Display device

Abstract

A display apparatus includes a display panel, a module hole passing through the display panel in a display area of the display panel, and a blocking slot disposed on the display panel such that the blocking slot is disposed around the module hole. The blocking slot is recessed in the display area of the display panel and includes a first horizontal portion, a second horizontal portion disposed to face the first horizontal portion, a first zigzag portion connected between a first side of the first horizontal portion and a first side of the second horizontal portion, and a second zigzag portion connected between a second side of the first horizontal portion and a second side of the second horizontal portion and disposed to face the first zigzag portion.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0147208, filed on October 25, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to display devices and structures thereof, with an emphasis on their ability to prevent damage to the encapsulation layer of the display device when the protective strip is removed, such as display devices included in electronic devices. Background Technology

[0004] Various types of display devices have been developed, including display modules for providing image information. These display devices may include electronic modules that receive external signals or provide output signals to external destinations. An example of an electronic module in a display device is a camera module, and the demand for display devices capable of acquiring high-resolution images is growing. Therefore, the increasing importance of electronic modules makes ensuring their integrity even more critical. Consequently, improvements are needed to maintain the integrity of the components of a display device. Utility Model Content

[0005] This disclosure provides a display device and an electronic device including the display device, which can prevent damage to the encapsulation layer of the display device when the protective strip is removed.

[0006] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a display device is provided. The display device includes: a display panel; a module hole passing through the display panel in a display area of ​​the display panel; and a blocking groove disposed around the module hole to be recessed in the display area of ​​the display panel. The blocking groove may include: a first horizontal portion; a second horizontal portion disposed facing the first horizontal portion; a first serrated portion connected between one side of the first horizontal portion and one side of the second horizontal portion; and a second serrated portion connected between the other side of the first horizontal portion and the other side of the second horizontal portion and disposed facing the first serrated portion.

[0007] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a display device is provided. The display device includes: a display panel; a module hole passing through the display panel in a display area of ​​the display panel; and a blocking groove disposed around the module hole to be recessed in the display area of ​​the display panel. The blocking groove may include: a first protrusion; a second protrusion disposed facing the first protrusion; a first recess connected to one side of the first protrusion and one side of the second protrusion; and a second recess connected to the other side of the first protrusion and the other side of the second protrusion and disposed facing the first recess.

[0008] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a display device is provided. The display device includes: a display panel; a module hole passing through the display panel in a display area of ​​the display panel; and a plurality of blocking grooves disposed around the module hole to be recessed in the display area of ​​the display panel. In a plan view, two or more of the plurality of blocking grooves may have elliptical shapes with different degrees of eccentricity.

[0009] In one embodiment of this disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a display device for providing an image. Furthermore, the display device includes: a display panel; a module hole extending through the display panel in a display area of ​​the display panel; and a blocking groove disposed around the module hole to be recessed in the display area of ​​the display panel. The blocking groove may include: a first horizontal portion; a second horizontal portion disposed facing the first horizontal portion; a first serrated portion connecting one side of the first horizontal portion and one side of the second horizontal portion; and a second serrated portion connecting the other side of the first horizontal portion and the other side of the second horizontal portion and disposed facing the first serrated portion.

[0010] The display device and electronic device according to this disclosure can prevent damage to the encapsulation layer when the protective strip is removed.

[0011] The advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to those described above, and other advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The above and other aspects and features of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the display device shown in the diagram; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Block diagram of the display device shown; Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the display device, taken by section line I-I'; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged sectional view of a portion; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An enlarged sectional view of a portion; Figure 7It is according to one embodiment of this disclosure along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the display device taken by line I-I'; Figure 8 This is a plan view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Diagram of the first blocking groove; Figure 10 This is a plan view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Diagram of the first blocking groove; Figure 12 This is a plan view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating the magnitude of the resistance of the protective strip in the region of the blocking groove when the protective strip is removed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 14 It is a perspective view of an electronic device that applies a display device according to one embodiment; Figure 15 This is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 16 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0013] This disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0014] It will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "on" another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or an intervening layer may be present. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same elements. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0015] Furthermore, as used herein, the term “substantially” is intended to indicate that slight deviations from the absolute value are included within the scope of such a modified term.

[0016] Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by the use of such terms. These terms may be used to distinguish one element from another in the context in which they are used. For example, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, the first element discussed below may instead be referred to as the second element. Describing an element as a “first” element may not require or imply the existence of a second element or other elements. The terms “first,” “second,” etc., may also be used herein to distinguish elements of different categories or groups. For the sake of brevity, the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may respectively represent “first category (or first group),” “second category (or second group),” etc.

[0017] Features of any of the various embodiments of this disclosure can be combined partially or completely with one or more features of other embodiments, and such combinations can be technically operable. As will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, various technical interactions and operations are possible. The embodiments contemplated in this disclosure can be implemented individually or in combination.

[0018] In the following description, specific exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the display device shown. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The block diagram of the display device shown is illustrated below. Reference will be made to this diagram in the following text. Figures 1 to 3 This invention describes a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] The display device 1000 can be a device activated in response to an electrical signal. The display device 1000 can include various implementations. For example, the display device 1000 can be a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a computer, a smart TV, etc. Figure 1 In this embodiment, the display device 1000 is exemplarily shown as a smartphone.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the display device 1000 may include a display surface on its front surface for displaying an image IM. The display surface may lie in a plane parallel to a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. The display surface may include a transmissive region TA and a border region BZA adjacent to the transmissive region TA.

[0022] Display device 1000 can display image IM in display area DA. Figure 1The image shows a non-limiting example of an Internet search bar as an image IM. The display area DA can have a quadrilateral shape including boundaries parallel to each of the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. However, this shape is merely an example, and the display area DA can have various shapes and is not limited to any one implementation.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the border region BZA can be adjacent to the transmission region TA. The border region BZA can surround the transmission region TA. However, in other examples, the border region BZA can be set to be adjacent only to one side of the transmission region TA, or it can be omitted. Figures 1 to 2 The shapes, relative positions, and other characteristics of the components of the display device 1000 shown represent an exemplary arrangement, and it should be understood that these characteristics can be modified to suit other implementations.

[0024] The normal direction of the display surface can correspond to the thickness direction DR3 of the display device 1000 (hereinafter referred to as the third direction). In this embodiment, the front surface (or top surface) and rear surface (or bottom surface) of each component can be defined based on the direction of the displayed image IM, wherein the front surface is the display surface. The front surface and the rear surface can be opposite each other in the third direction DR3.

[0025] Meanwhile, the directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 are relative concepts and can be converted into other directions. In the following text, the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 may refer to the same reference symbol in the directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the display device 1000 may include a display panel 100, a window component 200, an electronic module 300, and a housing component 400. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the display device 1000 may further include a display module DD, a first electronic module EM1, a second electronic module EM2, and a power module PM. Details omitted from other descriptions of the display device 1000 and the display panel 100 are omitted from further descriptions. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Some of the components shown.

[0027] like Figure 3 As shown, the display module DD may include a display panel 100 and a touch sensing unit TSU. The display panel 100 can generate an image IM. The display panel 100 can detect user input applied from an external location. In this case, the display panel 100 may also include a touch sensor, and the touch sensing unit TSU, described later, may be omitted.

[0028] The touch sensing unit (TSU) can detect user input applied from the outside. User input can include various types of external input, such as a part of the user's body, light, heat, or pressure. Figure 2 The touch sensing unit (TSU) has been omitted from the text.

[0029] In this embodiment, the display panel 100 can be divided into a display area DA and a peripheral area NDA. As described above, the display area DA can be the area in which the image IM is generated. Multiple pixels that generate the image IM can be disposed in the display area DA. A detailed description of this is provided elsewhere in this disclosure.

[0030] The peripheral region NDA can be adjacent to the display region DA. The peripheral region NDA can surround the display region DA. In some examples, the driving circuitry, driving lines, etc., used to drive the display region DA can be located in the peripheral region NDA.

