Display device

Abstract

A display device includes a display panel and a gate driving circuit. The display panel includes a substrate layer including a display area and a non-display area; a driving line disposed on the base layer, connected to the gate driving circuit, and extending in a first direction; an upper insulating layer disposed on the base layer; a first dam disposed on the upper insulating layer and overlapping the non-display area; a second dam spaced farther from the display area than the first dam; and a shield portion disposed between the first dam and the second dam. The shielding portion includes: a first portion overlapping at least one of the driving lines and extending in the second direction; and a second-first portion and a second-second portion protruding in the first direction from one end of the first portion and the other end of the first portion, respectively, and not overlapping with the driving line.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0031170, filed on March 5, 2024, and all benefits therefrom, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present utility model relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device including a shielding portion for preventing organic material from overflowing in a process of forming an encapsulation layer. BACKGROUND

[0003] Various display devices suitable for multimedia devices such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, navigation devices, and game devices are being developed.

[0004] When moisture or oxygen penetrates a light emitting element of a display device, the reliability of the display device is reduced. Accordingly, an encapsulation layer covering the light emitting element is formed to prevent the moisture or oxygen from penetrating into the light emitting element.

[0005] However, a portion of an organic material for an organic layer included in the encapsulation layer overflows into a non-display area of the display device in a process of forming the organic layer included in the encapsulation layer. SUMMARY

[0006] The present utility model provides a display device capable of preventing an organic material for an organic layer from overflowing into a non-display area through a capillary phenomenon in a process of forming the organic layer included in an encapsulation layer.

[0007] Embodiments of the present utility model provide a display device including a display panel including a pixel and a gate driving circuit outputting a signal to the display panel.

[0008] In an embodiment, the display panel includes a base layer including a display area and a non-display area disposed adjacent to the display area, a driving line disposed on the base layer, connected to the gate driving circuit, and extending in a first direction, an upper insulating layer disposed on the base layer, a first dam disposed on the upper insulating layer and overlapping the non-display area, a second dam disposed on the upper insulating layer and spaced farther apart from the display area than the first dam, and a shielding portion disposed on the upper insulating layer between the first dam and the second dam.

[0009] In an embodiment, the shielding portion includes a first portion overlapping at least one of the driving lines and extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a second-first portion protruding in the first direction from one end of the first portion and not overlapping the driving lines, and a second-second portion protruding in the first direction from the other end of the first portion and not overlapping the driving lines.

[0010] In an embodiment, the shielding portions are provided as a plurality, and the plurality of shielding portions are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

[0011] In an embodiment, at least one of the shielding portions further includes a third portion protruding from the first portion in the first direction and not overlapping the driving line, provided between the second-first portion and the second-second portion.

[0012] In an embodiment, the third portion includes a third-first portion having a first width in the second direction and a third-second portion having a second width in the second direction.

[0013] In an embodiment, the first width is different from the second width.

[0014] In an embodiment, the display panel further includes a lower insulating layer provided between the base layer and the driving line, and an intermediate insulating layer provided between the lower insulating layer and the upper insulating layer and covering the driving line. The upper insulating layer is provided on the intermediate insulating layer, and a stepped portion is defined between an upper surface of the lower insulating layer and a side surface of each of the driving lines due to a thickness of the driving line.

[0015] In an embodiment, an intermediate curved portion curved in correspondence with a shape of the stepped portion is defined in the intermediate insulating layer.

[0016] In an embodiment, an upper curved portion curved in correspondence with a shape of the intermediate curved portion is defined in the upper insulating layer.

[0017] In an embodiment, the display panel further includes an initial dam provided on the upper insulating layer and disposed closer to the display area than the first dam, and an encapsulation layer including a first inorganic layer provided on the upper insulating layer and covering the shielding portion, an organic layer provided on the first inorganic layer and not overlapping the shielding portion, and a second inorganic layer provided on the organic layer and covering the shielding portion.

[0018] In an embodiment, a boundary of the organic layer is defined by the initial dam, and an inorganic curved portion curved in correspondence with a shape of the upper curved portion is defined in the first inorganic layer.

[0019] In an embodiment, the display panel further includes a per organic material provided on the first inorganic layer and covered by the second inorganic layer, wherein at least a portion of the per organic material extends in the first direction.

[0020] In an embodiment, the per organic material includes the same material as a material of the organic layer.

[0021] In an embodiment, the display panel further includes an organic insulating layer disposed on the upper insulating layer, and a pixel definition layer disposed on the organic insulating layer. The shield portion includes a first shield layer including the same material as a material of the organic insulating layer, and a second shield layer disposed on the first shield layer and including the same material as a material of the pixel definition layer.

[0022] In an embodiment, the gate driving circuit overlaps the non-display area, and the shield portion is spaced farther apart from the display area than the gate driving circuit.

[0023] In an embodiment, in a region overlapping with an upper surface of the second-first portion, a first thickness of the second-first portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is uniform in the second direction, and in a region overlapping with an upper surface of the second-second portion, a second thickness of the second-second portion in the third direction is uniform in the second direction.

[0024] In an embodiment, the second-first portion protrudes from the first portion by a first protrusion length in the first direction, and the second-second portion protrudes from the first portion by a second protrusion length in the first direction.

[0025] In an embodiment, the first protrusion length is equal to the second protrusion length.

[0026] In an embodiment, each of the first protrusion length and the second protrusion length is equal to or greater than a value obtained by multiplying the number of driving lines crossing the first portion when viewed in a plane by approximately 1.8 micrometers and equal to or less than a value obtained by multiplying the number of driving lines crossing the first portion when viewed in a plane by approximately 2.2 micrometers.

[0027] In an embodiment, the shield portion further includes a first tip portion connected to a side surface of the first portion facing the first dam and a side surface of the second-first portion facing the second-second portion, and a second tip portion connected to a side surface of the first portion facing the first dam and a side surface of the second-second portion facing the second-first portion.

[0028] In an embodiment, the first tip portion has a size smaller than a size of the second-first portion when viewed in a plane, and the second tip portion has a size smaller than a size of the second-second portion when viewed in a plane.

[0029] In an embodiment, the shield portion further includes: a third portion protruding from the first portion in the first direction between the second-first portion and the second-second portion and not overlapping the driving line; a third tip portion connected to a side surface of the first portion facing the first dam and a side surface of the third portion facing the second-first portion; and a fourth tip portion connected to a side surface of the first portion facing the first dam and a side surface of the third portion facing the second-second portion.

[0030] In an embodiment, the third tip portion and the fourth tip portion have a size smaller than a size of the third portion when viewed in a plane.

[0031] In an embodiment, the gate driving circuit includes a first gate driving circuit overlapping the non-display area and a second gate driving circuit overlapping the non-display area and spaced apart from the first gate driving circuit in the first direction, wherein the display area is interposed between the first gate driving circuit and the second gate driving circuit.

[0032] Embodiments of the present application provide a display device, comprising: a display panel, the display panel comprising: a base layer including a display area and a non-display area disposed adjacent to the display area; a lower insulating layer disposed on the base layer; a driving line disposed on the lower insulating layer and extending in a first direction; an upper insulating layer disposed on the lower insulating layer; and a first dam, a shield portion, and a second dam arranged apart from each other in a direction away from the display area; and a gate driving circuit overlapping the non-display area and disposed closer to the display area than the first dam.

[0033] In an embodiment, the upper insulating layer includes: a first upper portion overlapping the driving line; and a second upper portion not overlapping the driving line.

[0034] In an embodiment, an upper surface of the first upper portion is spaced apart from an upper surface of the lower insulating layer by a first distance, and an upper surface of the second upper portion is spaced apart from the upper surface of the lower insulating layer by a second distance smaller than the first distance.

[0035] In an embodiment, the shield portion includes a first portion overlapping the first upper portion and the second upper portion, a second-first portion protruding from one end of the first portion toward the display area and overlapping the second upper portion, and a second-second portion protruding from the other end of the first portion toward the display area and overlapping the second upper portion.

[0036] In an embodiment, the shield portion further includes a third portion protruding from a side surface of the first portion facing the first dam toward the display area and overlapping the second upper portion between the second-first portion and the second-second portion.

[0037] In an embodiment, each of a first protrusion length by which the second-first portion protrudes from the first portion toward the display area and a second protrusion length by which the second-second portion protrudes from the first portion toward the display area is equal to or greater than a value obtained by multiplying a number of the driving lines overlapping the first portion by approximately 1.8 micrometers and equal to or less than a value obtained by multiplying the number of the driving lines by approximately 2.2 micrometers.

