Electronic panel and method of manufacturing the same

An electronic panel comprises a base substrate which comprises a front surface comprising a hole area and a display area surrounding the hole area and a rear surface and comprises a module hole located in the hole area and a plurality of recess patterns located in the hole area, a plurality of pixels, an encapsulation layer covering the pixels and comprising a first inorganic layer, a second inorganic layer, and an organic layer, and a protective pattern located in the hole area and spaced apart from the organic layer when viewed in a plan view. The recess patterns comprise a filled recess pattern filled with at least one of the organic layer or the protective pattern, and an exposed recess pattern exposed from the organic layer and the protective pattern.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This U.S. non-provisional patent application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0057159, filed on May 18, 2018, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Aspects of some example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic panel and a method of manufacturing the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

An electronic apparatus may be activated by an electrical signal. The electronic apparatus may comprise an electronic panel for displaying an image or sensing an external input. An organic light emitting display panel used as an example of the electronic panel may have low power consumption, high brightness and high response speed characteristics.

The organic light emitting display panel may comprise an organic light emitting element. However, the organic light emitting element may be easily damaged by moisture or oxygen. Thus, external moisture or oxygen should be stably blocked to improve the life span and reliability of the organic light emitting display panel.

The Background section of the present Specification includes information that is intended to provide context to example embodiments, and the information in the present Background section does not necessarily constitute prior art.

SUMMARY

Aspects of some example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic panel and a method of manufacturing the same, and for example, to an electronic panel with improved reliability and a method of manufacturing the same.

The present disclosure may provide an electronic panel capable of improving process reliability and a method of manufacturing the same.

In an embodiment of the inventive concept, an electronic panel comprises a base substrate comprising: a front surface in which a hole area, a display area surrounding the hole area, and a peripheral area adjacent to the display area are defined in a plan view; and a rear surface opposite to the front surface, the base substrate comprising: a module hole penetrating the front surface and the rear surface in the hole area; and a plurality of recess patterns recessed from the front surface in the hole area, surrounding the module hole and spaced apart from each other; a plurality of pixels located in the display area; an encapsulation layer covering the pixels and comprising a first inorganic layer, a second inorganic layer, and an organic layer located between the first and second inorganic layers; and a protective pattern located in the hole area and spaced apart from the organic layer when viewed in a plan view. The recess patterns comprise a filled recess pattern overlapped with at least one of the organic layer or the protective pattern, and an exposed recess pattern exposed from the organic layer and the protective pattern.

In an embodiment, the exposed recess pattern may be located between the filled recess pattern and the module hole, and the filled recess pattern may be filled with the organic layer.

In an embodiment, the protective pattern may be located between the module hole and the exposed recess pattern when viewed in a plan view.

In an embodiment, the filled recess pattern may be located between the exposed recess pattern and the module hole, and the filled recess pattern may be filled with the protective pattern.

In an embodiment, the exposed recess pattern may be located between the protective pattern and the organic layer in a plan view and may be spaced apart from the protective pattern and the organic layer.

In an embodiment, the electronic panel may further comprise a partition located between the protective pattern and the organic layer when viewed in a plan view. The partition may be spaced apart from the recess patterns when viewed in a plan view.

In an embodiment, the partition may surround the module hole.

In an embodiment, the filled recess pattern may comprise a first filled recess pattern and a second filled recess pattern which are spaced apart from each other with the exposed recess pattern interposed therebetween when viewed in a plan view. The first filled recess pattern may be covered by the protective pattern, and the second filled recess pattern may be covered by the organic layer.

In an embodiment, the electronic panel may further comprise a lyophilic pattern located at the filled recess pattern. The organic layer or the protective pattern may cover the lyophilic pattern.

In an embodiment, the electronic panel may further comprise a liquid-repellent pattern located at the exposed recess pattern. The second inorganic layer may cover the liquid-repellent pattern.

In an embodiment, the protective pattern may comprise the same material as the organic layer.

In an embodiment, each of the pixels may comprise an organic light emitting element.

In an embodiment, the electronic panel may further comprise a signal line located in the hole area and located between the display area and the recess patterns. The signal line may connect at least two of the pixels, which are spaced apart from each other with the module hole interposed therebetween.

In an embodiment of the inventive concepts, an electronic panel comprises a base substrate comprising: at least one through-hole; and a plurality of recess patterns surrounding the through-hole, the base substrate comprising: a margin area surrounding the through-hole; a groove area which surrounds the margin area and in which the recess patterns are defined; and a display area surrounding the groove area; a plurality of pixels located in the display area and comprising organic light emitting elements, respectively; an encapsulation layer covering the pixels and comprising a first inorganic layer, a second inorganic layer, and an organic layer located between the first and second inorganic layers; and a protective pattern which is located in the margin area, is covered by the second inorganic layer, and absorbs light of a laser wavelength. The protective pattern is spaced apart from the organic layer with at least one of the recess patterns interposed therebetween when viewed in a plan view.

In an embodiment, one of the recess patterns may be spaced apart from the protective pattern and the organic layer, and another of the recess patterns may be filled with the organic layer.

In an embodiment, the recess patterns may have undercut shapes.

In an embodiment, the electronic panel may further comprise a liquid-repellent pattern located at the one recess pattern. The liquid-repellent pattern may be covered by the second inorganic layer.

In an embodiment of the inventive concept, a method of manufacturing an electronic panel comprises providing an initial panel comprising a hole area comprising recess patterns and a display area surrounding the hole area, wherein the recess patterns are spaced apart from each other and have circular shapes in a plan view, and organic light emitting elements are located in the display area; providing a first liquid organic material to the display area; providing a second liquid organic material to the hole area; hardening the first liquid organic material to form an organic layer overlapping with the display area; hardening the second liquid organic material to form an initial protective pattern overlapping with the hole area; and irradiating laser to the hole area to form a module hole penetrating the initial panel. The laser removes a portion of the initial protective pattern to form a protective pattern having a sidewall exposed by the module hole.

In an embodiment, the second liquid organic material may absorb at least a portion of the laser.

In an embodiment, at least one of the recess patterns may be filled with at least one of the first liquid organic material or the second liquid organic material, and at least another of the recess patterns may be exposed from the first liquid organic material and the second liquid organic material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of some example embodiments of the inventive concept will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various example embodiments are shown. The inventive concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms, and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be more thorough and more complete, and will more fully convey the aspects of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, region or substrate is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, the term “directly” means that there are no intervening elements. As used herein, the term “and/or” comprises any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to comprise the plural forms, comprising “at least one,” unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. “Or” means “and/or.” As used herein, the term “and/or” comprises any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “comprises” and/or “comprising” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings herein.

FIG. 1is a perspective view illustrating an electronic apparatus according to some example embodiments.FIG. 2Ais an exploded perspective view illustrating the electronic apparatus ofFIG. 1.FIG. 2Bis a block diagram of the electronic apparatus ofFIG. 1. Hereinafter, the electronic apparatus according to some example embodiments of the inventive concept will be described with reference toFIGS. 1, 2A and 2B.

An electronic apparatus EA may be activated by an electrical signal. The electronic apparatus EA may be realized as various embodiments. For example, the electronic apparatus EA may be realized as a tablet, a notebook computer, a personal computer, a smart television, or a smart phone. In the present embodiment, the smart phone is illustrated as an example of the electronic apparatus EA.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the electronic apparatus EA may provide a display surface for displaying an image IM at its front surface. The display surface may be parallel to a plane defined by a first direction DR1and a second direction DR2. The display surface may comprise a transmission area TA and a bezel area BZA adjacent to the transmission area TA.