[0031] Meanwhile, although not shown in the accompanying drawings, in some examples, a portion of the peripheral region NDA in the display panel 100 may be bent. Therefore, a portion of the peripheral region NDA may face the front surface of the display device 1000, and another portion of the peripheral region NDA may face the rear surface of the display device 1000. Alternatively, in other examples, the peripheral region NDA of the display panel 100 may be omitted.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the display panel 100 may include a module portion PA disposed in a display area DA. The module portion PA may define a space in which an electronic module 300 is disposed. The module portion PA may include a module hole MH and a blocking groove BR.

[0033] A module aperture MH can pass through the display panel 100. In some examples, the module aperture MH can have a cylindrical shape with height on the third-direction DR3. The module aperture MH can accommodate an electronic module 300. Because the display panel 100 includes the module aperture MH, a thin display device 1000 can be realized.

[0034] A blocking groove BR may be disposed on the display panel 100 such that the blocking groove BR is adjacent to the module hole MH. The blocking groove BR may be formed to be recessed from the front surface of the display panel 100. In a plan view (i.e., in a view of the display panel 100 viewed from a direction orthogonal to the surface of the display panel 100), the blocking groove BR may have a closed curve shape around the module hole MH. For example, the blocking groove BR may have a circular ring shape around the module hole MH. In some embodiments, the display device 1000 may include a plurality of blocking grooves BR. For example, the display panel 100 according to one embodiment may include a first blocking groove BR1 and a second blocking groove BR2. Detailed descriptions of the module hole MH and the blocking groove BR are provided elsewhere in this disclosure.

[0035] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The window member 200 can provide the front surface of the display device 1000. The window member 200 can be disposed on the front surface of the display panel 100 to protect the display panel 100. For example, the window member 200 may include a glass substrate, a sapphire substrate, or a plastic film. The window member 200 can have a multilayer or single-layer structure. For example, the window member 200 can have a stacked structure of multiple plastic films bonded with an adhesive, or it can have a stacked structure of a glass substrate and a plastic film bonded with an adhesive.

[0036] The window component 200 can be divided into a transmissive area TA and a border area BZA. The transmissive area TA can be a region corresponding to the display area DA. For example, the transmissive area TA can overlap with the entire surface of the display area DA. The image IM displayed in the display area DA of the display panel 100 can be visually identified from an external position through the transmissive area TA.

[0037] The border region BZA may define the shape of the transmissive region TA. The border region BZA may be adjacent to and surround the transmissive region TA. The border region BZA may have a predetermined color. The border region BZA may cover the peripheral region NDA of the display panel 100 to prevent the peripheral region NDA from being visually identified from an external position. In some alternative embodiments, the border region BZA may be omitted from the window member 200.

[0038] refer to Figure 3 The power module PM can provide the power required for the overall operation of the display device 1000. The power module PM may include a conventional battery module.

[0039] Back Figure 1 and Figure 2The housing member 400 can be connected to the window member 200. The housing member 400 can provide the rear surface of the display device 1000. The housing member 400 can be connected to the window member 200 to define an internal space, and the display panel 100, electronic module 300, and... Figure 3 The various components shown can be housed and otherwise accommodated within the internal space. The housing member 400 may comprise a material with relatively high rigidity. For example, the housing member 400 may include multiple frames and / or panels made of glass, plastic, or metal. The housing member 400 can provide stability to the display device 1000 and protect the components of the display device 1000 housed within the internal space from external impacts.

[0040] The electronic module 300 may include various functional modules for operating the display device 1000. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the electronic module 300 may include a first electronic module EM1 and a second electronic module EM2.

[0041] The first electronic module EM1 can be directly mounted on the motherboard that is electrically connected to the display module DD, or it can be mounted on a separate substrate and electrically connected to the motherboard via a connector (not shown).

[0042] The first electronic module EM1 may include a control module CM, a wireless communication module 26, an image input module 35, an audio input module 40, a memory 50, and an external interface 60. Some of these modules may not be mounted on the motherboard, but may be electrically connected to the motherboard via a flexible circuit board.

[0043] The control module CM can control the overall operation of the display device 1000. The control module CM can be a microprocessor. For example, the control module CM can activate or deactivate the display module DD. The control module CM can control other modules, such as the image input module 35 or the audio input module 40, based on touch signals received from the display module DD.

[0044] The wireless communication module 26 can transmit / receive wireless signals to / from other terminals using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi lines. The wireless communication module 26 can also transmit / receive voice signals using general communication lines. The wireless communication module 26 may include a transmitter 24 for modulating and transmitting the signal to be transmitted, and a receiver 25 for demodulating the received signal.

[0045] The image input module 35 can process image signals and convert them into image data that can be displayed on the display module DD. The audio input module 40 can receive external audio signals through a microphone in recording mode, voice recognition mode, etc., and convert the external audio signals into electronic voice data.

[0046] External interface 60 can be used as an interface to connect to an external charger, wired / wireless data port, card (e.g., memory card or SIM / UIM card) socket, etc.

[0047] The second electronic module EM2 may include an audio output module 70, a light-emitting module 80, a light-receiving module 90, a camera module 95, etc. These components can be directly mounted on the motherboard, mounted on a separate substrate and electrically connected to the display module DD via connectors (not shown), or electrically connected to the first electronic module EM1.

[0048] The audio output module 70 can convert audio data received from the wireless communication module 26 or audio data stored in the memory 50 and output it to the outside.

[0049] The light-emitting module 80 can generate and output light. The light-emitting module 80 can output infrared light. The light-emitting module 80 may include LED elements. The light-receiving module 90 can detect infrared light. When a predetermined level or higher of infrared light is detected, the light-receiving module 90 can be activated. The light-receiving module 90 may include a CMOS sensor. After the infrared light generated by the light-emitting module 80 is output, it can be reflected by an external object (e.g., a user's finger or face), and the reflected infrared light can be incident on the light-receiving module 90. The camera module 95 can capture external images.

[0050] Specifically, Figure 2 The electronic module 300 shown can be any of the components of the second electronic module EM2. In this case, the remaining components of the first electronic module EM1 and the second electronic module EM2 can be located elsewhere and may not be shown. However, this is shown as an example, and the electronic module 300 can be one or more of the modules constituting the first electronic module EM1 and the second electronic module EM2. Therefore, in other embodiments, the electronic module 300 can include one or more of the modules of the first electronic module EM1 and the second electronic module EM2, or a combination of the first electronic module EM1 and the second electronic module EM2.

[0051] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 The sectional view taken by section line I-I'. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged sectional view of a portion of the document. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 This is another further enlarged sectional view of a portion. Reference will be made below. Figures 4 to 6 A display panel 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0052] like Figure 4As shown, the display panel 100 includes a base substrate 10, a driving element layer 20, and a display element layer 30. The base substrate 10, the driving element layer 20, and the display element layer 30 can be stacked along a third direction DR3.

[0053] The base substrate 10 may include a first base layer 11, a first barrier layer 12, a second base layer 13, and a second barrier layer 14.

[0054] The first base layer 11 may constitute the lower layer of the base substrate 10. The rear surface of the first base layer 11 may define the rear surface of the base substrate 10. In some examples, the first base layer 11 may be an insulating layer comprising an organic material. The first base layer 11 may comprise a flexible plastic. For example, the first base layer 11 may comprise polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyarylate, polycarbonate (PC), polyetherimide (PEI), or polyethersulfone (PES).

[0055] The first barrier layer 12 may include an inorganic material. The first barrier layer 12 may form the upper layer of the base substrate 10. The front surface of the first barrier layer 12 may define the front surface of the base substrate 10. The first barrier layer 12 may be an insulating layer containing an inorganic material. For example, the first barrier layer 12 may include silicon oxide, silicon nitride, amorphous silicon, etc.

[0056] The second base layer 13 and the second barrier layer 14 may be disposed between the first base layer 11 and the first barrier layer 12. The second base layer 13 may contain the same material as the first base layer 11. The second barrier layer 14 may contain the same material as the first barrier layer 12.

