Display panel comprising touch-sensitive layer including organic layer, and electronic device comprising same

Abstract

A display panel is provided. The display panel may comprise: a light-emitting layer, the light-emitting layer being able to include light-emitting portions, and an insulating portion that defines edges of the respective light-emitting portions of the light-emitting layer; an encapsulation layer disposed on the light-emitting layer so as to cover the light-emitting layer; a touch-sensitive layer which is disposed on the encapsulation layer and which includes electrodes; and a color filter layer disposed on the touch-sensitive layer, wherein the color filter layer can include: color filter portions aligned with the respective light-emitting portions of the light-emitting layer; and a black matrix (BM) portion for defining edges of the respective color filter portions of the color filter layer.

Description

A display panel comprising a touch-sensitive layer including an organic layer, and an electronic device comprising the same

[0001] The following descriptions relate to a display panel comprising a touch-sensitive layer including an organic layer, and an electronic device comprising the same.

[0002] An electronic device may include a display. The display may be used to display an image. The display may include a display panel and a display driving circuit. The display driving circuit may be configured to display the image obtained from the processor of the electronic device on the display panel. For example, the display driving circuit may be configured to control a source driver (or data driver) of the electronic device and a gate driver (or scan driver) of the electronic device to display the image on the display panel.

[0003] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] A display panel is provided. The display panel may include a light-emitting layer. The light-emitting layer may include light-emitting portions and an insulating portion defining the edge of each of the light-emitting portions of the light-emitting layer. The display panel may include an encapsulation layer disposed on the light-emitting layer to cover the light-emitting layer. The display panel may include a touch-sensitive layer disposed on the encapsulation layer and comprising electrodes. The touch-sensitive layer may be used to identify an input received in relation to the display panel based on changes in capacitive coupling between the electrodes and / or changes in capacitive coupling between an external object and each of the electrodes. The touch-sensitive layer may include an inorganic insulating layer disposed between a first portion and a second portion of the electrodes, an inorganic protective layer for protecting the electrodes, and an organic layer embedded between the inorganic insulating layer and the inorganic protective layer of the touch-sensitive layer to cover at least a portion of the electrodes. The display panel may include a color filter layer disposed on the touch-sensitive layer. The color filter layer may include color filter portions aligned with the light-emitting portions of the light-emitting layer, and a black matrix (BM) portion defining the edges of each of the color filter portions of the color filter layer.

[0005] An electronic device is provided. The electronic device may include at least one processor comprising a processing circuit. The electronic device may include a display. The display may include the display panel and a display driving circuit configured to display an image obtained from the at least one processor through the display panel.

[0006] FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate the condition of a display panel damaged by an external impact.

[0007] Figure 4 is a simplified block diagram of an electronic device.

[0008] FIG. 5 illustrates a display panel including a touch-sensitive layer including an organic layer.

[0009] FIG. 6 illustrates a display panel comprising a touch-sensitive layer including one or more discontinuous inorganic layers.

[0010] FIG. 7 illustrates the displayable and non-displayable parts of a foldable display panel.

[0011] FIG. 8 illustrates the displayable and non-displayable parts of a multi-foldable display panel.

[0012] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a display module according to various embodiments.

[0014] FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate the condition of a display panel damaged by an external impact.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, a display panel (100) may be described as a device used for displaying information. The display panel (100) may be included within an electronic device. The electronic device may include a display driving circuit configured to control the display panel (100) to display information through the display panel (100), and a display (or display device) including the display panel (100). The electronic device may include at least one processor (e.g., including a processing circuit) configured to acquire an image containing the information and provide the image to the display driving circuit. The display driving circuit may acquire the image from the at least one processor and display the acquired image through the display panel (100) to display the information on the display panel (100). The form factor of the electronic device may vary. For example, the electronic device may be a bar-type electronic device. For example, the electronic device may be a foldable-type (or single-foldable-type) electronic device. For example, the electronic device may be a multi-foldable type electronic device. For example, the electronic device may be a rollable type or a sliderable type electronic device. A display panel (100) within the electronic device may define the front side (or top side) of the electronic device.

[0016] The display panel (100) may include a plurality of layers.

[0017] A display panel (100) may include a light-emitting layer (110). The light-emitting layer (110) may include light-emitting portions (115) and an insulating portion (114) that defines the periphery of each of the light-emitting portions (115) of the light-emitting layer (110). The insulating portion (114) may be described as a pixel definition layer (PDL) in that it functions to define a pixel (or subpixel). The insulating portion (114) may be described as an isolation portion (or electrical isolation portion).

[0018] The light-emitting portions (115) may each include light-emitting elements. For example, the light-emitting elements may include light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs may include organic LEDs (OLEDs). The light-emitting layer (110) may include an anode electrode portion (111) of an LED, a portion (112) containing a light-emitting material (or organic light-emitting material), and a cathode electrode portion (113) of an LED. The light-emitting portions (115) may be defined in a part of the light-emitting layer (110) where the anode electrode portion (111), the portion (112), and the cathode electrode portion (113) overlap each other.

[0019] A display panel (100) may include a sealing layer (120) placed over a light-emitting layer (110). The sealing layer (120) may be included within the display panel (100) to protect the light-emitting layer (110) from foreign substances (e.g., moisture and / or air) directed toward the light-emitting layer (110). The sealing layer (120) may seal the light-emitting layer (110).

[0020] As a non-limiting example, the encapsulation layer (120) may include a first inorganic layer (121) covering the cathode electrode portion (113) of the light-emitting layer (110). The encapsulation layer (120) may include a second inorganic layer (123) disposed on the first inorganic layer (121) of the encapsulation layer (120). The encapsulation layer (120) may include an organic layer (122) embedded between the first inorganic layer (121) and the second inorganic layer (123). The organic layer (122) may spatially separate the first inorganic layer (121) and the second inorganic layer (123). For example, an organic layer (122) may be embedded between the first inorganic layer (121) and the second inorganic layer (123) to reduce the insertion of foreign matter into the light-emitting layer (110) through pinholes that may occur within the first inorganic layer (121) and / or the second inorganic layer (123).

[0021] A display panel (100) may include a touch-sensitive layer (130) disposed on top of an encapsulation layer (120). The touch-sensitive layer (130) may include display panel electrodes (134). In an example that is not limited to, the touch-sensitive layer (130) may be used to identify input received in relation to the display panel (100) based on changes in capacitive coupling between the electrodes (134) and / or changes in capacitive coupling between each of the electrodes (134) and an external object (e.g., a finger or stylus placed on or over the display panel (100)). The touch-sensitive layer (130) may be described as a touch screen panel (TSP).

[0022] The touch-sensitive layer (130) may include an inorganic flattening layer (131). The inorganic flattening layer (131) may be included within the display panel (100) to flatten a portion of the display panel (100) on which electrodes (134) are to be placed. As an example without limitation, the inorganic flattening layer (131) may be described as a passivation layer.

[0023] First electrodes (134-1), which are a first part of the electrodes (134), may be placed on an inorganic flattening layer (131). The first electrodes (134-1) may extend in a first direction (e.g., the direction of the x-axis or the direction of the y-axis) and be arranged parallel in a second direction (e.g., the direction of the y-axis or the direction of the x-axis) which is (substantially) perpendicular to the first direction.

[0024] The touch-sensitive layer (130) may include an inorganic insulating layer (132). The inorganic insulating layer (132) may be placed on the inorganic flattening layer (131) to cover the first electrodes (134-1).

[0025] The second electrodes (134-2), which are a second part of the electrodes (134), may be disposed on an inorganic insulating layer (132). The second electrodes (134-2) may extend in the second direction and be arranged parallel to the first direction. The inorganic insulating layer (132) may be disposed between the first part and the second part of the electrodes (134). For example, the inorganic insulating layer (132) may be disposed between the first electrodes (134-1) and the second electrodes (134-2) for variations in capacitive coupling between a part of the first electrodes (134-1) and a part of the second electrodes (134-2).

[0026] The touch-sensitive layer (130) may include an inorganic protective layer (133) for protecting the electrodes (134) (or the touch-sensitive layer (130)). The inorganic protective layer (133) may be placed over the inorganic insulating layer (132) to cover the second electrodes (134-2).

[0027] The touch-sensitive layer (130) may include a stepped portion (135) at the portion where the electrodes (134) are located. The stepped portion (135) may be described as a portion including a first horizontal portion, a vertical portion extending from the first horizontal portion, and a second horizontal portion extending from the vertical portion.

[0028] A display panel (100) may include a color filter layer (140) placed on top of a touch-sensitive layer (130). The color filter layer (140) may be included within the display panel (100) for visual quality (e.g., visual quality of information displayed through the display panel (100)) that is not reduced or is relatively less reduced depending on external light (e.g., sunlight) reaching the display panel (100). The color filter layer (140) may include color filter portions (141) each aligned with the light-emitting portions (115) of the light-emitting layer (110), and a black matrix (BM) portion (142) defining the edges of each of the color filter portions (141) of the color filter layer (140). The BM portion (142) may be described as an opaque portion. The BM portion (142) may be described as a light-blocking portion. As a non-limiting example, the BM portion (142) may be defined by overlapping a first color filter portion configured to pass red light, a second color filter portion configured to pass blue light, and a third color filter portion configured to pass green light. For example, the BM portion (142) may be implemented by the first color filter portion placed on the second color filter portion and the third color filter portion placed on the first color filter portion.

[0029] The color filter portions (141) of the color filter layer (140) may each overlap with the light-emitting portions (115) of the light-emitting layer (110). Each of the color filter portions (141) of the color filter layer (140) may be configured to allow light of a color corresponding to the color of light emitted from the light-emitting portions (115) of the light-emitting layer (110) (e.g., red, blue, or green) to pass through, and to disallow light of a color that does not correspond to (or is different from) the color of light emitted from the light-emitting portions (115) of the light-emitting layer (110).

