KR20230160682A - Display apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

One aspect of the present invention includes a central region including a first display element and disposed at the center of the substrate, and a corner region including a second display element and disposed at a corner of the central region, wherein the corner region is located at the center. a central corner area including a plurality of extension areas extending in a direction away from the area, and first and second adjacent corner areas disposed on both sides of the central corner area, wherein the plurality of extension areas are disposed on the substrate. and are spaced apart by a spaced area that does not connect the extended area, and the central corner area and the first adjacent corner area are not disposed on the substrate and a first adjacent corner area that does not connect the central corner area and the first adjacent corner area. The display is spaced apart by a through area, and the central corner area and the second adjacent corner area are spaced apart from the substrate by a second through area that does not connect the central corner area and the second adjacent corner area. Devices can be provided.

Description

DISPLAY APPARATUS}

The present invention relates to a display device that expands the area for displaying images.

Electronic devices based on mobility are widely used. In addition to small electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablet PCs have recently been widely used as mobile electronic devices. Such mobile electronic devices include display devices to provide various functions, for example, visual information such as images or videos to users. Recently, as other components for driving display devices have become smaller, the proportion of display devices in electronic devices is gradually increasing, and structures that can be bent to a predetermined angle in a flat state are also being developed.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a display device that expands the area for displaying images while improving reliability.

One aspect of the present invention includes a substrate, a central region including a first display element and disposed at the center of the substrate, and a corner region including a second display element and disposed at a corner of the central region, the corner The area includes a central corner area including a plurality of extension areas extending in a direction away from the central area, and first and second adjacent corner areas disposed on both sides of the central corner area, the plurality of extension areas being The substrate is disposed and spaced apart by a spacing area that does not connect the extended areas, and the central corner area and the first adjacent corner area are spaced apart from the central corner area and the first adjacent corner area without the substrate being disposed. They are spaced apart by a first through area that connects them, and the central corner area and the second adjacent corner area are separated by a second through area that does not connect the central corner area and the second adjacent corner area without the substrate being disposed. A spaced apart display device may be provided.

According to one embodiment, the width of the first and second penetration areas may be greater than the width of the separation area.

According to one embodiment, it is disposed on the first and second display elements, and further includes an encapsulation layer including at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer, wherein the at least one organic layer includes: It may be arranged in an integrated form connected in the central area, and may be arranged in a separate form that is not connected in the central corner area and the first and second adjacent corner areas.

According to one embodiment, an inorganic insulating layer disposed between the substrate and the first and second display elements, a first organic insulating layer disposed between the inorganic insulating layer and the first and second display elements, Further comprising a second organic insulating layer disposed between the first organic insulating layer and the first and second display elements, wherein the inorganic insulating layer, the first organic insulating layer, and the second organic insulating layer are The first and second penetration areas may be disconnected from the separation area.

According to one embodiment, the second display element includes a plurality of display elements, the plurality of display elements are disposed in the plurality of extension areas, and in each of the plurality of extension areas, the second display element is located on the second organic insulating layer. and a first organic pattern that surrounds the plurality of display elements in a plan view, and a first organic pattern that is spaced apart from the first organic pattern on the second organic insulating layer and surrounds the first organic pattern in a plan view. A second organic pattern may be placed.

According to one embodiment, the thickness of the second organic pattern may be thicker than the thickness of the first organic pattern.

According to one embodiment, the second organic patterns surrounding the most adjacent extension region among the plurality of extension regions may be spaced apart from the spaced region.

According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of extended areas includes a first inorganic pattern disposed between the plurality of display elements and the first organic pattern on a plan view, and a first inorganic pattern disposed between the first organic pattern and the second organic pattern. A second inorganic pattern may be further disposed, and the height of the first and second organic patterns may be higher than the height of the first and second inorganic patterns based on the main surface of the substrate.

According to one embodiment, in each of the plurality of extended areas, a first inorganic encapsulation layer, an organic encapsulation layer, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer are sequentially stacked on the plurality of display elements, and the organic encapsulation layer is the first inorganic encapsulation layer. 2 It is disposed inside the organic pattern, and the organic encapsulation layers adjacent to each other in the plurality of extended areas may be unconnected.

According to one embodiment, in the spaced area, the first inorganic encapsulation layer and the second inorganic encapsulation layer are disposed on the substrate connecting the adjacent extended areas, and the first inorganic encapsulation layer and the second inorganic encapsulation layer are disposed on the substrate connecting the adjacent extended areas. The inorganic encapsulation layer can be contacted directly.

According to one embodiment, a neutral plane control layer is further disposed on the upper part of the encapsulation layer in each of the plurality of extension regions and on the substrate in the separation region, and the neutral plane control layer is made of a material with a greater modulus than the encapsulation layer. It can be included.

According to one embodiment, the at least one inorganic layer may be further disposed between the substrate in the separation area and the neutral plane control layer.

According to one embodiment, the wiring may further include wires arranged in each of the plurality of extension areas, and additional connection wires connected to the wires and arranged on the substrate in the spaced area.

According to one embodiment, the additional connection wires may be arranged in a direction that intersects the longitudinal direction of the extended area.

According to one embodiment, the middle corner area is disposed between the center area and the corner area and includes a third display element, and the encapsulation layer is further disposed between the third display elements, and the at least one The organic layer may be arranged integrally connected to each other in the central area and the middle corner area, and may be arranged in a non-connected, separate form in the central corner area and the first and second adjacent corner areas.

One aspect of the present invention includes a substrate, a central region including a first display element and disposed at the center of the substrate, and a corner region including a second display element and disposed at a corner of the central region, wherein the corner The area includes a central corner area including a plurality of extension areas extending in a direction away from the central area, and first and second adjacent corner areas disposed on both sides of the central corner area, the plurality of extension areas being It includes at least a first extension area, a second extension area, and a third extension area, wherein the first extension area and the second extension area are disposed on the substrate and define the first extension area and the second extension area. The second extension area and the third extension area are separated by a first non-connecting spacing area, and the second extension area and the third extension area are not disposed and the second extension area is not connected to the third extension area. and the central corner area and the first adjacent corner area are spaced apart by a first through area that does not connect the central corner area and the first adjacent corner area without the substrate being disposed, and the central corner area The area and the second adjacent corner area are spaced apart from each other by a second through area where the substrate is not disposed and which does not connect the center corner area and the second adjacent corner area.

According to one embodiment, the width of the first and second penetration areas may be greater than the width of the first separation area and the width of the second separation area.

According to one embodiment, the width of the first separation area may be greater than the width of the second separation area.

According to one embodiment, it is disposed on the first and second display elements, and further includes an encapsulation layer including at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer, wherein the at least one organic layer includes: It may be arranged in an integrated form connected in the central area, and may be arranged in a separate form that is not connected in the central corner area and the first and second adjacent corner areas.

According to one embodiment, it is disposed on the first and second display elements, and further includes an encapsulation layer including at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer, wherein the at least one organic layer includes: It is arranged integrally connected in the central area, and arranged in a non-connected and separate form in the central corner area and the first and second adjacent corner areas, wherein the at least one inorganic layer is disposed on the substrate in the first spaced area, , the central corner area may be connected to the first and second adjacent corner areas.

According to one embodiment, a neutral plane control layer is further disposed on the upper part of the encapsulation layer of each of the plurality of extension regions and the substrate in the first separation region, and the neutral plane control layer has a greater modulus than the encapsulation layer. May contain ingredients.

According to one embodiment, it may further include wires arranged in each of the plurality of extension areas, and additional connection wires connected to the wires and arranged on the substrate in the first spaced area.

According to one embodiment, the additional connection wires may be arranged in a direction that intersects the longitudinal direction of the extended area.

According to one embodiment, the middle corner area is disposed between the center area and the corner area and includes a third display element, and the encapsulation layer is further disposed between the third display elements, and the at least one The organic layer may be arranged integrally connected to each other in the central area and the middle corner area, and may be arranged in a non-connected, separate form in the central corner area and the first and second adjacent corner areas.

One aspect of the present invention includes a substrate, an inorganic insulating layer disposed on the substrate, a first organic insulating layer disposed on the inorganic insulating layer, disposed on the first organic insulating layer, and a plurality of corner holes. a second organic insulating layer having a plurality of patterns spaced apart from each other, first to fourth pixel arrays disposed on the second organic insulating layer and including a plurality of display elements, and the first to fourth pixels. A first organic pattern each surrounding an array, a second organic pattern surrounding the first organic pattern and spaced apart from the first organic pattern, and disposed inside the second organic pattern, the first to fourth pixels. and organic encapsulation layers disposed separately from each other in the array, wherein a third organic pattern disposed on the substrate is further disposed between adjacent second organic patterns of the first pixel array and the second pixel array, and the second organic pattern is disposed on the substrate. The substrate is not disposed between the adjacent second organic patterns of the pixel array and the third pixel array, the substrate is disposed between the adjacent second organic patterns of the third pixel array and the fourth pixel array, and the A display device can be provided in which three organic patterns are not disposed and the gap between the second pixel array and the third pixel array is greater than the gap between the third pixel array and the fourth pixel array.

As described above, among the embodiments of the present invention, the display panel and the display device include first and second adjacent corner areas adjacent to both sides of the central corner area extending in a direction away from the central area and first and second penetrations between the central corner area. The width of the area may be larger than the width of the spaced area between the plurality of extension areas of the central corner area. Accordingly, when the corner area is bent, the stress between the central corner area and the first and second adjacent corner areas is reduced, thereby improving the reliability of the display panel and display device.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the display device of FIG. 1 taken along line A-A'.
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the display device of FIG. 1 taken along line B-B'.
FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the display device of FIG. 1 taken along line C-C'.
Figure 3 is a plan view schematically showing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram schematically showing a pixel circuit that can be applied to a display panel.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the display panel of FIG. 3 along line D-D'.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of portion E of the display panel of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of portion F of the display panel of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the display panel of FIG. 7 along line G-G'.
FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of portion H of the display panel of FIG. 8A.
FIG. 8C is an enlarged view of portion I of the display panel of FIG. 8A.
FIG. 8D is an enlarged view of portion J of the display panel of FIG. 8A.
FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the display panel of FIG. 7 along line G-G' according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of portion K of the display panel of FIG. 9A.
FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the display panel of FIG. 7 along line G-G' according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10B is an enlarged view of the L portion of the display panel of FIG. 10A.
FIG. 11A is an enlarged view of portion E of the display panel of FIG. 3 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11B is an enlarged view of portion M of the display panel of FIG. 11A.
FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the display panel of FIG. 11B along line N-N'.

Since the present invention can be modified in various ways and can have various embodiments, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail below along with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various forms.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components will be assigned the same drawing numbers and redundant description thereof will be omitted. .

In the following embodiments, terms such as first, second, etc. are used not in a limiting sense but for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component.

In the following examples, singular terms include plural terms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In the following embodiments, terms such as include or have mean the presence of features or components described in the specification, and do not exclude in advance the possibility of adding one or more other features or components.

In the following embodiments, when a part of a film, region, component, etc. is said to be on or on another part, it is not only the case where it is directly on top of the other part, but also when another film, region, component, etc. is interposed between them. Also includes cases where there are.

In the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of explanation. For example, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are shown arbitrarily for convenience of explanation, so the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is shown.