[0057] The first base layer 11, the second base layer 13, the first barrier layer 12, and the second barrier layer 14 can be arranged alternately. The first barrier layer 12 and the second barrier layer 14 can be respectively disposed on the second base layer 13 and the first base layer 11. Each of the first barrier layer 12 and the second barrier layer 14 can block external moisture or oxygen from penetrating through the first base layer 11 and the second base layer 13.

[0058] The driving element layer 20 may be disposed on the base substrate 10. The driving element layer 20 may include multiple insulating layers and thin-film transistors (TRs). Each of the insulating layers may contain inorganic and / or organic materials. The insulating layers may include a first insulating layer 21, a second insulating layer 22, and a third insulating layer 23.

[0059] A thin-film transistor (TFT) TR may include a semiconductor pattern SL, a control electrode CE, an input electrode IE, and an output electrode OE. The TFT TR can control the movement of charges in the semiconductor pattern SL via the control electrode CE to allow an electrical signal input from the input electrode IE to be output via the output electrode OE.

[0060] A first insulating layer 21 may be disposed between the semiconductor pattern SL and the control electrode CE. In this embodiment, the control electrode CE is shown disposed above the semiconductor pattern SL. However, this is merely an exemplary arrangement, and a thin-film transistor TR according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a semiconductor pattern SL disposed above the control electrode CE. Alternatively, other relative arrangements may also be considered.

[0061] The second insulating layer 22 can be disposed between the control electrode CE and the input electrode IE and output electrode OE. The input electrode IE and output electrode OE can be disposed on the second insulating layer 22. Figure 4 As shown, each of the input electrode IE and the output electrode OE can pass through the first insulating layer 21 and the second insulating layer 22 to be connected to the semiconductor pattern SL. However, this is shown as an example, and in other examples, the input electrode IE and the output electrode OE can be directly connected to the semiconductor pattern SL.

[0062] The third insulating layer 23 can be disposed on the second insulating layer 22. The third insulating layer 23 can cover the thin-film transistor TR. The third insulating layer 23 can electrically insulate the thin-film transistor TR from the display element layer 30.

[0063] The display element layer 30 may include a light-emitting element OD and multiple insulating layers. The insulating layers may include a fourth insulating layer 31 and an encapsulation layer TE.

[0064] A fourth insulating layer 31 may be disposed on the third insulating layer 23. In some examples, multiple openings may be defined in the fourth insulating layer 31. In a subset of these examples, the light-emitting element OD may be disposed in each of the multiple openings.

[0065] The light-emitting element OD may include a first electrode E1, a second electrode E2, a light-emitting layer EL, and a charge control layer OL. The first electrode E1 may be disposed on the driving element layer 20. The first electrode E1 may pass through the third insulating layer 23 to be electrically connected to the thin-film transistor TR. In some examples, multiple first electrodes E1 may be disposed. At least a portion of each of the multiple first electrodes E1 may be exposed through a corresponding opening in the fourth insulating layer 31.

[0066] The second electrode E2 can be disposed above the first electrode E1. The second electrode E2 can have a monolithic structure (i.e., a single sheet) and can extend to overlap with the plurality of first electrodes E1 and the fourth insulating layer 31. In some examples, the second electrode E2 can overlap the entire fourth insulating layer 31. When multiple light-emitting elements OD are provided, the same voltage can be applied to the second electrode E2 in each of the multiple light-emitting elements OD. Therefore, a separate patterning process for forming the second electrode E2 can be omitted. This is shown as an example, and the multiple second electrodes E2 can be arranged to correspond to corresponding openings.

[0067] The light-emitting layer EL can be disposed between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2. Multiple light-emitting layers EL can be disposed, and each of the multiple light-emitting layers EL can be disposed in an opening. The light-emitting element OD can generate light by activating the light-emitting layer EL according to the potential difference between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2.

[0068] The charge control layer OL can be disposed between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2. The charge control layer OL can be disposed adjacent to the light-emitting layer EL. The charge control layer OL can be disposed between the light-emitting layer EL and the second electrode E2. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and in some examples, the charge control layer OL can be disposed between the light-emitting layer EL and the first electrode E1, or it can be configured as multiple layers stacked along the third direction DR3 with the light-emitting layer EL interposed therebetween.

[0069] The charge control layer OL can have an integral structure that overlaps the entire surface of the base substrate 10 without requiring a separate patterning process. The charge control layer OL can also be disposed in one or more regions other than the opening formed in the fourth insulating layer 31 (i.e., separate from the opening formed in the fourth insulating layer 31).

[0070] The encapsulation layer TE can be disposed on the light-emitting element OD. The encapsulation layer TE can include inorganic films and / or organic films. Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the encapsulation layer TE may include a first inorganic film 32, an organic film 33, and a second inorganic film 34.

[0071] Each of the first inorganic membrane 32 and the second inorganic membrane 34 may contain an inorganic material. For example, each of the first inorganic membrane 32 and the second inorganic membrane 34 may contain at least one of alumina, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon carbide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, and zinc oxide. The first inorganic membrane 32 and the second inorganic membrane 34 may contain the same or different materials.

[0072] The organic membrane 33 may be disposed between the first inorganic membrane 32 and the second inorganic membrane 34. The organic membrane 33 may contain organic materials. For example, the organic membrane 33 may include at least one of epoxy, polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), and polyacrylate.

[0073] One or both of the first inorganic film 32 and the second inorganic film 34 may have an integral structure disposed over the entire surface of the display panel 100. Each of the first inorganic film 32 and the second inorganic film 34 may partially overlap with the organic film 33. Therefore, the first inorganic film 32 and the second inorganic film 34 may be spaced apart from each other on the third-direction DR3 in the first region with the organic film 33 interposed therebetween, and may be in direct contact on the third-direction DR3 in a second region separated from the first region.

[0074] At the same time, such as Figure 4 As shown, the display panel 100 may also include a dam section DMP. The dam section DMP may extend along the display area DA (see Figure 100). Figure 2 and Figure 4 The edge extension of the dam section (DMP). In some examples, the dam section (DMP) can surround the display area (DA).

[0075] The dam section DMP may include a first dam DM1 and a second dam DM2. In some examples, the first dam DM1 may contain the same material as the third insulating layer 23. In some examples, the first dam DM1 may be formed simultaneously with the third insulating layer 23 and may be disposed on the same layer as the third insulating layer 23.

[0076] The second dam DM2 can be stacked on top of the first dam DM1. In some examples, the second dam DM2 can contain the same material as the fourth insulating layer 31. In some examples, the second dam DM2 can be formed simultaneously with the fourth insulating layer 31 and can be disposed on the same layer as the fourth insulating layer 31. This is shown as an example, and the dam portion DMP can have a single-layer structure and is not limited to any particular implementation.

[0077] The dam portion DMP can define the area in which the liquid organic material diffuses during the process of forming the organic membrane 33. The organic membrane 33 can be formed by applying the liquid organic material onto the first inorganic membrane 32 using an inkjet method, and in this case, the dam portion DMP can define the boundary of the area where the liquid organic material is located and can prevent the liquid organic material from overflowing into the area outside the dam portion DMP.

[0078] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 5 and Figure 6The region defining the module aperture MH and the blocking groove BR is described in detail. The module aperture MH passes through the display panel 100 along the third direction DR3. When the module aperture MH is defined in the display area DA, the module aperture MH not only passes through the base substrate 10, but also through some of the layers included in the display area DA.

[0079] Specifically, in Figure 5 In the embodiment depicted, the module aperture MH passes through the base substrate 10 and several other layers of the display panel 100. The inner surface 10-EG_H of the module aperture MH may be defined by the ends of multiple layers. At the passage location, the ends of the layers of the base substrate 10, including the first base layer 11, the first barrier layer 12, the second base layer 13, and the second barrier layer 14, are defined. That is, the ends 11-E of the first base layer 11, the first barrier layer 12, the second base layer 13, and the second barrier layer 14 are defined, respectively.