The electronic apparatus EA may display the image IM in the transmission area TA. InFIG. 1, an internet search box is illustrated as an example of the image IM. The transmission area TA may have a quadrilateral shape (e.g., a rectangular shape) parallel to the first and second directions DR1and DR2. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the shape of the transmission area TA may be variously modified.

The bezel area BZA may be adjacent to the transmission area TA. The bezel area BZA may surround the transmission area TA when viewed in a plan view. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the bezel area BZA may be adjacent to only one side of the transmission area TA or may be omitted. The electronic apparatus EA according to some example embodiments of the inventive concepts may be variously embodied and is not limited to a specific embodiment.

A normal direction of the display surface may correspond to a thickness direction DR3(hereinafter, referred to as a third direction) of the electronic apparatus EA. In the present embodiment, a front surface (or a top surface) and a rear surface (or a bottom surface) of each member are defined by a direction (e.g., the third direction DR3) in which the image IM is displayed. The front surface and the rear surface are opposite to each other in the third direction DR3.

However, directions indicated by the first to third directions DR1, DR2and DR3may be relative concepts and may be changed into other directions.

As illustrated inFIG. 2A, the electronic apparatus EA may comprise an electronic panel100, a window member200, an electronic module300, and a receiving member400. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 2B, the electronic apparatus EA may comprise the electronic panel100, a first electronic module EM1, a second electronic module EM2, and a power supply module PM. Some of components illustrated inFIG. 2Bare omitted inFIG. 2A. Hereinafter, the electronic apparatus EA will be described in more detail with reference toFIGS. 2A and 2B.

The electronic panel100may display the image IM and/or may sense an external input provided from the outside. For example, the electronic panel100may comprise a display unit DPU for displaying the image IM and an input sensing unit ISU for sensing the external input.

The input sensing unit ISU may sense the external input provided from the outside. The external input may comprise at least one of various external inputs such as a part (e.g., a finger) of the body of a user, light, heat, and pressure. The external input may be applied to the window member200.

The display unit DPU and the input sensing unit ISU may be formed independently of each other and may be physically coupled to each other by an adhesive member. Alternatively, the display unit DPU and the input sensing unit ISU may be sequentially stacked on a single base substrate.

Meanwhile, one of the display unit DPU and the input sensing unit ISU may be omitted in the electronic panel100according to an embodiment of the inventive concepts. The present embodiment illustrates the electronic panel100in which the display unit DPU is comprised but the input sensing unit ISU is omitted.

Referring toFIG. 2A, the electronic panel100may comprise a display area DA, a peripheral area (or non-display area) NDA, and a hole area PA, which are defined when viewed in a plan view. The display area DA may be an area in which the image IM is displayed. The electronic panel100may comprise a pixel PX located in the display area DA. The pixel PX may be provided in plurality, and the plurality of pixels PX may be arranged in the display area DA. Lights generated from the pixels PX may form the image IM.

The peripheral area NDA may be covered by the bezel area BZA. The peripheral area NDA may be adjacent to the display area DA. The peripheral area NDA may surround the display area DA when viewed in a plan view. A driving circuit and/or driving lines for driving the display area DA may be located in the peripheral area NDA.

In an embodiment, a portion of the peripheral area NDA of the electronic panel100may be bent. Thus, a portion of the peripheral area NDA may face the front surface of the electronic apparatus EA, and another portion of the peripheral area NDA may face a rear surface of the electronic apparatus EA. Alternatively, the peripheral area NDA may be omitted in the electronic panel100according to some example embodiments of the inventive concept.

The hole area PA may be an area in which a module hole MH is defined. The electronic panel100according to some example embodiments of the inventive concept may comprise at least one module hole MH.

An edge of the hole area PA may be surrounded by the display area DA when viewed in a plan view. The hole area PA may be spaced apart from the peripheral area NDA with the display area DA interposed therebetween when viewed in a plan view. The module hole MH may be located in the hole area PA. Thus, the module hole MH may be surrounded by the display area DA for displaying the image IM, when viewed in a plan view.

The module hole MH may penetrate the electronic panel100. The module hole MH may be a through-hole which penetrates the electronic panel100from a front surface of the electronic panel100to a rear surface of the electronic panel100. The module hole MH may have a cylindrical shape having a height in the third direction DR3. The module hole MH may overlap with the electronic module300when viewed in a plan view. The electronic module300may be received in the module hole MH or may have a similar size to a size of the module hole MH. A component which is located on the rear surface of the electronic panel100and overlaps with the module hole MH may be visible through the module hole MH in front of the electronic panel100. The electronic module300may receive an external input through the module hole MH. The electronic module300will be described later in more detail.

The window member200may provide the front surface of the electronic apparatus EA. The window member200may be located on the front surface of the electronic panel100to protect the electronic panel100. For example, the window member200may comprise a glass substrate, a sapphire substrate, or a plastic film. The window member200may have a single-layered or multi-layered structure. For example, the window member200may have a stack structure comprising a plurality of plastic films coupled to each other by an adhesive or may have a stack structure which comprises a glass substrate and a plastic film coupled to each other by an adhesive.

The window member200may comprise the transmission area TA and the bezel area BZA. The transmission area TA may transmit light incident thereto. The transmission area TA may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the display area DA. For example, the transmission area TA may overlap with the whole or at least a portion of the display area DA. The image IM displayed in the display area DA of the electronic panel100may be visible to the outside through the transmission area TA.

A light transmittance of the bezel area BZA may be less than a light transmittance of the transmission area TA. The bezel area BZA may define the shape of the transmission area TA. The bezel area BZA may be adjacent to the transmission area TA and may surround the transmission area TA in a plan view.

The bezel area BZA may have a predetermined color. The bezel area BZA may cover the peripheral area NDA of the electronic panel100to prevent or reduce instances of the peripheral area NDA being visible to the outside. However, embodiments of the inventive concepts are not limited thereto. In another embodiment of the inventive concepts, the bezel area BZA may be omitted in the window member200.

The receiving member400may be coupled to the window member200. The receiving member400may provide a rear surface of the electronic apparatus EA. The receiving member400may be coupled to the window member200to define an inner space.

The receiving member400may be formed of a material having relatively high rigidity. For example, the receiving member400may comprise a plurality of frames and/or plates, which is formed of glass, plastic, and/or a metal. The receiving member400may stably protect the components of the electronic apparatus EA received in the inner space from an external impact. The electronic panel100and the various components illustrated inFIG. 2Bmay be received in the inner space provided by the receiving member400.

Referring toFIG. 2B, the electronic apparatus EA may comprise the power supply module PM, the first electronic module EM1, and the second electronic module EM2. The power supply module PM may supply power necessary for overall operations of the electronic apparatus EA. The power supply module PM may comprise a battery module.

The first electronic module EM1and the second electronic module EM2may comprise various functional modules for operating the electronic apparatus EA. The first electronic module EM1may be mounted directly on a motherboard electrically connected to the electronic panel100. Alternatively, the first electronic module EM1may be mounted on an additional board so as to be electrically connected to the motherboard through a connector.

The first electronic module EM1may comprise a control module CM, a wireless communication module TM, an image input module IIM, a sound input module AIM, a memory MM, and an external interface IF. In an embodiment, some of the components (e.g., the modules) may not be mounted on the motherboard but may be electrically connected to the motherboard through a flexible circuit board.