If an embodiment can be implemented differently, a specific process sequence may be performed differently from the described sequence. For example, two processes described in succession may be performed substantially at the same time, or may be performed in an order opposite to that in which they are described.

In the following embodiments, when membranes, regions, components, etc. are connected, not only are the membranes, regions, and components directly connected, but also other membranes, regions, and components are connected in the middle of the membranes, regions, and components. It also includes cases where it is interposed and indirectly connected. For example, in this specification, when membranes, regions, components, etc. are said to be electrically connected, not only are the membranes, regions, components, etc. directly electrically connected, but also other membranes, regions, components, etc. are interposed between them. This also includes cases of indirect electrical connection.

A display device is a device that displays moving images or still images, such as mobile phones, smart phones, tablet personal computers, mobile communication terminals, electronic notebooks, e-books, and portable multimedia players (PMPs). ), navigation, and portable electronic devices such as UMPC (Ultra Mobile PC), etc., as well as display screens for various products such as televisions, laptops, monitors, billboards, and the Internet of Things (IOT). Additionally, the display device according to one embodiment may be used in wearable devices such as smart watches, watch phones, glasses-type displays, and head mounted displays (HMDs). . In addition, the display device according to one embodiment includes a center information display (CID) disposed on the dashboard of a car, a center fascia or dashboard of a car, and a room mirror display instead of a side mirror of a car. ), can be used as entertainment for the backseat of a car and as a display placed on the back of the front seat.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a display device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of the display device 1 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of the display device 1, FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of the display device 1 in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the display panel 10. This is a plan view schematically showing this unbended state.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2A to 2C, and 3, the display device 1 may have an edge in a first direction and an edge in a second direction. Here, the first direction and the second direction may be directions that intersect each other. For example, the first direction and the second direction may be at an acute angle to each other. As another example, the first direction and the second direction may form an obtuse angle to each other or may be perpendicular to each other. Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given focusing on the case where the first direction and the second direction are orthogonal to each other. For example, the first direction may be the x direction or -x direction (hereinafter ±x), and the second direction may be the y direction or -y direction (hereinafter ±y). In one embodiment, a corner (CN) where an edge in the first direction (±x) and an edge in the second direction (±y) of the display device 1 meet may have a predetermined curvature.

The display device 1 may include a display panel 10 and a cover window CW that covers the display panel 10 .

The cover window CW may protect the display panel 10. The cover window CW can protect the display panel 10 by easily bending in response to external force without causing cracks or the like. The cover window (CW) may include glass, sapphire, or plastic. For example, the cover window CW may include tempered glass or transparent polyimide, and may have a structure in which a flexible polymer layer is disposed on one side of a glass substrate, or may be composed only of a polymer layer.

Although not shown, the display panel 10 may be attached to the cover window CW using a transparent adhesive member such as an optically clear adhesive film.

The display panel 10 may include a substrate 100 and pixels (PX) disposed on the substrate 100. A plurality of pixels (PX) may be provided, and the plurality of pixels (PX) may emit light to display an image.

A pixel (PX) may include a display element. In one embodiment, the display element may be an organic light emitting diode including an organic light emitting layer. Alternatively, the display element may be an inorganic light emitting diode containing an inorganic semiconductor. Alternatively, the display element may be a quantum dot light emitting diode (Quantum dot light emitting diode) including a quantum dot light emitting layer. Alternatively, the display element may be a micro-scale or nano-scale light emitting diode (LED). For example, the light emitting diode may be a micro light emitting diode or a nanorod light emitting diode. Nanorod light emitting diodes may include gallium nitrogen (GaN). In one embodiment, a color conversion layer may be disposed on the nanorod light emitting diode, and the color conversion layer may include quantum dots.

The pixel PX may include a plurality of subpixels, and each of the plurality of subpixels may emit light of a predetermined color using a display element. In one embodiment, the pixel PX may include a red subpixel, a green subpixel, and a blue subpixel. Alternatively, the pixel PX may include a red subpixel, a green subpixel, a blue subpixel, and a white subpixel.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the display panel 10 may include a center area (CA), a first area (A1), a second area (A2), a corner area (CNA), and a peripheral area (PA). The first area (A1), the second area (A2), the corner area (CNA), and the peripheral area (PA) of the display panel 10 shown in FIG. 3 are bent at the corners as shown in FIG. 1. A display device 1 having a predetermined curvature may be formed.

The pixel PX may be arranged in at least one of the center area CA, the first area A1, the second area A2, and the corner area CNA. In one embodiment, a plurality of pixels (PX) arranged in the center area (CA), first area (A1), second area (A2), and corner area (CNA) may each provide independent images. . In another embodiment, a plurality of pixels (PX) arranged in the center area (CA), first area (A1), second area (A2), and corner area (CNA) may provide a portion of one image. there is.

The central area (CA) may be a flat area. In one embodiment, the display device 1 may provide most of the image in the central area (CA).

The first area A1 may extend from the central area CA in a first direction (±x). The first area A1 may be connected to the central area CA in a first direction (±x). The first area A1 may be bent in a third direction (±z) that intersects the first direction (±x) and the second direction (±y) with respect to the center area (CA). The first area (A1) has a curved surface when viewed from a cross section (x-z cross section) including the first direction (±x) and the third direction (±z), and the second direction (±y) and the third direction (±z). When viewed from a cross section (y-z cross section) including z), it may not have a curved surface.

In FIG. 2A, the first areas A1 located on both sides of the central area CA are shown to have the same curvature, but in another embodiment, the first areas A1 located on both sides of the central area CA have different curvatures. It can have curvature. In another embodiment, the first area A1 may be located only on one side of the central area CA.

The second area A2 may extend from the central area CA in a second direction (±y). The second area A2 may be connected to the central area CA in a second direction (±y). The second area A2 may be bent in a third direction (±z) that intersects the first direction (±x) and the second direction (±y) with respect to the center area (CA). The second area (A2) has a curved surface when viewed from a cross section (y-z cross section) including the second direction (±y) and the third direction (±z), and the first direction (±x) and the third direction (±z). It may not have a curved surface when viewed from a cross section (x-z cross section) including z).

In FIG. 2B, the second areas A2 located on both sides of the central area CA are shown to have the same curvature. However, in another embodiment, the second areas A2 located on both sides of the central area CA have different curvatures. It can have curvature. In another embodiment, the second area A2 may be located only on one side of the central area CA.

The corner area (CNA) may be disposed at the corner (CN) of the display device (1). In one embodiment, the corner area CNA may be an area where an edge in the first direction (±x) and an edge in the second direction (±y) of the display device 1 meet. The corner area (CNA) may at least partially surround the center area (CA), the first area (A1), and the second area (A2).

The corner area (CNA) may include a central corner area (CCA), a first adjacent corner area (ACA1), a second adjacent corner area (ACA2), and a middle corner area (MCA).

The central corner area (CCA) may be bent in a third direction (±z) that intersects the first direction (±x) and the second direction (±y) with respect to the central area (CA). The central corner area (CCA) has a curved surface when viewed from a cross section (x-z cross section) including the first direction (±x) and the third direction (±z), and the second direction (±y) and the third direction (±z). It can have a curved surface when viewed from a cross section (y-z cross section) including z). That is, the central corner area (CCA) may be a multi-curvature area where curvatures in multiple directions overlap.

The first adjacent corner area (ACA1) is placed adjacent to the center corner area (CCA) and may be placed between the center corner area (CCA) and the first area (A1). The first adjacent corner area ACA1 may be bent in a third direction (±z) that intersects the first direction (±x) and the second direction (±y) with respect to the center area (CA). The first adjacent corner area (ACA1) has a curved surface when viewed from a cross-section (x-z cross-section) including the first direction (±x) and the third direction (±z), and the second direction (±y) and the third direction. When viewed from a cross section (y-z cross section) containing (±z), it may not have a curved surface.

The second adjacent corner area (ACA2) is disposed adjacent to the center corner area (CCA) and may be disposed between the center corner area (CCA) and the second area (A2). The central corner area (CCA) may be disposed between the first adjacent corner area (ACA1) and the second adjacent corner area (ACA2). The second adjacent corner area ACA2 may be bent in a third direction (±z) that intersects the first direction (±x) and the second direction (±y) with respect to the center area (CA). The second adjacent corner area (ACA2) has a curved surface when viewed from a cross section (y-z cross section) including the second direction (±y) and the third direction (±z), and has a curved surface in the first direction (±x) and the third direction (±z). When viewed from a cross section (x-z cross section) containing (±z), it may not have a curved surface.

The middle corner area (MCA) may be placed between the center area (CA) and the center corner area (CCA). The middle corner area (MCA) may extend between the first area (A1) and the first adjacent corner area (ACA1), and may extend between the second area (A2) and the second adjacent corner area (ACA2). A driving circuit (DC) for providing an electrical signal to the pixel (PX) and/or a power wiring for providing power to the pixel (PX) may be disposed in the middle corner area (MCA).

Referring to FIG. 2A, the first area (A1), the middle corner area (MCA), and the first adjacent corner area (ACA1) have a first radius of curvature (R1) and may be bent. Referring to FIG. 2B, the second area (A2), the middle corner area (MCA), and the second adjacent corner area (ACA2) have a second radius of curvature (R2) and can be bent. The first radius of curvature (R1) and the second radius of curvature (R2) may be the same or different from each other. Referring to FIG. 2C, the middle corner area (MCA) and the central corner area (CCA) have a third radius of curvature (R3) and can be bent.

The display device 1 can display an image by arranging a plurality of pixels PX not only in the center area CA, but also in the first area A1, the second area A2, and the corner area CNA. . Accordingly, the display area of the display device 1 can be expanded. Additionally, since images can be displayed at the corner CN of the display device 1, aesthetics can be improved.

The peripheral area (PA) may be an area that does not provide images. The peripheral area (PA) may extend outward from the first area (A1) and/or the second area (A2). A driving circuit (DC) for providing electrical signals to the pixels (PX) and/or a power wiring for providing power to the pixels (PX) may be disposed in the peripheral area (PA).

Figure 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram schematically showing a pixel circuit (PC) that can be applied to a display panel.

Referring to FIG. 4, the pixel circuit (PC) may be electrically connected to a display element, for example, an organic light emitting diode (OLED).

The pixel circuit (PC) may include a driving thin film transistor (T1), a switching thin film transistor (T2), and a storage capacitor (Cst). In one embodiment, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) may emit red, green, or blue light, or may emit red, green, blue, or white light.

The switching thin film transistor (T2) is connected to the scan line (SL) and the data line (DL), and a data signal or data input from the data line (DL) based on the scan signal or switching voltage input from the scan line (SL). Voltage can be transmitted to the driving thin film transistor (T1). The storage capacitor (Cst) is connected to the switching thin film transistor (T2) and the driving voltage line (PL), and is the difference between the voltage received from the switching thin film transistor (T2) and the first power voltage (ELVDD) supplied to the driving voltage line (PL). The voltage corresponding to can be stored.

The driving thin film transistor (T1) is connected to the driving voltage line (PL) and the storage capacitor (Cst), and a driving current flows through the organic light emitting diode (OLED) from the driving voltage line (PL) in response to the voltage value stored in the storage capacitor (Cst). can be controlled. Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) can emit light with a certain brightness by driving current. The counter electrode of the organic light emitting diode (OLED) can be supplied with the second power voltage (ELVSS).