[0080] Along the inner surface 10-EG_H, the ends 11-E of the first base layer 11, the end 12-E of the first barrier layer 12, the end 13-E of the second base layer 13, the end 14-E of the second barrier layer 14, the end 21-E of the first insulating layer 21, the end OL-E of the charge control layer OL, the end 32-E of the first inorganic film 32, and the end 34-E of the second inorganic film 34 can be aligned on the third direction DR3. Therefore, the module aperture MH can have a uniform width along its length. In some examples, the module aperture MH can have a cylindrical shape with a height along the third direction DR3. In other examples, at least some of the ends of the layers defining the module aperture MH can be misaligned with each other, such that the module aperture MH has an irregular shape along its length on the third direction DR3.

[0081] like Figure 5 As shown, the blocking groove BR may include a first blocking groove BR1 and a second blocking groove BR2. In a plan view, that is, when viewing the display panel 100 on a third direction DR3 facing the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, the first blocking groove BR1 may surround and encircle the module hole MH, and the second blocking groove BR2 may surround and encircle the first blocking groove BR1. In some examples, such as Figure 5As shown, the module hole MH, the first blocking groove BR1, and the second blocking groove BR2 can be spaced apart from each other. In this way, the second blocking groove BR2 can be located at a different distance from the module hole MH compared to the first blocking groove BR1, for example, farther away from the module hole MH. Furthermore, the length of the second blocking groove BR2 can be longer than the length of the first blocking groove BR1; that is, in a plan view, the length of the closed shape of the second blocking groove BR2 can be longer than the length of the closed shape of the first blocking groove BR1. In some embodiments, the blocking groove BR may further include at least one blocking groove, for example, a third blocking groove, spaced apart from and surrounding the second blocking groove BR2.

[0082] In the following text, due to the cross-sectional shapes of the first blocking groove BR1 and the second blocking groove BR2 (i.e., their shapes in a plane consistent with the first direction DR1 and the third direction DR3) in Figure 5 The embodiments depicted are substantially the same, so the shape of the first blocking groove BR1 will be described as representative, and the shape of the second blocking groove BR2 should be understood to include features substantially the same as the first blocking groove BR1. In other embodiments, the blocking groove BR may include the first blocking groove BR1 having a different cross-section than the second blocking groove BR2.

[0083] The first blocking groove BR1 can be recessed from the front surface of the display panel 100 in a direction opposite to the third direction DR3 (i.e., in the direction toward the rear surface of the display panel 100). However, the first blocking groove BR1 does not penetrate the entire base substrate 10. Therefore, the first blocking groove BR1 penetrates the front surface of the display panel 100, but does not penetrate the rear surface of the display panel 100.

[0084] The first barrier trench BR1 can be formed by removing at least a portion of the base substrate 10. For example, the first barrier trench BR1 can be formed by removing at least a portion of the first barrier layer 12 and the second base layer 13. The first barrier trench BR1 can pass through the first barrier layer 12 and the second base layer 13 in the third direction DR3. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and in some examples, the second base layer 13 can be only partially removed and not completely passed through. The first base layer 11 and the second barrier layer 14 can remain intact, i.e., not removed by the first barrier trench BR1. Therefore, oxygen or moisture entering from below the first base layer 11 can be prevented from penetrating into the first barrier trench BR1 by the second barrier layer 14.

[0085] refer to Figure 6 According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a first blocking groove BR1 can be defined in a base substrate 10 and can include an inner surface having an undercut shape. Figure 6For ease of description, the first inorganic membrane 32 and the second inorganic membrane 34 are omitted. The first blocking groove BR1 may include a recessed portion 13-RC and at least one through portion. In some examples, the through portion is the through portion 12-OP of the first barrier layer 12. In other examples, and as... Figure 6 As shown, the through portion of the first barrier groove BR1 includes two through portions: a through portion 21-OP of the first insulating layer 21 and a through portion 12-OP of the first barrier layer 12. It should be understood that other variations in the through portions are also to be expected.

[0086] The recessed portion 13-RC may be defined within the second base layer 13, such that the recessed portion 13-RC communicates with the through portions 12-OP and 21-OP. The recessed portion 13-RC may be recessed from the front surface of the second base layer 13. The recessed portion 13-RC may be defined by a base having a flat surface PP, a first side surface W1, and a second side surface W2. Although the first side surface W1 and the second side surface W2 are shown separately for ease of description, the first side surface W1 and the second side surface W2 may be integral surfaces connected together, for example, circumferentially closed surfaces.

[0087] The flat surface PP may be a surface recessed from the front surface of the second base layer 13 and may be located at the rear surface of the second base layer 13. In some examples, the flat surface PP may be spaced apart from the rear surface of the second base layer 13 on a third-direction DR3. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the flat surface PP may be part of the top surface of the second barrier layer 14. Each of the first side surface W1 and the second side surface W2 may be connected to the flat surface PP. Each of the first side surface W1 and the second side surface W2 may be inclined relative to the flat surface PP. In the recessed portion 13-RC, the angle formed between the flat surface PP and each of the first side surface W1 and the second side surface W2 may be 90 degrees or greater.

[0088] like Figure 6 As shown, the through portion 12-OP of the first barrier layer 12 (or the through portions 12-OP and 21-OP of the combined first barrier layer 12 and first insulating layer 21) and the recessed portion 13-RC can form an undercut shape. Specifically, the first barrier layer 12 can overlap / hang over the recessed portion 13-RC of the second base layer 13. The first barrier layer 12 protrudes further inward than the recessed portion 13-RC to cover at least a portion of the recessed portion 13-RC. The width R2 of the through portion 12-OP of the first barrier layer 12 in the first direction DR1 can be smaller than the width R1 of the recessed portion 13-RC in the first direction DR1. In some examples, such as Figure 6In the arrangement shown, the width R3 of the through portion 21-OP can be smaller than the width R2 of the through portion 12-OP.

[0089] The width of the recessed portion 13-RC, measured at the same height as the top surface of the second base layer 13 in the first direction DR1, can be greater than the width of the recessed portion 13-RC measured at the same height as the bottom surface of the second base layer 13 in the first direction DR1. In some examples, the recessed portion 13-RC may have a truncated pyramidal shape. However, the embodiments contemplated by this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, in other examples, the recessed portion 13-RC may have a truncated pyramidal shape or a truncated elliptical cone shape.

[0090] return Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some examples, each of the first inorganic membrane 32 and the second inorganic membrane 34 may extend into the region where the first blocking groove BR1 and the second blocking groove BR2 are provided.

[0091] The first inorganic membrane 32 and the second inorganic membrane 34 can be disposed in the region adjacent to the first blocking groove BR1 and the second blocking groove BR2 and along the inner surface of the first blocking groove BR1 and the second blocking groove BR2. Therefore, the interior of the first blocking groove BR1 and the second blocking groove BR2 can be covered by the first inorganic membrane 32 and the second inorganic membrane 34.

[0092] The charge control layer OL may have discontinuous ends in the region adjacent to the first blocking groove BR1 and the second blocking groove BR2, and may not overlap with the blocking groove BR. The discontinuous ends of the charge control layer OL adjacent to the blocking groove BR may be covered by the first inorganic film 32 and the second inorganic film 34. Similarly, in an embodiment including the first insulating layer 21, the first insulating layer 21 may have discontinuous ends in the region adjacent to the first blocking groove BR1 and the second blocking groove BR2, and may not overlap with the blocking groove BR. Furthermore, the discontinuous ends of the first insulating layer 21 adjacent to the blocking groove BR may be covered by the first inorganic film 32 and the second inorganic film 34.

[0093] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the base substrate 10, driving element layer 20, and display element layer 30 may each have discontinuous ends in a region adjacent to the module aperture MH. These discontinuous ends may be exposed through the module aperture MH. Moisture or oxygen from outside the display panel 100 may enter the base substrate 10, driving element layer 20, and display element layer 30 through the exposed ends of these layers.