[0030] The display panel (100) may include a layer (150) placed on top of a color filter layer (140). The layer (150) may be placed on top of the color filter layer (140) to flatten the display panel (100). The layer (150) may be described as an overcoating layer.

[0031] Since the display panel (100) defines the front side of the electronic device, an external impact may be applied to the display panel (100). For example, the state (191) of the display panel (100) may be described as a state in which an external impact is applied to the display panel (100), as indicated by the indication (193).

[0032] The display panel (100) may be damaged by an external impact. For example, the state (192) of the display panel (100) may be described as the state of the display panel (100) damaged by an external impact.

[0033] As described above, the touch-sensitive layer (130) may include a stepped portion (135) formed by including electrodes (134). The stepped portion (135) may be fractured more easily than a planar portion (not shown). For example, fracture (194) of the display panel (100) may occur from the stepped portion (135) depending on an external impact, such as in state (192).

[0034] A layer of the display panel (100) formed from an inorganic material is superior to a layer of the display panel (100) formed from an organic material in terms of blocking foreign substances, but a layer of the display panel (100) formed from an inorganic material can be more fragile than a layer of the display panel (100) formed from an organic material. As a non-limiting example, since the layers within the touch-sensitive layer (130) are formed from an inorganic material, the crack (194) of the display panel (100) can extend to the encapsulation layer (120). For example, foreign substances (e.g., oxygen or moisture) can be inserted into the light-emitting layer (110) through the crack in the encapsulation layer (120). Foreign substances inserted into the light-emitting layer (110) can oxidize a portion (112) of the light-emitting layer (110) (e.g., containing organic material). Oxidation of the portion (112) of the light-emitting layer (110) can reduce the light-emitting properties. For example, due to oxidation of a portion (112) of the light-emitting layer (110), a black spot may occur within the displayable portion (or active portion) (or active area) (or display portion) of the display panel (100). Such a black spot may reduce the quality of the display panel (100).

[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, the electronic device described with reference to FIG. 1 may include a structure (280) that supports a display panel (100) and / or is positioned below the display panel (100). The structure (280) may be described as a bracket of the electronic device.

[0036] The display panel (100) may include a portion (290) (or rear portion (290)) (or bottom portion (290)) that is closer to the rear side (or bottom side) of the display panel (100) than to the front side (or top side) of the display panel (100).

[0037] A portion (290) of the display panel (100) may include a substrate layer (260). The substrate layer (260) may be formed from polyimide. The substrate layer (260) may be flexible or deformable.

[0038] A portion (290) of the display panel (100) may include a buffer layer (265) formed on a substrate layer (260). The buffer layer (265) may be placed on the substrate layer (260). The buffer layer (265) may be included in the display panel (100) to reduce the movement of material (or foreign material) that may occur between the substrate layer (260) and the circuit layer (270) when forming the circuit layer (270) described below (e.g., an active layer (not shown in FIG. 2) within the circuit layer (270) (e.g., formed from LTPS (low-temperature polycrystalline silicon) or LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide)). The buffer layer (265) may be described as being included within the substrate layer (260) or the circuit layer (270).

[0039] A portion (290) of the display panel (100) may include a circuit layer (270). The circuit layer (270) may be formed on a substrate layer (260) or a buffer layer (265). The circuit layer (270) may be placed on the substrate layer (260) or the buffer layer (265). The circuit layer (270) may be placed below a light-emitting layer (110). The circuit layer (270) may include transistors configured to control light emission from each of the light-emitting portions (115). The transistors may be described as light-emitting driving circuitry or light-emitting driving circuits. The circuit layer (270) may further include a gate driver circuit.

[0040] The circuit layer (270) may include the active layer. The circuit layer (270) may include one or more inorganic insulating layers and / or one or more organic insulating layers.

[0041] The display panel (100) can be supported by a structure (280). The structure (280) placed below the display panel (100) may include one or more groove portions (281).

[0042] Since the display panel (100) defines the front side of the electronic device, an external impact may be applied to the display panel (100). For example, the state (191) of the display panel (100) may be described as a state in which an external impact is applied to the display panel (100), as indicated by the indication (193).

[0043] The display panel (100) may be deformed at least partially depending on an external impact. For example, a part (290) of the display panel (100) may be bent depending on an external impact, such as an indication (294). For example, the state (292) of the display panel (100) may be described as a state in which the part (290) of the display panel (100) is bent due to an external impact.

[0044] A layer of the display panel (100) formed from an inorganic material is superior to a layer of the display panel (100) formed from an organic material in terms of blocking foreign substances, but a layer of the display panel (100) formed from an inorganic material can be more easily broken (fragile) than a layer of the display panel (100) formed from an organic material. As a non-limiting example, since the circuit layer (270) of the display panel (100) includes one or more inorganic insulating layers, the circuit layer (270) (or said one or more inorganic insulating layers of the circuit layer (270)) can be broken as a result of bending of a part (290) of the display panel (100), as indicated by an indication (295). For example, the breakage of said one or more inorganic insulating layers of the circuit layer (270) can cause a malfunction of the display panel (100) when light is emitted from each of the light-emitting parts (115). For example, a breakage in one or more inorganic insulating layers of the circuit layer (270) may cause a line defect that renders display impossible through one or more display lines defined within the displayable portion of the display panel (100). For example, a breakage in one or more inorganic insulating layers of the circuit layer (270) may cause a black spot within the displayable portion of the display panel (100).

[0045] Referring to FIG. 3, the display panel (100) may include a displayable portion and a non-displayable portion. The displayable portion of the display panel (100) may be described as a portion of the display panel (100) available for displaying information. The displayable portion of the display panel (100) may be described as an active area. The displayable portion of the display panel (100) may be described as a portion of the display panel (100) configured to emit light under the control of a circuit layer (270) (not shown in FIG. 3). The non-displayable portion of the display panel (100) may be defined at the edge of the display panel (100). The non-displayable portion of the display panel (100) may be placed peripherally to the displayable portion of the display panel (100). The non-displayable portion of the display panel (100) may be described as a portion of the display panel (100) that does not include color filter portions (141), electrodes (134), and light-emitting portions (115) (e.g., light-emitting portions controlled by a circuit layer (270)). The non-displayable portion of the display panel (100) may be described as a portion of the display panel (100) covered by the structure of the electronic device described with reference to FIG. 1 (e.g., the structure of the electronic device associated with the display panel (100)) (e.g., a bezel) (e.g., a front frame portion described with reference to FIG. 7). The non-displayable portion of the display panel (100) may be described as dead space. The non-displayable portion of the display panel (100) may be described as a non-active portion or a non-active area.

[0046] Since the display panel (100) defines the front side of the electronic device, an external impact may be applied to the non-displayable portion of the display panel (100) or to the displayable portion of the display panel (100) adjacent to the non-displayable portion of the display panel (100). For example, the state (391) of the display panel (100) may be described as a state in which an external impact is applied to the non-displayable portion of the display panel (100), as indicated by the indication (393).

[0047] A layer of a display panel (100) formed from an inorganic material is superior to a layer of a display panel (100) formed from an organic material in terms of blocking foreign substances, but a layer of a display panel (100) formed from an inorganic material can be more easily broken (fragile) than a layer of a display panel (100) formed from an organic material. As an example without limitation, the BM portion (142) and layer (150) of a color filter layer (140) are formed from an organic material, but because the BM portion (142) and layer (150) of the color filter layer (140) are adjacent to the location of the display panel (100) where an external impact is directly applied, the BM portion (142) and layer (150) of the color filter layer (140) can be broken by an external impact. As a non-limiting example, since the layers within the touch-sensitive layer (130) (e.g., inorganic flattening layer (131), inorganic insulating layer (132), and inorganic protective layer (133)) are formed from inorganic material, the breakage of the BM portion (142) of the color filter layer (140) and the layer (150) may extend to the touch-sensitive layer (130). As a non-limiting example, since the layers within the touch-sensitive layer (130) (e.g., inorganic flattening layer (131), inorganic insulating layer (132), and inorganic protective layer (133)) are formed from inorganic material, the breakage of the touch-sensitive layer (130) may extend to the encapsulation layer (120). For example, as in state (392), a break (394) of the display panel (100) may occur from the non-displayable portion of the display panel (100) depending on an impact applied to the non-displayable portion of the display panel (100). The break (394) of the display panel (100) may be represented as in image (396).

[0048] For example, foreign substances (e.g., oxygen or moisture) may be inserted into the light-emitting layer (110) through a broken part of the encapsulation layer (120). The foreign substances inserted into the light-emitting layer (110) may oxidize a part (112) of the light-emitting layer (110) (e.g., containing organic material). Oxidation of the part (112) of the light-emitting layer (110) may reduce the light-emitting properties. For example, due to oxidation of the part (112) of the light-emitting layer (110), a black spot may occur within the displayable part (or active part) (or active area) (or display part) of the display panel (100). Such black spots may reduce the quality of the display panel (100).

[0049] The display panel described below (e.g., display panel (400)) may include a structure for reducing breakage of the display panel (100) described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3.

[0050] Figure 4 is a simplified block diagram of an electronic device.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 4, the display panel (400) may be included within the display (490) (or display device (490)) (or display assembly (490)) (or display module (490)) of the electronic device (401).

[0052] The electronic device (401) may include at least one processor (480) (e.g., including a processing circuit) and a display (490). The electronic device (401) may include at least a part of the electronic device (901) of FIG. 9 or correspond to at least a part of the electronic device (901) of FIG. 9.

[0053] The form factor of the electronic device (401) may vary. For example, the electronic device (401) may be a bar-type electronic device. For example, the electronic device (401) may be a foldable-type (or single-foldable-type) electronic device. For example, the electronic device (401) may be a multi-foldable-type electronic device. For example, the electronic device (401) may be a rollable-type or sliderable-type electronic device. A display panel (400) within the electronic device (401) may define the front side (or top side) of the electronic device (401).