Figure 4 shows that the pixel circuit (PC) includes two thin film transistors and one storage capacitor, but the pixel circuit (PC) may include more thin film transistors.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the display panel 10 of FIG. 3 along line D-D'. That is, FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the center area (CA) and the middle corner area (MCA) of the display panel 10.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the display panel 10 may include a substrate 100, a pixel circuit layer (PCL), a display element layer (DEL), and an encapsulation layer (ENL).

The substrate 100 may include a first base layer 100a, a first barrier layer 100b, a second base layer 100c, and a second barrier layer 100d. The first base layer 100a, the first barrier layer 100b, the second base layer 100c, and the second barrier layer 100d may be sequentially stacked. In another embodiment, the substrate 100 may include glass.

At least one of the first base layer 100a and the second base layer 100c is polyethersulfone, polyarylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, or polyethylene. May contain polymer resins such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyimide, polycarbonate, cellulose triacetate, cellulose acetate propionate, etc. there is.

The first barrier layer 100b and _the second barrier layer 100d are barrier layers that prevent _the penetration of external foreign substances, and are made of silicon nitride (SiN It may be a single layer or multilayer containing an inorganic material such as the like.

The pixel circuit layer (PCL) may be disposed on the substrate 100 . The pixel circuit layer (PCL) may include a driving circuit (DC) and a pixel circuit (PC).

In one embodiment, the driving circuit (DC) may be disposed in the middle corner area (MCA). In another embodiment, the driving circuit (DC) may not be disposed in the middle corner area (MCA). At this time, the driving circuit (DC) may be placed in the peripheral area (PA).

The pixel circuit (PC) may be placed in the central area (CA). In one embodiment, the pixel circuit (PC) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the middle corner area (MCA). In other words, the pixel circuit (PC) may not overlap with the middle corner area (MCA). In another embodiment, the pixel circuit (PC) may overlap the middle corner area (MCA).

The driving circuit (DC) is a scan driving circuit that provides a scan signal to each pixel (PX) through a scan line (SL), or a data driving circuit that provides a data signal to each pixel (PX) through a data line (DL). It can be. The driving circuit (DC) may include a driving circuit thin film transistor (DC-TFT). In one embodiment, the driving circuit (DC) may be connected to a scan line.

The pixel circuit (PC) may include at least one thin film transistor. In one embodiment, the pixel circuit (PC) may include a driving thin film transistor (T1), a switching thin film transistor (T2), and a storage capacitor (Cst).

The pixel circuit layer (PCL) includes an inorganic insulating layer (IIL), a first organic insulating layer 115, and a second organic insulating layer 116 disposed below and/or above the components of the driving thin film transistor T1. It can be included.

The inorganic insulating layer (IIL) may include a buffer layer 111, a first gate insulating layer 112, a second gate insulating layer 113, and an interlayer insulating layer 114. The driving thin film transistor T1 may include a first semiconductor layer (Act1), a first gate electrode (GE1), a first source electrode (SE1), and a first drain electrode (DE1).

The buffer layer 111 may be disposed on the substrate 100 . The buffer layer 111 may include an inorganic insulating _material such as silicon nitride ( _SiN

The first semiconductor layer (Act1) may be disposed on the buffer layer 111. The first semiconductor layer (Act1) may include polysilicon. Alternatively, the first semiconductor layer Act1 may include amorphous silicon, an oxide semiconductor, an organic semiconductor, etc. The first semiconductor layer Act1 may include a channel region and a drain region and source region respectively disposed on both sides of the channel region.

The first gate electrode GE1 may overlap the channel area. The first gate electrode GE1 may include a low-resistance metal material. The first gate electrode GE1 may contain a conductive material containing molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), etc., and is formed as a multilayer or single layer containing the above materials. It can be.

The first gate insulating layer 112 between the first semiconductor layer (Act1) and the first gate electrode (GE1) _is made of silicon oxide (SiO ₂ ), silicon nitride (SiN It may include inorganic insulating materials such as Al ₂ O ₃ ), titanium oxide (TiO ₂ ), tantalum oxide (Ta ₂ O ₅ ), hafnium oxide (HfO ₂ ), and/or zinc oxide (ZnO).

The second gate insulating layer 113 may cover the first gate electrode GE1. Similar to the first gate insulating layer 112, _the second gate insulating layer 113 is made _of silicon oxide (SiO ₂ ), silicon nitride ( _SiN It may include an inorganic insulating material such as titanium oxide (TiO ₂ ), tantalum oxide (Ta ₂ O ₅ ), hafnium oxide (HfO ₂ ), and/or zinc oxide (ZnO).

The upper electrode (CE2) of the storage capacitor (Cst) may be disposed on the second gate insulating layer 113. The upper electrode (CE2) may overlap the first gate electrode (GE1). The first gate electrode GE1 and the upper electrode CE2 of the driving thin film transistor T1 may be overlapped with the second gate insulating layer 113 interposed therebetween to form a storage capacitor Cst. That is, the first gate electrode (GE1) of the driving thin film transistor (T1) may also function as the lower electrode (CE1) of the storage capacitor (Cst). In another embodiment, the storage capacitor Cst may be formed so as not to overlap the driving thin film transistor T1.

The upper electrode (CE2) is aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and iridium (Ir). , chromium (Cr), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), and/or copper (Cu), and may be a single layer or multiple layers of the foregoing materials. .

The interlayer insulating layer 114 may cover the upper electrode (CE2). _The interlayer insulating layer 114 _is made of silicon _oxide (SiO ₂ ) _, silicon nitride ( _{SiN 5} ), hafnium oxide (HfO ₂ ), or zinc oxide (ZnO). The interlayer insulating layer 114 may be a single layer or a multilayer containing the above-described inorganic insulating material.

The first drain electrode DE1 and the first source electrode SE1 may each be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 114. The first drain electrode (DE1) and the first source electrode (SE1) may include a material with good conductivity. The first drain electrode (DE1) and the first source electrode (SE1) may include a conductive material including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), and the like. It may be formed as a multi-layer or single layer containing. In one embodiment, the first drain electrode (DE1) and the first source electrode (SE1) may have a multilayer structure of Ti/Al/Ti.

The switching thin film transistor T2 may include a second semiconductor layer (Act2), a second gate electrode (GE2), a second drain electrode (DE2), and a second source electrode (SE2). The second semiconductor layer (Act2), the second gate electrode (GE2), the second drain electrode (DE2), and the second source electrode (SE2) are formed by the first semiconductor layer (Act1), the first gate electrode (GE1), and the second semiconductor layer (Act2), respectively. Since it is similar to the first drain electrode (DE1) and the first source electrode (SE1), detailed description will be omitted.

Similar to the switching thin film transistor (T2), the driving circuit thin film transistor (DC-TFT) may include a driving circuit semiconductor layer, a driving circuit gate electrode, a driving circuit source electrode, and a driving circuit drain electrode.

The first organic insulating layer 115 may be disposed on at least one thin film transistor. In one embodiment, the first organic insulating layer 115 may be disposed to cover the first drain electrode (DE1) and the first source electrode (SE1). The first organic insulating layer 115 may include an organic material. For example, the first organic insulating layer 115 is made of general-purpose polymers such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or polystyrene, polymer derivatives with phenolic groups, acrylic polymers, imide polymers, aryl ether polymers, amide polymers, and fluorine polymers. It may include organic insulating materials such as polymers, p-xylene-based polymers, vinyl alcohol-based polymers, and blends thereof.

The connection electrode CML and the first connection wire CL1 may be disposed on the first organic insulating layer 115 . The connection electrode (CML) and the first connection wire (CL1) may include a material with good conductivity. The connection electrode (CML) and the first connection wire (CL1) may include a conductive material including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), etc., and include the above materials. It can be formed as a multi-layer or single layer. In one embodiment, the connection electrode (CML) and the first connection wire (CL1) may have a multilayer structure of Ti/Al/Ti. At this time, the connection electrode CML may be connected to the first drain electrode DE1 or the first source electrode SE1 of the pixel circuit PC through a contact hole in the first organic insulating layer 115.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first connection wire CL1 may extend from the center area CA to the middle corner area MCA. In another embodiment, the first connection wire CL1 may extend from the peripheral area (PA, Figure 3) or the corner area (CNA, Figure 3) to the middle corner area (MCA). In another embodiment, the first connection wire CL1 may extend from the first area A1 (FIG. 3) and/or the second area A2 (FIG. 3) to the middle corner area MCA. The first connection wire CL1 may overlap with the driving circuit thin film transistor (DC-TFT). At this time, the first connection wire CL1 may be connected to the first drain electrode or the first source electrode of the pixel circuit (PC) located in the center area (CA) through the contact hole of the first organic insulating layer (115). there is.

The second organic insulating layer 116 may be disposed on the first organic insulating layer 115 to cover the connection electrode CML and the first connection wire CL1. The second organic insulating layer 116 may include an organic material. The second organic insulating layer 116 is made of general-purpose polymers such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or polystyrene, polymer derivatives with phenolic groups, acrylic polymers, imide polymers, aryl ether polymers, amide polymers, fluorine polymers, p- It may include organic insulating materials such as xylene-based polymers, vinyl alcohol-based polymers, and blends thereof.

The display element layer (DEL) may be disposed on the pixel circuit layer (PCL). The display element layer (DEL) may include a plurality of organic light emitting diodes (OLED) as display elements.

In one embodiment, one of the plurality of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) may be disposed in the central area (CA). The organic light emitting diode (OLED) disposed in the central area (CA) may be electrically connected to the connection electrode (CML) through a contact hole in the second organic insulating layer (116).

Another one of the plurality of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) may be disposed in the middle corner area (MCA). The organic light emitting diode (OLED) disposed in the middle corner area (MCA) may overlap the driving circuit (DC), and the organic light emitting diode (OLED) disposed in the middle corner area (MCA) may overlap the second organic insulating layer 116. ) can be electrically connected to the first connection wire (CL1) through the contact hole. At this time, the first connection wire CL1 may be connected to the first drain electrode or the first source electrode of the pixel circuit PC located in the center area CA through a contact hole in the first organic insulating layer 115. Accordingly, the display panel 10 can display an image even in the middle corner area (MCA) where the driving circuit (DC) is located.

An organic light emitting diode (OLED) may include a pixel electrode 211, an intermediate layer 212, and a counter electrode 213.

The pixel electrode 211 may be electrically connected to the connection electrode CML or the first connection wire CL1 through a contact hole in the second organic insulating layer 116. The pixel electrode 211 is made of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In ₂ O ₃ ), and indium. It may include a conductive oxide such as gallium oxide (IGO) or aluminum zinc oxide (AZO). In another embodiment, the pixel electrode 211 is made of silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), and neodymium (Nd). , may include a reflective film containing iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), or a compound thereof. In another embodiment, the pixel electrode 211 may further include a film formed of ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In ₂ O ₃ above and below the above-described reflective film.

A pixel defining layer 118 having an opening 118OP exposing the central portion of the pixel electrode 211 may be disposed on the pixel electrode 211. The pixel defining layer 118 may include an organic insulating material and/or an inorganic insulating material. The opening 118OP may define an emission area (hereinafter referred to as an emission area, EMA) of light emitted from an organic light emitting diode (OLED). For example, the width of the opening 118OP may correspond to the width of the light emitting area EMA. Additionally, the width of the opening 118OP may correspond to the width of the subpixel.