The control module CM may control overall operations of the electronic apparatus EA. The control module CM may comprise a microprocessor. For example, the control module CM may activate or deactivate the electronic panel100. The control module CM may control other module(s) (e.g., the image input module IIM, the sound input module AIM, etc.) on the basis of a touch signal received from the electronic panel100.

The wireless communication module TM may transmit/receive a wireless signal to/from other terminal(s) by using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The wireless communication module TM may transmit/receive a voice signal by using a general communication line. The wireless communication module TM may comprise a transmitter TM1which is configured to modulate a signal to be transmitted and to transmit the modulated signal, and a receiver TM2which is configured to demodulate a received signal.

The image input module IIM may process image signals to convert the image signals into image data usable in the electronic panel100. The sound input module AIM may receive an external sound signal through a microphone in a recording mode or a voice recognition mode and may convert the received sound signal into electrical sound data.

The external interface IF may be connected to and interface with an external charger, a cable/wireless data port, and/or a card socket (e.g., a memory card or a SIM/UIM card).

The second electronic module EM2may comprise a sound output module AOM, a light emitting module LM, a light receiving module LRM, and a camera module CMM. The components of the second electronic module EM2may be mounted directly on the motherboard or may be mounted on an additional board so as to be electrically connected to the electronic panel100and/or the first electronic module EM1through a connector.

The sound output module AOM may convert sound data received from the wireless communication module TM and/or sound data stored in the memory MM and may output the converted sound data to the outside.

The light emitting module LM may generate light and may output the generated light. The light emitting module LM may output infrared light. The light emitting module LM may comprise a light emitting diode (LED) element. The light receiving module LRM may sense infrared light. The light receiving module LRM may be activated when sensing the infrared light of a predetermined level or more. The light receiving module LRM may comprise a CMOS sensor. After the infrared light generated in the light emitting module LM is outputted, the infrared light may be reflected by an external object (e.g., a finger or a face of a user), and the reflected infrared light may be incident to the light receiving module LRM. The camera module CMM may acquire an external image.

The electronic module300illustrated inFIG. 2Amay receive an external input provided through the module hole MH and/or may provide an output signal through the module hole MH. The electronic module300may comprise one of the components (e.g., the modules) of the first and second electronic modules EM1and EM2. For example, the electronic module300may comprise a camera, a speaker, or a sensor for sensing light or heat. The electronic module300may sense an external object through the module hole MH or may provide a sound signal (e.g., a voice) to the outside through the module hole MH. In this case, the other components of the first and second electronic modules EM1and EM2may be located at other positions. However, embodiments of the inventive concepts are not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the electronic module300may comprise at least two of the components of the first and second electronic modules EM1and EM2. Meanwhile, the electronic apparatus EA according to an embodiment may further comprise a transparent member located between the electronic module300and the electronic panel100. The transparent member may be an optically transparent film such that the external input provided through the module hole MH is transmitted to the electronic module300through the transparent member. The transparent member may be adhered to the rear surface of the electronic panel100or may be located between the electronic panel100and the electronic module300without an additional adhesive layer. In certain embodiments, the structure of the electronic apparatus EA may be variously modified or changed and may not be limited to one embodiment.

According to the embodiments of the inventive concepts, since the electronic panel100comprises the module hole MH, a space for providing the electronic module300may be omitted in and/or outside the peripheral area NDA. In addition, the module hole MH may be defined in the hole area PA surrounded by the display area DA, and thus the electronic module300may overlap with the transmission area TA, not the bezel area BZA. As a result, an area (or a size) of the bezel area BZA may be reduced to realize the electronic apparatus EA having a narrow bezel. In addition, when the electronic module300is received in the module hole MH, a thin electronic apparatus EA may be realized.

FIG. 3Ais an equivalent circuit diagram schematically illustrating a component ofFIG. 2A.FIG. 3Bis a cross-sectional view taken along a line I-I′ ofFIG. 2A. An equivalent circuit diagram of one pixel PX is illustrated inFIG. 3Afor the purpose of ease and convenience of description and illustration. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the inventive concepts will be described with reference toFIGS. 3A and 3B.

The electronic panel100may comprise an insulating substrate10, a pixel PX, a plurality of signal lines CL, a power source connection pattern E-VSS, a dam portion DM, and a plurality of insulating layers20,30and40. The insulating layers20,30and40may comprise a circuit insulating layer20, a display insulating layer30, and an encapsulation layer40.

The insulating substrate10may comprise a base layer11, a first auxiliary layer12, and a second auxiliary layer13. The base layer11may comprise an insulating material. The base layer11may comprise a flexible material. For example, the base layer11may comprise polyimide (PI). However, embodiments of the inventive concepts are not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the base layer11may be formed of at least one of other various materials such as a rigid material, glass, and plastic.

The first auxiliary layer12and the second auxiliary layer13may be located on the base layer11. The first auxiliary layer12and the second auxiliary layer13may fully cover the base layer11.

The first auxiliary layer12may comprise a barrier layer. Thus, the first auxiliary layer12may prevent or reduce instances of oxygen or moisture permeating into the pixel PX through the base layer11.

The second auxiliary layer13may comprise a buffer layer. Thus, the second auxiliary layer13may control surface energy of the insulating substrate10in such a way that the pixel PX is stably formed on the insulating substrate10.

Meanwhile, a stacking order of the first and second auxiliary layers12and13may be changed in the insulating substrate10, or one of the first and second auxiliary layers12and13may be omitted. Alternatively, in the insulating substrate10, at least one of the base layer11, the first auxiliary layer12or the second auxiliary layer13may be provided in plurality. For example, the first auxiliary layers12and the second auxiliary layers13may be alternately stacked on the base layer11. However, embodiments of the inventive concepts are not limited thereto. The insulating substrate10may be variously modified.

The pixel PX may be located on the insulating substrate10. The pixel PX may be located on the insulating substrate10in the display area DA, as described above. Referring toFIG. 3A, the pixel PX may be connected to a plurality of signal lines. In the present embodiment, a gate line GL, a data line DL and a power line VDD are illustrated as the signal lines. However, embodiments of the inventive concepts are not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the pixel PX may be additionally connected to at least one of other various signal lines.

The pixel PX may comprise a first thin film transistor TR1, a capacitor CAP, a second thin film transistor TR2, and a light emitting element OD. The first thin film transistor TR1may be a switching element configured to control on/off of the pixel PX. The first thin film transistor TR1may transmit or block a data signal provided through the data line DL in response to a gate signal provided through the gate line GL.

The capacitor CAP may be connected to the first thin film transistor TR1and the power line VDD. The capacitor CAP may be charged with charges corresponding to a difference between the data signal transmitted from the first thin film transistor TR1and a first power source voltage provided through the power line VDD.

The second thin film transistor TR2may be connected to the first thin film transistor TR1, the capacitor CAP, and the light emitting element OD. The second thin film transistor TR2may control a driving current, flowing through the light emitting element OD, in response to the amount of the charges stored in the capacitor CAP. A turn-on time of the second thin film transistor TR2may be determined depending on the amount of the charges stored in the capacitor CAP. The second thin film transistor TR2may provide the first power source voltage transmitted through the power line VDD to the light emitting element OD for the turn-on time.