[0054] At least one processor (480) may generate or acquire an image to be displayed through a display panel (400) and provide the image to a display driving circuit (491) to display the image through the display panel (400). At least one processor (480) may include a central processing unit (e.g., including a processing circuit). At least one processor (480) may include a display processing unit (DPU) (e.g., including a processing circuit). At least one processor (480) may include a graphic processing unit (GPU) (e.g., including a processing circuit) and / or a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., including a processing circuit). At least one processor (480) may include at least a part of the processor (920) of FIG. 9 or correspond to at least a part of the processor (920) of FIG. 9.

[0055] The display (490) may include a display driving circuit (491) and a display panel (400). The display (490) may include at least a part of the display module (960) of FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10 or correspond to at least a part of the display module (960) of FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10.

[0056] The display driving circuit (491) can control the display panel (400) to display an image obtained from at least one processor (480) through the display panel (400). For example, the display driving circuit (491) can control a gate driver circuit within a circuit layer of the display panel (400). The display driving circuit (491) may include at least a part of the display driver IC (1030) of FIG. 10 or correspond to at least a part of the display driver IC (1030) of FIG. 10.

[0057] The display panel (400) may be used for displaying an image. The display panel (400) may be used to identify inputs received in connection with the display panel (400), such as touch inputs and / or hovering inputs. At least a portion of the display panel (400) may be flexible or deformable. The display panel (400) may include at least a portion of the display (1010) of FIG. 10 or correspond to at least a portion of the display (1010) of FIG. 10.

[0058] The display panel (400) may include a displayable portion (492) and a non-displayable portion (493).

[0059] The displayable portion (492) of the display panel (100) may be described as a portion of the display panel (400) available for displaying information (or an image). The displayable portion (492) of the display panel (400) may be described as an active area. The displayable portion (492) of the display panel (400) may be described as a portion of the display panel (400) configured to emit light under the control of a circuit layer (e.g., circuit layer (570) of FIG. 5) (not shown in FIG. 4). The non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (100) may be defined at the edge of the display panel (400). The non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400) may be placed peripherally to the displayable portion (492) of the display panel (400). The non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400) may be described as a portion of the display panel (400) that does not include color filter portions (541) (not shown in FIG. 4), electrodes (534) (not shown in FIG. 4), and light-emitting portions (515) (e.g., light-emitting portions controlled by a circuit layer (570)) (not shown in FIG. 4). The non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400) may be described as a portion of the display panel (400) that is covered by a structure of an electronic device (401) (e.g., a structure of the electronic device (401) associated with the display panel (400)) (e.g., a bezel of the electronic device (401)) (e.g., a front frame portion of the electronic device (401) described with reference to FIG. 7). The non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400) may be described as dead space. The non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400) can be described as a non-active portion or a non-active area.

[0060] The display panel (400) may include a structure for reinforcing the robustness of the display panel (400). For example, the display panel (400) may include a structure for reducing breakage of the display panel (100) described with reference to FIGS. 1, FIGS. 2, and FIGS. 3.

[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates a display panel including a touch-sensitive layer including an organic layer.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 5, the display panel (400) may include a plurality of layers including a substrate layer (560), an organic layer (563), a buffer layer (565), a circuit layer (570), a light-emitting layer (510), an encapsulation layer (520), a touch-sensitive layer (530), a color filter layer (540), and a layer (550).

[0063] A display panel (400) may include a light-emitting layer (510). The light-emitting layer (510) located within a displayable portion (492) of the display panel (400) may include light-emitting portions (515) and an insulating portion (514) that defines the periphery of each of the light-emitting portions (515) of the light-emitting layer (510). The insulating portion (514) may be described as a pixel definition layer (PDL) in that it functions to define a pixel (or subpixel). The insulating portion (514) may be described as an isolation portion (or electrical isolation portion).

[0064] The light-emitting portions (515) may each include light-emitting elements. For example, the light-emitting elements may include light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs may include organic LEDs (OLEDs). The light-emitting layer (510) may include an anode electrode portion (511) of an LED, a portion (512) containing a light-emitting material (or organic light-emitting material), and a cathode electrode portion (513) of an LED. The light-emitting portions (515) may be defined in a part of the light-emitting layer (510) where the anode electrode portion (511), the portion (512), and the cathode electrode portion (513) overlap each other.

[0065] The display panel (400) may include a sealing layer (520) disposed on (or over) the light-emitting layer (510) to cover the light-emitting layer (510). The sealing layer (520) may be included within the display panel (400) to protect the light-emitting layer (510) from foreign substances (e.g., moisture and / or air) directed toward the light-emitting layer (510). The sealing layer (520) may seal the light-emitting layer (510).

[0066] As a non-limiting example, the encapsulation layer (520) may include a first inorganic layer (521) covering the cathode electrode portion (513) of the light-emitting layer (510). The encapsulation layer (520) may include a second inorganic layer (523) disposed on the first inorganic layer (521) of the encapsulation layer (520). The encapsulation layer (520) may include an organic layer (522) embedded between the first inorganic layer (521) and the second inorganic layer (523). The organic layer (522) may spatially separate the first inorganic layer (521) and the second inorganic layer (523). For example, an organic layer (522) may be embedded between the first inorganic layer (521) and the second inorganic layer (523) to reduce the insertion of foreign matter into the light-emitting layer (510) through pinholes that may occur within the first inorganic layer (521) and / or the second inorganic layer (523).

[0067] The display panel (400) may include a touch-sensitive layer (530) disposed on top of the encapsulation layer (520). The touch-sensitive layer (530) located within the displayable portion (492) of the display panel (400) may include electrodes (534). By example, without limitation, the touch-sensitive layer (530) may be used to identify input received in relation to the display panel (400) based on changes in capacitive coupling between the electrodes (534) and / or changes in capacitive coupling between each of the electrodes (534) and an external object (e.g., a finger or stylus placed on the display panel (100) or over the display panel (400). The touch-sensitive layer (530) may be described as a touch screen panel (TSP).

[0068] The touch-sensitive layer (530) may include an inorganic flattening layer (531). The inorganic flattening layer (531) may be included within the display panel (400) to flatten a portion of the display panel (400) on which the electrodes (534) are to be placed. As an example without limitation, the inorganic flattening layer (531) may be described as a passivation layer.

[0069] First electrodes (534-1), which are a first part of electrodes (534) included within a displayable portion (492) of a display panel (400), may be placed on an inorganic flattening layer (531). The first electrodes (534-1) may extend in a first direction (e.g., the direction of the x-axis or the direction of the y-axis) and be arranged parallel in a second direction (e.g., the direction of the y-axis or the direction of the x-axis) which is (substantially) perpendicular to the first direction.

[0070] The touch-sensitive layer (530) may include an inorganic insulating layer (532). The inorganic insulating layer (532) may be placed on or above the inorganic flattening layer (531) to cover the first electrodes (534-1).

[0071] The second electrodes (534-2), which are a second part of the electrodes (534) included within the displayable portion (492) of the display panel (400), may be disposed on an inorganic insulating layer (532). The second electrodes (534-2) may extend in the second direction and be arranged parallel to the first direction. The inorganic insulating layer (532) may be disposed between the first part and the second part of the electrodes (534). For example, the inorganic insulating layer (532) may be disposed between the first electrodes (534-1) and the second electrodes (534-2) for changes in capacitive coupling between the part of the first electrodes (534-1) and the part of the second electrodes (534-2).

[0072] The touch-sensitive layer (530) may include an inorganic protective layer (533) for protecting the electrodes (534) (or the touch-sensitive layer (530)).

[0073] The touch-sensitive layer (530) may include an organic layer (536) embedded between the inorganic insulating layer (532) and the inorganic protective layer (533) of the touch-sensitive layer (530) to cover at least a portion of the electrodes (534) (e.g., second electrodes (534-2)). The organic layer (536) may be embedded between the inorganic insulating layer (532) and the inorganic protective layer (533) of the touch-sensitive layer (530) described with reference to FIG. 1 or FIG. 3 to reduce the extension (or diffusion) of the inorganic protective layer (533) of the touch-sensitive layer (530) to the encapsulation layer (520). As an example without limitation, the organic layer (536) may be described as a structure for a robust display panel (400).

[0074] As a non-limiting example, the organic layer (536) may be composed of two or more organic layers. For example, the organic layer (536) may include a first organic layer and a second organic layer disposed on the first organic layer. As a non-limiting example, the organic layer (536) may include an inorganic layer embedded between the first organic layer and the second organic layer of the organic layer (536). The inorganic layer may be covered by the first organic layer and the second organic layer of the organic layer (536).

[0075] A display panel (400) may include a color filter layer (540) placed on or above a touch-sensitive layer (530). The color filter layer (540) may be included within the display panel (400) for visual quality (e.g., visual quality of information displayed through the display panel (400)) that is not reduced or is relatively less reduced depending on external light (e.g., sunlight) reaching the display panel (400). A color filter layer (540) located within a displayable portion (492) of the display panel (400) may include color filter portions (541) each aligned with the light-emitting portions (515) of the light-emitting layer (510), and a black matrix (BM) portion (542) defining the edges of each of the color filter portions (541) of the color filter layer (540). The BM portion (542) may be described as an opaque portion. The BM portion (542) may be described as a light-blocking portion. The color filter portions (541) of the color filter layer (540) may each overlap with the light-emitting portions (515) of the light-emitting layer (510). Each of the color filter portions (541) of the color filter layer (540) may be configured to allow light of a color corresponding to the color of light emitted from the light-emitting portions (515) of the light-emitting layer (510) (e.g., red, blue, or green) to pass through, and to disallow light of a color that does not correspond to (or is different from) the color of light emitted from the light-emitting portions (515) of the light-emitting layer (510).

[0076] The display panel (400) may include a layer (550) placed on top of a color filter layer (540). The layer (550) may be placed on top of the color filter layer (540) to flatten the display panel (400). The layer (550) may be described as an overcoating layer.