A spacer 119 may be disposed on the pixel defining layer 118. When depositing a deposition material using a mask sheet with a plurality of pattern holes, a defect may occur in which a portion of the film formed on the substrate 100 by the mask sheet is damaged or broken. The spacer 119 can prevent damage to the film caused by the mask sheet.

The spacer 119 may include an organic insulating material such as polyimide. Alternatively, the spacer 119 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiO ₂ ), or may include both organic and inorganic insulating materials.

In one embodiment, the spacer 119 may include a material different from the pixel defining layer 118. Alternatively, the spacer 119 may include the same material as the pixel defining layer 118, and in this case, the pixel defining layer 118 and the spacer 119 may be formed together using a halftone mask.

An intermediate layer 212 may be disposed on the pixel defining layer 118. The middle layer 212 may include a light emitting layer 212b disposed in the opening 118OP of the pixel defining layer 118. The light-emitting layer 212b may include a polymer or low-molecular organic material that emits light of a predetermined color.

A first functional layer 212a and a second functional layer 212c may be disposed below and above the light emitting layer 212b, respectively. For example, the first functional layer 212a may include a hole transport layer, or may include a hole transport layer and a hole injection layer. The second functional layer 212c is a component disposed on the light emitting layer 212b and may be selectively disposed. The second functional layer 212c may include an electron transport layer and/or an electron injection layer. The first functional layer 212a and/or the second functional layer 212c may be a common layer that commonly covers a plurality of pixels, like the counter electrode 213, which will be described later.

The counter electrode 213 may be disposed on the intermediate layer 212. The counter electrode 213 may be made of a conductive material with a low work function. For example, the counter electrode 213 is made of silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and iridium ( It may include a (semi) transparent layer containing Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), or an alloy thereof. Alternatively, the counter electrode 213 may further include a layer such as ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In ₂ O ₃ on the (semi) transparent layer containing the above-mentioned material.

In some embodiments, a capping layer (not shown) may be further disposed on the counter electrode 213. The capping layer may include LiF, inorganic material, or/and organic material.

The encapsulation layer (ENL) may be disposed on the counter electrode 213. In one embodiment, the encapsulation layer (ENL) may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer. In one embodiment, Figure 5 shows that the encapsulation layer (ENL) includes a first inorganic encapsulation layer 310, an organic encapsulation layer 320, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 that are sequentially stacked.

The first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 are aluminum oxide (Al ₂ O ₃ ), titanium oxide (TiO ₂ ), tantalum oxide (Ta ₂ O ₅ ), hafnium oxide (HfO ₂ ), It may contain one or more _inorganic materials among zinc oxide (ZnO), silicon oxide (SiO ₂ ), silicon nitride (SiN The organic encapsulation layer 320 may include a polymer-based material. Polymer-based materials may include acrylic resin, epoxy resin, polyimide, and polyethylene. In one embodiment, the organic encapsulation layer 320 may include acrylate.

The first inorganic encapsulation layer 310, the organic encapsulation layer 320, and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 are disposed in the center area (CA) and the middle corner area (MCA). It may be continuously and commonly disposed in a plurality of pixels (PX) located in (MCA).

Although not shown, a touch electrode layer may be disposed on the encapsulation layer (ENL), and an optical functional layer may be disposed on the touch electrode layer. The touch electrode layer can acquire coordinate information according to an external input, for example, a touch event. The optical functional layer can reduce the reflectance of light (external light) incident from the outside toward the display device and/or improve the color purity of light emitted from the display device.

In one embodiment, the optical functional layer may include a phase retarder and/or a polarizer. The phase retarder may be a film type or a liquid crystal coating type, and may include a λ/2 phase retarder and/or a λ/4 phase retarder. The polarizer may also be a film type or a liquid crystal coating type. The film type may include a stretched synthetic resin film, and the liquid crystal coating type may include liquid crystals arranged in a predetermined arrangement. The phase retarder and polarizer may further include a protective film.

In another embodiment, the optical functional layer may include a black matrix and color filters. Color filters can be arranged taking into account the color of light emitted from each pixel of the display device. Each of the color filters may contain red, green, or blue pigments or dyes. Alternatively, each of the color filters may further include quantum dots in addition to the pigments or dyes described above. Alternatively, some of the color filters may not contain the above-mentioned pigments or dyes, but may contain scattering particles such as titanium oxide.

In another embodiment, the optical functional layer may include a destructive interference structure. The destructive interference structure may include a first reflective layer and a second reflective layer disposed on different layers. The first reflected light and the second reflected light reflected from the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer, respectively, may interfere destructively, and thus the external light reflectance may be reduced.

An adhesive member may be disposed between the touch electrode layer and the optical function layer. The adhesive member may be any general material known in the art without limitation. In one embodiment, the adhesive member may be a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of portion E of the display panel 10 of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of portion F of the display panel 10 of FIG. 6 .

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 , the center corner area (CCA) may be disposed between the first adjacent corner area (ACA1) and the second adjacent corner area (ACA2).

The central corner area (CCA) may include a plurality of extension areas (EA) extending in a direction away from the central corner area (CA). Each end of adjacent extension areas (EA) may be spaced apart from each other by a spacing area (SA). The separation area SA may be an area where components of the display panel 10 other than the substrate 100 are not disposed.

When the central corner area (CCA) is bent at the corner (CN), a compressive strain greater than the tensile strain may occur in the central corner area (CCA). However, since each end of the plurality of adjacent extension areas (EA) is spaced apart from each other by the separation area (SA), damage to the center corner area (CCA) can be minimized when the display panel 10 is bent.

The first adjacent corner area (ACA1) may be adjacent to one side of the central corner area (CCA), and the second adjacent corner area (ACA2) may be adjacent to the other side of the central corner area (CCA). The center corner area (CCA) and the first adjacent corner area (ACA1) are spaced apart from each other by the first penetration area (PA1), and the space between the second adjacent corner area (ACA2) of the center corner area (CCA) is the second penetration area. They may be spaced apart from each other by the area PA2. The first penetration area (PA1) and the second penetration area (PA2) may be empty areas of the display panel 10. That is, the first penetration area PA1 and the second penetration area PA2 may be areas where components of the display panel 10, including the substrate 100, are not disposed.

When the central corner area (CCA) is bent at the corner (CN), compressive strain greater than tensile strain may occur in the central corner area (CCA). In particular, compressive deformation may be greater at both edges of the central corner area (CCA) than between the extension areas (EA) inside the central corner area (CCA). However, by not arranging the components of the display panel 10 including the substrate 100 in the first penetration area (PA1) and the second penetration area (PA2), damage to the display panel 10 due to compressive deformation is prevented. It can be minimized.

In addition, by increasing the width (W1, Figure 8a) of each of the first penetration area (PA1) and the second penetration area (PA2) larger than the width (W2, Figure 8a) of the separation area (SA), the center corner area (CCA) Damage to the display panel 10 due to compressive deformation at both edges of the display panel 10 can be minimized. Here, the width W1 of the first penetration area (PA1) and the second penetration area (PA2) is the substrate 100 spaced apart from the first and second adjacent corner areas (ACA1, ACA2) and the center corner area (CCA) in the cross-sectional view. ) can be the distance between. Since the substrate 100 is connected in the separation area SA, the width W2 in the separation area SA may be the distance between unconnected elements directly above the substrate 100. For example, referring to FIG. 8A , this may be the distance between the inorganic insulating layer (IIL), which is an unconnected element directly above the substrate 100. Meanwhile, the widths W1 and W2 may be different in areas close to and far from the center area CA on the plan view. In this case, the comparison of each width (W1, W2) can be done based on a position at the same distance from the central area. Meanwhile, in Figure 8a, the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330, which are components of the encapsulation layer (ENL), are shown together, but because they are very thin, they can be ignored when measuring each width (W1, W2). You can.

By increasing the width W1 of the first penetration area (PA1) and the second penetration area (PA2), the area inside the first penetration area (PA1) and the second penetration area (PA2), that is, close to the center area (CA) Since space is secured in (EPA1, EPA2), the corresponding areas (EPA1, EPA2) can be formed into a serpentine shape. In Figure 6, the regions (EPA1, EPA2) are shown as round shapes, but the shape is not limited to this. By forming the regions (EPA1, EPA2) to be curved or irregular, stress is generated in the regions (EPA1, EPA2). By alleviating this concentration, cracks can be prevented.

A plurality of pixels PX including display elements may be disposed in the center area CA, the first area A1, the second area A2, and the corner area CNA. For example, among the plurality of extension areas (EA) arranged in the center corner area (CCA), the plurality of pixels (PX) arranged in the extension area (EA) closest to the first adjacent corner area (ACA1) are A pixel array PXA1 may be formed, and a plurality of pixels PX disposed in the extension area EA closest to the first pixel array PXA1 may form a second pixel array PXA2. A plurality of pixels (PX) arranged in the first adjacent corner area (ACA1) closest to the first pixel array (PXA1) constitute a third pixel array (PXA3), and the third pixel array (PXA3) is closest to the third pixel array (PXA3). A plurality of pixels (PX) arranged in the first adjacent corner area (ACA1) may form a fourth pixel array (PXA4).

For convenience, the description will focus on the first and second pixel arrays (PXA1, PXA2) of the central corner area (CCA) and the third and fourth pixel arrays (PXA3, PXA4) of the first adjacent corner area (ACA1). The characteristics of the first and second pixel arrays (PXA1, PXA2) can be equally applied to other pixel arrays located in the center corner area (CCA), and the characteristics of the third and fourth pixel arrays (PXA3, PXA4) The same can be applied to other pixel arrays in the first adjacent corner area (ACA1) and to other pixel arrays in the second adjacent corner area (ACA2).

A plurality of pixels (PX) arranged in the first to fourth pixel arrays (PXA1??PXA4) may be arranged in a direction away from the center area (CA) and/or the first area (A2). In Figure 7, each pixel (PX) includes a red subpixel (Pr), a green subpixel (Pg), and a blue subpixel (Pb), with the green subpixel (Pg) arranged in the first row and the red subpixel (Pg) in the second row. Although an embodiment in which a subpixel (Pr) and a blue subpixel (Pb) are arranged is shown, the type and arrangement of the subpixels (Pr, Pg, and Pb) are not limited to this.

The top view of FIGS. 6 and 7 is a top view with the display element layer (DEL) and the encapsulation layer (ENL) shown in FIG. 8A excluded, and includes the first to fourth pixel arrays (PXA1...PXA4) and a plurality of It schematically shows the arrangement relationship between organic patterns and multiple inorganic patterns. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 , the first to fourth pixel arrays (PXA1..PXA4) may be surrounded by a plurality of organic patterns and a plurality of inorganic patterns in a plan view.

The first to fourth pixel arrays (PXA1??PXA4) may be surrounded by a first organic pattern (OPT1) and a second organic pattern (OPT2). The first organic pattern (OPT1) and the second organic pattern (OPT2) are patterns formed of a layer containing an organic insulating material, and the first organic pattern (OPT1) is each of the first to fourth pixel arrays (PXA1...PXA4). ), and the second organic pattern (OPT2) may surround the first organic pattern (OPT1). The first organic pattern (OPT1) and the second organic pattern (OPT2) are patterns formed of organic insulating layers respectively constituting the first corner dam (CD1, Figure 8a) and the second corner dam (CD2, Figure 8b), which will be described later. You can.