[0038] In an embodiment, the display panel further includes an encapsulation layer including a first inorganic layer disposed on the upper insulating layer, an organic layer disposed on the first inorganic layer, and a second inorganic layer disposed on the organic layer.

[0039] In an embodiment, the first inorganic layer includes a first inorganic portion overlapping the first upper portion and a second inorganic portion overlapping the second upper portion.

[0040] In an embodiment, the display panel further includes an over-organic material disposed on the first inorganic layer, covered by the second inorganic layer, and including the same material as that of the organic layer.

[0041] In an embodiment, a value obtained by multiplying a barrier width between the second-first portion and the second-second portion, another protrusion length smaller than one of a first protrusion length by which the second-first portion protrudes from the first portion toward the display area and a second protrusion length by which the second-second portion protrudes from the first portion toward the display area, and a height of the shielding portion is defined as a volume of the barrier space.

[0042] In an embodiment, the volume of the barrier space is equal to or greater than approximately 12 times a volume of the over-organic material disposed between the second-first portion and the second-second portion and equal to or less than approximately 30 times the volume of the over-organic material.

[0043] In an embodiment and according to the above, in a process of forming the organic layer included in the encapsulation layer of the display device, an organic material used to form the organic layer is prevented from overflowing into a non-display area of the display device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0044] The above and other advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0045] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0046] FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0047] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment;

[0048] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment;

[0049] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment;

[0050] FIG. 5A is a plan view of a display panel according to a comparative example;

[0051] FIG. 5B is a plan view of a display panel according to a comparative example;

[0052] FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of a display panel taken along line I-I’ of FIG. 5B

[0053] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment corresponding to area AA’ of FIG. 4

[0054] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a shielding portion according to an embodiment;

[0055] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of a display panel taken along line I-I’ of FIG. 6

[0056] is a cross-sectional view of a display panel taken along line II-II’ of FIG. 8B FIG. 6

[0057] FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment corresponding to area DD’ of FIG. 8B

[0058] is a cross-sectional view of a display panel taken along line III-III’ of FIG. 8D FIG. 6

[0059] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a shielding portion according to an embodiment;

[0060] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a shielding portion according to an embodiment;

[0061] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a shielding portion according to an embodiment;

[0062] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a shielding portion according to an embodiment; and

[0063] FIG. 13 ​​​​​​is a plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] The present utility model can be variously modified and implemented in many different forms, and therefore specific embodiments will be exemplified in the drawings and described in detail below. However, the present utility model should not be limited to the specifically disclosed forms, and should be interpreted to include all modifications, equivalents or substitutions contained within the spirit and scope of the present utility model.

[0065] In the present disclosure, it will be understood that when an element (or region, layer or part) is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or there can be an intervening element or layer.

[0066] The same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like elements. In the drawings, the thickness, proportions and sizes of components are exaggerated for effective description of technical content. As used herein, the term "and / or" can include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0067] It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0068] Spatially relative terms such as "under", "below", "lower", "over", "upper" and the like can be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures.

[0069] It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising", when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0070] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this utility model belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0071] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0072] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a display device DD according to an embodiment, and FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the display device DD according to an embodiment.

[0073] In an embodiment and with reference to FIG. 1A , the display device DD can be activated in response to an electrical signal, and can display an image. The display device DD can be applied to various embodiments to provide an image to various users. As an example, the display device DD can be applied to large electronic products such as a television or an outdoor billboard. In addition, the display device DD can be applied to medium and small electronic products such as a monitor, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a navigation unit, a game unit, etc. The display device DD can be a foldable display device including a folding area and a non-folding area or a bendable display device including at least one bending portion. However, the display device DD should not be limited as long as it does not depart from the present application.

[0074] In an embodiment, the display device DD can display an image IM toward a third direction DR3 through a display surface FS substantially parallel to a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. The third direction DR3 can be substantially parallel to a normal direction of the display surface FS.

[0075] The display surface FS displaying the image IM can correspond to a front surface of the display device DD, and the image IM can include a video and a still image. FIG. 1A An application icon is shown as a representative example of the image IM.

[0076] In an embodiment, a front (or upper) surface and a rear (or lower) surface of each member or each unit of the display device DD can be defined with respect to a direction in which the image IM is displayed. The front surface and the rear surface can be disposed opposite to each other in the third direction DR3, and a normal direction of each of the front surface and the rear surface can be substantially parallel to the third direction DR3. A separation distance between the front surface and the rear surface of the member (or unit) can correspond to a thickness of the member (or unit) in the third direction DR3.

[0077] In the following description, the expression "when viewed in a plane" means a state of viewing in the third direction DR3. In the following description, the expression "when viewed in a section" means a state of viewing in the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2. Meanwhile, the directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3, respectively, can be related to each other, and can be changed to other directions.

[0078] In an embodiment, a display surface FS through which the display apparatus DD displays the image IM can correspond to a front surface FS (refer to FIG. 1B ) of the window WP (refer to FIG. 1B ). Accordingly, the display surface and the front surface of the display apparatus DD and the front surface of the window WP will be assigned the same reference numerals.

[0079] In an embodiment and with reference to FIG. 1B , the display apparatus DD can include the window WP, the display panel DP, and the housing HAU.

[0080] In an embodiment, the front surface FS of the window WP can include a transmissive area TA and a bezel area BZA. A user can view the image IM (refer to FIG. 1A ) provided through the transmissive area TA of the window WP.

[0081] The transmissive area TA can be an optically transparent area, and the bezel area BZA can be an area having a relatively low transmittance than that of the transmissive area TA. The bezel area BZA can have a predetermined color, and can be disposed adjacent to the transmissive area TA. FIG. 1B A structure in which the bezel area BZA surrounds the transmissive area TA is illustrated. However, the present disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby, and the bezel area BZA can be disposed adjacent to only one side of the transmissive area TA.

[0082] In an embodiment and with reference to FIG. 1B , the transmissive area TA can have a quadrangular shape, however, this is merely an example. In an embodiment, the transmissive area TA can have a quadrangular shape with rounded corners. In another embodiment, the transmissive area TA can have a variety of shapes and should not be particularly limited.

[0083] In an embodiment, the display panel DP can have a configuration to substantially produce the image IM (refer to FIG. 1A ) which can be displayed through the display surface FS, and a user can view the image IM through the transmissive area TA.

[0084] The display panel DP can include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA disposed adjacent to the display area DA. The display area DA can be activated in response to an electrical signal. The non-display area NDA can be covered by the bezel area BZA.

[0085] In an embodiment, pixels PX can be arranged in the display area DA. The pixels PX can be arranged in a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2.

[0086] In an embodiment, the housing HAU can accommodate the display panel DP. The housing HAU can cover the display panel DP, and an upper surface (i.e., a display surface IS) of the display panel DP can be exposed. The housing HAU can cover side surfaces and a bottom surface of the display panel DP, and the upper surface of the display panel DP can be completely exposed, however, the present disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to another embodiment, the housing HAU can cover a portion of the upper surface of the display panel DP other than the side surfaces and the bottom surface.

[0087] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel DP according to an embodiment.

[0088] In an embodiment and with reference to FIG. 2 , the display panel DP can include a substrate layer SUB, a circuit element layer DP-CL disposed on the substrate layer SUB, a display element layer DP-ED disposed on the circuit element layer DP-CL, and a packaging layer TFE disposed on the display element layer DP-ED.

[0089] The substrate layer SUB can be disposed at a lowest position of the display panel DP, and can provide a substrate surface on which components of the display panel DP are disposed. The substrate layer SUB can include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA disposed adjacent to the display area DA.

[0090] The circuit element layer DP-CL can include a plurality of insulating layers and circuit elements. The insulating layers can include at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer. The circuit elements can include signal lines or driving circuits, etc., wherein the driving circuits can include pixel driving circuits and sensing driving circuits.

[0091] The insulating layers and the circuit elements can be formed by forming insulating layers, semiconductor layers, and conductive layers using a coating process or a deposition process and selectively patterning the insulating layers, the semiconductor layers, and the conductive layers using a photolithography process and an etching process. Through the above processes, semiconductor patterns, conductive patterns, and signal lines included in the circuit element layer DP-CL can be formed.