The light emitting element OD may be connected to the second thin film transistor TR2and a power source terminal VSS. The light emitting element OD may emit light by a voltage corresponding to a difference between a signal transmitted through the second thin film transistor TR2and a second power source voltage received through the power source terminal VSS. The light emitting element OD may emit the light for the turn-on time of the second thin film transistor TR2.

The light emitting element OD may comprise a light emitting material. The light emitting element OD may generate light having a color based on the light emitting material. For example, the color of the light generated from the light emitting element OD may be a red color, a green color, a blue color, or a white color.

One thin film transistor TR and the light emitting element OD of the components of the pixel PX are illustrated as an example inFIG. 3B. The thin film transistor TR (hereinafter, referred to as ‘a thin film element TR’) may correspond to the second thin film transistor TR2illustrated inFIG. 3A.

The thin film element TR may be located on the insulating substrate10. The thin film element TR and the circuit insulating layer20may constitute a thin film element layer. The thin film element TR may comprise a semiconductor pattern SP, a control electrode CE, an input electrode IE, and an output electrode OE. The circuit insulating layer20may comprise a first insulating layer21and a second insulating layer22which are sequentially stacked on the insulating substrate10.

The semiconductor pattern SP may be located on the insulating substrate10. The semiconductor pattern SP may comprise a semiconductor material. The control electrode CE may be spaced apart from the semiconductor pattern SP with the first insulating layer21interposed therebetween. The control electrode CE may be connected to the first thin film transistor TR1and one electrode of the capacitor CAP.

The input electrode IE and the output electrode OE may be spaced apart from the control electrode CE with the second insulating layer22interposed therebetween. The input electrode IE and the output electrode OE of the thin film element TR may penetrate the first and second insulating layers21and22so as to be connected to one side portion and another side portion of the semiconductor pattern SP, respectively.

In other embodiments, in the thin film element TR, the control electrode CE may be located under the semiconductor pattern SP, and/or the input electrode IE and the output electrode OE may be located under the semiconductor pattern SP or may be located on the same layer as the semiconductor pattern SP so as to be connected directly to the semiconductor pattern SP. The thin film element TR according to an embodiment of the inventive concepts may have any one of various structures and is not limited to a specific embodiment.

The light emitting element OD may be located on the circuit insulating layer20. The light emitting element OD and the display insulating layer30may constitute a display element layer. The light emitting element OD may comprise a first electrode E1, an emission layer EL, a control layer OL, and a second electrode E2. The display insulating layer30may comprise a third insulating layer31and a fourth insulating layer32which are sequentially stacked.

The first electrode E1may penetrate the third insulating layer31so as to be connected to the thin film element TR. Meanwhile, the electronic panel100may further comprise a connection electrode located between the first electrode E1and the thin film element TR. In this case, the first electrode E1may be electrically connected to the thin film element TR through the connection electrode.

The fourth insulating layer32may be located on the third insulating layer31. An opening may be defined in the fourth insulating layer32. The opening may expose at least a portion of the first electrode E1. The fourth insulating layer32may be a pixel defining layer.

The emission layer EL may be located in the opening and may be located on the first electrode E1exposed by the opening. The emission layer EL may comprise a light emitting material. For example, the emission layer EL may comprise at least one of materials emitting red light, green light and blue light. In an embodiment, the emission layer EL may comprise a fluorescent material or a phosphorescent material. The emission layer EL may comprise an organic material and/or an inorganic material. The emission layer EL may emit light in response to a potential difference between the first electrode E1and the second electrode E2.

The control layer OL may be located between the first electrode E1and the second electrode E2. The control layer OL may be located adjacent to the emission layer EL. In the present embodiment, the control layer OL is located between the emission layer EL and the second electrode E2. However, embodiments of the inventive concepts are not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the control layer OL may be located between the emission layer EL and the first electrode E1, or the control layer OL may comprise a plurality of layers stacked in the third direction DR3with the emission layer EL interposed therebetween.

The control layer OL may have a single unitary body shape extending from the display area DA into the peripheral area NDA. The control layer OL may be provided in common in a plurality of the pixels.

The second electrode E2may be located on the emission layer EL. The second electrode E2may have a single unitary body shape extending from the display area DA into the peripheral area NDA. The second electrode E2may be provided in common in the plurality of pixels.

The second electrode E2may be opposite to the first electrode E1. The second electrode E2may be connected to the power source terminal VSS ofFIG. 2A. The light emitting element OD may receive the second power source voltage through the second electrode E2.

The second electrode E2may comprise a transparent conductive material or a semi-transparent conductive material. Thus, light generated from the emission layer EL may easily exit in the third direction DR3through the second electrode E2. However, embodiments of the inventive concepts are not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the first electrode E1may comprise a transparent or semi-transparent conductive material, and the light emitting element OD may be driven in a rear surface light emitting type. In still another embodiment, the light emitting element OD may be driven in a both surface light emitting type in which light exits through a front surface and a rear surface.

The encapsulation layer40may be located on the light emitting element OD to encapsulate the light emitting element OD. The encapsulation layer40may have a single unitary body shape extending from the display area DA into the peripheral area NDA. The encapsulation layer40may be provided in common in the plurality of pixels. A capping layer covering the second electrode E2may be located between the second electrode E2and the encapsulation layer40.

The encapsulation layer40may comprise a first inorganic layer41, an organic layer42and a second inorganic layer43, which are sequentially stacked in the third direction DR3. However, embodiments of the inventive concepts are not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the encapsulation layer40may further comprise a plurality of inorganic layers and/or organic layers.

The first inorganic layer41may cover the second electrode E2. The first inorganic layer41may prevent or reduce instances of external moisture and/or oxygen permeating into the light emitting element OD. For example, the first inorganic layer41may comprise silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, or a combination thereof. The first inorganic layer41may be formed by a deposition process.

The organic layer42may be located on the first inorganic layer41and may be in contact with the first inorganic layer41. The organic layer42may provide a flat surface on the first inorganic layer41. The organic layer42may cover a bent portion of a top surface of the first inorganic layer41and/or a particle existing on the first inorganic layer41, and thus it is possible to block the influence of the state of the top surface of the first inorganic layer41on components formed on the organic layer42. In addition, the organic layer42may relax or release stress between layers being in contact with the organic layer42. The organic layer42may comprise an organic material and may be formed by a solution process such as a spin coating process, a slit coating process, and/or an inkjet process.

The second inorganic layer43may be located on the organic layer42to cover the organic layer42. The second inorganic layer43may be stably formed on the top surface of the organic layer42, which is relatively flat as compared with the top surface of the first inorganic layer41. The second inorganic layer43may encapsulate moisture outputted from the organic layer42to prevent or reduce instances of the moisture being provided to the outside. For example, the second inorganic layer43may comprise silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, or a combination thereof. The second inorganic layer43may be formed by a deposition process.

Meanwhile, the input sensing unit ISU (seeFIG. 2B) comprising a plurality of sensor patterns may be located on the encapsulation layer40. The sensor patterns of the input sensing unit ISU may be formed directly on the encapsulation layer40by deposition and patterning processes. Alternatively, the input sensing unit ISU may be formed separately and then may be coupled to the encapsulation layer40. However, embodiments of the inventive concepts are not limited thereto. One of other various kinds of display panels may be applied to the electronic panel100according to the embodiments of the inventive concepts.

Meanwhile, the driving signal line CL, the dam portion DM and the power source connection pattern E-VSS may be located in the peripheral area NDA. The driving signal line CL may be provided in plurality and may be located on the circuit insulating layer20. The driving signal line CL may be a routing line connected to a pad or may be an interconnection line for forming an integrated circuit (IC). For example, the driving signal line CL may comprise a power supply line, an initialization voltage line, or an emission control line.