The first to fourth pixel arrays (PXA1??PXA4) are each surrounded by a first organic pattern (OPT1) of a closed loop shape, and each of the first to fourth pixel arrays (PXA1..PXA4) is surrounded by a first organic pattern (OPT1) of a closed loop shape. The organic patterns (OPT1) are separated from each other on the plan view.

Each of the first organic patterns (OPT1) disposed in the first to fourth pixel arrays (PXA1...PXA4) is surrounded by the second organic pattern (OPT1), and the first to fourth pixel arrays (PXA1...PXA4) are surrounded by the second organic pattern (OPT1). ) The first organic pattern (OPT1) and the second organic pattern (OPT2) surrounding ) are separated from each other in the plan view.

Each of the first organic patterns (OPT1) surrounding the first to fourth pixel arrays (PXA1...PXA4) are separated from each other, while the first to fourth pixel arrays (PXA1...PXA4) are separated from each other. Each second organic pattern OPT2 is connected to each other on one side close to the middle corner area (MCA), and the connected second organic patterns OPT2 may be arranged to surround the middle corner area (MCA).

In this way, the second organic pattern (OPT2) may be composed of a connection part (OPT2-C) surrounding the middle corner area (MCA) and an extension part (OPT2-E) extending from the connection part (OPT2-C), and the second organic pattern (OPT2) The extension portion (OPT2-E) of the organic pattern (OPT2) may surround the first organic pattern (OPT1) of each pixel array.

The shape of the extension part (OPT2-E) of the second organic pattern (OPT2) is similar to the shape of the first to fourth pixel arrays (PXA1..PXA4), especially the extension area (EA) of the center corner area (CCA). may be roughly consistent with the Therefore, the extension areas (EA) of the center corner area (CCA) are spaced apart by the spacing area (SA), which is an extension of the second organic pattern (OPT2) surrounding each pixel array disposed in the center corner area (CCA). (OPT2-E) can be interpreted as being spaced apart by the separation area (SA). For example, the display panel 10 excluding the substrate 100 is between the extension portion OPT2-E of the second organic pattern OPT2 surrounding the first pixel array PXA1 and the second pixel array PXA2. It may be an area where other components are not placed.

Meanwhile, the third organic pattern OPT3 may be disposed between the extension part OPT2-E of the second organic pattern OPT2 surrounding the third pixel array PXA3 and the fourth pixel array PXA4. The third organic pattern OPT3 is disposed between the extensions OPT2-E of the second organic pattern OPT2 of the pixel arrays arranged in the first and second adjacent corner areas ACA1 and ACA2, and the second They surround the extension of the organic pattern (OPT2-E) and are connected to each other. Therefore, there is no separation area SA between the extensions OPT2-E of the second organic pattern OPT2 surrounding the pixel arrays arranged in the first and second adjacent corner areas ACA1 and ACA2. You can.

The first organic pattern (OPT1) and the second organic pattern (OPT2) are formed by the organic encapsulation layer 320 (FIG. 8A) formed on the first to fourth pixel arrays (PXA1...PXA4) forming the second organic pattern (OPT2). It can act as a limit to prevent it from being exceeded. Accordingly, the organic encapsulation layer 320 (FIG. 8A) formed in the first to fourth pixel arrays (PXA1...PXA4) may be formed separately for each of the first to fourth pixel arrays (PXA1...PXA4). In addition, all organic encapsulation layers 320 (FIG. 8A) formed in the central corner area (CCA), the first adjacent corner area (ACA1), and the second adjacent corner area (ACA2) may be formed separately from each other for each pixel array. . This means that the organic encapsulation layer 320 formed in the plurality of pixels (PX) in the center area (CA) and the middle corner area (MCA) described in FIG. 5 is a plurality of layers located in the center area (CA) and the middle corner area (MCA). It is different from what is formed continuously and commonly in pixels (PX).

Meanwhile, the structure of the pixels PX located in the first area A1 and the second area is not shown in FIG. 5, but the structure of the pixels PX located in the first area A1 and the second area is The structure may be the same as that of the pixels (PX) located in the central area (CA). Accordingly, the encapsulation layer 320 is continuously and commonly formed in the plurality of pixels (PX) arranged in the center area (CA), first area (A1), second area (A2), and middle corner area (MCA). On the other hand, the central corner area (CCA) and the first and second adjacent corner areas (ACA1 and ACA2) may be formed separately for each pixel array.

A fourth organic pattern (OPT4) surrounding the middle corner area (MCA) may be further disposed between the connection part (OPT2-C) of the second organic pattern (OPT2) and the middle corner area (MCA). Between OPT4 and the middle corner area (MCA), a fifth organic pattern (OPT5) that is spaced apart from the fourth organic pattern (OPT4) and surrounds the middle corner area (MCA) may be further disposed. The fourth organic pattern (OPT4) and the fifth organic pattern (OPT5) may include the same material, and include a center area (CA), a first area (A1), a second area (A2), and a middle corner area (MCA). The organic encapsulation layer 320, which is commonly formed in the plurality of pixels (PX) arranged in , may be restricted from overflowing into the central corner area (CCA) and the first and second adjacent corner areas (ACA1, ACA2).

A first inorganic pattern (IPT1) is disposed between the first pixel array (PXA1) and the first organic pattern (OPT1) to surround the first pixel array (PXA1), and the first organic pattern (OPT1) and the second organic pattern (OPT1) are arranged to surround the first pixel array (PXA1). A second inorganic pattern (IPT2) may be arranged between OPT2 to surround the first organic pattern (OPT1). The first weapon pattern (IPT1) and the second weapon pattern (OPT2) include the first to fourth pixel arrays (PXA1??PXA4), a central corner area (CCA), and first and second adjacent corner areas (ACA1, The same can be applied to pixel arrays arranged in ACA2).

The first weapon pattern (IPT1) surrounds the first to fourth pixel arrays (PXA1??PXA4) in a closed loop shape, and each of the first weapon patterns (IPT1) is separated from each other in the plan view. The second inorganic pattern (IPT2) surrounds the first organic pattern (OPT1) of the first to fourth pixel arrays (PXA1??PXA4) in a closed loop shape, and each of the second inorganic patterns (IPT2) is connected to each other in the plan view. They are separated.

The first inorganic pattern (IPT1) and the second inorganic pattern (IPT2) are patterns formed of a layer containing an inorganic insulating material, and as will be described later, the height in the cross-sectional view of the first organic pattern (OPT1) and the second organic pattern (OPT2) is higher. Since it is formed at a low height, the above-mentioned expression 'surrounding' refers to the shape on the plan view, and the first inorganic pattern (IPT1) and the second inorganic pattern (IPT2) are formed by the pixel array and the first organic pattern (OPT1). In the first corner hole (CH1, Figure 8a) formed in the second organic insulating layer 116 between, and in the second organic insulating layer 116 between the first organic pattern (OPT1) and the second organic pattern (OPT2) It may be disposed on the bottom surface of the first and second corner holes CHL1 and CHL2 at a position overlapping the formed second corner hole CH2 (FIG. 8A).

The first weapon pattern (IPT1) and the second weapon pattern (IPT2) are not placed in the separation area (SA) of the center corner area (CCA). Accordingly, the separation area SA may be an area where other components of the display panel 10 other than the substrate 100, including the first and second weapon patterns IPT1 and IPT2, are not disposed.

A third inorganic pattern (IPT3) may be further disposed between the second organic pattern (OPT2) and the third organic pattern (OPT3) of the first and second adjacent corner areas (ACA1 and ACA2). The third inorganic pattern (IPT3) surrounds the extension portion (OPT2-E) of the second organic pattern (OPT2) of the pixel arrays arranged in the first and second adjacent corner areas (ACA1, ACA2) and is connected to each other. For example, the third weapon pattern (IPT3) is connected in the plan view between the third pixel array (PXA3) and the fourth pixel array (PXA4).

Referring to FIG. 7, the third weapon pattern (IPT3) may include a first part (P1), a curved part (CP), and a second part (P2). The first part (P1) is connected to the third weapon pattern (IPT3) of the third pixel array (PXA3), and the second part (P2) is connected to the third weapon pattern (IPT3) of the fourth pixel array (PXA4). It is a connected part, and the curved part (CP) is a part where the first part (P1) and the second part (P2) are connected and is a part where the extension direction of the third weapon pattern (IPT3) changes. If the part where the extension direction changes is bent, stress may be concentrated in the bent part. However, the pixel arrays arranged in the first and second adjacent corner areas (ACA1, ACA2) have curved connection ends of the third weapon pattern (IPT3) instead of forming a spaced area (SA) like the central corner area (CCA). By forming it, the stress concentration applied to the connection end can be reduced. In Figure 7, the shape of the curved portion (CP), which is the connecting end of the third weapon pattern (IPT3), is shown as a round shape, but it can be formed into a serpentine shape, such as being curved or concave-convex.

A fourth inorganic pattern (IPT4) surrounding the middle corner area (MCA) may be further disposed between the connection portion (OPT2-C) of the second organic pattern (OPT2) and the fourth organic pattern (OPT4). A fifth inorganic pattern (IPT5) may be further disposed between the pattern (OPT4) and the fifth organic pattern (OPT5), which is spaced apart from the fourth organic pattern (IPT4) and surrounds the middle corner area (MCA). A sixth weapon pattern (IPT6) that is spaced apart from the fifth weapon pattern (IPT5) and surrounds the middle corner area (MCA) may be further disposed between the pattern (OPT5) and the middle corner area (MCA).

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the display panel 10 of FIG. 7 along line G-G', FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of portion H of the display panel of FIG. 8A, and FIG. 8C is a display of FIG. 8A. This is an enlarged view of part I of the panel, and Figure 8d is an enlarged view of part J of the display panel of Figure 8a.

8A to 8D are cross-sectional views showing a portion of the central corner area (CCA) and the first adjacent corner area (ACA1) of FIGS. 6 and 7, including the encapsulation layer (ENL). Descriptions of overlapping features among members indicated with the same reference number will be omitted. Additionally, duplicate descriptions of members including the same features as the center area (CA) and middle corner area (MCA) of FIG. 5 will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 8A to 8D , the display panel 10 may include a substrate 100, a pixel circuit layer (PCL), a display element layer (DEL), and an encapsulation layer (ENL).

The substrate 100 may include a first base layer 100a, a first barrier layer 100b, a second base layer 100c, and a second barrier layer 100d, and the pixel circuit layer (PCL) is It may include a pixel circuit (PC) including at least one thin film transistor.

The pixel circuit layer (PCL) may include an inorganic insulating layer (IIL), a first organic insulating layer 115, and a second organic insulating layer 116 disposed below and/or above the components of the thin film transistor. , the inorganic insulating layer (IIL) may include a buffer layer 111, a first gate insulating layer 112, a second gate insulating layer 113, and an interlayer insulating layer 114. The inorganic insulating layer (IIL) may be disposed between the substrate 100 and an organic light emitting diode (OLED), which is a display element, and a first organic insulating layer 115 may be formed between the inorganic insulating layer (IIL) and the organic light emitting diode (OLED). ) and a second organic insulating layer 116 may be disposed.

The pixel circuit layer (PCL) may further include a lower wiring (LWL) and an electrode power supply line (ELVSS).