[0092] The display element layer DP-ED can be disposed on the circuit element layer DP-CL, and can include a pixel definition layer PDL (with reference to FIG. 3 ) and a light emitting element OLED (with reference to FIG. 3 ).

[0093] The packaging layer TFE can be disposed on the display element layer DP-ED, and can cover the display element layer DP-ED. The packaging layer TFE can prevent moisture and oxygen from entering the display element layer DP-ED. The packaging layer TFE can have a stack structure of inorganic layer / organic layer / inorganic layer.

[0094] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel DP according to an embodiment.

[0095] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a portion of a pixel PX (refer to FIG. 1B ) according to an embodiment.

[0096] In an embodiment, the display panel DP can include a substrate layer SUB, a circuit element layer DP-CL disposed on the substrate layer SUB, a display element layer DP-ED disposed on the circuit element layer DP-CL, and a sealing layer TFE disposed on the display element layer DP-ED.

[0097] In an embodiment, the substrate layer SUB can include a synthetic resin layer. The synthetic resin layer can include a thermosetting resin. In particular, the synthetic resin layer can be a polyimide-based resin layer, however, the synthetic resin layer should not be limited to or by this. The synthetic resin layer can include at least one of an acrylic-based resin, a methacrylic-based resin, a polyisoprene-based resin, a vinyl-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, a urethane-based resin, a cellulose-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, and a perylene-based resin. The substrate layer SUB can be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, or an organic / inorganic composite material substrate.

[0098] In an embodiment, the circuit element layer DP-CL can include a black matrix BML, a first insulating layer INL1, a second insulating layer INL2, a third insulating layer INL3, a fourth insulating layer INL4, and a fifth insulating layer INL5, and a transistor TR. FIG. 3 One transistor TR connected to a light emitting element OLED is shown, however, the number and structure of the transistors TR included in the circuit element layer DP-CL should not be limited to or by this.

[0099] In an embodiment, the black matrix BML can be disposed on the substrate layer SUB, and can prevent a potential caused by a polarization phenomenon from affecting the transistor TR. The black matrix BML can prevent external light from reaching the transistor TR. According to an embodiment, the black matrix BML can be a floating electrode isolated from other electrodes or lines.

[0100] The black matrix BML can be formed with the same process as the data lines DL1 to DLm (refer to FIG. 4 ), and can include the same material as the data lines DL1 to DLm, where m can be a positive integer. As an example, in an embodiment, the black matrix BML can include copper or titanium.

[0101] In an embodiment, a first insulating layer INL1 can be disposed on the substrate layer SUB and can cover the light-blocking pattern BML. The first insulating layer INL1 can be a functional layer. As an example, the first insulating layer INL1 can include a barrier layer and a buffer layer disposed on the barrier layer. The barrier layer can include a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer. Each of the silicon oxide layer and the silicon nitride layer can be provided as a plurality, and the silicon oxide layer can be stacked alternately with the silicon nitride layer. The buffer layer can include a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer, and the silicon oxide layer and the silicon nitride layer can be stacked alternately with each other. In the disclosure, the first insulating layer INL1 can be referred to as a lower insulating layer.

[0102] The first insulating layer INL1 can prevent impurities present in the substrate layer SUB from entering the pixel PX during a manufacturing process (refer to FIG. 1B ). In particular, the first insulating layer INL1 can prevent the impurities from diffusing to the active part ACL of the transistor TR.

[0103] In an embodiment, the active part ACL forming the transistor TR can be disposed on the first insulating layer INL1.

[0104] The active part ACL can include polycrystalline silicon or amorphous silicon, however, the active part ACL should not be limited to or by the same. According to an embodiment, the active part ACL can include a metal oxide semiconductor.

[0105] The active part ACL can include a channel region serving as a path through which electrons or holes move, a first ion-doped region, and a second ion-doped region spaced apart from the first ion-doped region, wherein the channel region is interposed between the first ion-doped region and the second ion-doped region.

[0106] In an embodiment, a second insulating layer INL2 can be disposed on the first insulating layer INL1 and can cover the active part ACL. The second insulating layer INL2 can include an organic layer and / or an inorganic layer. The second insulating layer INL2 can include a plurality of inorganic thin layers. The inorganic thin layers can include a silicon nitride layer and a silicon oxide layer.

[0107] In an embodiment, a control electrode GE forming the transistor TR can be disposed on the second insulating layer INL2.

[0108] In an embodiment, a third insulating layer INL3 can be disposed on the second insulating layer INL2 and can cover the control electrode GE, wherein the third insulating layer INL3 can include an organic layer and / or an inorganic layer. The third insulating layer INL3 can include a plurality of inorganic thin layers or a plurality of organic thin layers. The inorganic thin layers can include a silicon nitride layer and a silicon oxide layer.

[0109] In an embodiment, the first electrode ED1 and the second electrode ED2 of the transistor TR can be disposed on the third insulating layer INL3. The first electrode ED1 and the second electrode ED2 can be connected to the active part ACL, respectively, through contact holes defined through the insulating layers INL2 and INL3.

[0110] In the disclosure, each of the second insulating layer INL2 and the third insulating layer INL3 can be referred to as an intermediate insulating layer.

[0111] In an embodiment, the fourth insulating layer INL4 can be disposed on the third insulating layer INL3 and can cover the first electrode ED1 and the second electrode ED2. The fourth insulating layer INL4 can prevent foreign substances from diffusing to the transistor TR. The fourth insulating layer INL4 can protect the transistor TR. The fourth insulating layer INL4 can include an organic layer and / or an inorganic layer. As an example, the fourth insulating layer INL4 can include silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxide (SiO x ), and / or silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ).

[0112] The fourth insulating layer INL4 can provide a surface on which a shield part AP (refer to FIG. 6 ) described later is disposed.

[0113] In the disclosure, the fourth insulating layer INL4 can be referred to as an upper insulating layer.

[0114] In an embodiment, the fifth insulating layer INL5 can be disposed on the fourth insulating layer INL4 and can include an organic insulating material (e.g., an organic polymer). The fifth insulating layer INL5 can be a planarization layer that provides a flat surface. The fifth insulating layer INL5 can include the same material as a material of the shield part AP (refer to FIG. 6 ) described later.

[0115] In the disclosure, the fifth insulating layer INL5 can be referred to as an organic insulating layer.

[0116] In an embodiment, the display element layer DP-ED can be disposed on the fifth insulating layer INL5 and can include a light emitting element OLED and a pixel definition layer PDL.

[0117] In an embodiment, the light emitting element OLED can include an anode electrode AE, a hole control layer HL, a light emitting layer EML, an electron control layer EL, and a cathode electrode CE.

[0118] The anode electrode AE can be disposed on the fifth insulating layer INL5 and can be connected to the second electrode ED2 through a contact hole defined through the fifth insulating layer INL5.

[0119] In an embodiment, a pixel definition layer PDL can be disposed on the fifth insulating layer INL5. A pixel opening OP can be defined to pass through the pixel definition layer PDL. At least a portion of the anode electrode AE can be exposed through the pixel opening OP. The region of the anode electrode AE exposed through the pixel opening OP can correspond to the light emitting region. The pixel definition layer PDL can include the same material as that of the later-described shield portion AP (refer to FIG. 6 ).

[0120] In an embodiment, a cathode electrode CE can be disposed on the anode electrode AE. The cathode electrode CE can be a common electrode, however, the present application should not be limited to or by this. A light emitting layer EML that emits light can be disposed between the anode electrode AE and the cathode electrode CE.

[0121] In an embodiment, a hole control layer HL can be disposed between the anode electrode AE and the light emitting layer EML, and can provide holes provided thereto from the anode electrode AE to the light emitting layer EML. The hole control layer HL can be provided as a plurality of layers. As an example, in an embodiment, the hole control layer HL can include a hole injection layer and a hole transport layer.

[0122] In an embodiment, an electron control layer EL can be disposed between the cathode electrode CE and the light emitting layer EML, and can provide electrons provided thereto from the cathode electrode CE to the light emitting layer EML. The electron control layer EL can be provided as a plurality of layers. As an example, in an embodiment, the electron control layer EL can include an electron injection layer and an electron transport layer.

[0123] In an embodiment, an encapsulation layer TFE can be disposed on the display element layer DP-ED. The encapsulation layer TFE can encapsulate the display element layer DP-ED, and can protect the display element layer DP-ED from external oxygen or moisture.