The power source connection pattern E-VSS may supply the second power source voltage to the light emitting element OD. The power source connection pattern E-VSS may correspond to the power source terminal VSS of the pixel PX. The second electrode E2may extend into the peripheral area NDA so as to be connected to the power source connection pattern E-VSS. In the present embodiment, the second power source voltage supplied to the pixel PX may be a common voltage supplied to all of the pixels PX.

The dam portion DM may be located to cover a portion of the power source connection pattern E-VSS. In the present embodiment, the dam portion DM may have a double-layered structure comprising a first dam DM1and a second dam DM2.

The first dam DM1may comprise the same material as the third insulating layer31. The first dam DM1may be formed simultaneously with the third insulating layer31and may be located on the same layer as the third insulating layer31.

The second dam DM2may be stacked on the first dam DM1. In the present embodiment, a portion of the second electrode E2may be located between the first dam DM1and the second dam DM2. In other words, the second dam DM2according to the present embodiment may be formed by a separate process after the formation of the second electrode E2. In an embodiment, the second dam DM2may be formed simultaneously with the fourth insulating layer32. Alternatively, the dam portion DM may have a single-layered structure.

The dam portion DM may be located adjacent to at least one side of the display area DA. In an embodiment, the dam portion DM may surround the display area DA when viewed in a plan view. The dam portion DM may define an area in which a liquid organic material is spread in a process of forming the organic layer42. The organic layer42may be formed by an inkjet method of applying the liquid organic material on the first inorganic layer41. At this time, the dam portion DM may set a boundary of an area, in which the liquid organic material is located, and may prevent or reduce instances of the liquid organic material overflowing to the outside of the dam portion DM.

The first inorganic layer41and the second inorganic layer43may extend from the display area DA to the outside of the dam portion DM. Thus, the dam portion DM may be covered by the first and second inorganic layers41and43. The organic layer42may be located inside the dam portion DM. However, embodiments of the inventive concepts are not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the organic layer42may extend to an area overlapping with the dam portion DM.

FIG. 4Ais a plan view illustrating an area XX′ ofFIG. 2A, andFIG. 4Bis a plan view illustrating a portion ofFIG. 4A.FIG. 4Cis a cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II′ ofFIG. 2A.FIG. 4Billustrates an area corresponding to a right half ofFIG. 4A. For the purpose of ease and convenience of description and illustration, some components are omitted inFIGS. 4A and 4B, and a reduced area and/or an enlarged area is illustrated inFIG. 4C. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the inventive concepts will be described with reference toFIGS. 4A to 4C. Meanwhile, the same components as described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 3Bwill be indicated by the same reference numerals or designators, and the descriptions thereto will be omitted for the purpose of ease and convenience of description.

The hole area PA may be surrounded by the display area DA when viewed in a plan view. The hole area PA may comprise a margin area MA, a groove area GA, and a line area LA. The line area LA, the groove area GA and the margin area MA may surround the module hole MH in a plan view and may be sequentially arranged in a direction from the display area DA toward the module hole MH. The electronic panel100according to the present embodiment may comprise signal lines SCL1and SCL2, a plurality of recess patterns GV1and GV2and a protective pattern SDL, which are located in the hole area PA.

The signal lines SCL1and SCL2may be connected to pixels PX-A1, PX-A2, PX-B1and PX-B2via the line area LA. In the present embodiment, two signal lines SCL1and SCL2and four pixels PX-A1, PX-A2, PX-B1and PX-B2connected thereto are illustrated as an example for the purpose of ease and convenience of description. Hereinafter, the two signal lines SCL1and SCL2will be referred to as a first signal line SCL1and a second signal line SCL2, and the four pixels PX-A1, PX-A2, PX-B1and PX-B2will be referred to as first to fourth pixels PX-A1, PX-A2, PX-B1and PX-B2.

The first signal line SCL1may be connected to the first pixel PX-A1and the second pixel PX-A2which are spaced apart from each other with the hole area PA interposed therebetween. The first pixel PX-A1and the second pixel PX-A2may constitute the same row. The first signal line SCL1connected to the first pixel PX-A1may be connected to the second pixel PX-A2via the line area LA of the hole area PA.

Since the first pixel PX-A1and the second pixel PX-A2are electrically connected to each other through the first signal line SCL1, the first and second pixels PX-A1and PX-A2may be provided with the same electrical signal. For example, the first signal line SCL1may correspond to the gate line GL illustrated inFIG. 3A. Thus, the first and second pixels PX-A1and PX-A2spaced apart from each other with the module hole MH interposed therebetween may be turned on/off by substantially the same gate signal.

The second signal line SCL2may be connected to the third pixel PX-B1and the fourth pixel PX-B2which are spaced apart from each other with the hole area PA interposed therebetween. The third pixel PX-B1and the fourth pixel PX-B2may constitute the same column. The second signal line SCL2connected to the third pixel PX-B1may be connected to the fourth pixel PX-B2via the line area LA of the hole area PA.

Since the third pixel PX-B1and the fourth pixel PX-B2are electrically connected to each other through the second signal line SCL2, the third and fourth pixels PX-B1and PX-B2may be provided with the same electrical signal. For example, the second signal line SCL2may correspond to the data line DL illustrated inFIG. 3A. Thus, the third and fourth pixels PX-B1and PX-B2spaced apart from each other with the module hole MH interposed therebetween may be provided with substantially the same data signal.

In the present embodiment, the first and second signal lines SCL1and SCL2may be patterns located in only the line area LA. In this case, the first and second signal lines SCL1and SCL2may function as bridge patterns which connect signal lines respectively connected to the pixels PX-A1, PX-A2, PX-B1and PX-B2. However, embodiments of the inventive concepts are not limited thereto. According to the embodiment of the inventive concepts, the electronic panel100may comprise the plurality of signal lines located in the line area LA, and thus it is possible to easily connect the pixels spaced apart from each other with the module hole MH interposed therebetween. As a result, it may be easy to electrically control the pixels spaced apart from each other with the module hole MH interposed therebetween.

The plurality of recess patterns GV1and GV2may be located in the groove area GA. The recess patterns GV1and GV2may be recessed from the top surface of the electronic panel100by removing a portion of the components of the electronic panel100. The recess patterns GV1and GV2do not penetrate the electronic panel100, unlike the module hole MH. Thus, the recess patterns GV1and GV2may not open at least a rear surface of the insulating substrate10.

Each of the recess patterns GV1and GV2may penetrate some components while leaving a portion of the base layer11. In the present embodiment, a region (e.g., an initial recess pattern) may be formed to penetrate the first insulating layer21, the second auxiliary layer13, the first auxiliary layer12, and a portion of the base layer11, and the first inorganic layer41may be formed to cover an inner surface of the region, thereby forming each of the recess patterns GV1and GV2. Thus, the first inorganic layer41may extend into the hole area PA to define inner surfaces of the recess patterns GV1and GV2.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the control layer OL and the second electrode E2may be formed after removing portions of the first insulating layer21and the first and second auxiliary layers12and13for forming the recess patterns GV1and GV2. The control layer OL and the second electrode E2may be formed by deposition processes or evaporation processes. The control layer OL and the second electrode E2may cover sidewalls of the first auxiliary layer12, the second auxiliary layer13and the first insulating layer21, which are comprised in a sidewall of the region for each of the recess patterns GV1and GV2. Thereafter, the control layer OL and the second electrode E2may be covered by the first inorganic layer41.