The lower wiring (LWL) can transmit a power supply voltage and/or an electrical signal to the pixels (PX) arranged in the central corner area (CCA) and the first and second adjacent corner areas (ACA1 and ACA2). The lower wiring LWL may include a first lower wiring LWL1 and a second lower wiring LWL2. The first lower wiring (LWL1) may be disposed between the first gate insulating layer 112 and the second gate insulating layer 113, and the second lower wiring (LWL2) may be disposed between the second gate insulating layer 113 and the interlayer. It may be disposed between the insulating layers 114.

The electrode power supply line (ELVSS) may be disposed on the first organic insulating layer 115 like the connection electrode (CML) and may be formed of the same material as the connection electrode (CML). The electrode power supply line (ELVSS) is connected to the opposing electrode through a connection hole (not shown) formed at the end of each pixel array disposed in the aforementioned center corner area (CCA) and the first and second adjacent corner areas (ACA1, ACA2). It is electrically connected to (213), and an electrical signal can be applied to the counter electrode (213).

The second organic insulating layer 116 may be disposed on the electrode power supply line (ELVSS) and the connection electrode (CML). As shown in FIG. 8A, the second organic insulating layer 116 may have a first corner hole (CH1), a second corner hole (CH2), and a third corner hole (CH3).

In FIG. 8A, reference numerals for the first and second corner holes CH1 and CH2 are written only on the side closest to the first penetration area PA1 of the third pixel array PXA3, but as shown in the figure, the First and second corner holes are formed symmetrically on the side farthest from the first penetration area (PA1) of the three-pixel array (PXA3), and the center corner area (CCA) and the first and second adjacent corner areas (ACA1, ACA2) ) can be equally applied to other pixel arrays arranged in ). That is, the first corner hole (CH1) is formed in the second organic insulating layer 116 between the overlapping inorganic pattern (OPT) and the first upper inorganic pattern (UIPT1), and the first corner hole (CH1) is formed between the first upper inorganic pattern (UIPT1) and the second upper inorganic pattern (UIPT1). A second corner hole CH2 may be formed in the second organic insulating layer 116 between the upper inorganic patterns UIPT2. In addition, in FIG. 8A, the reference sign for the third corner hole CH3 is written only on one side of the third organic pattern OPT3 between the third pixel array PXA3 and the fourth pixel array PXA4, but is shown in the figure. As described above, a third corner hole is formed on the other side of the third organic pattern OPT3, and the same can be applied to other pixel arrays disposed in the first and second adjacent corner areas ACA1 and ACA2. That is, the third corner hole CH3 may be formed between the second upper weapon pattern UIPT2 and the third upper weapon pattern UIPT3.

The first corner hole (CH1) and the second corner hole (CH2) may overlap with the electrode power supply line (ELVSS), and the first inorganic pattern (IPT1) and the second inorganic pattern (IPT1) located on the electrode power supply line (ELVSS) The inorganic pattern (IPT2) may overlap the first corner hole (CH1) and the second corner hole (CH2), respectively. The first inorganic pattern (IPT1) and the second inorganic pattern (IPT2) prevent or damage the electrode power supply line (ELVSS) in the process of forming the first corner hole (CH1) and the second corner hole (CH2). can be minimized.

The third corner hole (CH3) may overlap the third inorganic pattern (IPT3), and may be formed in the process of forming the first to third corner holes (CH1, CH2, CH3) in the second organic insulating layer 116. 1 Damage to the organic insulating layer 115 can be prevented or damage can be minimized.

The first inorganic pattern (IPT1), the second inorganic pattern (IPT2), and the third inorganic pattern ( _IPT3 ) are silicon oxide (SiO ₂ ), silicon nitride ( _SiN O ₃ ), titanium oxide (TiO ₂ ), tantalum oxide (Ta ₂ O ₅ ), hafnium oxide (HfO ₂ ), and/or zinc oxide (ZnO or ZnO ₂ ).

An overlapping inorganic pattern (COP), a first upper inorganic pattern (UIPT1), a second upper inorganic pattern (UIPT2), and a third upper inorganic pattern (UIPT3) may be located on the second organic insulating layer 116.

The overlapping weapon pattern (COP), the first upper weapon pattern (UIPT1), the second upper weapon pattern (UIPT2), and the third upper weapon pattern (UIPT3) may be formed simultaneously from the same material. The overlapping inorganic pattern (COP), the first upper inorganic pattern (UIPT1), the second upper inorganic pattern (UIPT2), and the third upper inorganic pattern (UIPT3) are silicon oxide (SiO ₂ ), silicon nitride ( _SiN Oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al ₂ O ₃ ), titanium oxide (TiO ₂ ), tantalum oxide (Ta ₂ O ₅ ), hafnium oxide (HfO ₂ ), and/or zinc oxide (ZnO or ZnO ₂ ), etc. It may contain the same inorganic insulating material.

The overlapping inorganic pattern (COP) is located between the pixel electrode 211 and the second organic insulating layer 116, and may be located on the inner side of the contact hole connecting the pixel electrode 211 and the connection electrode (CML). . The pixel electrode 211 may be located on the overlapping inorganic pattern (COP) and connected to the connection electrode (CML) through a contact hole.

The first upper weapon pattern (UIPT1) is spaced apart from the overlapping weapon pattern (COP) by the first corner hole (CH1), and may have a shape surrounding the overlapping weapon pattern (COP) in a plan view. The second upper weapon pattern (UIPT2) is spaced apart from the first upper weapon pattern (UIPT1) by the second corner hole (CH2), and may have a shape surrounding the first upper weapon pattern (UIPT1) in a plan view. The third upper weapon pattern (UIPT3) is spaced apart from the second upper weapon pattern (UIPT2) by the third corner hole (CH3), and may have a shape surrounding the second upper weapon pattern (UIPT2) in a plan view.

While the first upper weapon pattern (UIPT1) and the second upper weapon pattern (UIPT2) are formed in each pixel located in the central corner area (CCA) and the first and second adjacent corner areas (ACA1, ACA2), , the third upper weapon pattern (UIPT3) may not be arranged in the central corner area (CCA) but may be arranged only in the first and second adjacent corner areas (ACA1, ACA2).

The first to third upper weapon patterns (UIPT1??UIPT3) may have a corner protruding tip (CPT). In Figure 8a, only the corner protruding tip (CPT) formed in the overlapping weapon pattern (COP) in the first corner hole (CH1) of the fourth pixel array (PXA4) is displayed, but the center corner area (CCA) and the first and second The upper weapon patterns (COP, UIPT1, UIPT2, UIPT3) of each pixel located in the adjacent corner area (ACA1, ACA2) may all have corner protruding tips (CPT). Referring to FIG. 8C, in the third corner hole (CH3) between the third pixel array (PXA3) and the fourth pixel array (PXA4), the second upper weapon pattern (UIPT2) and the third upper weapon pattern (UIPT3) are formed, respectively. An example of a corner protruding tip (CPT) being formed is shown.

The pixel defining film 118 may cover the edge of the pixel electrode 211, and a spacer 119 (FIG. 5) may be formed on the pixel defining film 118. The first organic pattern (OPT1), the second organic pattern (OPT2), and the third organic pattern (OPT3) may be formed of the same material as the pixel definition layer 118 and/or the spacer 119 (FIG. 5).

The first organic pattern OPT1 includes the same material as the pixel defining layer 118 and may be located on the first upper inorganic pattern UIPT1. The first organic pattern (OPT1) may form the first corner dam (CD1) together with the first upper inorganic pattern (UIPT1). The second organic pattern OPT2 includes a first pattern 118P containing the same material as the pixel defining layer 118 and a second pattern 119P containing the same material as the spacer 119 (FIG. 5), It may be located on the second upper weapon pattern (UIPT2). The second organic pattern (OPT2) may form a second corner dam (CD2) together with the second upper inorganic pattern (UIPT2). Since the second organic pattern (OP2) includes more second patterns (119P) than the first organic pattern (OP1), the thickness of the second organic pattern (OP2) may be thicker than the thickness of the first organic pattern (OP1). there is. The first corner dam (CD1) and the second corner dam (CD1) have the same functions as the above-described first organic pattern (OPT1) and the second organic pattern (OPT2), and the first to fourth pixel arrays (PXA1... The organic encapsulation layer 320 formed in PXA4) can be limited so as not to exceed the second corner dam (CD2). Accordingly, the organic encapsulation layer 320 formed in the first to fourth pixel arrays (PXA1...PXA4) may be formed separately for each of the first to fourth pixel arrays (PXA1...PXA4).

The third organic pattern OPT3 includes a first pattern 118P containing the same material as the pixel defining layer 118 and a second pattern 119 containing the same material as the spacer 119 (FIG. 5), It may be located on the third upper weapon pattern (UIPT3). The third organic pattern OPT3 is located only in the first and second adjacent corner areas ACA1 and ACA2, and is connected in the plan view between adjacent pixel arrays as described above.

An intermediate layer 212 may be disposed on the pixel defining layer 118. Referring to FIG. 8B, the intermediate layer 212 may include a light emitting layer 212b disposed in the opening of the pixel defining layer 118 and overlapping the pixel electrode 211. The middle layer 212 may further include at least one of a first functional layer 212a located between the pixel electrode 211 and the light emitting layer 212b, and a second functional layer 212c located on the light emitting layer 212b. You can.

Referring to FIG. 8C, the second upper weapon pattern UIPT2 may have a corner protruding tip CPT protruding toward the center of the third corner hole CH3. And the third upper weapon pattern (UIPT3) may have a corner protruding tip (CPT) that protrudes toward the center of the third corner hole (CH3). Accordingly, when forming the first functional layer 212a and the second functional layer 212c, the first upper inorganic pattern (UIPT2) and the corner protruding tip (CPT) of the third upper inorganic pattern (UIPT3) are used. The functional layer 212a and the second functional layer 212c are separated, and a functional layer pattern 212P, which is a separation pattern of the first functional layer 212a and the second functional layer 212c, is formed in the third corner hole CH3. can be formed. Although not shown in the drawing, a functional layer pattern may be formed in the first corner hole (CH1) and the second corner hole (CH2) in the same manner as the third corner hole (CH3).

The counter electrode 213 is formed on the pixel definition film 118 and the intermediate layer 212 to correspond to the plurality of pixel electrodes 211. Therefore, for the same reason that the functional layer pattern 212P is formed in the first to third corner holes CH1?? CH3, the common electrode pattern 213P is formed in the first to third corner holes CH1?? CH3. It can be.

The first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 included in the encapsulation layer (ENL) is located on the counter electrode 213. Referring to FIG. 8C, the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310, which has excellent step coverage, covers the inner surface of the third corner hole (CH3), contacts the corner protruding tip (CPT), and is in contact with the corner protruding tip (CPT) in the upper space of the corner protruding tip (CPT). The inner surface can be continuously covered. Like the third corner hole (CH3), the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 is formed in the first corner hole (CH1) and the second corner hole (CH2). The inner surface, corner protruding tip and its upper space can be continuously covered.

The organic encapsulation layer 320 included in the encapsulation layer (ENL) is located on the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310. Referring to FIG. 8A, the inside of the first corner hole (CH1) and the second corner hole (CH2) to fill. Accordingly, the organic encapsulation layer 320 can be formed without exceeding the second corner dam (CD2) or the second organic pattern (OPT2). However, since the organic encapsulation layer 320 does not exceed the second organic pattern OPT2, referring to FIG. 8C, the third corner hole CH3 may not be filled with the organic encapsulation layer 320.