[0124] The encapsulation layer TFE can include a first inorganic layer IOL1, an organic layer OL disposed on the first inorganic layer IOL1, and a second inorganic layer IOL2 disposed on the organic layer OL. As a representative example, FIG. 3 A structure in which the encapsulation layer TFE includes two inorganic layers and one organic layer is shown. However, the present application should not be limited to or by this. As an example, in an embodiment, the encapsulation layer TFE can include three inorganic layers and two organic layers, and in this case, the inorganic layers can be stacked alternately with the organic layers.

[0125] In an embodiment, the first inorganic layer IOL1 can cover the light emitting element OLED. However, the first inorganic layer IOL1 can extend to the non-display area NDA (refer to FIG. 2to cover components such as a shield portion AP (refer to FIG. 6 ) disposed in the non-display area NDA, and this will be described later with reference to FIG. 8A .

[0126] The first inorganic layer IOL1 can be hydrophobic plasma treated or hydrophilic plasma treated to control the flow of the organic material coated on the first inorganic layer IOL1.

[0127] In an embodiment, the organic layer OL can include an organic material including a monomer or a polymer. As an example, the organic layer OL can include at least one of an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, and silicon oxycarbide (SiO x C y ), however, the organic layer OL should not be limited to or restricted to this.

[0128] The organic layer OL can be formed through a solution process such as a spin coating process, a slot coating process, or an inkjet process. However, since an organic material solution used in the solution process has fluidity, the organic material used in the process of forming the organic layer OL can be over-coated to an area other than the display area DA (refer to FIG. 2 ). Accordingly, an ashing process can be further performed to remove the over-coated organic material.

[0129] In an embodiment, the second inorganic layer IOL2 can be disposed on the organic layer OL. However, the second inorganic layer IOL2 can extend to the non-display area NDA (refer to FIG. 2 ) to cover components such as a shield portion AP (refer to FIG. 6 ) disposed in the non-display area NDA, and this will be described later with reference to FIG. 8A .

[0130] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a display panel DP according to an embodiment.

[0131] In an embodiment and with reference to FIG. 4 , the display panel DP can include pixels PX11 to PXnm, signal lines GL1 to GLn and DL1 to DLm, a driving line CL, an initial dam DM-I, a first dam DM1, a shield portion AP, and a second dam DM2, where n can be a positive integer. The signal lines GL1 to GLn and DL1 to DLm, the initial dam DM-I, and the shield portion AP can be components included in the circuit element layer DP-CL described with reference to FIG. 3 .

[0132] In an embodiment, the pixels PX11 to PXnm can be arranged in a matrix form. As a representative example, FIG. 4The pixels PX11 to PXnm are shown to be arranged in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. However, the arrangement of the pixels PX11 to PXnm should not be limited to or by this. As an example, the pixels PX11 to PXnm can be arranged in the form of a pentile .

[0133] Each of the pixels PX11 to PXnm can be connected to a respective one of the gate lines GL1 to GLn and a respective one of the data lines DL1 to DLm. Each of the pixels PX11 to PXnm can include a pixel driving circuit and a light emitting element OLED (refer to FIG. 3 ).

[0134] The signal lines GL1 to GLn and DL1 to DLm can include the gate lines GL1 to GLn and the data lines DL1 to DLm.

[0135] The gate lines GL1 to GLn can be arranged to overlap the display area DA. However, a portion of each of the gate lines GL1 to GLn can extend to the non-display area NDA.

[0136] In an embodiment, the gate lines GL1 to GLn can extend in the first direction DR1 and can be arranged in the second direction DR2. The gate lines GL1 to GLn can be electrically connected to the gate driving circuit GDC and the pixels PX11 to PXnm. The portion of each of the gate lines GL1 to GLn extending to the non-display area NDA can be connected to the gate driving circuit GDC. Among the pixels PX11 to PXnm, the pixels connected to each of the gate lines GL1 to GLn can be arranged in the first direction DR1.

[0137] In an embodiment, the data lines DL1 to DLm can be arranged to overlap the display area DA. The data lines DL1 to DLm can extend in the second direction DR2 and can be arranged in the first direction DR1. The data lines DL1 to DLm can be electrically connected to the pixels PX11 to PXnm. Among the pixels PX11 to PXnm, the pixels connected to each of the data lines DL1 to DLm can be arranged in the second direction DR2.

[0138] The data lines DL1 to DLm can cross the gate lines GL1 to GLn while being insulated from the gate lines GL1 to GLn.

[0139] In an embodiment, the gate driving circuit GDC can be provided in the non-display area NDA. FIG. 4 One gate driving circuit GDC provided in the non-display area NDA and adjacent to one side of the display area DA is shown. However, the present utility model should not be limited to or by this, and the gate driving circuit GDC can be provided on both sides of the display area DA in the first direction DR1.

[0140] The gate drive circuit (GDC) can output signals to the display panel (DP). The signals output from the gate drive circuit (GDC) can be applied to pixels PX11 to PXnm through gate lines GL1 to GLn.

[0141] In one embodiment, the gate drive circuit GDC can be integrated into the display panel DP using OSG (silicon oxide gate driver) technology; however, the present invention should not be limited to or restricted by this. According to another embodiment, the gate drive circuit GDC can be integrated into the display panel DP using ASG (amorphous silicon gate driver) technology.

[0142] In this embodiment, the initial dam DM-I can be located in the non-display area NDA. The initial dam DM-I can be located in the upper insulating layer INL4 (reference). FIG. 3 On top. When viewed in a plane, the initial dam DM-I can surround the display area DA.

[0143] In this embodiment, the first dam DM1 can be disposed in the non-display area NDA. The first dam DM1 can be disposed in the upper insulating layer INL4 (reference). FIG. 3 On the plane, the first dam DM1 can surround the display area DA and the initial dam DM-I. The first dam DM1 can be further away from the display area DA than the initial dam DM-I.

[0144] In this embodiment, the second dam DM2 can be disposed in the non-display area NDA. The second dam DM2 can be disposed in the upper insulating layer INL4 (reference). FIG. 3 When viewed in a plane, the second dam DM2 can surround the first dam DM1. When viewed in a plane, the second dam DM2 can surround the display area DA and the first dam DM1. The second dam DM2 can be further away from the display area DA than the first dam DM1.

[0145] In an embodiment, when forming a TFE (reference layer) included in the encapsulation layer FIG. 3 Organic layer OL in ) (reference) FIG. 3 When the initial dam DM-I, the first dam DM1, and the second dam DM2 are used, the organic layer OL can be controlled (reference). FIG. 3 The flow of organic material. That is, even if flowing organic material flows from the display area DA to the non-display area NDA, the organic material can be blocked by the initial dam DM-I. Accordingly, when viewed in a plane, the initial dam DM-I can limit the organic layer OL (reference). FIG. 3 The boundary of the dam. However, the organic material flowing through the initial dam DM-I can be additionally blocked by the first dam DM1 and the second dam DM2, respectively.

[0146] Each of the initial dam DM-I, the first dam DM1, and the second dam DM2 can include at least one layer including an organic material. The initial dam DM-I, the first dam DM1, and the second dam DM2 can be formed with the fifth insulating layer INL5 (refer to FIG. 3 ) and the pixel definition layer PDL (refer to FIG. 3 ) through the same process, and can include the same material as that of the fifth insulating layer INL5 (refer to FIG. 3 ) and the pixel definition layer PDL (refer to FIG. 3 ).

[0147] In an embodiment, the driving lines CL can be disposed on the first insulating layer INL1 (refer to FIG. 4 ), however, the present disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to another embodiment, the driving lines CL can be disposed on at least one of the second to fourth insulating layers INL2 to INL4.

[0148] The driving lines CL can be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2.

[0149] The driving lines CL can extend in the first direction DR1. The driving lines CL can extend in the first direction DR1 at different lengths. The driving lines CL can overlap the initial dam DM-I, the first dam DM1, the shield portion AP, or the second dam DM2.

[0150] One end of each of the driving lines CL can be connected to the gate driving circuit GDC, and the other end of each of the driving lines CL can be connected to a signal generating member (not shown). The other end of the driving lines CL can be connected to the signal generating member via a contact hole CNT defined through at least a portion of the insulating layers INL1 to INL4 (refer to FIG. 3 ).