[0077] The display panel (400) may include a substrate layer (560). The substrate layer (560) may be formed from polyimide. The substrate layer (560) may be flexible or deformable.

[0078] The display panel (400) may include an organic layer (563) disposed on or above a substrate layer (560). The organic layer (563) may be included within the display panel (400) to reduce the occurrence, diffusion, or extension of cracks in the display panel (400) to the circuit layer (570) as described with reference to FIG. 2. The organic layer (563) may be contained between the substrate layer (560) and the circuit layer (570).

[0079] The display panel (400) may include a buffer layer (565) formed on an organic layer (563). The buffer layer (565) may be placed on or above the organic layer (563). The buffer layer (565) may be included in the display panel (400) to reduce the movement of material (or foreign material) that may occur when forming a circuit layer (570) (e.g., an active layer (not shown in FIG. 5) within the circuit layer (570) (e.g., formed from LTPS (low-temperature polycrystalline silicon) or LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide)). The buffer layer (565) may be described as being included within the circuit layer (570).

[0080] The display panel (400) may include a circuit layer (570). The circuit layer (570) may be formed on a buffer layer (565). The circuit layer (570) may be placed on top of the buffer layer (565). The circuit layer (570) may be placed below a light-emitting layer (510). The circuit layer (570) may include transistors configured to control light emission from each of the light-emitting portions (515). The transistors may be described as light-emitting driving circuitry or light-emitting driving circuits. The circuit layer (570) may include a gate driver circuit.

[0081] The circuit layer (570) may include the active layer. The circuit layer (570) may include one or more inorganic insulating layers and / or one or more organic insulating layers.

[0082] The position of the organic layer (563) may be changed according to the embodiment. For example, as in the example configuration (591), the organic layer (563) may not be located between the substrate layer (560) and the buffer layer (565), but may be located between the buffer layer (565) and the circuit layer (570). Although not shown in FIG. 5, the organic layer (563) may be located between the substrate layer (560) and the buffer layer (565), and between the buffer layer (565) and the circuit layer (570). For example, the organic layer (563) may be composed of two or more layers. As a non-limiting example, the organic layer (563) may include a first organic layer and a second organic layer disposed on the first organic layer. As a non-limiting example, the organic layer (563) may include an inorganic layer embedded between the first organic layer and the second organic layer of the organic layer (563). The inorganic layer may be covered by the first organic layer and the second organic layer of the organic layer (563).

[0083] As described above, the display panel (400) can be more robust by including an organic layer (536) and / or an organic layer (563) of the touch-sensitive layer (530).

[0084] FIG. 6 illustrates a display panel comprising a touch-sensitive layer including one or more discontinuous inorganic layers.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 6, the display panel (400) may include a plurality of layers including a substrate layer (560), an organic layer (563), a buffer layer (565), a circuit layer (570), a light-emitting layer (510), an encapsulation layer (520), a touch-sensitive layer (530), a color filter layer (540), and a layer (550).

[0086] A display panel (400) may include a light-emitting layer (510). A light-emitting layer (510) located within a non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400) may include an insulating portion (514). As a non-limiting example, a light-emitting layer (510) located within a non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400) may include a cathode electrode portion (513). As a non-limiting example, a light-emitting layer (510) located within a non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400) may not include light-emitting portions (515). As a non-limiting example, a light-emitting layer (510) located within a non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400) may not include an anode electrode portion (511) and a portion (512).

[0087] The display panel (400) may include a sealing layer (520) disposed on (or over) the light-emitting layer (510) to cover the light-emitting layer (510). The sealing layer (520) may be included within the display panel (400) to protect the light-emitting layer (510) from foreign substances (e.g., moisture and / or air) directed toward the light-emitting layer (510). The sealing layer (520) may seal the light-emitting layer (510).

[0088] As a non-limiting example, the encapsulation layer (520) may include a first inorganic layer (521) covering the cathode electrode portion (513) of the light-emitting layer (510). The encapsulation layer (520) may include a second inorganic layer (523) disposed on the first inorganic layer (521) of the encapsulation layer (520). The encapsulation layer (520) may include an organic layer (522) embedded between the first inorganic layer (521) and the second inorganic layer (523). The organic layer (522) may spatially separate the first inorganic layer (521) and the second inorganic layer (523). For example, an organic layer (522) may be embedded between the first inorganic layer (521) and the second inorganic layer (523) to reduce the insertion of foreign matter into the light-emitting layer (510) through pinholes that may occur within the first inorganic layer (521) and / or the second inorganic layer (523).

[0089] The display panel (400) may include a touch-sensitive layer (530) disposed on top of an encapsulation layer (520). The touch-sensitive layer (530) located within a non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400) may not include electrodes (534).

[0090] The touch-sensitive layer (530) may include an inorganic flattening layer (531). The inorganic flattening layer (531) may be included within the display panel (400) to flatten a portion of the display panel (400). As an example without limitation, the inorganic flattening layer (531) may be described as a passivation layer.

[0091] The touch-sensitive layer (530) may include an inorganic insulating layer (532). The inorganic insulating layer (532) may be placed on or above the inorganic flattening layer (531) within the non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400).

[0092] The inorganic flattening layer (531) and the inorganic insulating layer (532) of the touch-sensitive layer (530) may be discontinuous. For example, the inorganic flattening layer (531) and the inorganic insulating layer (532) of the touch-sensitive layer (530) may be discontinuous within the non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400), as indicated by the indication (600). The inorganic flattening layer (531) and the inorganic insulating layer (532) of the touch-sensitive layer (530) may be continuous within the displayable portion (492) of the display panel (400). However, they are not limited thereto. For example, the inorganic flattening layer (531) and the inorganic insulating layer (532) of the touch-sensitive layer (530) may be discontinuous within the displayable portion (492) of the display panel (400).

[0093] For example, as indicated by the indication (600), the inorganic insulating layer (532) of the discontinuous touch-sensitive layer (530) within the non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400) can at least partially cover the inorganic flattening layer (531) of the discontinuous touch-sensitive layer (530) within the non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400).

[0094] The touch-sensitive layer (530) may include an organic layer (536). The organic layer (536) may cover the inorganic flattening layer (531) and the inorganic insulating layer (532) of the touch-sensitive layer (530) that are discontinuous within the non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400), as indicated by the indication (600).

[0095] As a non-limiting example, the organic layer (536) located within the non-displayable portion (493) may be composed of two or more organic layers. For example, the organic layer (536) located within the non-displayable portion (493) may include a first organic layer and a second organic layer disposed on the first organic layer. As a non-limiting example, the organic layer (536) located within the non-displayable portion (493) may include an inorganic layer embedded between the first organic layer and the second organic layer of the organic layer (536). The inorganic layer may be covered by the first organic layer and the second organic layer of the organic layer (536).

[0096] The inorganic flattening layer (531) of the discontinuous touch-sensitive layer (530) and the inorganic insulating layer (532) of the discontinuous touch-sensitive layer (530) can be described as an island structure included within the touch-sensitive layer (530). Since the inorganic flattening layer (531) of the discontinuous touch-sensitive layer (530) and the inorganic insulating layer (532) of the discontinuous touch-sensitive layer (530) reduce the portion of the touch-sensitive layer (530) formed from an inorganic material, the inorganic flattening layer (531) of the discontinuous touch-sensitive layer (530) and the inorganic insulating layer (532) of the discontinuous touch-sensitive layer (530) can reduce the probability that a breakage (394) of the display panel (100) described with reference to FIG. 3 will occur within the display panel (400). The inorganic flattening layer (531) of the discontinuous touch-sensitive layer (530) and the inorganic insulating layer (532) of the discontinuous touch-sensitive layer (530) can be described as a structure for a robust display panel (400).

[0097] The touch-sensitive layer (530) may include an inorganic protective layer (533) placed on or above the organic layer (536).

[0098] The inorganic protection layer (533) of the touch-sensitive layer (530) may be discontinuous. For example, the inorganic protection layer (533) of the touch-sensitive layer (530) may be discontinuous within the non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400), as indicated by the indication (601). The inorganic protection layer (533) of the touch-sensitive layer (530) may be continuous within the displayable portion (492) of the display panel (400). However, it is not limited thereto. For example, the inorganic protection layer (533) of the touch-sensitive layer (530) may be discontinuous within the displayable portion (492) of the display panel (400).

[0099] The inorganic protective layer (533) of the discontinuous touch-sensitive layer (530) can be described as an island structure included within the touch-sensitive layer (530). Since the inorganic protective layer (533) of the discontinuous touch-sensitive layer (530) reduces the portion of the touch-sensitive layer (530) formed from an inorganic material, the inorganic protective layer (533) of the discontinuous touch-sensitive layer (530) can reduce the probability that a breakage (394) of the display panel (100) described with reference to FIG. 3 will occur within the display panel (400). The inorganic protective layer (533) of the discontinuous touch-sensitive layer (530) can be described as a structure for a robust display panel (400).

[0100] As a non-limiting example, the display panel (400) may include an inorganic flattening layer (531) of the discontinuous touch-sensitive layer (530), an inorganic insulating layer (532) of the discontinuous touch-sensitive layer (530), and an inorganic protective layer (533) of the discontinuous touch-sensitive layer (530). As a non-limiting example, the first island structure defined by the inorganic flattening layer (531) of the discontinuous touch-sensitive layer (530) and the inorganic insulating layer (532) of the discontinuous touch-sensitive layer (530) and the second island structure defined by the inorganic protective layer (533) of the discontinuous touch-sensitive layer (530) may alternate with each other (when viewed from above), as illustrated in FIG. 6. For example, the first island structure and the second island structure that alternate with each other can further reduce the probability that a breakage (394) of the display panel (100) described with reference to FIG. 3 will occur within the display panel (400).