[0094] According to some embodiments, by defining a first blocking groove BR1 and a second blocking groove BR2 adjacent to the module aperture MH, the penetration path of oxygen or moisture entering from the module aperture MH can be blocked. Specifically, the first blocking groove BR1 first blocks oxygen and / or moisture entering through the module aperture MH from further penetrating into the display panel 100, and the second blocking groove BR2 further blocks such oxygen and / or moisture. Specifically, the first blocking groove BR1 can separate a portion of the charge control layer OL disposed between the module aperture MH and the first blocking groove BR1 from a portion of the charge control layer OL disposed outside the first blocking groove BR1. Therefore, even if external oxygen or moisture enters through the module aperture MH, it will not diffuse to the radially outer region of the first blocking groove BR1, and thus can reliably prevent damage to the driving element layer 20 or the display element layer 30 located outside the first blocking groove BR1. Furthermore, because the second blocking groove BR2 has the same structure as the first blocking groove BR1, the second blocking groove BR2 can perform a similar function to the first blocking groove BR1.

[0095] Furthermore, according to some embodiments, the first inorganic membrane 32 and the second inorganic membrane 34 can cover the area between the module hole MH and the first blocking groove BR1, between the first blocking groove BR1 and the second blocking groove BR2, the interior of the first blocking groove BR1 and the second blocking groove BR2, and the exterior of the second blocking groove BR2. Disconnected organic layers (e.g., charge control layer OL) adjacent to the first blocking groove BR1 and the second blocking groove BR2 can be covered by the first inorganic membrane 32 and the second inorganic membrane 34. Therefore, the degree of prevention of moisture and / or oxygen inflow can be improved.

[0096] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to another embodiment, the section being along... Figure 2 The line I-I' is intercepted. Figure 7 Unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals in the figures indicate... Figure 4 The same elements shown.

[0097] Figure 7 The display device and the above Figure 4 The difference in the display device is that it also includes a protective film 311 and a protective strip 411.

[0098] like Figure 7 As shown, a protective film 311 can be disposed on the encapsulation layer TE. The protective film 311 can define a through-hole 490 that exposes the module hole MH and the blocking groove BR. The protective film 311 can be used to protect the encapsulation layer TE during the manufacturing process of the display panel 100.

[0099] A protective strip 411 may be disposed on the protective film 311. For example, the protective strip 411 may be disposed on the protective film 311 to cover the through-hole 490 of the protective film 311. The protective strip 411 may contact the encapsulation layer TE in the through-hole 490. For example, the protective strip 411 may be attached to the encapsulation layer TE within the through-hole 490.

[0100] When the rear surface of the first base layer 11 is etched, the protective strip 411 can be used to protect the package layer TE exposed through the module aperture MH. For example, a process of etching the rear surface of the first base layer 11 can be performed to reduce the thickness of the base substrate 10, and during this etching process, the protective strip 411 can prevent etchant from penetrating into the light-emitting element OD through the module aperture MH.

[0101] The protective film 311 and the protective strip 411 serve a temporary purpose. Specifically, the protective film 311 and the protective strip 411 can be removed after the display panel 100 is manufactured. In some embodiments, for example, as... Figure 13 As shown, the protective strip 411 can be removed along the second direction DR2. However, in the case of using a previously known display panel configuration, when removing the protective strip 411 from the front surface, it has been observed that at least a portion of the encapsulation layer TE attached to the protective strip 411 can be removed together with the protective strip 411 due to the adhesive force between the protective strip 411 and the encapsulation layer TE. For example, when removing the protective strip 411, at least a portion of the encapsulation layer TE attached thereto can detach from the protective strip 411, thereby damaging the encapsulation layer TE. In the following, a display device capable of solving this problem is described in detail according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0102] Figure 8 This is a plan view of a portion of a display device according to one embodiment, specifically a view in a direction orthogonal to the plane coinciding with the surface of the display panel 100. Specifically, Figure 8 This is a plan view of the module hole MH and the blocking groove BR surrounding the module hole MH. In some examples, the cross-sectional details of the blocking groove BR and the module hole MH may be as described above.

[0103] like Figure 8 As shown, the blocking groove BR can be disposed on the display panel 100 such that the blocking groove BR is disposed around the module hole MH. In some examples, and as... Figure 8 As shown, the blocking groove BR may include a first blocking groove BR1, a second blocking groove BR2, and a third blocking groove BR3.

[0104] The first blocking groove BR1 can be configured to be adjacent to the module hole MH. For example, the first blocking groove BR1 can be configured between the module hole MH and the second blocking groove BR2. In a plan view, the first blocking groove BR1 can have a closed curve shape, that is, a closed shape surrounding the module hole MH.

[0105] The second blocking groove BR2 can be configured to be adjacent to the first blocking groove BR1. For example, the second blocking groove BR2 can be located between the first blocking groove BR1 and the third blocking groove BR3. In a plan view, the second blocking groove BR2 can have a closed curve shape surrounding the first blocking groove BR1 and the module hole MH.

[0106] The third blocking groove BR3 can be configured to be adjacent to the second blocking groove BR2. In a plan view, the third blocking groove BR3 can have a closed curve shape surrounding the first blocking groove BR1, the second blocking groove BR2, and the module hole MH.

[0107] In the plan view, one or more portions of the first blocking groove BR1 may have a serrated shape. In some examples, and as... Figure 8 The first blocking groove BR1, the second blocking groove BR2, and the third blocking groove BR3 depicted in the text may have the same shape.

[0108] In the plan view, the length of the second blocking groove BR2 can be greater than the length of the first blocking groove BR1 and less than the length of the third blocking groove BR3.

[0109] Now refer to Figure 9 The shape of the blocking groove BR will be described in more detail. Here, since the first blocking groove BR1, the second blocking groove BR2 and the third blocking groove BR3 have the same shape, the shape of the first blocking groove BR1 will be described in detail, and the shape of the first blocking groove BR1 will be considered as a representative shape of the other blocking grooves (i.e., the second blocking groove BR2 and the third blocking groove BR3).

[0110] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 The diagram of the first blocking groove, the shape of which is the shape that the first blocking groove will be presented in the plan view.

[0111] like Figure 9 As shown, the first blocking groove BR1 may include a first horizontal portion HL1, a second horizontal portion HL2, a first serrated portion ZZ1, and a second serrated portion ZZ2. In some examples, the first horizontal portion HL1, the second horizontal portion HL2, the first serrated portion ZZ1, and the second serrated portion ZZ2 may be formed integrally (i.e., monolithically). Each horizontal portion may also be referred to as an extension. For example, the first horizontal portion HL1 may be a first extension, and the second horizontal portion HL2 may be a second extension.

[0112] The first horizontal portion HL1 can have the shape of a line extending along the second direction DR2. In some examples, the shape of the first horizontal portion HL1 is a linear line. In a subset of these examples, such as in Figure 9 In the first blocking groove BR1, the shape of the first horizontal portion HL1 is completely linear. For example, when the protective strip 411 is removed along the second direction DR2, the first horizontal portion HL1 may have the shape of a line extending in the same direction as the removal direction of the protective strip 411 (e.g., the second direction DR2).

[0113] The second horizontal portion HL2 can be positioned to face the first horizontal portion HL1. For example, the second horizontal portion HL2 can be positioned to face the first horizontal portion HL1 in the first direction DR1. When the protective strip 411 is provided on the display panel 100, the protective strip 411 can be removed by pulling along the second direction DR2. When the protective strip 411 is removed along the second direction DR2, as... Figure 9 The second horizontal portion HL2 and the first horizontal portion HL1 depicted are arranged facing each other along a first direction DR1 perpendicular to the second direction DR2. In this way, the second horizontal portion HL2 and the first horizontal portion HL1 can have the shape of lines extending along the second direction DR2. Therefore, when the protective strip 411 is removed along the second direction DR2, the line shapes of the second horizontal portion HL2 and the first horizontal portion HL1 can extend in the same direction as the removal direction of the protective strip 411. In some examples, the second horizontal portion HL2 can be aligned with the first horizontal portion HL1. In a subset of these examples, the second horizontal portion HL2 and the first horizontal portion HL1 can be arranged parallel to each other. For example, the second horizontal portion HL2 and the first horizontal portion HL1 can be arranged parallel to each other along the second direction DR2.