[0151] In an embodiment, each of the contact holes CNT can be defined inside or outside the second dam DM2 depending on the extension length of each of the driving lines CL. In the present disclosure, the inside of the second dam DM2 can refer to a direction toward the display area DA based on the second dam DM2, and the outside of the second dam DM2 can refer to a direction toward the outside of the display panel DP based on the second dam DM2. As a representative example, FIG. 3 a structure in which some of the contact holes CNT are defined outside the second dam DM2 and the rest of the contact holes CNT are defined inside the second dam DM2 is shown, however, the present disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, some of the contact holes CNT can be defined to overlap the second dam DM2.

[0152] In an embodiment, the driving line CL can transmit an electrical signal generated by a signal generating member to drive the gate driving circuit GDC. Although not shown separately, the signal generating member can include a transistor. The electrical signal generated by the signal generating member can be a clock signal.

[0153] In an embodiment, the shield portion AP can be disposed on the upper insulating layer INL4 (refer to FIG. 5A ) and can be provided as a plurality. The shield portion AP can be disposed between the first dam DM1 and the second dam DM2. The shield portion AP can be spaced apart from the gate driving circuit GDC and the display area DA farther. That is, the shield portion AP can be disposed closer to the outside of the display panel DP than the gate driving circuit GDC.

[0154] In a process of forming the organic layer OL (refer to FIG. 5B ), the shield portion AP can prevent an organic material for the organic layer OL from flowing toward the second dam DM2 after overflowing the first dam DM1. That is, the shield portion AP can block the organic material to not allow the organic material to travel from the display area DA to the non-display area NDA after overflowing the first dam DM1.

[0155] FIG. 5C is a plan view of a display panel P-DP according to a comparative example. FIG. 5B is a plan view of a display panel P-DP according to a comparative example. FIGS. 5A-5C is a cross-sectional view of the display panel P-DP taken along the line I-I' of FIG. 6 .

[0156] Hereinafter, a defect of a display panel P-DP not including a shield portion AP (refer to FIG. 4 ) according to a comparative example will be described with reference to FIG. 5A .

[0157] FIG. 3 shows a display panel P-DP according to a comparative example corresponding to the area AA' shown in FIG. 3 .

[0158] In a process of forming an organic layer (refer to OL of FIG. 5A ) included in a TFE of a packaging layer (refer to FIG. 3 ) using a solution process, a liquid organic material can overflow in a direction toward the outside of the display panel DP-D. That is, the organic material can overflow the initial dam DM-I.

[0159] In this disclosure, the organic material that overflows from the initial dam DM-I and is coated may be referred to as the over-organic material OR. In embodiments, the over-organic material OR may include hardened organic material and a fluid liquid organic material. A portion of the over-organic material OR may overflow not only from the initial dam DM-I, but also from the first dam DM1 or the second dam DM2.

[0160] The overflow of organic materials (OR) may occur in the first inorganic layer (see reference). FIG. 8C The area adjacent to the side surface of the drive line CL (IOL1) is provided. As a representative example, FIG. 8C The diagram illustrates an organic material OR that overflows from the display panel P-DP in a direction parallel to the first direction DR1 to the outside of the display panel P-DP, according to a comparative example.

[0161] The phenomenon that the organic material OR moves along the region adjacent to the side surface of the driving line CL can be observed by the movement of the organic material OR in the first inorganic layer (reference). FIG. 8B The inorganic bending portion defined in IOL1) (refer to FIG. 8C This can be explained by the capillary effect caused by GV. (Refer to...) FIG. 5B and FIG. 3 This will be described in detail.

[0162] FIG. 5B The P-DP display panel according to the comparative example is shown in the coating used to form the organic layer (reference). FIG. 3 After processing the organic materials (OR), an ashing process is performed on them to remove the over-organic materials (OR).

[0163] refer to FIG. 3 At least a portion of the organic material OR can be removed through an ashing process.

[0164] The ashing process used to remove excess organic material (OR) can be performed in the first inorganic layer (see reference). FIG. 3 The IOL1) is effectively executed in the region with a flat surface. However, due to the first inorganic layer (reference) FIG. 3 For uneven portions of IOL1, the ashing process may not be able to proceed in the first inorganic layer (see reference). FIG. 5B The IOL1) is effectively executed in the uneven region.

[0165] As an example, since the initial dam DM-I, the first dam DM1, and the second dam DM2 have flat upper surfaces, the first inorganic layer (reference) FIG. 3 IOL1) can also have flat surfaces in the areas that overlap with these upper surfaces. FIG. 8C Zone BB' shows the coating of the first inorganic layer in the zone overlapping the upper surface of the first dam DM1 (reference).FIG. 3 a state in which the over organic material OR on the IOL1) is removed through an ashing process.

[0166] However, since the inorganic curved portion (refer to FIG. 5B GV) is defined in a region of the first inorganic layer (refer to FIG. 8B IOL1) disposed adjacent to a side surface of the driving line CL, the ashing process for removing the over organic material OR can not be smoothly performed. FIG. 8C A state in which the over organic material OR remains in a region adjacent to the driving line CL is shown. Reference will be made to FIG. 5C and FIG. 5B The reason for forming the inorganic curved portion GV and the structure of the inorganic curved portion GV will be described in detail.

[0167] FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of the display panel P-DP taken along the line I-I' of FIG. 5C .

[0168] The portion of the over organic material OR filled in the inorganic curved portion GV (refer to FIG. 6 ) can remain outside of the display panel P-DP based on the second dam DM2.

[0169] FIG. 4 The region CC' shown in illustrates the over organic material OR remaining after overflowing the second dam DM2. The over organic material OR remaining in the region CC' can act as a moisture / oxygen permeation path. Accordingly, according to the comparative example, the reliability of the display panel P-DP can be deteriorated due to the moisture / oxygen permeated through the over organic material OR remaining in the region CC'.

[0170] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the display panel DP corresponding to the region AA' of FIG. 6 according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a shield portion AP according to an embodiment.

[0171] Hereinafter, the structure and position of the shield portion AP will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 6 .

[0172] In an embodiment, the shield portion AP can be disposed between the first dam DM1 and the second dam DM2.

[0173] The shield portion AP can be provided as a plurality, and the shield portions AP can be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2.

[0174] The shield part AP can include a first part PT1 and second parts PT2-1 and PT2-2. However, the first part PT1 and the second parts PT2-1 and PT2-2 are defined for convenience of explanation of the structure of the shield part AP, and the shield part AP can have a continuous, integral form.

[0175] The first part PT1 can overlap at least one of the drive lines CL and can extend in the second direction DR2.

[0176] The second parts PT2-1 and PT2-2 can include a second-first part PT2-1 protruding in the first direction DR1 from one end of the first part PT1 and not overlapping the drive lines CL and a second-second part PT2-2 protruding in the first direction DR1 from the other end of the first part PT1 and not overlapping the drive lines CL.

[0177] As a representative example, FIG. 6 A structure in which the first part PT1 included in the shield part AP overlaps three drive lines CL is illustrated. However, the number of drive lines CL overlapping each shield part AP should not be particularly limited.

[0178] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, FIG. 6 In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, each of the first part PT1 and the second parts PT2-1 and PT2-2 has a quadrangular shape when viewed in a plan view. However, the present application should not be limited to or by this. As an example, each of the parts PT1, PT2-1, and PT2-2 can have a chamfered shape in which portions at corners are cut off.

[0179] In an embodiment, the shield part AP can be spaced apart from the first dam DM1. The distance between the shield part AP and the first dam DM1 can be referred to as a separation distance DS. The separation distance DS can be defined as a distance from a side surface of the second-first part PT2-1 or the second-second part PT2-2 facing the first dam DM1 and close to the first dam DM1 to a side surface of the first dam DM1. FIG. 7 A separation distance DS from a side surface P21S of the second-first part PT2-1 facing the first dam DM1 to the first dam DM1 is illustrated.

[0180] In an embodiment, the lengths by which the second-first part PT2-1 and the second-second part PT2-2 protrude in the first direction DR1 from the first part PT1 can be referred to as a first protrusion length L21 and a second protrusion length L22, respectively.

[0181] In an embodiment, the first protrusion length L21 can be the same as the second protrusion length L22. In this case, each of the protrusion lengths L21 and L22 can be equal to or greater than a value obtained by multiplying the number of drive lines CL overlapping the first portion PT1 by approximately 1.8 micrometers and equal to or less than a value obtained by multiplying the number of drive lines CL overlapping the first portion PT1 by approximately 2.2 micrometers. As an example, when the first portion PT1 included in the shield portion AP overlaps three drive lines CL, each of the first protrusion length L21 and the second protrusion length L22 can be equal to or greater than approximately 5.4 micrometers and equal to or less than approximately 6.6 micrometers. However, the present application should not be limited to or by this and the first protrusion length L21 and the second protrusion length L22 can be different from each other.