[0101] As a non-limiting example, the size of the first island structure may differ from the size of the second island structure. As a non-limiting example, the size of the first island structure included within the touch-sensitive layer (530) located within the displayable portion (492) of the display panel (400) may differ from the size of the first island structure included within the touch-sensitive layer (530) located within the non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400). As a non-limiting example, the size of the second island structure included within the touch-sensitive layer (530) located within the displayable portion (492) of the display panel (400) may differ from the size of the second island structure included within the touch-sensitive layer (530) located within the non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400). As a non-limiting example, the difference between the size of the first island structure included in the touch-sensitive layer (530) located within the displayable portion (492) of the display panel (400) and the size of the first island structure included in the touch-sensitive layer (530) located within the non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400) may differ from the difference between the size of the second island structure included in the touch-sensitive layer (530) located within the displayable portion (492) of the display panel (400) and the size of the second island structure included in the touch-sensitive layer (530) located within the non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400).

[0102] As a non-limiting example, the shape of the first island structure included within the touch-sensitive layer (530) may be a rectangle (or rounded rectangle), a trapezoid (or rounded trapezoid), or an inverted trapezoid (or rounded inverted trapezoid) when viewed from the lateral side (e.g., left side, right side, top side, or bottom side) of the display panel (400). As a non-limiting example, the size of the first island structure (e.g., the width of the first island structure) may be larger as it gets closer to the periphery of the display panel (400). As a non-limiting example, the size of the first island structure may be smaller as it gets closer to the periphery of the display panel (400). As a non-limiting example, the size of the first island structure may be the same regardless of its position on the display panel (400).

[0103] As a non-limiting example, the shape of the second island structure included within the touch-sensitive layer (530) may be a rectangle (or rounded rectangle), a trapezoid (or rounded trapezoid), or an inverted trapezoid (or rounded inverted trapezoid) when viewed from the lateral side (e.g., left side, right side, top side, or bottom side) of the display panel (400). As a non-limiting example, the size of the second island structure (e.g., the width of the second island structure) may be larger as it is closer to the periphery of the display panel (400). As a non-limiting example, the size of the second island structure may be smaller as it is closer to the periphery of the display panel (400). As a non-limiting example, the size of the second island structure may be the same regardless of its position on the display panel (400).

[0104] The display panel (400) may include a color filter layer (540) placed on or above a touch-sensitive layer (530). The color filter layer (540) located within the non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400) may include a BM portion (542). The color filter layer (540) located within the non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400) may not include color filter portions (541). The BM portion (542) of the color filter layer (540) located within the non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400) may cover the inorganic protection layer (533) of the discontinuous touch-sensitive layer (530) within the non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400), as indicated by the indication (601).

[0105] The display panel (400) may include a layer (550) placed on top of a color filter layer (540). The layer (550) may be placed on top of the color filter layer (540) to flatten the display panel (400).

[0106] The display panel (400) may include a substrate layer (560). The substrate layer (560) may be formed from polyimide. The substrate layer (560) may be flexible or deformable.

[0107] The display panel (400) may include an organic layer (563) disposed on or above a substrate layer (560). The organic layer (563) may be embedded between the substrate layer (560) and the circuit layer (570).

[0108] The display panel (400) may include a buffer layer (565) formed on an organic layer (563). The buffer layer (565) may be placed on or above the organic layer (563). The buffer layer (565) may be described as being included within a circuit layer (570).

[0109] The display panel (400) may include a circuit layer (570). The circuit layer (570) may be formed on a buffer layer (565). The circuit layer (570) may be placed on top of the buffer layer (565). The circuit layer (570) may be placed below a light-emitting layer (510). The circuit layer (570) may include a gate driver circuit within a non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400).

[0110] The position of the organic layer (563) may be changed according to the embodiment. For example, as in the example configuration (591) of FIG. 5, the organic layer (563) may not be located between the substrate layer (560) and the buffer layer (565), but may be located between the buffer layer (565) and the circuit layer (570). Although not shown in FIG. 6, the organic layer (563) may be located between the substrate layer (560) and the buffer layer (565), and between the buffer layer (565) and the circuit layer (570). For example, the organic layer (563) located within the non-displayable portion (493) may be composed of two or more layers. For example, the organic layer (563) located within the non-displayable portion (493) may include a first organic layer and a second organic layer disposed on the first organic layer. As a non-limiting example, the organic layer (563) located within the non-displayable portion (493) may include an inorganic layer embedded between the first organic layer and the second organic layer of the organic layer (536). The inorganic layer may be covered by the first organic layer and the second organic layer of the organic layer (563).

[0111] As described above, the display panel (400) may be more robust by including one or more portions of the discontinuous touch-sensitive layer (530) (e.g., a flattening layer (531), an insulating layer (532), or a protective layer (533)).

[0112] An electronic device (401) including a display (490) including a display panel (400) may be a foldable electronic device or a multi-foldable electronic device. The electronic device (401) may be a sliderable electronic device or a rollable electronic device. When the electronic device (401) is a foldable electronic device, a multi-foldable electronic device, a sliderable electronic device, or a rollable electronic device, the display panel (400) may include a displayable portion and a non-displayable portion that are bent within the folded state of the electronic device (401), the multiple folded state of the electronic device (401), or the sliding state of the electronic device (401). The application of the structure described with reference to FIG. 5 and the structure described with reference to FIG. 6 to a foldable display panel (400) is described with reference to FIG. 7. The application of the structure described with reference to FIG. 5 and the structure described with reference to FIG. 6 to a multi-foldable display panel (400) is described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0113] FIG. 7 illustrates the displayable and non-displayable parts of a foldable display panel.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 7, a foldable (or single-foldable) electronic device (401) may include a housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably coupled to the first housing part. The housing may define the appearance of the electronic device (401). The electronic device (401) may include a display panel (400) as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0115] The display panel (400) may include a displayable portion (492) and a non-displayable portion (493). At least a portion of the displayable portion (492) of the display panel (400) (e.g., at least a portion of the edge of the displayable portion (492)) may be covered by a front frame portion (or front protection portion) included within the housing. As an example without limitation, at least a portion of the non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400) may be covered by the front frame portion. The front frame portion may be a component included within a foldable electronic device (401) for the protection of the display panel (400). The front frame portion may be discontinuous on an area (710) where at least a portion of the edge of a third displayable section (703) within the displayable portion (492) is located. As a non-limiting example, the front frame portion may be discontinuous over the area where at least a portion of the undisplayable section (704) and at least a portion of the undisplayable section (705) are located within the undisplayable portion (493).

[0116] The displayable portion (492) of the display panel (400) may include a first displayable section (701) located within the first housing part, a second displayable section (702) located within the second housing part, and a third displayable section (703) disposed between the first displayable section (701) and the second displayable section (702). Among the first displayable section (701), the second displayable section (702), and the third displayable section (703), the third displayable section (703) may be bent when the display panel (400) is folded.

[0117] The non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400) may include a non-displayable section (704) and a non-displayable section (705) located peripherally to the third displayable section (703). The non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400) may include a non-displayable section (706) different from the non-displayable section (704) and the non-displayable section (705).

[0118] For example, the organic layer (536) of the touch-sensitive layer (530) may be included within the third displayable section (703) among the first displayable section (701), the second displayable section (702), and the third displayable section (703). For example, the organic layer (536) of the touch-sensitive layer (530) may be included within all of the first displayable section (701), the second displayable section (702), and the third displayable section (703). For example, the organic layer (536) of the touch-sensitive layer (530) may be included within the non-displayable section (704) and the non-displayable section (705) among the non-displayable section (704), the non-displayable section (705), and the non-displayable section (706) within the non-displayable portion (493). For example, the organic layer (536) of the touch-sensitive layer (530) may be included in all of the non-displayable section (704), non-displayable section (705), and non-displayable section (706) within the non-displayable portion (493).

[0119] For example, the organic layer (563) may be included within the third displayable section (703) among the first displayable section (701), the second displayable section (702), and the third displayable section (703). For example, the organic layer (563) may be included within all of the first displayable section (701), the second displayable section (702), and the third displayable section (703). For example, the organic layer (563) may be included within the non-displayable section (704) and the non-displayable section (705) among the non-displayable section (704), the non-displayable section (705), and the non-displayable section (706) within the non-displayable part (493). For example, the organic layer (563) may be included within all of the non-displayable section (704), the non-displayable section (705), and the non-displayable section (706) within the non-displayable part (493).

[0120] For example, the discontinuous weapon flattening layer (531) may be included within the undisplayable section (704), undisplayable section (705), and undisplayable section (706) within the undisplayable portion (493). For example, the discontinuous weapon flattening layer (531) may be included within all of the undisplayable section (704), undisplayable section (705), and undisplayable section (706) within the undisplayable portion (493).

[0121] For example, the discontinuous inorganic insulating layer (532) may be included within the undisplayable section (704), undisplayable section (705), and undisplayable section (706) within the undisplayable portion (493). For example, the discontinuous inorganic insulating layer (532) may be included within all of the undisplayable section (704), undisplayable section (705), and undisplayable section (706) within the undisplayable portion (493).

[0122] For example, the discontinuous weapon protection layer (533) may be included within the undisplayable section (704) and the undisplayable section (705) among the undisplayable section (704), the undisplayable section (705), and the undisplayable section (706) within the undisplayable portion (493). For example, the discontinuous weapon protection layer (533) may be included within all of the undisplayable section (704), the undisplayable section (705), and the undisplayable section (706) within the undisplayable portion (493).

[0123] As a non-limiting example, the first size (or first width) of the first island structure (e.g., defined by a discontinuous inorganic flattening layer (531) and a discontinuous inorganic insulating layer (532)) contained within a touch-sensitive layer (530) located within a portion of the display panel (400) that bends when the first housing part and the second housing part are folded may differ from the second size of the first island structure contained within a touch-sensitive layer (530) located within a portion of the display panel (400) that does not bend when the first housing part and the second housing part are folded. For example, the first size may be larger than the second size. For example, the first size may be smaller than the second size.