In the present embodiment, an undercut may be formed between the base layer11and the first auxiliary layer12when the region for each of the recess patterns GV1and GV2is formed to penetrate the first insulating layer21, the second auxiliary layer13, the first auxiliary layer12, and a portion of the base layer11. Thus, the first and second auxiliary layers12and13and the first insulating layer21may laterally protrude from the base layer11in the region. The first inorganic layer41may continuously cover the protrusions of the layers12,13and21.

Thus, each of the recess patterns GV1and GV2may have an undercut shape defined under a tip portion TP laterally protruding toward a center of each of the recess patterns GV1and GV2. However, embodiments of the inventive concepts are not limited to the shapes of the recess patterns GV1and GV2. In certain embodiments, each of the recess patterns GV1and GV2may have one of other various layer structures having the tip portions TP.

The recess patterns GV1and GV2may comprise a first recess pattern GV1and a second recess pattern GV2, which are spaced apart from each other. The first and second recess patterns GV1and GV2may be selectively filled with the organic material. For example, the first and second recess patterns GV1and GV2may be selectively filled with the organic layer42. For example, the first recess pattern GV1may be exposed from the organic layer42, and the second recess pattern GV2may be filled with the organic layer42. The second recess pattern GV2may be overlapped with the organic layer42.

The organic layer42may extend from the display area DA into the hole area PA. Here, the organic layer42may extend into an area, in which the second recess pattern GV2is located, to fill the second recess pattern GV2. Thus, the organic layer42may be in contact with the inner surface of the second recess pattern GV2, which is defined by the first inorganic layer41.

Since the organic layer42fills the second recess pattern GV2, the tip portion TP of the second recess pattern GV2may be supported by the organic layer42. Thus, it is possible to prevent or reduce instances of the tip portion TP being damaged by its protruding shape. As a result, durability of the electronic panel100may be improved.

On the contrary, the first recess pattern GV1may not be filled with the organic layer42. Thus, a portion of the first inorganic layer41, which defines the inner surface of the first recess pattern GV1, may not be in contact with the organic layer42but may be exposed to air. According to the embodiment of the inventive concepts, at least one of the recess patterns GV1and GV2may be exposed from the organic layer42, and thus continuity of the organic layer42in the hole area PA may be blocked or cut. As a result, it is possible to prevent or reduce instances of an external contaminant, provided to the hole area PA, permeating into the display area DA through the organic layer42.

The protective pattern SDL may be located in the hole area PA. In the present embodiment, the protective pattern SDL may be located in the margin area MA. In the present embodiment, the margin area MA may be covered by the protective pattern SDL. The protective pattern SDL may have a shape which surrounds the module hole MH when viewed in a plan view.

The margin area MA may be closest to the module hole MH. The groove area GA may be spaced apart from the module hole MH with the margin area MA interposed therebetween. Thus, influence on the groove area GA may be minimized in a process of forming the module hole MH. However, embodiments of the inventive concepts are not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the margin area MA may be omitted in the electronic panel100.

The protective pattern SDL may absorb light having a predetermined wavelength. For example, the protective pattern SDL may comprise a material that has a high absorption rate for light having a laser wavelength band. Thus, the protective pattern SDL may inhibit laser light, irradiated in the process of forming the module hole MH, from affecting the electronic panel100. As a result, damage of the electronic panel100may be prevented or reduced when the module hole MH is formed.

In an embodiment, the protective pattern SDL may comprise the same material as the organic layer42. In a case in which the organic layer42comprises a material capable of absorbing the laser light, the organic layer42and the protective pattern SDL may be formed of the same material, and thus manufacturing processes may be simplified and a process cost may be reduced. However, embodiments of the inventive concepts are not limited thereto. In certain embodiments, the protective pattern SDL may comprise at least one of other various materials capable of absorbing the laser light.

The module hole MH may be located in the hole area PA and may be spaced apart from the pixels. The module hole MH may be defined in a central portion of the hole area PA. The module hole MH may penetrate the electronic panel100. The module hole MH may penetrate components, located in the hole area PA, of the components of the electronic panel100. At this time, the module hole MH may also penetrate the protective pattern SDL.

For example, the module hole MH may penetrate the base layer11, the first auxiliary layer12, the second auxiliary layer13, the first insulating layer21, the control layer OL, the second electrode E2, the first inorganic layer41, the protective pattern SDL, and the second inorganic layer43. Thus, an inner surface of the module hole MH may be defined by a sidewall11-E (e.g., a cut end) of the base layer, a sidewall12-E of the first auxiliary layer, a sidewall13-E of the second auxiliary layer, a sidewall21-E of the first insulating layer, a sidewall OL-E of the control layer, a sidewall E2-E of the second electrode, a sidewall41-E of the first inorganic layer, a sidewall SDL-E of the protective pattern, and a sidewall43-E of the second inorganic layer.

According to the embodiment of the inventive concepts, the protective pattern SDL may have the sidewall SDL-E exposed by the module hole MH. When the protective pattern SDL comprises an organic material, the sidewall SDL-E of the protective pattern may act as a path to which an external contaminant may permeate. However, according to the embodiment of the inventive concepts, the first recess pattern GV1between the protective pattern SDL and the organic layer42may be exposed from the protective pattern SDL and/or the organic layer42, and thus the protective pattern SDL may be separated from the organic layer42. As a result, a movement path of an external contaminant may be easily blocked.

FIG. 5Ais a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of an electronic panel according to an embodiment of the inventive concepts, andFIG. 5Bis a plan view illustrating a portion of an electronic panel according to an embodiment of the inventive concepts. A hole area PA of an electronic panel100-I is schematically illustrated in FIG.5A, and some components are omitted inFIG. 5Aas compared withFIG. 4C.FIG. 5Billustrates an area of the electronic panel100-I, which corresponds toFIG. 4A. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the inventive concepts will be described with reference toFIGS. 5A and 5BIn the present embodiment, the same components as described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 4Cwill be indicated by the same reference numerals or designators, and the descriptions thereto will be omitted for the purpose of ease and convenience of description.

Some components are omitted inFIG. 5Afor the purpose of ease and convenience of description and illumination. As illustrated inFIG. 5A, an encapsulation layer40-1may comprise a first inorganic layer411, an organic layer421, and a second inorganic layer431. The organic layer421may not extend to the groove area GA. Thus, the organic layer421may be spaced apart from the recess patterns GV1and GV2when viewed in a plan view.

A protective pattern SDL-1may extend from the margin area MA to cover at least a portion of the groove area GA. In the present embodiment, the protective pattern SDL-1may selectively fill the recess patterns GV1and GV2. For example, the first recess pattern GV1may be filled with the protective pattern SDL-1. Thus, the tip portion of the first recess pattern GV1may be supported by the protective pattern SDL-1, and the undercut shape of the first recess pattern GV1may be stably maintained.

On the contrary, the second recess pattern GV2may be exposed from the protective pattern SDL-1. The second recess pattern GV2may be spaced apart from the protective pattern SDL-1and the organic layer421. Referring toFIG. 5B, a boundary SDL-B of the protective pattern SDL-1covering the first recess pattern GV1may be spaced apart from a boundary42-B of the organic layer421covering the pixels PX-A1, PX-A2, PX-B1and PX-B2with the second recess pattern GV2interposed between the boundaries SDL-B and42-B.