[0182] In an embodiment, the shield portion AP can block the flow of the over organic material OR caused by the capillary phenomenon. That is, the flow of the over organic material OR in a direction toward the outside of the display panel DP beyond the first dam DM1 can be blocked by the shield portion AP.

[0183] In an embodiment, since the first portion PT1 overlaps the drive line CL, the over organic material OR flowing adjacent to the drive line CL can come into contact with a side surface of the first portion PT1 facing the first dam DM1. Accordingly, the first portion PT1 can block the flow of the over organic material OR in a direction along the first direction DR1 by the capillary phenomenon.

[0184] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the over organic material OR in contact with the first portion PT1 can flow in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2. The flow of the over organic material OR in the direction parallel to the second direction DR2 can be blocked by the second-first portion PT2-1 and the second-second portion PT2-2.

[0185] That is, the shield portion AP can block the flow of the over organic material OR flowing in both the direction along the first direction DR1 and the direction parallel to the second direction DR2 by the capillary phenomenon.

[0186] In an embodiment and with reference to FIG. 3 A region defined inside the shield portion AP can be defined as a shield portion region APA. The shield portion region APA can be defined between the second-first portion PT2-1 and the second-second portion PT2-2. The over organic material OR blocked by the shield portion AP can be accumulated in the shield portion region APA.

[0187] In an embodiment and with reference to FIG. 3The shielded portion of the AP can have a multi-layer structure. According to an embodiment, the first portion PT1 may include a first layer P1a and a second layer P1b disposed on the first layer P1a, the second-first portion PT2-1 may include a first layer P21a and a second layer P21b disposed on the first layer P21a, and the second-second portion PT2-2 may include a first layer P22a and a second layer P22b disposed on the first layer P22a.

[0188] In an embodiment, the shielding portion AP may include a first shielding layer APa and a second shielding layer APb disposed on the first shielding layer APa. The first shielding layer APa may include first layers P1a, P21a and P22a, and the second shielding layer APb may include second layers P1b, P21b and P22b.

[0189] In this embodiment, the first shielding layer APa can be connected to the fifth insulating layer INL5 (reference). FIG. 3 It is formed using the same process and may include a fifth insulating layer, INL5 (reference). FIG. 3 The second shielding layer APb can be made of the same material as the pixel-defining layer PDL (see reference). FIG. 7 It is formed using the same process and may include a pixel-defining layer (PDL) (reference). FIG. 3 The same material as the material.

[0190] However, this invention should not be limited to or restricted by this, and the shielding portion AP may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure with three or more layers.

[0191] In this embodiment, the barrier space VA can be confined within the shielded portion AP. (See reference...) FIG. 6 The barrier space VA can be defined as a cuboid-shaped space, wherein the bottom of the barrier space VA is formed by an upper insulating layer INL4 (reference). FIG. 2 The area defined on the barrier space VA is between the second-first part PT2-1 and the second-second part PT2-2, and the height of the barrier space VA is defined by the height DH of the shielding part AP.

[0192] In an embodiment, the volume of the barrier space VA can be determined by multiplying the barrier width BW between the second-first portion PT2-1 and the second-second portion PT2-2, another protrusion length smaller than one of the protrusion lengths L21 of the second-first portion PT2-1 protruding from one end of the first portion PT1 in the first direction DR1 and the second protrusion length L22 of the second-second portion PT2-2 protruding from the other end of the first portion PT1 in the first direction DR1, and the height DH of the shielding portion AP.

[0193] As the volume of the barrier space VA increases, the effect of the shielding portion AP blocking the organic material OR (refer to FIG. 6 ) can be enhanced. However, when the volume of the barrier space VA is too large, there can not be enough space available in the display panel DP (refer to FIG. 6 ) for placing the shielding portion AP. Accordingly, it is preferable that the volume of the barrier space VA is equal to or greater than about twelve times the volume of the organic material OR (refer to FIG. 8A ) disposed between the second portions PT2-1 and PT2-2 and equal to or less than about thirty times the volume of the organic material OR (refer to FIG. 6 ) disposed between the second portions PT2-1 and PT2-2. However, the present application should not be limited thereto or thereby.

[0194] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the display panel DP taken along the line I-I’ of FIG. 6 according to an embodiment. FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of the display panel DP taken along the line II-II’ of FIG. 8B according to an embodiment. FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the display panel DP corresponding to the region DD’ of FIG. 7 according to an embodiment.

[0195] In an embodiment, the initial dam DM-I, the first dam DM1, the shielding portion AP, and the second dam DM2 can be disposed on the fourth insulating layer INL4.

[0196] The initial dam DM-I, the first dam DM1, the shielding portion AP, and the second dam DM2 can be covered by the first inorganic layer IOL1 and the second inorganic layer IOL2.

[0197] In an embodiment, the end of the first inorganic layer IOL1 and the end of the second inorganic layer IOL2 can be disposed inside the end of the display panel DP.

[0198] In an embodiment, the initial dam DM-I can include a first layer DM la disposed on the upper insulating layer INL4 and a second layer DM lb disposed on the first layer DM la. Each of the first layer DM la and the second layer DM lb can have a trapezoidal shape when viewed in cross-section, however, the present application should not be limited thereto or thereby. As an example, the initial dam DM-I can have a single layer structure, or the first layer DM la or the second layer DM lb can have a shape other than a trapezoidal shape when viewed in cross-section.

[0199] In an embodiment, the first dam DM1 may include a first layer DM1a disposed on the upper insulating layer INL4 and a second layer DM1b disposed on the first layer DM1a. Each of the first layer DM1a and the second layer DM1b may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed in cross-section; however, the present invention should not be limited to or restricted by this. As an example, the first dam DM1 may have a single-layer structure, or the first layer DM1a or the second layer DM1b may have a shape other than a trapezoidal shape when viewed in cross-section.

[0200] In an embodiment, the second dam DM2 may include a first layer DM2a disposed on the upper insulating layer INL4 and a second layer DM2b disposed on the first layer DM2a. Each of the first layer DM2a and the second layer DM2b may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed in cross-section; however, the present invention should not be limited to or restricted by this. As an example, the second dam DM2 may have a single-layer structure, or the first layer DM2a or the second layer DM2b may have a shape other than a trapezoidal shape when viewed in cross-section.

[0201] In an embodiment, the shielding portion AP may include a first shielding layer APa disposed on the upper insulating layer INL4 and a second shielding layer APb disposed on the first shielding layer APa. FIG. 8A The cross-section of the first shielding layer APa shown can be the first layer P1a (reference). FIG. 7 ) cross section, and FIG. 3 The cross-section of the second shielding layer APb shown in the figure can be that of the second layer P1b (reference). FIG. 3 ) cross section.

[0202] In the embodiment, the first shielding layer APa and the first layers DMIa, DM1a and DM2a can be connected to the fifth insulating layer INL5 (reference). FIG. 3 It is formed using the same process and may include a fifth insulating layer, INL5 (reference). FIG. 3 The material is the same as that used for the first shielding layer APa. Accordingly, the first shielding layer APa may include organic materials.

[0203] In the embodiment, the second shielding layer APb and the second layers DMIb, DM1b and DM2b can be connected to the pixel definition layer PDL (reference). FIG. 5C It is formed using the same process and may include a pixel-defining layer (PDL) (reference). FIG. 8B The material is the same as that used for the second shielding layer APb. Accordingly, the second shielding layer APb may include organic materials.

[0204] According to an embodiment, the over-organic material OR can not remain in the area A1 disposed between the shielding portion AP and the second dam DM2. That is, the flow of the over-organic material OR in a process of forming the organic layer OL can be blocked by the shielding portion AP, and thus, the over-organic material OR can not remain in the area A1 disposed between the shielding portion AP and the second dam DM2.

[0205] Accordingly, the first inorganic layer IOL1 can be in contact with the second inorganic layer IOL2 in the area A1.

[0206] In an embodiment, since the over-organic material OR is blocked by the second dam DM2, the over-organic material OR can not remain in the area A2 disposed between the second dam DM2 and the outside of the display panel DP. That is, according to the display panel DP, the formation of a moisture / oxygen permeation path can be prevented by the second dam DM2. Accordingly, the display panel DP can have a higher reliability than the reliability of the display panel P-DP (refer to FIG. 8C ) according to the comparative example.