[0114] like Figure 9As shown, a first serrated portion ZZ1 may be disposed between one side (i.e., the first side) of the first horizontal portion HL1 and one side (i.e., the first side) of the second horizontal portion HL2. One side of the first serrated portion ZZ1 may be connected to one side of the first horizontal portion HL1, and the other side of the first serrated portion ZZ1 may be connected to one side of the second horizontal portion HL2. The first serrated portion ZZ1 may be shaped to have a bend to define a serrated shape. Therefore, according to one embodiment, the first serrated portion ZZ1 may include a plurality of oblique line portions DG1, DG2, DG3, DG4, DG5, DG6, DG7, and DG8 connected to each other at predetermined angles to form a serrated shape. For example, the first serrated portion ZZ1 may include a first oblique line portion DG1, a second oblique line portion DG2, a third oblique line portion DG3, a fourth oblique line portion DG4, a fifth oblique line portion DG5, a sixth oblique line portion DG6, a seventh oblique line portion DG7, and an eighth oblique line portion DG8. Here, the first diagonal section DG1 to the eighth diagonal section DG8 can be formed integrally.

[0115] Each of the diagonal portions DG1 to DG8 of the first serrated portion ZZ1 can have a shape that is inclined in the diagonal direction relative to the second direction DR2, thereby forming an inclination angle relative to the second direction DR2, i.e., not a 90-degree angle. For example, the first direction DR1 is a direction that intersects perpendicularly to the removal direction of the protective strip 411 (e.g., the second direction DR2) at 90 degrees, and each of the diagonal portions DG1 to DG8 of the first serrated portion ZZ1 can be configured to have an inclination that is not parallel to the first direction DR1.

[0116] The first diagonal section DG1 can be connected to the first horizontal section HL1 and the second diagonal section DG2. The second diagonal section DG2 can be connected to the first diagonal section DG1 and the third diagonal section DG3. The third diagonal section DG3 can be connected to the second diagonal section DG2 and the fourth diagonal section DG4. The fourth diagonal section DG4 can be connected to the third diagonal section DG3 and the fifth diagonal section DG5. The fifth diagonal section DG5 can be connected to the fourth diagonal section DG4 and the sixth diagonal section DG6. The sixth diagonal section DG6 can be connected to the fifth diagonal section DG5 and the seventh diagonal section DG7. The seventh diagonal section DG7 can be connected to the sixth diagonal section DG6 and the eighth diagonal section DG8. The eighth diagonal section DG8 can be connected to the seventh diagonal section DG7 and the second horizontal section HL2.

[0117] Continue to refer to Figure 9The second serrated portion ZZ2 can be disposed between the other side of the first horizontal portion HL1 (i.e., the second side) and the other side of the second horizontal portion HL2 (i.e., the second side). One side of the second serrated portion ZZ2 can be connected to the other side of the first horizontal portion HL1, and the other side of the second serrated portion ZZ2 can be connected to the other side of the second horizontal portion HL2. The second serrated portion ZZ2 can face the first serrated portion ZZ1 in the second direction DR2. In some examples, the second serrated portion ZZ2 can have a shape symmetrical to the first serrated portion ZZ1 with respect to an imaginary line (hereinafter referred to as the vertical symmetry line) passing through the center of the first horizontal portion HL1 and the second horizontal portion HL2 and parallel to the first direction DR1. The second serrated portion ZZ2 can be formed to define a serrated shape. Therefore, according to one embodiment, the second serrated portion ZZ2 may include a plurality of oblique line portions DG1', DG2', DG3', DG4', DG5', DG6', DG7', and DG8' connected to each other at predetermined angles to form a serrated shape. For example, the second serrated portion ZZ2 may include a first oblique line portion DG1', a second oblique line portion DG2', a third oblique line portion DG3', a fourth oblique line portion DG4', a fifth oblique line portion DG5', a sixth oblique line portion DG6', a seventh oblique line portion DG7', and an eighth oblique line portion DG8'. Here, the first oblique line portions DG1' to the eighth oblique line portions DG8' may be integrally formed.

[0118] Each of the diagonal portions DG1' to DG8' of the second serrated portion ZZ2 can have a shape that is inclined in the diagonal direction relative to the second direction DR2, thereby forming an inclination angle relative to the second direction DR2, i.e., not a 90-degree angle. For example, the first direction DR1 is a direction that intersects perpendicularly to the removal direction of the protective strip 411 (e.g., the second direction DR2) at 90 degrees, and each of the diagonal portions DG1' to DG8' of the second serrated portion ZZ2 can be configured to have an inclination that is not parallel to the first direction DR1.

[0119] The first oblique portion DG1' of the second serrated portion ZZ2 may have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the aforementioned vertical line of symmetry and the first oblique portion DG1 of the first serrated portion ZZ1.

[0120] The second oblique portion DG2' of the second serrated portion ZZ2 can have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the aforementioned vertical line of symmetry and the second oblique portion DG2 of the first serrated portion ZZ1.

[0121] The third oblique portion DG3' of the second serrated portion ZZ2 can have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the aforementioned vertical line of symmetry and the third oblique portion DG3 of the first serrated portion ZZ1.

[0122] The fourth oblique line portion DG4' of the second serrated portion ZZ2 can have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the aforementioned vertical symmetry line and the fourth oblique line portion DG4 of the first serrated portion ZZ1.

[0123] The fifth oblique line portion DG5' of the second serrated portion ZZ2 can have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the aforementioned vertical line of symmetry and the fifth oblique line portion DG5 of the first serrated portion ZZ1.

[0124] The sixth oblique line portion DG6' of the second serrated portion ZZ2 can have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the aforementioned vertical symmetry line and the sixth oblique line portion DG6 of the first serrated portion ZZ1.

[0125] The seventh oblique line portion DG7' of the second serrated portion ZZ2 can have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the aforementioned vertical line of symmetry and the seventh oblique line portion DG7 of the first serrated portion ZZ1.

[0126] The eighth oblique line portion DG8' of the second serrated portion ZZ2 can have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the aforementioned vertical symmetry line and the eighth oblique line portion DG8 of the first serrated portion ZZ1.

[0127] Figure 10 This is a plan view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, that is, a view in a direction orthogonal to the plane coinciding with the surface of the display panel 100. Specifically, Figure 10 This is a plan view of the module hole MH and the blocking groove BR surrounding the module hole MH. In some examples, the cross-sectional details of the blocking groove BR and the module hole MH may be as described above.

[0128] Figure 10 The display device and the above Figure 8 The difference in the display device lies in the shape of the blocking groove BR, and the following description will focus on this difference.

[0129] like Figure 10 As shown, the first blocking groove BR1, the second blocking groove BR2 and the third blocking groove BR3 may each have a closed shape, which has a series of bends along the length of the closed shape, wherein the closed shape surrounds the module hole MH.

[0130] Reference Figure 11 The shape of the blocking groove BR is described in more detail. Figure 11 It is shown Figure 10A diagram of the first blocking groove. Here, since the first blocking groove BR1, the second blocking groove BR2 and the third blocking groove BR3 have the same shape, the shape of the first blocking groove BR1 will be described in detail, and the shape of the first blocking groove BR1 will be considered as a representative shape of the other blocking grooves (i.e., the second blocking groove BR2 and the third blocking groove BR3).

[0131] like Figure 11 As shown, the first blocking groove BR1 may include a first protrusion PT1, a second protrusion PT2, a first recess GR1, and a second recess GR2. The first protrusion PT1, the second protrusion PT2, the first recess GR1, and the second recess GR2 may be integrally formed. Because each protrusion and recess is part of the first blocking groove BR1, each can also be referred to as a part. For example, the first protrusion PT1 may be a first protruding portion, and the first recess GR1 may be a first recessed portion, etc.

