along line II' in FIG.

[0088] In the following, the following will be omitted or simplified Figure 3 Description of the configuration that repeats the description of the configuration.

[0089] The touch layer 160 may include a first touch insulating layer 162 , touch electrodes TE, and a second touch insulating layer 164 .

[0090] The first touch insulation layer 162 may be disposed on the encapsulation layer 140. In one embodiment, for example, the first touch insulation layer 162 may be disposed on the second inorganic encapsulation layer 146. In addition, the first touch insulation layer 162 may have a stepped portion 162a in the component area CA.

[0091] The first touch insulating layer 162 may include an inorganic insulating material. In one embodiment, for example, the inorganic insulating material may include silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and / or silicon oxynitride. These materials may be used alone or in combination. In this specification, the first touch insulating layer 162 may be referred to as an "inorganic layer."

[0092] A planarizing member 200' may be disposed on the first touch insulating layer 162. The planarizing member 200' may cover the upper portion of the first touch insulating layer 162 in the component area CA. In one embodiment, the planarizing member 200' may be disposed so as to overlap the stepped portion 162a in a plan view. Accordingly, the planarizing member 200' may compensate for the step of the stepped portion 162a of the first touch insulating layer 162.

[0093] The planarization member 200' may have a surface energy different from that of the first touch insulation layer 162. In one embodiment, the surface energy of the planarization member 200' may be lower than that of the first touch insulation layer 162. Accordingly, the organic material forming the second touch insulation layer 164 may be concentrated in the region where the planarization member 200' is provided, rather than in the region where only the first touch insulation layer 162 is provided. Therefore, although there is a step between the transmission area TA and the non-transmission area NTA (for example, a step of the stepped portion 162a of the first touch insulation layer 162), the second touch insulation layer 164 may have a substantially flat upper surface throughout the component area CA and the main display area MDA.

[0094] The touch electrode TE may be provided on the first touch insulating layer 162. The touch electrode TE may include a metal, an alloy, a metal oxide, and / or a transparent conductive material. In one embodiment, for example, the touch electrode TE may include silver (Ag), an alloy including silver, molybdenum (Mo), an alloy including molybdenum, aluminum (Al), an alloy including aluminum, aluminum nitride (AlN), tungsten (W), tungsten nitride (WN), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), chromium nitride (CrN), titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), platinum (Pt), scandium (Sc), indium tin oxide (ITO), and / or indium zinc oxide (IZO). These materials may be used alone or in combination.

[0095] The second touch insulating layer 164 may be disposed on an upper portion of the first touch insulating layer 162. The second touch insulating layer 164 may cover each of the first touch insulating layer 162, the touch electrode TE, and the planarizing member 200'. The second touch insulating layer 164 includes an organic material. Figure 4 The organic encapsulation layer 144 in the second touch insulating layer 164 may have a substantially flat upper surface. In this specification, the second touch insulating layer 164 may be referred to as an "organic layer."

[0096] See Figure 3 and Figure 5 As described, the organic layer may have a substantially flat upper surface throughout the component area CA and the main display area MDA by the planarization member 200 ′.

[0097] Figure 6 is a plan view illustrating a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 As an example, follow Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an example taken along line II-II'. Figure 8 As an example Figure 7 An enlarged plan view of area A2 in FIG.

[0098] In the following, the following will be omitted or simplified Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 Description of the configuration that repeats the description of the configuration.

[0099] The display device DD2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be used with a display device other than the planarizing member 200 ″ (eg, Figure 1 The display device DD1) in is basically the same.

[0100] See also Figure 6 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8 , in the component area CA, the first inorganic encapsulation layer 142 may have a step portion 142a, and the planarizing member 200" may be disposed to overlap with the step portion 142a in a plan view. In addition, in the component area CA, the planarizing member 200" may cover a portion of the first inorganic encapsulation layer 142. The planarizing member 200" may have a specific pattern and may be disposed on the first inorganic encapsulation layer 142. In one embodiment, for example, the planarizing member 200" may be disposed in a portion of the non-transmission area NTA and the transmission area TA. Meanwhile, the present disclosure may not be limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the planarizing member 200" may be disposed only in the transmission area TA.

[0101] As described above, the surface energy of the planarizing member 200 ″ may be lower than the surface energy of the first inorganic encapsulating layer 142. Accordingly, a portion of the organic encapsulating layer 144 disposed on the planarizing member 200 ″ in a plan view and located in a region corresponding to the position of the planarizing member 200 ″ (e.g., the convex portion 144 a) may protrude toward the third direction DR3. That is, the organic encapsulating layer 144 may have a concavo-convex structure including the convex portion 144 a and the concave portion 144 b.

[0102] Since the planarizing member 200 ″ is provided to correspond to the transmission area TA in a plan view, the convex portion 144 a of the organic encapsulating layer 144 may be formed to correspond to the transmission area TA in a plan view. Accordingly, when incident light passes through the component area CA, the concentration of light may be improved. In addition, the characteristics of image quality of the display device DD2 may be further improved.

[0103] Figure 9 As an example Figure 7 A plan view of the component area in . Figure 10 For example, set Figure 7 A perspective view of the organic layer in the component area in FIG.