[0207] In an embodiment and with reference to FIG. 8C and FIG. 8B , the driving line CL can be disposed on the first insulating layer INL1. The driving line CL can be covered by the insulating layers INL2 to INL4 and the inorganic layers IOL1 and IOL2.

[0208] Due to the thickness of the driving line CL, a step portion BS can be defined between the upper surface BU of the first insulating layer INL1 and the side surface SS of each of the driving lines CL.

[0209] First and second curved portions CV1 and CV2 curved in correspondence with the shape of the step portion BS can be defined in the second and third insulating layers INL2 and INL3, respectively. In the following description, the first and second curved portions CV1 and CV2 can be referred to as intermediate curved portions.

[0210] A third curved portion CV3 curved in correspondence with the shape of the first and second curved portions CV1 and CV2 can be defined in the fourth insulating layer INL4. The third curved portion CV3 can be referred to as an upper curved portion.

[0211] The upper insulating layer INL4 can include a first upper portion INL4-1 and a second upper portion INL4-2. However, the first and second upper portions INL4-1 and INL4-2 are defined for convenience of explanation of the structure, and the upper insulating layer INL4 can have a continuous, one-piece form.

[0212] The first upper portion INL4-1 can overlap one of the driving lines CL and can cover the second curved portion CV2. An upper surface IL41U of the first upper portion INL4-1 can be spaced apart from the upper surface BU of the first insulating layer INL1 by a first distance D1.

[0213] The second upper portion INL4-2 can not overlap the driving lines CL and can be disposed between the first upper portions INL4-1 disposed adjacent to each other. An upper surface IL42U of the second upper portion INL4-2 can be spaced apart from the upper surface BU of the first insulating layer INL1 by a second distance D2.

[0214] In an embodiment, since the first upper portion INL4-1 can overlap the driving lines CL and the second upper portion INL4-2 can not overlap the driving lines CL, the first distance D1 can be greater than the second distance D2.

[0215] In an embodiment, the second-first portion PT2-1 and the second-second portion PT2-2 can be disposed on the upper insulating layer INL4.

[0216] Each of the second-first portion PT2-1 and the second-second portion PT2-2 can not overlap the driving lines CL. In addition, each of the second-first portion PT2-1 and the second-second portion PT2-2 can overlap the second upper portion INL4-2.

[0217] In an embodiment, an upper surface P21U of the second-first portion PT2-1 and an upper surface P22U of the second-second portion PT2-2 can be flat. That is, in a region overlapping the upper surface P21U of the second-first portion PT2-1, a first thickness TH1 of the second-first portion PT2-1 in the third direction DR3 can be uniform in the second direction DR2. In addition, in a region overlapping the upper surface P22U of the second-second portion PT2-2, a second thickness TH2 of the second-second portion PT2-2 in the third direction DR3 can be uniform in the second direction DR2.

[0218] In an embodiment, the first inorganic layer IOL1 can cover the second-first portion PT2-1, the second-second portion PT2-2, and the upper insulating layer INL4.

[0219] In an embodiment, the first inorganic layer IOL1 can include a first inorganic portion IOL1-1 and a second inorganic portion IOL1-2. However, the first inorganic portion IOL1-1 and the second inorganic portion IOL1-2 are defined for convenience of explanation, and the first inorganic layer IOL1 can have a continuous unitary shape.

[0220] The first inorganic portion IOL1-1 can overlap one of the driving lines CL and can cover the upper curved portion CV3. The first inorganic portion IOL1-1 can overlap the first upper portion INL4-1.

[0221] The second inorganic portion IOL1-2 can not overlap the driving lines CL and can be disposed between the first inorganic portions IOL1-1 disposed adjacent to each other. The second inorganic portion IOL1-2 can overlap the second upper portion INL4-2.

[0222] In an embodiment, since the first inorganic layer IOL1 is disposed on the upper insulating layer INL4, an inorganic curved portion GV curved in correspondence with a shape of the upper curved portion CV3 can be defined in the first inorganic layer IOL1.

[0223] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the over organic material OR can be disposed on the inorganic curved portion GV, wherein the over organic material OR disposed on the inorganic curved portion GV can be covered by the second inorganic layer IOL2.

[0224] In an embodiment and with reference to FIG. 8D The over organic material OR disposed on the inorganic curved portion GV has a triangular shape when viewed in a cross-section, however, the present utility model should not be limited thereto or restricted thereto. Since the over organic material OR is formed due to an overflow phenomenon of the liquid organic material, the over organic material OR can have an irregular shape.

[0225] In an embodiment, since the over organic material OR is formed by overflow of the organic material, the over organic material OR can not be disposed on a portion of the inorganic curved portion GV. As a representative example, FIG. 6 The inorganic curved portion GV on which the over organic material OR is not disposed in the region A3 is shown.

[0226] The second inorganic layer IOL2 can cover the first inorganic layer IOL1 and the over organic material OR disposed on the inorganic curved portion GV.

[0227] FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional view of the display panel DP taken along a line III-III’ of FIG. 8C according to an embodiment.

[0228] In an embodiment and with reference to FIG. 8D , the first inorganic layer IOL1 and the upper insulating layer INL4 can be partially spaced apart from each other with a first portion PT1 interposed between the first inorganic layer IOL1 and the upper insulating layer INL4. Accordingly, in a region overlapping the first portion PT1, the first inorganic layer IOL1 can not be curved in correspondence with a shape of the upper curved portion CV3 (with reference to FIGS. 9-12 ).

[0229] In an embodiment, the lower surface P1B of the first portion PT1 can have a shape corresponding to the upper surface IL41U of the first upper portion INL4-1 and the upper surface IL42U of the second upper portion INL4-2. That is, in a region in which the upper insulating layer INL4 has a shape protruding in the third direction DR3, the lower surface P1B of the first portion PT1 can have a shape recessed in the third direction DR3.

[0230] In an embodiment, the upper surface P1U of the first portion PT1 can be completely flat. However, the present application should not be limited to or by this. As an example, in a region overlapping with the upper surface HU of the upper insulating layer INL4 having a shape protruding in the third direction DR3, the upper surface P1U of the first portion PT1 can protrude in the third direction DR3.

[0231] In an embodiment, the first portion PT1 can overlap with the first upper portion INL4-1 and the second upper portion INL4-2. As a representative example, FIGS. 9-12 A structure in which the first portion PT1 overlaps with three first upper portions INL4-1 and four second upper portions INL4-2 is shown. However, the number of first upper portions INL4-1 overlapping with the first portion PT1 and the number of second upper portions INL4-2 overlapping with the first portion PT1 can be different depending on the number of drive lines CL overlapping with the first portion PT1, and should not be particularly limited.

[0232] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a shielding portion according to an embodiment.

[0233] As an example, FIGS. 9-12 is a plan view of a shielding portion according to an embodiment, which FIGS. 1A-8D corresponds to a region AA' of FIG. 9 In FIG. 8C , the same / similar reference numerals denote the same / similar elements as those of , and thus a detailed description of the same elements will be omitted.

[0234] In an embodiment and with reference to FIG. 10 , the display panel DP-1 can include a shielding portion AP-1.

[0235] In an embodiment, the shielding portion AP-1 can be provided as a plurality of.

[0236] At least a portion of the shield portion AP-1 can include a third portion PT3 protruding from the first portion PT1 in the first direction DR1 and not overlapping the driving line CL, which is disposed between the second-first portion PT2-1 and the second-second portion PT2-2. In an embodiment, the third portion PT3 can overlap the second upper portion INL4-2 (refer to FIG. 10 ).

[0237] A length by which the third portion PT3 protrudes from the first portion PT1 in the first direction DR1 can be referred to as a third protrusion length L3. The third protrusion length L3 can be equal to the first protrusion length L21 and the second protrusion length L22, however, the present utility model should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to another embodiment, the third protrusion length L3 can be different from the first protrusion length L21 or the second protrusion length L22.

[0238] In an embodiment and with reference to FIG. 11 , the display panel DP-2 can include a shield portion AP-2.

[0239] In an embodiment, the shield portion AP-2 can be provided as a plurality. At least a portion of the shield portion AP-2 can include a third portion PT3 protruding from the first portion PT1 in the first direction DR1 and not overlapping the driving line CL, which is disposed between the second-first portion PT2-1 and the second-second portion PT2-2.