The second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 included in the encapsulation layer (ENL) may be located on the organic encapsulation layer 320. The second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 may be in direct contact with the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 at the top and outside of the second corner dam CD2. Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 8C, in the third corner hole CH3 not filled with the organic encapsulation layer 320, the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 may directly contact the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310.

Therefore, the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 covers the central corner area (CCA) and the first and second adjacent corner areas (ACA1 and ACA2) entirely and continuously to serve as a barrier against external moisture infiltration, so that the display panel ( 10) reliability can be improved. In addition, because the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 covers the organic encapsulation layer 320 and entirely and continuously covers the center corner area (CCA) and the first and second adjacent corner areas (ACA1, ACA2), the display panel The reliability of (10) can be further improved.

Referring to FIG. 8D, only the substrate 100 is disposed between the extension areas EA (FIG. 7) including the first pixel array PXA1 and the second pixel array PXA2 disposed in the center corner area CCA. and a pixel circuit (PC), an inorganic insulating layer (IIL), a pixel circuit layer (PCL) including the first and second organic insulating layers 115 and 116, a display element layer (DEL), and an organic encapsulation layer. Components of the display panel 10 such as 320 are not arranged. However, the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 may be disposed. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the separation area SA may be an area in which there are no components of the display panel 10 other than the substrate 100 and the first and second inorganic encapsulation layers 310 and 330. Therefore, the extension areas (EA, Figure 7) arranged adjacent to the center corner area (CCA) include the pixel circuit (PC), the inorganic insulating layer (IIL), and the first and second organic insulating layers described above in the spaced area (SA). The pixel circuit layer (PCL), display element layer (DEL), and organic encapsulation layer 320 including (115, 116) are not connected, and the substrate 100 and the first and second inorganic encapsulation layers (310, 330) ) can be connected.

Between the third pixel array (PXA3) and the fourth pixel array (PXA4) disposed in the first adjacent corner area (ACA1), a substrate 100, an inorganic insulating layer (ILL), a first organic insulating layer 115, The third inorganic pattern (IPT3), the third organic pattern (OPT3), the first and second inorganic encapsulation layers (310, 330), etc. may be located. Accordingly, no separation area is formed between the third pixel array (PXA3) and the fourth pixel array (PXA4).

Meanwhile, components of the display panel 10, including the substrate 100, are provided between the first pixel array (PXA1) of the central corner area (CCA) and the third pixel array (PXA3) of the first adjacent corner area (ACA1). Not all are placed. Therefore, the first pixel array (PXA1) of the central corner area (CCA) and the third pixel array (PXA3) of the first adjacent corner area (ACA1) are separated by the first through area (PA1), and the display panel ( The above-described components constituting 10) may be unconnected in the first penetration area (PA1).

Accordingly, the pixel arrays in the central corner area (CCA), which undergo greater compressive deformation than the first and second adjacent corner areas (ACA1 and ACA2), form an extension area (EA) in a direction away from the center area (CA), but the extension area (EA) is extended. Compressive deformation can be minimized by forming a separation area (SA) between the areas (EA) in which a portion of the display panel 10 is removed. In addition, the substrate 100 is displayed between the central corner area (CCA) and the first adjacent corner area (ACA1), which receives the greatest compressive strain, and between the central corner area (CCA) and the second adjacent corner area (ACA2). Compressive deformation can be minimized by forming the first and second penetration areas PA1 and PA2, respectively, in which all components of the panel 10 are removed. In addition, the width (W1) of the first and second penetration areas (PA1, PA2) is made larger than the width (W2) of the separation area (SA) between the center corner area (CCA) and the first adjacent corner area (ACA1). Compressive strain applied between the central corner area (CCA) and the second adjacent corner area (ACA2) can be further reduced.

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the display panel of FIG. 7 along line G-G' according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of portion K of the display panel of FIG. 9A. In FIGS. 9A and 9B, descriptions of overlapping features among members indicated by the same reference numerals as those of FIGS. 8A to 8D are omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B , a neutral plane control layer (NPC) may be further disposed on the substrate 100 on top of the encapsulation layer (ENL) and in the separation area (SA).

The neutral plane control layer (NPC) may include a material with a greater modulus than the encapsulation layer (ENL). For example, the modulus of the neutral plane control layer (NPC) may be 0.5 GPa or more and 3 GPa or less, more preferably 0.8 GPa or more and 1.5 GPa or less. In one embodiment, the neutral plane control layer (NPC) is polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), polyimide, polyethylene napthalate, polyarylate, polycarbonate, or polyether. It may include at least one of polyether lmide (PEI) and polyethersulfone. Additionally, the neutral plane control layer (NPC) may be an optical layer such as a polarizing layer with a large modulus.

Since the second organic insulating layer 116, the first organic insulating layer 115, and the inorganic insulating layer (IIL) are removed from the first and second penetration areas (PA1, PA2) and the separation area (SA), the center corner area The neutral plane of (CCA) and the first and second adjacent corner areas (ACA1, ACA2) descends, when the center corner area (CCA) and the first and second adjacent corner areas (ACA1, ACA2) bend. Stress may be concentrated in the encapsulation layer (ENL), causing cracks to occur in the encapsulation layer (ENL).

In one embodiment of the present invention, a neutral plane control layer (NPC) made of a material with a greater modulus than the encapsulation layer (ENL) is formed on the upper part of the encapsulation layer (ENL) to form a central corner area (CCA) and the first and second adjacent corners. By raising the neutral plane in the areas (ACA1, ACA2), the stress of the encapsulation layer (ENL) is alleviated when the central corner area (CCA) and the first and second adjacent corner areas (ACA1, ACA2) bend. ) can reduce the occurrence of cracks.

On the other hand, when there is no substrate 100 in the spaced area (SA), a neutral plane control layer (NPC) must be formed on the encapsulation layer (ENL) along the spaced apart stripe-shaped extension area (EA, Figure 6), so the high Although patterning precision is required, if the substrate 100 remains in the separation area (SA), even if the material of the neutral plane control layer (NPC) overflows from the encapsulation layer (ENL), the substrate 100 in the separation area (SA) Since it is accepted, the patterning difficulty can be lowered. For example, a neutral plane control layer can be formed using an inkjet process.

Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, damage due to neutral plane lowering is minimized by additionally disposing a neutral plane control layer (NPC) on the substrate 100 on top of the encapsulation layer (ENL) and in the separation area (SA), Because process difficulty can be lowered, process workability can be improved.

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the display panel of FIG. 7 along line G-G' according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10B is an enlarged view of the L portion of the display panel of FIG. 10A. In FIGS. 10A and 10B, descriptions of overlapping features among members indicated by the same reference numerals as those of FIGS. 8A to 8D are omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B , additional connection wiring (ACL) may be further disposed on the substrate 100 in the separation area (SA). The additional connection wiring (ACL) may be formed in a direction that intersects the extension direction of the extension area (EA, FIG. 6).

When forming a pixel array including a plurality of pixels (PX, FIG. 6) in the extended area (EA, FIG. 6), various wirings for driving the plurality of pixels must also be arranged together. If the board 100 is not placed in the separation area (SA), all of the various wirings must be placed in the extension areas (EA, EH 6), but if the board 100 is placed in the extension area (EA), some Wiring may be placed on the substrate 100 in the separation area (SA).

In one embodiment, when the scan wire extends along the extension direction (or longitudinal direction) of the extension area (EA) or in the direction away from the center area (CA, Figure 6), a part of the data wire is connected to the substrate in the separation area (SA). It can be placed on (100). Therefore, the resolution can be increased because the area of the light emitting area can be increased as the number of wires to be placed in the extension area (EA) is reduced. In addition, in the case of wires that require wiring design in a direction that intersects each other, such as scan wires and data wires, by securing an area for arranging the data wires in a direction crossing the extension direction on the substrate 100 in the separation area (SA) Wiring design can be made easier. Additionally, by arranging the wiring in a direction crossing the extension direction, compressive strain applied to the separation area (SA) can be alleviated.

Although the above-described embodiment describes the scan wire and data wire as an example, it is not limited to this and other wires can also be applied as additional connection wires (ACL). In addition, Figure 10b shows a structure in which additional connection wiring is disposed on the inorganic insulating layer (ILL), but additional connection wiring (ACL) is placed directly on the substrate 100, for example, on the second barrier layer 100d. ) may be disposed, and at least one inorganic layer among the plurality of inorganic layers 111, 112, 113, and 114 included in the inorganic insulating layer (IIL) may be further omitted.

FIG. 11A is an enlarged view of the E portion of the display panel of FIG. 3 according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11B is an enlarged view of the M portion of the display panel of FIG. 11A, and FIG. 11C is an enlarged view of the E portion of the display panel of FIG. 11B. This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the display panel along the line N-N'. In FIGS. 11A to 11C, descriptions of overlapping features among members indicated by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8A to 8D described above are omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 11A to 11C, the center corner area (CCA) is disposed between the first adjacent corner area (ACA1) and the second adjacent corner area (ACA2), and the center corner area (CCA) is the center area (CA). It may include a plurality of extension areas (EA) extending in a direction away from.

The first adjacent corner area (ACA1) may be adjacent to one side of the central corner area (CCA), and the second adjacent corner area (ACA2) may be adjacent to the other side of the central corner area (CCA).

The center corner area (CCA) and the first adjacent corner area (ACA1) are spaced apart from each other by the first penetration area (PA1), and the space between the second adjacent corner area (ACA2) of the center corner area (CCA) is the second penetration area. They may be spaced apart from each other by the area PA2. The first penetration area (PA1) and the second penetration area (PA2) may be empty areas of the display panel 10. That is, the first penetration area PA1 and the second penetration area PA2 may be areas where components of the display panel 10, including the substrate 100, are not disposed. Therefore, it is possible to minimize compressive deformation between the central corner area (CCA) and the first adjacent corner area (ACA1), which receives the greatest compressive deformation, and between the central corner area (CCA) and the second adjacent corner area (ACA2).

Each end of the extension areas (EA) adjacent to the central corner area (CCA) may be spaced apart from each other by the first separation area (SA1) or the second separation area (SA2). For example, a first separation area SA1 is located between the first pixel array PXA1 and the second pixel array PXA2, and a second spacing area is located between the second pixel array PXA2 and the fifth pixel array PXA5. A separation area (SA2) may be placed.

The first separation area SA1 may be an area where components of the display panel 10 other than the substrate 100 are not disposed, like the separation area SA shown in FIG. 6 . However, as shown in FIG. 8A, the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 of the encapsulation layer (ENL) may be further disposed on the substrate 100. The second separation area SA2 may be an empty area of the display panel 10 like the first penetration area PA1 and the second penetration area PA2. That is, the second separation area SA2 may be an area where components of the display panel 10, including the substrate 100, are not disposed. Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 6 , the compressive strain applied to the center corner area CCA can be further reduced by adding a second separation area SA2 in which the substrate 100 is removed between the extension areas EA.