[0132] A first protrusion PT1 may protrude along a first direction DR1. In a plan view, the first protrusion PT1 may have a vertex pointing away from the module hole. In some examples, in a plan view, the first protrusion PT1 may have a triangular shape (e.g., an embossed triangle). The first protrusion PT1 may include a first oblique portion DG1 and a second oblique portion DG2 connected to each other. The first oblique portion DG1 and the second oblique portion DG2 may define the shape of the first protrusion PT1. For example, one side of the first oblique portion DG1 and one side of the second oblique portion DG2 may be connected to each other to define a triangular-shaped first protrusion PT1. In other words, the first oblique portion DG1 and the second oblique portion DG2 may be connected to each other to have the shape of the first protrusion PT1. Each of the oblique portions DG1 and DG2 of the first protrusion PT1 may have a shape that is inclined in the oblique direction relative to the second direction DR2, forming an angle relative to the second direction DR2, i.e., not forming a 90-degree angle relative to the second direction DR2. For example, the first direction DR1 is a direction that intersects perpendicularly to the removal direction of the protective strip 411 (e.g., the second direction DR2) at 90 degrees, and each of the oblique portions DG1 and DG2 of the first protrusion PT1 can be configured to have an inclination that is not parallel to the first direction DR1.

[0133] The second protrusion PT2 may protrude in a direction opposite to the first direction DR1. In a plan view, the second protrusion PT2 may have a vertex pointing away from the module hole. In some examples, in a plan view, the second protrusion PT2 may have a triangular shape (e.g., an embossed triangle). The second protrusion PT2 may face the first protrusion PT1 in the first direction DR1. The second protrusion PT2 may have a shape symmetrical to the first protrusion PT1 with respect to an imaginary line (hereinafter, a horizontal line of symmetry) passing through the center of the first recess GR1 and the center of the second recess GR2. The second protrusion PT2 may have the same structure as the first protrusion PT1 described above.

[0134] The first recess GR1 can be connected to one side of the first protrusion PT1 and one side of the second protrusion PT2. In a plan view, the first recess GR1 can have a vertex pointing towards the module hole. In some examples, in a plan view, the first recess GR1 can have a triangular shape (e.g., an embossed triangle). The first recess GR1 can include a third oblique portion DG3, a fourth oblique portion DG4, a fifth oblique portion DG5, and a sixth oblique portion DG6 connected to each other. One side of the third oblique portion DG3 can be connected to the first oblique portion DG1. One side of the fourth oblique portion DG4 can be connected to the third oblique portion DG3. One side of the fifth oblique portion DG5 can be connected to the fourth oblique portion DG4. One side of the sixth oblique portion DG6 can be connected to the fifth oblique portion DG5, and the other side of the sixth oblique portion DG6 can be connected to the second protrusion PT2. The third oblique portions DG3 to the sixth oblique portions DG6 can define the shape of the first recess GR1. For example, one side of the third diagonal portion DG3 to the sixth diagonal portion DG6 can be connected to each other to define a first recess GR1 in the shape of a triangle. In other words, the third diagonal portions DG3 to the sixth diagonal portions DG6 can be connected to each other to have the shape of the first recess GR1. Each of the diagonal portions DG3 to DG6 of the first recess GR1 can have a shape that is inclined in the diagonal direction relative to the second direction DR2, so as not to form a 90-degree angle with respect to the second direction DR2. For example, the first direction DR1 is a direction that intersects perpendicularly to the removal direction of the protective strip 411 (e.g., the second direction DR2) at a 90-degree angle, and each diagonal portion of the first recess GR1 can be configured to have an inclination that is not parallel to the first direction DR1. In some examples, at least one of the third diagonal portion DG3 and the sixth diagonal portion DG6 is aligned with the second direction DR2.

[0135] The second recess GR2 can be connected to the other side of the first protrusion PT1 and the other side of the second protrusion PT2. In a plan view, the second recess GR2 can have a vertex pointing towards the module hole. In some examples, in a plan view, the second recess GR2 can have a triangular shape (e.g., an embossed triangle). The second recess GR2 can face the first recess GR1 in the second direction DR2. The second recess GR2 can have a shape symmetrical to the first recess GR1 with respect to an imaginary line (hereinafter, a vertical line of symmetry) passing through the center of the first protrusion PT1 and the center of the second protrusion PT2. The outer angles of the second recess GR2 can be the same as the outer angles of the first recess GR1. The second recess GR2 can have the same structure as the first recess GR1 described above.

[0136] Figure 12 This is a plan view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, that is, a view in a direction orthogonal to the plane coinciding with the surface of the display panel 100. Specifically, Figure 12 This is a plan view of the module hole MH and the blocking groove BR surrounding the module hole MH. In some examples, the cross-sectional details of the blocking groove BR and the module hole MH may be as described above.

[0137] Figure 12 The display device and the above Figure 8 The difference in the display device lies in the shape of the blocking groove BR, and the following description will focus on this difference.

[0138] like Figure 12 As shown, the first blocking groove BR1, the second blocking groove BR2, and the third blocking groove BR3 can have different shapes. For example, in a plan view, the first blocking groove BR1 and the second blocking groove BR2 can each have an elliptical shape, and the third blocking groove BR3 can have a circular shape. In this case, the blocking groove BR is configured such that the farther it is from the module hole MH, the smaller its eccentricity. For example, among the first blocking groove BR1 and the second blocking groove BR2, the second blocking groove BR2, which is configured to be farther from the module hole MH than the first blocking groove BR1, can have a smaller eccentricity than the first blocking groove BR1. In other words, the eccentricity of the second blocking groove BR2 can be smaller than that of the first blocking groove BR1. Meanwhile, the eccentricity of the third blocking groove BR3 can be 0°. Therefore, in some examples where multiple blocking grooves BR are arranged around the module hole MH, when the multiple blocking grooves BR are arranged far from the module hole MH, the multiple blocking grooves BR can have a small eccentricity.

[0139] The blocking groove BR of the display panel 100 can be varied in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, Figure 8 The blocking groove BR shown may include having a... Figure 8The zigzag sections with varying numbers of inclined portions are shown. Similarly, Figure 10 The protruding and / or recessed portions in the blocking groove BR may include those that are... Figure 10 The different numbers of inclined sections are shown. Furthermore, Figure 12 The blocking groove BR can include any number of elliptical blocking grooves, for example, more than Figure 12 The number of elliptical blocking grooves shown may be more or less.

[0140] According to some embodiments, when the protective strip 411 is pre-positioned on the display panel 100 and removed along the second direction DR2, the long dimensions of the elliptical first blocking groove BR1 and the elliptical second blocking groove BR2 (and in fact, most of the lengths of the corresponding first blocking groove BR1 and second blocking groove BR2) have curved surfaces that are tangent to the second direction DR2 at a small angle.

[0141] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the magnitude of the resistance of the protective strip 411 in regions A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 of the blocking groove BR when the protective strip 411 is removed. In some examples, refer to... Figure 13 The principles described can be applied in the same way to, for example, Figures 8 to 9 An embodiment of the display device with the blocking groove arrangement shown.

[0142] like Figure 13 As shown, the protective strip 411 can be along a direction from left to right (e.g., a second direction DR2 or by...). Figure 13 The protective tape 411 is removed in the direction indicated by arrow AR. Simultaneously, when the protective tape 411 is removed, resistance can occur due to the bonding force between the protective tape 411 and the encapsulation layer TE. The magnitude of the resistance can vary depending on the removal direction of the protective tape 411 and the shape of the blocking groove BR. For illustrative purposes, this resistance is defined as the resistance of the protective tape 411.

[0143] The blocking groove BR includes a horizontal portion HL, namely, an extension in the third region A3 and the fifth region A5 that extends in a direction aligned with the removal direction of the protective strip 411. Therefore, the resistance of the protective strip 411 can be minimized in the third region A3 and the fifth region A5, from the first region A1 to the fifth region A5.