[0240] The third portion PT3 can include a third-first portion PT3-1 and a third-second portion PT3-2, however, the present utility model should not be limited thereto or thereby. As an example, in another embodiment, the third portion PT3 can include only the third-first portion PT3-1, or can include three or more portions.

[0241] The third-first portion PT3-1 can have a first width W1 in the second direction DR2, and the third-second portion PT3-2 can have a second width W2 in the second direction DR2. As a representative example, FIG. 7 a structure in which the first width W1 is different from the second width W2 is shown, however, the present utility model should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to another embodiment, the first width W1 can be the same as the second width W2.

[0242] In an embodiment, a length by which the third portion PT3 protrudes from the first portion PT1 in the first direction DR1 (i.e., the third protrusion length L3) can be substantially the same as the first protrusion length L21 and the second protrusion length L22, however, the present utility model should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to another embodiment, the third protrusion length L3 can be different from the first protrusion length L21 or the second protrusion length L22.

[0243] In an embodiment and with reference to FIG. 12 The display panel DP-3 can include shield portions AP-3.

[0244] In an embodiment, the shield portions AP-3 can be provided as a plurality.

[0245] At least a portion of the shield portions AP-3 can further include a first tip portion TP1 connected to a side surface P1S of the first portion PT1 facing the first dam DM1 and a second-first portion PT2-1 and a second tip portion TP2 connected to a side surface P22S of the second-second portion PT2-2 facing the second-first portion PT2-1 and a side surface P1S of the first portion PT1 facing the first dam DM1.

[0246] The first tip portion TP1 can have a size smaller than a size of the second-first portion PT2-1 and the second tip portion TP2 can have a size smaller than a size of the second-second portion PT2-2 when viewed in a plane.

[0247] Although not shown separately, in an embodiment and with reference to FIG. 7 The layer structure of the shield portions AP described can be equally applied to the first tip portion TP1 and the second tip portion TP2.

[0248] In an embodiment and with reference to FIG. 13 The display panel DP-4 can include shield portions AP-4.

[0249] In an embodiment, the shield portions AP-4 can be provided as a plurality.

[0250] At least a portion of the shield portion AP-4 can further include a third portion PT3 protruding from the first portion PT1 in the first direction DR1 and not overlapping the drive line CL, disposed between the second-first portion PT2-1 and the second-second portion PT2-2, a first tip portion TP1 connected to the side surface P1S of the first portion PT1 facing the first dam DM1 and the side surface P21S of the second-first portion PT2-1 facing the second-second portion PT2-2, a second tip portion TP2 connected to the side surface P1S of the first portion PT1 facing the first dam DM1 and the side surface P22S of the second-second portion PT2-2 facing the second-first portion PT2-1, a third tip portion TP3 connected to the side surface P1S of the first portion PT1 facing the first dam DM1 and the side surface P31S of the third portion PT3 facing the second-first portion PT2-1, and a fourth tip portion TP4 connected to the side surface P1S of the first portion PT1 facing the first dam DM1 and the side surface P32S of the third portion PT3 facing the second-second portion PT2-2.

[0251] The first tip portion TP1 can have a size smaller than that of the second-first portion PT2-2, the second tip portion TP2 can have a size smaller than that of the second-second portion PT2-2, the third tip portion TP3 can have a size smaller than that of the third portion PT3, and the fourth tip portion TP4 can have a size smaller than that of the third portion PT3, when viewed in the plane.

[0252] Although not shown separately, in an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 13 The layer structure of the shield portion AP described can be equally applied to the first to fourth tip portions TP1 to TP4.

[0253] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a display panel DP-5 according to an embodiment.

[0254] In an embodiment and with reference to FIG. 3 The gate driving circuit GDC can include a first gate driving circuit GDC-1 and a second gate driving circuit GDC-2 disposed in the non-display area NDA and spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1, with the display area DA interposed between the first gate driving circuit GDC-1 and the second gate driving circuit GDC-2.

[0255] The display panel DP-5 can include a first drive line CL1, a first shield portion AP1 overlapping the first drive line CL1, a second drive line CL2, and a second shield portion AP2 overlapping the second drive line CL2. The first drive line CL1 can pass through the insulating layers INL1 to INL4 (with reference to ​at least a portion of the contact hole CNT1 defined in the insulating layer INL1 to INL4 (refer to ​ ) can be connected to the signal generating member via at least a portion of the second contact hole CNT2 defined in the insulating layer INL1 to INL4.

[0256] While embodiments of the present application have been described, it is to be understood that the application is not limited to those embodiments. Instead, numerous modifications, changes and substitutions can occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter is not to be limited to any single embodiment or combination of embodiments described herein or otherwise shown in the drawings. Further, the embodiments or portions thereof can be combined together or with other embodiments or portions thereof, without departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: Display panel; as well as The gate drive circuit outputs the signal to the display panel. The display panel includes: The base layer includes a display area and a non-display area disposed adjacent to the display area; A drive line is disposed on the substrate layer, connected to the gate drive circuit, and extends in a first direction; An upper insulating layer is disposed on the base layer; The first dam is set on the upper insulating layer and overlaps with the non-display area; A second dam is disposed on the upper insulating layer and is spaced further from the display area than the first dam; and The shielding portion is disposed between the first dam and the second dam, on the upper insulating layer. The shielding portion includes: The first portion overlaps with at least one of the drive lines and extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction; The second-first portion protrudes from one end of the first portion in the first direction and does not overlap with the drive line; and The second portion protrudes from the other end of the first portion in the first direction and does not overlap with the drive line.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The shielding portion includes a plurality of shielding portions arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, At least a portion of the plurality of shielding portions further includes a third portion disposed between the second-first portion and the second-second portion, which protrudes from the first portion in the first direction and does not overlap with the drive line.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The third part includes a third-first part having a first width in the second direction and a third-second part having a second width in the second direction.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The first width is different from the second width.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The display panel further includes: A lower insulating layer is disposed between the substrate layer and the drive line; and An intermediate insulating layer is disposed between the lower insulating layer and the upper insulating layer and covers the drive wire. The upper insulating layer is disposed on the middle insulating layer, and Wherein, due to the thickness of the drive line, the stepped portion is defined between the upper surface of the lower insulation layer and the side surface of each of the drive lines, and the intermediate curved portion, which is curved in accordance with the shape of the stepped portion, is defined in the intermediate insulation layer, and the upper curved portion, which is curved in accordance with the shape of the intermediate curved portion, is defined in the upper insulation layer.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein, The display panel further includes: An initial dam, disposed on the upper insulating layer and positioned closer to the display area than the first dam; and The encapsulation layer includes a first inorganic layer disposed on the upper insulating layer and covering the shielding portion, an organic layer disposed on the first inorganic layer and not overlapping with the shielding portion, and a second inorganic layer disposed on the organic layer and covering the shielding portion. The boundary of the organic layer is defined by the initial dam, and The inorganic curved portion, which is curved in a manner corresponding to the shape of the upper curved portion, is defined in the first inorganic layer.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The display panel further includes: An organic material is disposed on the first inorganic layer and covered by the second inorganic layer. Wherein, at least a portion of the organic material extends in the first direction, and The per-organic material includes the same material as the organic layer.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The display panel further includes: An organic insulating layer is disposed on the upper insulating layer; and A pixel-defining layer is disposed on the organic insulating layer. The shielding portion includes a first shielding layer comprising the same material as the organic insulating layer, and a second shielding layer disposed on the first shielding layer and comprising the same material as the pixel defining layer.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The gate driving circuit overlaps with the non-display area, and The shielding portion is further away from the display area than the gate driving circuit.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, In the region overlapping with the upper surface of the second-first portion, the first thickness of the second-first portion in a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions is consistent in the second direction, and In the region overlapping with the upper surface of the second-second portion, the second thickness of the second-second portion in the third direction is consistent in the second direction.

12. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The second-first portion protrudes a first protruding length from the first portion in the first direction, and the second-second portion protrudes a second protruding length from the first portion in the first direction. Wherein, the first protruding length is equal to the second protruding length.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein, Each of the first protrusion length and the second protrusion length is equal to or greater than a value obtained by multiplying the number of drive lines intersecting the first portion when viewed in a plane by 1.8 micrometers and is equal to or less than a value obtained by multiplying the number of drive lines intersecting the first portion when viewed in a plane by 2.2 micrometers.

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