Since the second recess pattern GV2is not filled with the organic layer421and the protective pattern SDL-1, the organic layer421may not be connected to the protective pattern SDL-1. In other words, the second recess pattern GV2may block connection of the organic layer421and the protective pattern SDL-1. Thus, it is possible to prevent or reduce instances of an external contaminant, provided through an exposed sidewall of the protective pattern SDL-1, permeating into the display area DA through the organic layer421.

FIG. 6Ais a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of an electronic panel according to an embodiment of the inventive concepts, andFIG. 6Bis a plan view illustrating a portion of an electronic panel according to an embodiment of the inventive concepts.FIG. 6Aschematically illustrates a hole area PA of an electronic panel100-2, andFIG. 6Billustrates an area of the electronic panel100-2which corresponds toFIG. 4A. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the inventive concepts will be described with reference toFIGS. 6A and 6B. In the present embodiment, the same components as described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 5Bwill be indicated by the same reference numerals or designators, and the descriptions thereto will be omitted for the purpose of ease and convenience of description.

The electronic panel100-2may further comprise a partition SP. The partition SP may be located in the groove area GA. The partition SP may be located between the first recess pattern GV1and the second recess pattern GV2. The partition SP may have a shape which surrounds the module hole MH when viewed in a plan view.

The recess patterns GV1and GV2may be selectively filled with an organic material. For example, the recess patterns GV1and GV2may be selectively filled with a protective pattern SDL-2or an organic layer422. For example, the first recess pattern GV1may not overlap with the protective pattern SDL-2and the organic layer422. The first recess pattern GV1may not be filled with the protective pattern SDL-2and the organic layer422. The first recess pattern GV1may be spaced apart from the protective pattern SDL-2and the organic layer422when viewed in a plan view.

The second recess pattern GV2may be filled with the protective pattern SDL-2or the organic layer422. In an embodiment, the second recess pattern GV2may be filled with the organic layer422. The organic layer422may extend from the display area DA into the groove area GA via the line area LA and may overlap with the second recess pattern GV2.

In the present embodiment, the organic layer422may be in contact with the partition SP. The partition SP may prevent or reduce instances of the organic layer422extending toward the first recess pattern GV1. Since the electronic panel100-2according to the present embodiment further comprises the partition SP, the organic layer422may selectively fill the second recess pattern GV2among the first and second recess patterns GV1and GV2. In addition, an area occupied by the organic layer422in a plan view may be easily controlled by the partition SP. The organic layer422and first and second inorganic layers412and432located under and on the organic layer422may constitute an encapsulation layer40-2.

FIG. 7Ais a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of an electronic panel according to an embodiment of the inventive concepts, andFIG. 7Bis a plan view illustrating a portion of an electronic panel according to an embodiment of the inventive concepts.FIG. 7Aschematically illustrates a hole area PA of an electronic panel100-3, andFIG. 7Billustrates an area of the electronic panel100-3which corresponds toFIG. 4A. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the inventive concepts will be described with reference toFIGS. 7A and 7B. In the present embodiment, the same components as described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 6Bwill be indicated by the same reference numerals or designators, and the descriptions thereto will be omitted for the purpose of ease and convenience of description.

The electronic panel100-3may comprise a plurality of recess patterns GV1, GV2and GV3and a plurality of partitions SP1and SP2. The recess patterns GV1, GV2and GV3may comprise a first recess pattern GV1, a second recess pattern GV2and a third recess pattern GV3, which are spaced apart from each other. The partitions SP1and SP2may comprise a first partition SP1and a second partition SP2, which are spaced apart from each other.

Each of the first to third recess patterns GV1, GV2and GV3and the first and second partitions SP1and SP2may surround the module hole MH when viewed in a plan view. The first to third recess patterns GV1, GV2and GV3and the first and second partitions SP1and SP2may be alternately arranged when viewed in a plan view. In the present embodiment, the third recess pattern GV3may be located between the first recess pattern GV1and the second recess pattern GV2. The first partition SP1may be located between the first recess pattern GV1and the third recess pattern GV3in a plan view, and the second partition SP2may be located between the third recess pattern GV3and the second recess pattern GV2.

In the present embodiment, an encapsulation layer40-3may comprise a first inorganic layer413, an organic layer423, and a second inorganic layer433. The first inorganic layer413may define inner surfaces of the first and second recess patterns GV1and GV2.

The organic layer423may extend from the display area DA to fill the second recess pattern GV2. In other words, the second recess pattern GV2may be covered by the organic layer423. The inner surface of the second recess pattern GV2may be in contact with the organic layer423.

The organic layer423may be in contact with the second partition SP2. The second partition SP2may prevent or reduce instances of the organic layer423extending from the second recess pattern GV2toward the module hole MH. The organic layer423may be spaced apart from the third recess pattern GV3by the second partition SP2when viewed in a plan view.

A protective pattern SDL-3may cover the margin area MA and may extend from the margin area MA to fill the first recess pattern GV1. In other words, the first recess pattern GV1may be covered by the protective pattern SDL-3. The inner surface of the first recess pattern GV1may be in contact with the protective pattern SDL-3.

The protective pattern SDL-3may be in contact with the first partition SP1. The first partition SP1may prevent or reduce instances of the protective pattern SDL-3extending from the first recess pattern GV1toward the organic layer423. The protective pattern SDL-3may be spaced apart from the third recess pattern GV3by the first partition SP1when viewed in a plan view.

The second inorganic layer433may cover the organic layer423, the first and second partitions SP1and SP2and the protective pattern SDL-3and may extend to the module hole MH. Here, the second inorganic layer433may define an inner surface of the third recess pattern GV3. The first inorganic layer413and the second inorganic layer433may be in contact with each other in the third recess pattern GV3according to the present embodiment. The organic layer423and the protective pattern SDL-3may not overlap with the third recess pattern GV3when viewed in a plan view. Since the electronic panel100-3according to the present embodiment further comprises the third recess pattern GV3, the organic layer423may be separated from the protective pattern SDL-3. In addition, since the electronic panel100-3comprises the plurality of partitions SP1and SP2, it is possible to prevent or reduce instances of the protective pattern SDL-3and the organic layer423extending to the third recess pattern GV3. Furthermore, positions of the protective pattern SDL-3and the organic layer423may be easily controlled by the partitions SP1and SP2such that the protective pattern SDL-3and the organic layer423stably fill the first recess pattern GV1and the second recess pattern GV2, respectively.

FIGS. 8A to 8Dare cross-sectional views illustrating electronic panels according to some embodiments of the inventive concepts.FIGS. 8A to 8Dschematically illustrate hole areas PA of electronic panels100-4,100-5,100-6and100-7. Hereinafter, some embodiments of the inventive concepts will be described with reference toFIGS. 8A to 8D. In addition, the same components as described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 7Bwill be indicated by the same reference numerals or designators, and the descriptions thereto will be omitted for the purpose of ease and convenience of description.

As illustrated inFIG. 8A, the electronic panel100-4may further comprise a liquid-repellent pattern LPC. The liquid-repellent pattern LPC may be located at a third recess pattern GV31. The liquid-repellent pattern LPC may be located between a first inorganic layer414and a second inorganic layer434of an encapsulation layer40-4, which extend into the groove area GA. Thus, the liquid-repellent pattern LPC may be covered by the second inorganic layer434defining an inner surface of the third recess pattern GV31and thus may not be exposed to the outside.