[0124] As a non-limiting example, the third size (or third width) of the second island structure (e.g., defined by a discontinuous weapon protection layer (533)) contained within a touch-sensitive layer (530) located within a portion of the display panel (400) that bends when the first housing part and the second housing part are folded may differ from the fourth size of the second island structure contained within a touch-sensitive layer (530) located within a portion of the display panel (400) that does not bend when the first housing part and the second housing part are folded. For example, the third size may be larger than the fourth size. For example, the third size may be smaller than the fourth size.

[0125] FIG. 8 illustrates the displayable and non-displayable parts of a multi-foldable display panel.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 8, a multi-foldable electronic device (401) may include a housing comprising a first housing part, a second housing part rotatably coupled to the first housing part, and a third housing part rotatably coupled to the second housing part. The housing may define the appearance of the electronic device (401). The first housing part may be located between the second housing part and the third housing part when the electronic device (401) is in a multi-folded state. As a non-limiting example, the size of a first hinge structure rotatably connecting the first housing part and the second housing part may be smaller than the size of a second hinge structure rotatably connecting the second housing part and the third housing part. The electronic device (401) may include a display panel (400) illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0127] The display panel (400) may include a displayable portion (492) and a non-displayable portion (493). At least a portion of the displayable portion (492) of the display panel (400) (e.g., at least a portion of the edge of the displayable portion (492)) may be covered by a front frame portion (or front protection portion) included within the housing. As an example without limitation, at least a portion of the non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400) may be covered by the front frame portion. The front frame portion may be a component included within a foldable electronic device (401) for the protection of the display panel (400). The front frame portion may be discontinuous on an area (810) where at least a portion of the edge of the fourth displayable section (804) and the fifth displayable section (805) within the displayable portion (492) is located. As a non-limiting example, the front frame portion may be discontinuous over the area where at least a portion of the undisplayable section (806) and at least a portion of the undisplayable section (807) are located within the undisplayable portion (493).

[0128] The displayable portion (492) of the display panel (400) may include a first displayable section (801) located within the first housing part, a second displayable section (802) located within the second housing part, a third displayable section (803) located within the third housing part, a fourth displayable section (804) disposed between the first displayable section (801) and the second displayable section (802), and a fifth displayable section (805) disposed between the second displayable section (802) and the third displayable section (803). The size of the fifth displayable section (805) may be larger than the size of the fourth displayable section (804). Among the first displayable section (801), the second displayable section (802), the third displayable section (803), the fourth displayable section (804), and the fifth displayable section (805), the fourth displayable section (804) and the fifth displayable section (805) can be bent when the electronic device (401) is in the multiple folded state.

[0129] The non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400) may include a non-displayable portion (806) located peripherally to the fourth displayable section (804) and a non-displayable portion (807) located peripherally to the fifth displayable section (805). The non-displayable portion (493) of the display panel (400) may include a non-displayable portion (808) different from the non-displayable portion (806) and the non-displayable portion (807).

[0130] For example, the organic layer (536) of the touch-sensitive layer (530) may be included within the fourth displayable section (804) and the fifth displayable section (805) among the first displayable section (801), the second displayable section (802), the third displayable section (803), the fourth displayable section (804), and the fifth displayable section (805). For example, the organic layer (536) of the touch-sensitive layer (530) may be included within all of the first displayable section (801), the second displayable section (802), the third displayable section (803), the fourth displayable section (804), and the fifth displayable section (805). For example, the organic layer (536) of the touch-sensitive layer (530) may be included within the non-displayable section (806), the non-displayable section (807), and the non-displayable section (808) within the non-displayable portion (493). For example, the organic layer (536) of the touch-sensitive layer (530) may be included within all of the non-displayable section (806), the non-displayable section (807), and the non-displayable section (808) within the non-displayable portion (493).

[0131] For example, the organic layer (563) may be included within the fourth displayable section (804) and the fifth displayable section (805) among the first displayable section (801), the second displayable section (802), the third displayable section (803), the fourth displayable section (804), and the fifth displayable section (805). For example, the organic layer (563) may be included within all of the first displayable section (801), the second displayable section (802), the third displayable section (803), the fourth displayable section (804), and the fifth displayable section (805). For example, the organic layer (563) may be included within the non-displayable section (806) and the non-displayable section (807) among the non-displayable section (806), the non-displayable section (807), and the non-displayable section (808) within the non-displayable portion (493). For example, the organic layer (563) may be included in all of the non-displayable sections (806), (807), and (808) within the non-displayable portion (493).

[0132] For example, the discontinuous weapon flattening layer (531) may be included within the undisplayable section (806) and the undisplayable section (807) among the undisplayable section (806), the undisplayable section (807), and the undisplayable section (808) within the undisplayable portion (493). For example, the discontinuous weapon flattening layer (531) may be included within all of the undisplayable section (806), the undisplayable section (807), and the undisplayable section (808) within the undisplayable portion (493).

[0133] For example, the discontinuous inorganic insulating layer (532) may be included within the undisplayable section (806) and the undisplayable section (807) among the undisplayable section (806), the undisplayable section (807), and the undisplayable section (808) within the undisplayable portion (493). For example, the discontinuous inorganic insulating layer (532) may be included within all of the undisplayable section (806), the undisplayable section (807), and the undisplayable section (808) within the undisplayable portion (493).

[0134] For example, the discontinuous weapon protection layer (533) may be included within the undisplayable section (806) and the undisplayable section (807) among the undisplayable section (806), the undisplayable section (807), and the undisplayable section (808) within the undisplayable portion (493). For example, the discontinuous weapon protection layer (533) may be included within all of the undisplayable section (806), the undisplayable section (807), and the undisplayable section (808) within the undisplayable portion (493).

[0135] As a non-limiting example, the first size (or first width) of the first island structure (e.g., defined by a discontinuous inorganic flattening layer (531) and a discontinuous inorganic insulating layer (532)) contained within a touch-sensitive layer (530) located within a portion of the display panel (400) that bends when the first housing part and the second housing part are folded may differ from the second size of the first island structure contained within a touch-sensitive layer (530) located within a portion of the display panel (400) that does not bend when the first housing part and the second housing part are folded. For example, the first size may be larger than the second size. For example, the first size may be smaller than the second size.

[0136] As a non-limiting example, the third size (or third width) of the first island structure (e.g., defined by a discontinuous inorganic flattening layer (531) and a discontinuous inorganic insulating layer (532)) contained within a touch-sensitive layer (530) located within a portion of the display panel (400) that bends when the second housing part and the third housing part are folded may differ from the fourth size of the first island structure (e.g., may correspond to the second size) contained within a touch-sensitive layer (530) located within a portion of the display panel (400) that does not bend when the second housing part and the third housing part are folded. For example, the third size may be larger than the fourth size. For example, the third size may be smaller than the fourth size.

[0137] As a non-limiting example, since the curvature of the portion of the display panel (400) that bends when the first housing part and the second housing part are folded and the curvature of the portion of the display panel (400) that bends when the second housing part and the third housing part are folded are different from each other, the first size (or the first width) of the first island structure (e.g., defined by a discontinuous inorganic flattening layer (531) and a discontinuous inorganic insulating layer (532)) included in the touch-sensitive layer (530) located within the portion of the display panel (400) that bends when the first housing part and the second housing part are folded may be different from the third size (or the third width) of the first island structure included in the touch-sensitive layer (530) located within the portion of the display panel (400) that bends when the second housing part and the third housing part are folded. For example, the first size may be larger than the third size. For example, the first size may be smaller than the third size.

[0138] As a non-limiting example, the fifth size (or fifth width) of the second island structure (e.g., defined by a discontinuous weapon protection layer (533)) contained within a touch-sensitive layer (530) located within a portion of the display panel (400) that bends when the first housing part and the second housing part are folded may differ from the sixth size of the second island structure contained within a touch-sensitive layer (530) located within a portion of the display panel (400) that does not bend when the first housing part and the second housing part are folded. For example, the fifth size may be larger than the sixth size. For example, the fifth size may be smaller than the sixth size.

[0139] As a non-limiting example, the seventh size (or seventh width) of the second island structure (e.g., defined by a discontinuous weapon protection layer (533)) contained within a touch-sensitive layer (530) located within a portion of the display panel (400) that bends when the second housing part and the third housing part are folded may differ from the eighth size (e.g., may correspond to the sixth size) of the second island structure contained within a touch-sensitive layer (530) located within a portion of the display panel (400) that does not bend when the second housing part and the third housing part are folded. For example, the seventh size may be larger than the eighth size. For example, the seventh size may be smaller than the ninth size.

[0140] As a non-limiting example, since the curvature of the portion of the display panel (400) that bends when the first housing part and the second housing part are folded and the curvature of the portion of the display panel (400) that bends when the second housing part and the third housing part are folded are different from each other, the fifth size (or the fifth width) of the second island structure (e.g., defined by a discontinuous weapon protection layer (533)) included within the touch-sensitive layer (530) located within the portion of the display panel (400) that bends when the first housing part and the second housing part are folded may be different from the seventh size (or seventh width) of the second island structure included within the touch-sensitive layer (530) located within the portion of the display panel (400) that bends when the second housing part and the third housing part are folded. For example, the fifth size may be larger than the seventh size. For example, the above 5th size may be smaller than the above 7th size.

[0141] The above descriptions may be applied to the electronic device (901) illustrated in FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10.

[0142] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an electronic device (901) in a network environment (900) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 9, in the network environment (900), the electronic device (901) may communicate with an electronic device (902) through a first network (998) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with at least one of an electronic device (904) or a server (908) through a second network (999) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (901) may communicate with the electronic device (904) through a server (908). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (901) may include a processor (920), memory (930), input module (950), sound output module (955), display module (960), audio module (970), sensor module (976), interface (977), connection terminal (978), haptic module (979), camera module (980), power management module (988), battery (989), communication module (990), subscriber identification module (996), or antenna module (997). In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., connection terminal (978)) may be omitted from the electronic device (901), or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (976), camera module (980), or antenna module (997)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (960)).