[0104] See also Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the planarization member 200" may be disposed to correspond to the transmission area TA in a plan view. The planarization member 200" may have a specific pattern and may be disposed in the transmission area TA. In one embodiment, for example, the planarization member 200" may be repeatedly arranged along the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 corresponding to the transmission area TA in a plan view. The planarization member 200" may be disposed in a portion of the non-transmission area NTA adjacent to the transmission area TA. Meanwhile, the present disclosure may not be limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the planarization member 200" may be disposed only in the transmission area TA.

[0105] Since the planarizing member 200" may be arranged by having a specific pattern, the convex portion 144a may also be arranged by having a specific pattern. In one embodiment, for example, since the planarizing member 200" may be repeatedly arranged along the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, the convex portion 144a and the concave portion 144b may also be repeatedly arranged along the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0106] In response to the arrangement shape of the planarizing member 200", the arrangement shape of the organic encapsulation layer 144 may be formed. In one embodiment, the planar shape of the convex portion 144a may form a first imaginary circular ring R1 and a second imaginary circular ring R2. The first imaginary circular ring R1 and the second imaginary circular ring R2 may have the same center and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Specifically, the planar shape of the convex portion 144a may be disposed in the first imaginary circular ring R1 and the second imaginary circular ring R2. In addition, the concave portion 144b may be disposed between the first imaginary circular ring R1 and the second imaginary circular ring R2. That is, the convex portion 144a and the concave portion 144b may be repeatedly arranged in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 from the center.

[0107] In one embodiment, the planar shape of the repeated convex portions 144a and concave portions 144b may be substantially the same as or similar to the shape of a Fresnel lens. Accordingly, when light is incident from the outside, since the organic encapsulation layer 144 may have a shape substantially similar to that of a Fresnel lens, the concentration of light transmitted through the transmissive area TA to the component 300 may be improved. Therefore, the image quality characteristics of the display device DD2 may be effectively improved in the component area CA.

[0108] Figure 11 As an example, follow Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of another example taken along line II-II' in FIG.

[0109] In the following, the Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 The configuration described in the description of the configuration is repeated.

[0110] The first touch insulating layer 162 may have a stepped portion 162a in the component area CA. Furthermore, a planarizing member 200'' may be provided on the encapsulation layer 140. In one embodiment, for example, the planarizing member 200'' may be provided on the first touch insulating layer 162. In one embodiment, the planarizing member 200'' may be provided to overlap the stepped portion 162a in a plan view.

[0111] Since the planarization member 200'' has a specific pattern, the second touch insulation layer 164 may also include a convex portion 164a and a concave portion 164b corresponding to the planarization member 200'' in a plan view. The planar shape of the convex portion 164a may have a circular ring shape in a plan view, as shown in FIG. Figure 10 In addition, the planar shapes of the convex portion 164a and the concave portion 164b may have a shape substantially the same as or similar to that of a Fresnel lens.

[0112] The display device according to the embodiment can be applied to display devices included in computers, notebooks, mobile phones, smart phones, smart tablets, portable media players (PMPs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), or moving picture expert group standard audio layer 3 (MP3) players, etc.

[0113] Although the display device according to the embodiment has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the illustrated embodiment is an example and may be modified and changed by one of ordinary skill in the relevant technical field without departing from the technical spirit described in the claims.

Claims

1. A display device comprising a main display area and a component area adjacent to the main display area, characterized in that: The display device includes: substrate; a light emitting element layer, provided on the substrate in the main display area and the component area and comprising at least one light emitting element; an inorganic layer, disposed on the light-emitting element layer; a planarizing member disposed on the inorganic layer in the component region and having a surface energy different from that of the inorganic layer; and An organic layer is provided on the inorganic layer and the planarizing member.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The inorganic layer has a stepped portion in the component region, and The planarizing member is arranged to overlap with the step portion in a plan view.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The surface energy of the planarizing member is lower than the surface energy of the inorganic layer.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The component area includes a transmission area through which external light passes and a non-transmission area adjacent to the transmission area, and the planarization member is disposed in the transmission area and the non-transmission area in a plan view.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The inorganic layer is an inorganic encapsulation layer covering the light emitting element, and The organic layer is an organic encapsulation layer disposed on the inorganic encapsulation layer.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The display device further comprises: an encapsulation layer, disposed between the inorganic layer and the light-emitting element layer; and a touch layer including a first touch insulating layer as the inorganic layer, a touch electrode, and a second touch insulating layer as the organic layer, and The touch electrode is disposed between the inorganic layer and the organic layer.

7. A display device comprising a main display area and a component area adjacent to the main display area, characterized in that: The display device includes: substrate; a light emitting element layer, provided on the substrate in the main display area and the component area and comprising at least one light emitting element; an inorganic layer, disposed on the light-emitting element layer; a planarizing member disposed on the inorganic layer in the component region and having a surface energy different from that of the inorganic layer; and An organic layer is provided on the inorganic layer and the planarizing member and includes an upper surface having a concavo-convex structure including concave portions and convex portions.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The convex portion is located corresponding to a position where the planarizing member is provided in a planar view.

9. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The planarizing member transmits at least a portion of incident light.

10. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The component area includes a transmission area through which external light passes and a non-transmission area adjacent to the transmission area, and the planarization member is disposed in the transmission area in a plan view.

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