The width (W1) of each of the first penetration area (PA1) and the second penetration area (PA2) may be greater than the width (W2) of the first separation area (SA1) and the width (W3) of the second separation area (SA2). there is. Accordingly, compressive strain applied between the central corner area (CCA) and the first adjacent corner area (ACA1) and between the central corner area (CCA) and the second adjacent corner area (ACA2) can be further reduced.

Additionally, the width W2 of the first separation area SA1 may be larger than the width W3 of the second separation area SA2. The width W2 of the first separation area SA1, which can receive greater compressive strain than the second separation area SA2 where the substrate 100 is not disposed, is greater than the width W3 of the second separation area SA2. By increasing it, the deviation of compressive strain applied to the center corner area (CCA) can be reduced. In addition, by arranging the first separation area (SA1) and the second separation area (SA2) to be symmetrical about the center corner area (CCA), the deviation of the compression strain applied to the center corner area (CCA) is reduced, thereby compressing the area. Damage due to deformation can be minimized.

Meanwhile, this embodiment is not limited to what is shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C, and the first separation area SA1 has a neutral plane NCP on the substrate 100 as in the embodiment of FIGS. 9A and 9B. It may be a deployed area. Therefore, the first separation area (SA1) and the second separation area (SA2) are located between the extension areas (EA) arranged in the center corner area (CCA), and the center corner area (CCA) and the first and second separation areas (SA2) are located between the extension areas (EA) arranged in the center corner area (CCA). A neutral plane control layer (NPC) may be further disposed on the upper part of the encapsulation layer (ENL) in the corner adjacent areas (ACA1, ACA2) and on the substrate 100 in the first separation area (SA1). Therefore, damage due to lowering of the neutral plane can be minimized and process difficulty can be reduced, thereby improving process workability.

Meanwhile, the first separation area SA1 of this embodiment may be an area where additional connection wires ACL are further disposed on the substrate 100, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 10A and 10B. Accordingly, a first separation area (SA1) and a second separation area (SA2) are located between the extension areas (EA) disposed in the center corner area (CCA), and the substrate 100 in the first separation area (SA1) Additional connection wiring (ACL) is further disposed on the top to increase the resolution of the center corner area (CCA), facilitate wiring design, and relieve compressive strain applied to the first separation area (SA1).

The present invention has been described with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings, but this is merely an example, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and variations of the embodiment are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of technical protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the attached patent claims.

1: display device
10: Display panel
100: substrate
115: First organic insulating layer
116: Second organic insulating layer
118: Pixel definition film
119: spacer
211, 212, 213: pixel electrode, middle layer, counter electrode
310, 320, 330: first inorganic encapsulation layer, organic encapsulation layer, second inorganic encapsulation layer
IIL: Inorganic insulating layer
PCL: Pixel circuit layer
DEL: display element layer
ENL: Encapsulation layer
CW: Cover Window
CA, A1, A2: Central area, first area, second area
CNA: corner area
CCA: Central corner area
ACA1, ACA2: 1st adjacent corner area, 2nd adjacent corner area
EA: extended area
PA1, PA2: 1st penetration area, 2nd penetration area
SA, SA1, SA2: Separation area, first separation area, second separation area
PXA1, PXA2, PXA3, PXA4: 1st to 4th pixel array
OPT1, OPT2, OPT3: 1st organic pattern, 2nd organic pattern, 3rd organic pattern
IPT1, IPT2, IPT3: 1st weapon pattern, 2nd weapon pattern, 3rd weapon pattern
P1, CP, P2: first part, curved part, second part
CD1, CD2: 1st corner dam, 2nd corner dam
COP: Overlapping Weapon Pattern
UIPT1, UIPT2, UIPT3: 1st upper weapon pattern, 2nd upper weapon pattern, 3rd upper weapon pattern
CH1, CH2, CH3: 1st corner hole, 2nd corner hole, 3rd corner hole
CTP: protruding tip
NCP: Neutral plane control layer
ACL: Additional connection wiring

Claims (25)

Board;
a central region including a first display element and disposed at the center of the substrate; and
A corner area including a second display element and disposed at a corner of the central area,
The corner area includes a central corner area including a plurality of extension areas extending in a direction away from the central area, and first and second adjacent corner areas disposed on both sides of the central corner area,
The plurality of extended areas are spaced apart by a spaced area where the substrate is disposed and which does not connect the extended areas,
The central corner area and the first adjacent corner area are spaced apart from each other by a first through area in which the substrate is not disposed and which does not connect the central corner area and the first adjacent corner area, and the central corner area and the second adjacent corner area are spaced apart from each other. The adjacent corner area is not disposed on the substrate and is spaced apart by a second through area that does not connect the central corner area and the second adjacent corner area. According to paragraph 1,
A display device wherein a width of the first and second penetration areas is greater than a width of the separation area. According to paragraph 1,
It is disposed on the first and second display elements, and further includes an encapsulation layer including at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer,
The display device wherein the at least one organic layer is arranged integrally connected in the central area, and arranged in a non-connected and separate form in the central corner area and the first and second adjacent corner areas. According to paragraph 1,
an inorganic insulating layer disposed between the substrate and the first and second display elements;
a first organic insulating layer disposed between the inorganic insulating layer and the first and second display elements; and
It further includes a second organic insulating layer disposed between the first organic insulating layer and the first and second display elements,
The display device wherein the inorganic insulating layer, the first organic insulating layer, and the second organic insulating layer are not connected to the first and second penetration areas and the separation area. According to paragraph 4,
The second display element includes a plurality of display elements, and the plurality of display elements are arranged in the plurality of extended areas, and in each of the plurality of extended areas,
a first organic pattern disposed on the second organic insulating layer and surrounding the plurality of display elements in a plan view; and
A second organic pattern is disposed on the second organic insulating layer to be spaced apart from the first organic pattern and surrounds the first organic pattern in a plan view. According to clause 5,
A display device wherein a thickness of the second organic pattern is thicker than a thickness of the first organic pattern. According to clause 5,
The second organic patterns surrounding a most adjacent extension area among the plurality of extension areas are spaced apart from the spacing area. According to clause 5,
In each of the plurality of extended areas, in a plan view, a first inorganic pattern disposed between the plurality of display elements and the first organic pattern, and a second inorganic pattern disposed between the first organic pattern and the second organic pattern. More patterns are placed,
Based on the main surface of the substrate, the height of the first and second organic patterns is higher than the height of the first and second inorganic patterns. According to clause 5,
In each of the plurality of extended areas, a first inorganic encapsulation layer, an organic encapsulation layer, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer are sequentially stacked on the plurality of display elements,
The organic encapsulation layer is disposed inside the second organic pattern, and the organic encapsulation layers adjacent to each other in the plurality of extended areas are not connected. According to clause 9,
In the spaced area, the first inorganic encapsulation layer and the second inorganic encapsulation layer are disposed on the substrate connecting the adjacent extended areas,
The first inorganic encapsulation layer and the second inorganic encapsulation layer are in direct contact with each other. According to paragraph 3,
A neutral plane control layer is further disposed on the upper part of the encapsulation layer in each of the plurality of extension regions and on the substrate in the separation region,
The display device wherein the neutral plane control layer includes a material having a greater modulus than the encapsulation layer. According to clause 11,
A display device wherein the at least one inorganic layer is further disposed between the substrate in the separation area and the neutral plane control layer. According to paragraph 3,
The display device further includes wirings arranged in each of the plurality of extension areas, and additional connection wires connected to the wires and arranged on the substrate in the spaced area. According to clause 12,
The display device wherein the additional connection wires are arranged in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the extended area. According to paragraph 3,
Further comprising a middle corner area disposed between the center area and the corner area and including a third display element,
The encapsulation layer is further disposed between the third display elements,
The at least one organic layer is arranged integrally connected to each other in the center area and the middle corner area, and arranged in a non-connected and separate form in the center corner area and the first and second adjacent corner areas. Board;
a central region including a first display element and disposed at the center of the substrate; and
A corner area including a second display element and disposed at a corner of the central area,
The corner area includes a central corner area including a plurality of extension areas extending in a direction away from the central area, and first and second adjacent corner areas disposed on both sides of the central corner area,
The plurality of extension areas include at least a first extension area, a second extension area, and a third extension area, wherein the first extension area and the second extension area include the first extension area and the second extension area where the substrate is disposed. They are separated by a first separation area that does not connect the second extension area, and the second extension area and the third extension area are separated from the second extension area by the third extension area without the substrate being disposed. They are separated by a connecting second separation area,
The central corner area and the first adjacent corner area are spaced apart from each other by a first through area in which the substrate is not disposed and which does not connect the central corner area and the first adjacent corner area, and the central corner area and the second adjacent corner area are spaced apart from each other. The adjacent corner area is not disposed on the substrate and is spaced apart by a second through area that does not connect the central corner area and the second adjacent corner area. According to clause 16,
A display device wherein the width of the first and second penetration areas is greater than the width of the first separation area and the width of the second separation area. According to clause 17,
A display device wherein the width of the first separation area is greater than the width of the second separation area. According to clause 16,
It is disposed on the first and second display elements, and further includes an encapsulation layer including at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer,
The display device wherein the at least one organic layer is arranged integrally connected in the central area, and arranged in a non-connected and separate form in the central corner area and the first and second adjacent corner areas. According to clause 19,
It is disposed on the first and second display elements, and further includes an encapsulation layer including at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer,
The at least one organic layer is arranged in an integrated form connected in the central area, and arranged in a non-connected and separate form in the central corner area and the first and second adjacent corner areas,
The at least one inorganic layer is disposed on the substrate in the first spaced area and connected to the central corner area and the first and second adjacent corner areas. According to clause 20,
A neutral plane control layer is further disposed on the upper part of the encapsulation layer in each of the plurality of extension regions and on the substrate in the first separation region,
The display device wherein the neutral plane control layer includes a material having a greater modulus than the encapsulation layer. According to clause 20,
The display device further includes wirings arranged in each of the plurality of extension areas, and additional connection wires connected to the wires and arranged on the substrate in the first spaced area. According to clause 22,
The display device wherein the additional connection wires are arranged in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the extended area. According to clause 16,
Further comprising a middle corner area disposed between the center area and the corner area and including a third display element,
The encapsulation layer is further disposed between the third display elements,
The at least one organic layer is arranged integrally connected to each other in the center area and the middle corner area, and arranged in a non-connected and separate form in the center corner area and the first and second adjacent corner areas. Board;
an inorganic insulating layer disposed on the substrate;
a first organic insulating layer disposed on the inorganic insulating layer;
a second organic insulating layer disposed on the first organic insulating layer and having a plurality of patterns spaced apart from each other by a plurality of corner holes;
first to fourth pixel arrays disposed on the second organic insulating layer and including a plurality of display elements;
a first organic pattern surrounding each of the first to fourth pixel arrays;
a second organic pattern surrounding the first organic pattern and being spaced apart from the first organic pattern; and
It includes an organic encapsulation layer disposed inside the second organic pattern and disposed separately from each other in the first to fourth pixel arrays,
A third organic pattern disposed on the substrate is further disposed between the adjacent second organic pattern of the first pixel array and the second pixel array,
The substrate is not disposed between the adjacent second organic patterns of the second pixel array and the third pixel array,
The substrate is disposed between adjacent second organic patterns of the third pixel array and the fourth pixel array, the third organic pattern is not disposed, and the gap between the second pixel array and the third pixel array is A display device larger than the gap between the third pixel array and the fourth pixel array.

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