[0143] The processor (920) can control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (901) connected to the processor (920) by executing software (e.g., a program (940)), for example, and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (920) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (976) or a communication module (990)) in volatile memory (932), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (932), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (934). According to one embodiment, the processor (920) may include a main processor (921) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (923) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). For example, if the electronic device (901) includes a main processor (921) and an auxiliary processor (923), the auxiliary processor (923) may be configured to use lower power than the main processor (921) or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor (923) may be implemented separately from the main processor (921) or as part thereof.

[0144] The auxiliary processor (923) may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device (901) (e.g., display module (960), sensor module (976), or communication module (990)) on behalf of the main processor (921) while the main processor (921) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (921) while the main processor (921) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (923) (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module (980) or communication module (990)). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (923) (e.g., neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, on the electronic device (901) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or through a separate server (e.g., server (908)). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers.An artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure, either additionally or substantially.

[0145] The memory (930) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (901) (e.g., processor (920) or sensor module (976)). The data may include, for example, software (e.g., program (940)) and input or output data for related commands. The memory (930) may include volatile memory (932) or non-volatile memory (934).

[0146] The program (940) may be stored as software in memory (930) and may include, for example, an operating system (942), middleware (944), or an application (946).

[0147] The input module (950) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the electronic device (901) (e.g., processor (920)) from outside the electronic device (901) (e.g., user). The input module (950) may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0148] The sound output module (955) can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device (901). The sound output module (955) may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part thereof.

[0149] The display module (960) can visually provide information to an external (e.g., user) of the electronic device (901). The display module (960) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling said device. According to one embodiment, the display module (960) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by said touch.

[0150] The audio module (970) can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (970) can acquire sound through the input module (950) or output sound through the sound output module (955) or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (902)) (e.g., speaker or headphones) connected directly or wirelessly to the electronic device (901).

[0151] The sensor module (976) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (901) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (976) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0152] The interface (977) may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the electronic device (901) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (902)). According to one embodiment, the interface (977) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0153] The connection terminal (978) may include a connector through which the electronic device (901) can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (902)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (978) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0154] The haptic module (979) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (979) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0155] The camera module (980) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera module (980) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0156] The power management module (988) can manage the power supplied to the electronic device (901). According to one embodiment, the power management module (988) can be implemented, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0157] The battery (989) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (901). According to one embodiment, the battery (989) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0158] The communication module (990) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between an electronic device (901) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (902), electronic device (904), or server (908)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (990) may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (920) (e.g., application processor) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (990) may include a wireless communication module (992) (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (994) (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device (904) through a first network (998) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (999) (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (992) can identify or authenticate the electronic device (901) within a communication network such as the first network (998) or the second network (999) using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (996).

[0159] The wireless communication module (992) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following 4G networks, for example, new radio access technology. NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The wireless communication module (992) can support a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate, for example. The wireless communication module (992) can support various technologies for securing performance in the high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large-scale antenna. The wireless communication module (992) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (901), external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (904)), or network system (e.g., second network (999)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (992) can support a Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for realizing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for realizing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) for realizing URLLC.

[0160] An antenna module (997) can transmit a signal or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (997) may include an antenna comprising a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (997) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as a first network (998) or a second network (999), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by a communication module (990). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (990) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module (997).

[0161] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (997) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving a signal of the specified high frequency band.

[0162] At least some of the above components can be connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

[0163] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (901) and an external electronic device (904) through a server (908) connected to a second network (999). Each of the external electronic devices (902, or 904) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (901). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed on the electronic device (901) may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices (902, 904, or 908). For example, if the electronic device (901) needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (901) may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of performing the function or service itself or additionally. One or more external electronic devices that receive the above request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (901). The electronic device (901) may provide the result as is or additionally processed as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device (901) may provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In one embodiment, the external electronic device (904) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (908) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (904) or the server (908) may be included within a second network (999).The electronic device (901) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0164] FIG. 10 is a block diagram (1000) of a display module (960) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 10, the display module (960) may include a display (1010) and a display driver IC (DDI) (1030) for controlling the display. The DDI (1030) may include an interface module (1031), a memory (1033) (e.g., a buffer memory), an image processing module (1035), or a mapping module (1037). The DDI (1030) may receive image information, for example, image data or an image control signal corresponding to a command for controlling the image data, from another component of the electronic device (901) through the interface module (1031). For example, according to one embodiment, image information may be received from a processor (920) (e.g., main processor (921) (e.g., application processor)) or an auxiliary processor (923) (e.g., graphics processing unit) that operates independently of the functions of the main processor (921). The DDI (1030) may communicate with the touch circuit (1050) or sensor module (976), etc., through the interface module (1031). Additionally, the DDI (1030) may store at least a portion of the received image information in memory (1033), for example, in frame units. The image processing module (1035) may perform preprocessing or postprocessing (e.g., resolution, brightness, or size adjustment) on at least a portion of the image data based at least on the characteristics of the image data or the characteristics of the display (1010), for example. The mapping module (1037) may generate voltage values ​​or current values ​​corresponding to the image data preprocessed or postprocessed through the image processing module (1035).According to one embodiment, the generation of a voltage value or a current value may be performed, for example, based at least in part on the attributes of the pixels of the display (1010) (e.g., an array of pixels (RGB stripe or pentile structure), or the size of each subpixel). At least some pixels of the display (1010) are driven, for example, based at least in part on the voltage value or the current value, so that visual information (e.g., text, image, or icon) corresponding to the image data can be displayed through the display (1010).

[0165] According to one embodiment, the display module (960) may further include a touch circuit (1050). The touch circuit (1050) may include a touch sensor (1051) and a touch sensor IC (1053) for controlling the same. The touch sensor IC (1053) may control the touch sensor (1051) to detect a touch input or hovering input for a specific location on the display (1010), for example. For example, the touch sensor IC (1053) may detect a touch input or hovering input by measuring a change in a signal (e.g., voltage, light intensity, resistance, or charge) for a specific location on the display (1010). The touch sensor IC (1053) may provide information regarding the detected touch input or hovering input (e.g., location, area, pressure, or time) to the processor (920). According to one embodiment, at least a part of the touch circuit (1050) (e.g., touch sensor IC (1053)) may be included as part of the display driver IC (1030) or the display (1010), or as part of another component (e.g., auxiliary processor (923)) placed outside the display module (960).

[0166] According to one embodiment, the display module (960) may further include at least one sensor of the sensor module (976) (e.g., fingerprint sensor, iris sensor, pressure sensor, or light sensor) or a control circuit for the same. In this case, the at least one sensor or the control circuit for the same may be embedded in a part of the display module (960) (e.g., display (1010) or DDI (1030)) or a part of the touch circuit (1050). For example, if the sensor module (976) embedded in the display module (960) includes a biometric sensor (e.g., fingerprint sensor), the biometric sensor may obtain biometric information (e.g., fingerprint image) associated with a touch input through a part of the display (1010). As another example, if the sensor module (976) embedded in the display module (960) includes a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor may obtain pressure information associated with a touch input through a part or the entire area of ​​the display (1010). According to one embodiment, a touch sensor (1051) or a sensor module (976) may be placed between pixels of a pixel layer of a display (1010), or on top of or below the pixel layer.

[0167] The technical problems to be solved in this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0168] As described above, a display panel (e.g., display panel (400)) may include a light-emitting layer (e.g., light-emitting layer (510)). The light-emitting layer may include light-emitting portions (e.g., light-emitting portions (515)), and an insulating portion (e.g., insulating portion (514)) defining the edge of each of the light-emitting portions of the light-emitting layer. The display panel may include an encapsulation layer (e.g., encapsulation layer (520)) disposed on the light-emitting layer to cover the light-emitting layer. The display panel may include a touch-sensitive layer (e.g., touch-sensitive layer (530)) disposed on the encapsulation layer and comprising electrodes (e.g., electrodes (534)). The touch-sensitive layer may be used to identify an input received in relation to the display panel based on changes in capacitive coupling between the electrodes and / or changes in capacitive coupling between an external object and each of the electrodes. The touch-sensitive layer may include an inorganic insulating layer (e.g., inorganic insulating layer (532)) disposed between a first portion and a second portion of the electrodes, an inorganic protective layer (e.g., inorganic protective layer (533)) for protecting the electrodes, and an organic layer (e.g., organic layer (536)) embedded between the inorganic insulating layer and the inorganic protective layer of the touch-sensitive layer to cover at least a portion of the electrodes. The display panel may include a color filter layer (e.g., color filter layer (540)) disposed on the touch-sensitive layer. The color filter layer may include color filter portions (e.g., color filter portions (541)) each aligned with the light-emitting portions of the light-emitting layer, and a black matrix (BM) portion (e.g., BM portion (542)) defining the edges of each of the color filter portions of the color filter layer.

[0169] The first portion of the electrodes of the touch-sensitive layer may include first electrodes (e.g., first electrodes (534-1)) that extend in a first direction and are arranged parallel to a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The second portion of the electrodes of the touch-sensitive layer may include second electrodes (e.g., second electrodes (534-2)) that extend in the first direction and are arranged parallel to the first direction and are positioned above the first electrodes so as to be spaced apart from the first electrodes by the inorganic insulating layer of the touch-sensitive layer. The organic layer of the touch-sensitive layer may cover the second electrodes among the first and second electrodes.

[0170] The organic layer of the touch-sensitive layer may be a first organic layer. The display panel may include a substrate layer (e.g., substrate layer (560)), a circuit layer (e.g., circuit layer (570)) disposed on the substrate layer and disposed below the light-emitting layer and configured to control light emission from each of the light-emitting portions, and a second organic layer (e.g., organic layer (563)) embedded between the substrate layer and the circuit layer.

[0171] The display panel may include a buffer layer (e.g., buffer layer (565)) disposed between the substrate layer and the circuit layer. The second organic layer may be embedded between the substrate layer and the buffer layer.