[0144] The blocking groove BR may include obliquely arranged portions DG in the first region A1, second region A2, and fourth region A4, which are obliquely arranged relative to the second direction DR2. Since each of the oblique portions DG is inclined at an angle other than 90 degrees relative to the second direction DR2 where the protective strip 411 is removed, the resistance of the protective strip 411 can be reduced in the first region A1, second region A2, and fourth region A4. For example, the resistance of the protective strip 411 can be reduced by having a portion of the blocking groove BR inclined in the oblique direction rather than in a direction aligned with the first direction DR1. Simultaneously, the resistance of the protective strip 411 in the first region A1, second region A2, and fourth region A4 can be greater than the resistance of the protective strip 411 in the third region A3 and fifth region A5 described above.

[0145] Through methods such as those described above and Figure 13 The arrangement shown reduces the resistance of the protective strip 411 when it is removed by including the diagonal portion DG in the first serrated portion ZZ1 and the second serrated portion ZZ2. Therefore, damage to the encapsulation layer TE can be prevented when the protective strip 411 is removed.

[0146] In addition, the above Figure 10 The blocking groove BR also includes multiple diagonal sections DR1 to DR6, allowing passage when the protective strip 411 is removed. Figure 10 The barrier groove BR prevents damage to the encapsulation layer TE.

[0147] Furthermore, according to the above Figure 12 In this implementation, since the first blocking groove BR1 and the second blocking groove BR2 each have an elliptical shape with an elongated dimension along the second direction DR2, the tangents of the curved portions facing each other in the second direction DR2 can have an angle that is mostly inclined in the oblique direction relative to the second direction DR2. In other words, the tangents of the curved portions facing each other in the second direction DR2 can be inclined in the oblique direction rather than at a 90-degree angle relative to the second direction DR2. Therefore, when the protective strip 411 is removed, it can be... Figure 12 The barrier groove BR prevents damage to the encapsulation layer TE.

[0148] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of an electronic device that uses a display device according to one embodiment.

[0149] refer to Figure 14A tablet 1 using a display device 111 according to one embodiment is shown as an example of an electronic device. However, the display device 111 can be applied not only to the tablet 1 but also to other electronic devices. For example, the display device 111 can be applied to electronic devices that display moving or still images. For example, the display device 111 according to one embodiment can be applied to portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, smartwatches, watch phones, mobile communication terminals, e-notebooks, e-readers, portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation devices, and ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs). Alternatively, the display device 111 according to one embodiment can be used as a display screen for various electronic devices such as televisions, laptops, monitors, billboards, or Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

[0150] Furthermore, it should be understood that the display panel of the display device 111 intended for use in the aforementioned electronic device can be any display panel contemplated in this disclosure. For example, Figure 14 The display device 111 may include Figures 1 to 13 The aforementioned display panel 100. An electronic device according to one embodiment includes the aforementioned display device, and may also include modules or devices with additional functions in addition to the display device.

[0151] Figure 15 This is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment. (Reference) Figure 15 According to one embodiment, the electronic device 50 may include a display module 11, a processor 12, a memory 13, and a power module 14. The electronic device 50 may also include an input module 15, an output module 16, and / or a communication module 17.

[0152] Electronic device 50 can output various information in the form of images through display module 11. When processor 12 executes an application stored in memory 13, it can provide the user with image information provided by the application through display module 11. Power module 14 may include a power module such as a power adapter or battery device, and a power conversion module that converts the power provided by the power module to generate the power required for the operation of electronic device 50. Input module 15 can provide input information to processor 12 and / or display module 11. Output module 16 can receive information other than images transmitted from processor 12 (such as sound, touch, and light) and provide that information to the user. Communication module 17 is responsible for transmitting and receiving information between electronic device 50 and external devices, and may include receiving unit and transmitting unit.

[0153] At least one of the components of the aforementioned electronic device 50 may be included in the display device according to the above embodiment. Furthermore, some of the individual modules functionally included in a single module may be included in the display device, and other modules may be configured to be separate from the display device. For example, the display device includes a display module 11, and the processor 12, memory 13, and power module 14 may be configured as other devices within the electronic device 50 besides the display device.

[0154] Figure 16 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figures 16 to 18 Examples of various electronic devices that can be applied to display devices according to the implementation method.

[0155] Figure 16 Examples of electronic devices are shown, including a smartphone 10_1a, a tablet PC 10_1b, a laptop computer 10_1c, a TV 10_1d, and a desktop monitor 10_1e.

[0156] In addition to the display module, the smartphone 10_1a may include an input module (such as a touch sensor) and a communication module. The smartphone 10_1a can process information received through the communication module or other input modules and display the information through the display module of the display device.

[0157] In the case of tablet PC 10_1b, laptop computer 10_1c, TV 10_1d, and desktop monitor 10_1e, they may also include a display module and input module similar to those of smartphone 10_1a, and in some cases may additionally include a communication module.

[0158] Figure 17 An example of an electronic device is shown, including a display module for use in a wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device may be, for example, smart glasses 10_2a, a head-mounted display 10_2b, a smartwatch 10_2c, etc.

[0159] The smart glasses 10_2a and the head-mounted display 10_2b may include a display module that emits a display image and a reflector that reflects the emitted display image and provides it to the user's eyes, thereby providing virtual reality or augmented reality images to the user.

[0160] The smartwatch 10_2c includes a biometric sensor as an input device and can provide users with biometric information identified by the biometric sensor through a display module. Figure 18The illustration shows an application of the electronic device 10_3, including a display module, in a vehicle. For example, the electronic device 10_3 can be applied to the vehicle's dashboard, central instrument panel (control console), etc., or it can be applied to a CID (Central Information Display) placed on the vehicle's dashboard or an interior mirror display that replaces the side mirrors.

[0161] In concluding this detailed description, those skilled in the art will understand that many variations and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiments without substantially departing from the principles of this disclosure. Therefore, the preferred embodiments of this disclosure are used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes.

Claims

1. A display device, characterized in that, The display device includes: Display panel; A module hole that passes through the display panel in the display area of ​​the display panel; and A blocking groove is provided on the display panel, such that the blocking groove is positioned around the module hole and is recessed in the display area of ​​the display panel. The blocking groove includes: First extended portion; The second extension portion is configured to face the first extension portion, such that the second extension portion is on the opposite side of the module hole relative to the first extension portion; A first serrated portion is connected between a first side of the first extended portion and a first side of the second extended portion; and The second serrated portion connects the second side of the first extended portion and the second side of the second extended portion, and is configured to face the first serrated portion. Wherein, the second side of the first extended portion is opposite to the first side of the first extended portion, and the second side of the second extended portion is opposite to the first side of the second extended portion.

2. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first extension extends along the removal direction of the protective strip configured to be disposed on the display panel.

3. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second extension extends along the removal direction of the protective strip configured to be disposed on the display panel.

4. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first serrated portion includes a plurality of diagonal lines connected to each other in a serrated shape, wherein each of the plurality of diagonal lines of the first serrated portion has a shape that is inclined in the diagonal direction relative to the removal direction of the protective strip configured to be disposed on the display panel, so as to form an inclination angle relative to the removal direction of the protective strip.

5. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second serrated portion includes a plurality of diagonal lines connected to each other in a serrated shape, wherein each of the plurality of diagonal lines of the second serrated portion has a shape that is inclined in the diagonal direction relative to the removal direction of the protective strip configured to be disposed on the display panel, so as to form an inclination angle relative to the removal direction of the protective strip.

6. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When viewed in a direction orthogonal to a plane coinciding with the surface of the display panel, the blocking groove surrounds the module hole.

7. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blocking groove is a first blocking groove, and the display device further includes a second blocking groove, which is disposed at a different distance from the module hole relative to the first blocking groove. The first blocking groove and the second blocking groove have the same shape. The first blocking groove and the second blocking groove have different lengths.

8. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When viewed in a direction orthogonal to a plane coinciding with the surface of the display panel, the module hole has a circular shape.

9. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first extended portion is linear overall.

10. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first extended portion is parallel to the second extended portion.

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