[0172] The display panel may include a buffer layer (e.g., buffer layer (565)) disposed between the substrate layer and the circuit layer. The second organic layer may be embedded between the buffer layer and the circuit layer.

[0173] The display panel may include a first displayable portion (e.g., a first displayable section (701)), a second displayable portion (e.g., a second displayable section (702)), and a third displayable portion (e.g., a third displayable section (703)) disposed between the first and second displayable portions. Among the first, second, and third displayable portions, the third displayable portion may be bent when the display panel is folded. The second organic layer may be included within the third displayable portion among the first, second, and third displayable portions.

[0174] The display panel may include a first displayable portion (e.g., a first displayable section (701)), a second displayable portion (e.g., a second displayable section (702)), and a third displayable portion (e.g., a third displayable section (703)) disposed between the first and second displayable portions. Among the first, second, and third displayable portions, the third displayable portion may be bent when the display panel is folded. The second organic layer may be included within all of the first, second, and third displayable portions.

[0175] The display panel may include a first displayable portion (e.g., a first displayable section (701)), a second displayable portion (e.g., a second displayable section (702)), and a third displayable portion (e.g., a third displayable section (703)) disposed between the first and second displayable portions. Among the first, second, and third displayable portions, the third displayable portion may be bent when the display panel is folded. The organic layer of the touch-sensitive layer may be included within the third displayable portion among the first, second, and third displayable portions.

[0176] The display panel may include a first displayable portion (e.g., a first displayable section (701)), a second displayable portion (e.g., a second displayable section (702)), and a third displayable portion (e.g., a third displayable section (703)) disposed between the first and second displayable portions. Among the first, second, and third displayable portions, the third displayable portion may be bent when the display panel is folded. The organic layer of the touch-sensitive layer may be included within all of the first, second, and third displayable portions.

[0177] The touch-sensitive layer may include an inorganic flattening layer (e.g., an inorganic flattening layer (531)) disposed below the inorganic insulating layer of the touch-sensitive layer. Some of the electrodes may be disposed on the inorganic flattening layer of the touch-sensitive layer.

[0178] The inorganic flattening layer and the inorganic insulating layer of the touch-sensitive layer may be discontinuous.

[0179] The display panel may include a displayable portion available for displaying information (e.g., a displayable portion (492)), and a non-displayable portion (e.g., a non-displayable portion (493)) disposed peripherally to the displayable portion of the display panel. The inorganic flattening layer and the inorganic insulating layer of the touch-sensitive layer may be discontinuous within the non-displayable portion of the display panel.

[0180] The electrodes may be included within the displayable portion among the displayable and non-displayable portions. The inorganic insulating layer of the touch-sensitive layer discontinuous within the non-displayable portion of the display panel may at least partially cover the inorganic flattening layer of the touch-sensitive layer discontinuous within the non-displayable portion of the display panel.

[0181] The organic layer of the touch-sensitive layer can cover the inorganic flattening layer and the inorganic insulating layer of the touch-sensitive layer that are discontinuous within the non-displayable portion of the display panel.

[0182] The inorganic flattening layer and the inorganic insulating layer of the touch-sensitive layer may be continuous within the displayable portion of the display panel.

[0183] The inorganic protective layer of the above touch-sensitive layer may be discontinuous.

[0184] The display panel may include a displayable portion available for displaying information (e.g., a displayable portion (492)), and a non-displayable portion (e.g., a non-displayable portion (493)) disposed peripherally to the displayable portion of the display panel. The inorganic protective layer of the touch-sensitive layer may be discontinuous within the non-displayable portion of the display panel.

[0185] The inorganic protective layer of the touch-sensitive layer may be continuous within the displayable portion of the display panel.

[0186] The above encapsulation layer may include a first inorganic layer (e.g., a first inorganic layer (521)) covering the cathode electrode portion of the light-emitting layer, a second inorganic layer (e.g., a second inorganic layer (523)) disposed on the first inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer, and an organic layer (e.g., an organic layer (522)) embedded between the first and second inorganic layers of the encapsulation layer.

[0187] As described above, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (401)) may include at least one processor (e.g., at least one processor (480)) including a processing circuit, and a display (e.g., display (490)). The display may include the display panel, and a display driving circuit (e.g., display driving circuit (491)) configured to display an image obtained from the at least one processor through the display panel.

[0188] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0189] The electronic device according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be of various forms. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a consumer electronics device. The electronic device according to the embodiments of this document is not limited to the devices described above.

[0190] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" may each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish said components from other said components and do not limit said components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationly,” it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0191] The term “module” as used in the various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0192] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., program (940)) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (936) or external memory (938)) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device (901)). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (920)) of the machine (e.g., electronic device (901)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0193] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0194] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, program, or other components may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. Regarding display panels, A light-emitting layer, the light-emitting layer is, light-emitting parts, and Includes insulating portions that define the edges of each of the light-emitting portions of the light-emitting layer; A sealing layer disposed on the light-emitting layer to cover the light-emitting layer; A touch-sensitive layer disposed on the above-mentioned encapsulation layer and comprising electrodes, wherein the touch-sensitive layer is used to identify an input received in relation to the display panel based on changes in capacitive coupling between the electrodes and / or changes in capacitive coupling between an external object and each of the electrodes, wherein the touch-sensitive layer, An inorganic insulating layer disposed between the first and second portions of the above electrodes, An inorganic protective layer for protecting the above electrodes, and Comprising an organic layer embedded between the inorganic insulating layer and the inorganic protective layer of the touch-sensitive layer to cover at least a portion of the electrodes; and It includes a color filter layer placed on the touch-sensitive layer above, and The above color filter layer is, Color filter portions each aligned with the light-emitting portions of the light-emitting layer, and including a BM (black matrix) portion defining the edge of each of the color filter portions of the color filter layer, Display panel.

2. In claim 1, the first portion of the electrodes of the touch-sensitive layer is, It includes first electrodes that extend in a first direction and are arranged parallel to a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and The second portion of the electrodes of the touch-sensitive layer is, It includes second electrodes that extend in the first direction, are arranged parallel to the first direction, and are disposed on the first electrodes so as to be spaced apart from the first electrodes by the inorganic insulating layer of the touch-sensitive layer, The organic layer of the touch-sensitive layer is, Covering the second electrodes among the first and second electrodes, Display panel.

3. In claim 1, the organic layer of the touch-sensitive layer is, It is the first organic layer, and The above display panel is, Substrate layer; A circuit layer comprising transistors disposed on the substrate layer and disposed below the light-emitting layer, configured to control light emission from each of the light-emitting portions; and A second organic layer embedded between the substrate layer and the circuit layer, comprising Display panel.

4. In Claim 3, It includes a buffer layer disposed between the substrate layer and the circuit layer, The second organic layer is inherent between the substrate layer and the buffer layer, Display panel.

5. In Claim 3, It includes a buffer layer disposed between the substrate layer and the circuit layer, The second organic layer is inherent between the buffer layer and the circuit layer, Display panel.

6. In any one of claims 3 to 5, the display panel is, First displayable part, Second displayable part, and It includes a third displayable portion disposed between the first and second displayable portions, and Among the first, second, and third displayable parts mentioned above, the third displayable part is, The above display panel bends when folded, and The above second organic layer is, Among the first, second, and third displayable parts, the third displayable part included therein Display panel.

7. In any one of claims 3 to 5, the display panel is, First displayable part, Second displayable part, and It includes a third displayable portion disposed between the first and second displayable portions, and Among the first, second, and third displayable parts mentioned above, the third displayable part is, The above display panel bends when folded, and The above second organic layer is, Included within all of the above first, second, and third displayable parts, Display panel.

8. In any one of claims 1 to 7, the display panel is, First displayable part, Second displayable part, and It includes a third displayable portion disposed between the first and second displayable portions, and Among the first, second, and third displayable parts mentioned above, the third displayable part is, The above display panel bends when folded, and The organic layer of the touch-sensitive layer is, Among the first, second, and third displayable parts, the third displayable part included therein Display panel.

9. In any one of claims 1 to 7, the display panel is, First displayable part, Second displayable part, and It includes a third displayable portion disposed between the first and second displayable portions, and Among the first, second, and third displayable parts mentioned above, the third displayable part is, The above display panel bends when folded, and The organic layer of the touch-sensitive layer is, Included within all of the above first, second, and third displayable parts, Display panel.

10. In any one of claims 1 to 9, the touch-sensitive layer is, It includes an inorganic flattening layer disposed below the inorganic insulating layer of the above-mentioned touch-sensitive layer, and Some of the above electrodes are, disposed on the inorganic flattening layer of the above-mentioned touch-sensitive layer, Display panel.

11. In claim 10, the inorganic flattening layer and the inorganic insulating layer of the touch-sensitive layer are discontinuous. Display panel.

12. In claim 11, the display panel is, Displayable portion available for displaying information, and It includes a non-displayable portion disposed peripherally to the displayable portion of the above-mentioned display panel, and The inorganic flattening layer and the inorganic insulating layer of the above-mentioned touch-sensitive layer are, Discontinuous within the undisplayable portion of the above display panel, Display panel.

13. In claim 12, the electrodes are, Among the above-mentioned displayable and above-mentioned non-displayable parts, the above-mentioned displayable part is included within the above-mentioned displayable part, and The inorganic insulating layer of the discontinuous touch-sensitive layer within the non-displayable portion of the above display panel is At least partially covering the inorganic flattening layer of the discontinuous touch-sensitive layer within the non-displayable portion of the display panel, Display panel.

14. In claim 12, the organic layer of the touch-sensitive layer is, Covering the inorganic flattening layer and the inorganic insulating layer of the discontinuous touch-sensitive layer within the non-displayable portion of the above display panel, Display panel.

15. In electronic devices, At least one processor including a processing circuit; and Includes a display, The above display is, A display panel of any one of claims 1 to 14, and A display driving circuit configured to display an image obtained from at least one processor through the display panel, Electronic device.

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