The liquid-repellent pattern LPC may comprise a liquid-repellent material. For example, the liquid-repellent pattern LPC may comprise a material having a low affinity for a protective pattern SDL-4or the organic layer424. For example, an affinity between the protective pattern SDL-4and the liquid-repellent pattern LPC may be lower than an affinity between the protective pattern SDL-4and the first inorganic layer414. In addition, an affinity between the organic layer424and the liquid-repellent pattern LPC may be lower than an affinity between the organic layer424and the first inorganic layer414.

Thus, the organic layer424and the protective pattern SDL-4may not be in contact with the liquid-repellent pattern LPC. According to the present embodiment, since the electronic panel100-4further comprises the liquid-repellent pattern LPC, positions of the organic layer424and the protective pattern SDL-4may be easily controlled without additional partitions. In addition, the liquid-repellent pattern LPC may inhibit the protective pattern SDL-4or the organic layer424from filling the third recess pattern GV31, and thus the protective pattern SDL-4may be easily separated from the organic layer424.

As illustrated inFIG. 8B, the electronic panel100-5may further comprise a lyophilic pattern ADP1and ADP2. The lyophilic pattern ADP1and ADP2may be provided in plurality, and the plurality of lyophilic patterns ADP1and ADP2may comprise a first lyophilic pattern ADP1and a second lyophilic pattern ADP2, which are spaced apart from each other. The first and second lyophilic patterns ADP1and ADP2may fill the first and second recess patterns GV1and GV2, respectively.

The first lyophilic pattern ADP1may fill the first recess pattern GV1. A protective pattern SDL-5may cover the margin area MA and the first recess pattern GV1. The protective pattern ADL-5may cover the first lyophilic pattern ADP1.

The first lyophilic pattern ADP1may comprise a material having a high affinity for the protective pattern SDL-5. For example, the affinity between the first lyophilic pattern ADP1and the protective pattern SDL-5may be greater than an affinity between a first inorganic layer415and the protective pattern SDL-5. Thus, the protective pattern SDL-5may not extend from the first lyophilic pattern ADP1to the third recess pattern GV3. As a result, the third recess pattern GV3may be spaced apart from the protective pattern SDL-5.

The second lyophilic pattern ADP2may fill the second recess pattern GV2. An organic layer425may cover the line area LA and the second recess pattern GV2. The organic layer425may cover the second lyophilic pattern ADP2.

The second lyophilic pattern ADP2may comprise a material having a high affinity for the organic layer425. For example, the affinity between the second lyophilic pattern ADP2and the organic layer425may be greater than an affinity between the first inorganic layer415and the organic layer425. Thus, the organic layer425may not extend from the second lyophilic pattern ADP2to the third recess pattern GV3. As a result, the third recess pattern GV3may be spaced apart from the organic layer425. The first inorganic layer415, the organic layer425and a second inorganic layer435may constitute an encapsulation layer40-5.

As illustrated inFIG. 8C, the electronic panel100-6may comprise a single lyophilic pattern ADP. The lyophilic pattern ADP may fill the second recess pattern GV2. The lyophilic pattern ADP may easily prevent or reduce instances of an organic layer426extending to the third recess pattern GV3.

In an embodiment, a protective pattern SDL-6may comprise the same material as the lyophilic pattern ADP in the electronic panel100-6. In this case, the lyophilic pattern ADP and the protective pattern SDL-6may comprise a material that has a high affinity for the organic layer426and a high absorption rate for laser light. According to the present embodiment, the protective pattern SDL-6may be formed of the same material as the lyophilic pattern ADP, and thus a process cost may be reduced and manufacturing processes may be simplified, when the electronic panel100-6is manufactured. First and second inorganic layers416and436and the organic layer426may constitute an encapsulation layer40-6.

As illustrated inFIG. 8D, in the electronic panel100-7, the lyophilic pattern ADP may fill the first recess pattern GV1. Thus, an organic layer covering the first recess pattern GV1may have a stack structure comprising the lyophilic pattern ADP and a protective pattern SDL-7, and an organic layer covering the second recess pattern GV2may have a single-layered structure of an organic layer427. The protective pattern SDL-7and the organic layer427may be formed of the same material or different materials. For example, the protective pattern SDL-7and the organic layer427may be formed of the same material at the same time by the same process, and thus manufacturing processes may be simplified and a process cost may be reduced. Alternatively, the protective pattern SDL-7may be formed of a material having a relatively high absorption rate for light, and the organic layer427may be formed of a material having a high planarization characteristic. Thus, the protective pattern SDL-7and the organic layer427may be formed independently of each other to correspond to their functions, respectively. First and second inorganic layers417and437and the organic layer427may constitute an encapsulation layer40-7.

The lyophilic pattern ADP may easily prevent or reduce instances of the protective pattern SDL-7extending to the third recess pattern GV3, and thus it is possible to stably form the protective pattern SDL-7selectively covering the first recess pattern GV1. Meanwhile, in other embodiments, the recess patterns of the electronic panel may be selectively filled with at least one of other various stack structures.

FIGS. 9A to 9Hare cross-sectional views illustrating a method of manufacturing an electronic panel, according to an embodiment of the inventive concepts.FIGS. 9A to 9Hillustrate a method of manufacturing the electronic panel100illustrated inFIG. 4C, and some components are omitted inFIGS. 9A to 9Hfor the purpose of ease and convenience of description. Hereinafter, a manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the inventive concepts will be described with reference toFIGS. 9A to 9H. In addition, the same components as described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 8Dwill be indicated by the same reference numerals or designators, and the descriptions thereto will be omitted for the purpose of ease and convenience of description.

As illustrated inFIG. 9A, a first initial substrate100-I1may be provided. The first initial substrate100-I1may comprise a hole area PA and a display area DA. The hole area PA may comprise a line area LA in which signal lines SCL1and SCL2are located, a groove area GA in which a plurality of initial recess patterns GV1-I and GV2-I is formed, and a module hole area HA which is surrounded by the groove area GA.

The initial recess patterns GV1-I and GV2-I may comprise a first initial recess pattern GV1-I and a second initial recess pattern GV2-I, which are spaced apart from each other. Each of the first and second initial recess patterns GV1-I and GV2-I may be formed by removing a portion of an insulating substrate10. Each of the first and second initial recess patterns GV1-I and GV2-I may be a space that is recessed from a top surface of the insulating substrate10and is closed by a rear surface of the insulating substrate10. In the present embodiment, the first and second initial recess patterns GV1-I and GV2-I may have undercut shapes. The undercut shapes may be due to a difference in etch rate between the base layer comprising an organic material and the auxiliary layer comprising an inorganic material.

Referring toFIG. 9B, a control layer OL, a second electrode E2and a first inorganic layer41may be formed on the first initial substrate100-I1to form a second initial substrate100-I2. In an embodiment, the control layer OL and the second electrode E2may be formed by evaporation processes. The control layer OL may be formed by evaporating an organic material. The second electrode E2may be formed by evaporating a conductive material. The conductive material may comprise a metal and/or a conductive oxide.

At this time, the control layer OL and the second electrode E2may be anisotropically formed. Since the control layer OL and the second electrode E2are formed by the evaporation processes performed on a front surface of the first initial substrate100-I1, the control layer OL and the second electrode E2may not be formed on portions of the first initial substrate100-I1which are not visible in front of the first initial substrate100-I1. In an embodiment, portions of the control layer OL and the second electrode E2may be formed in the first and second initial recess patterns GV1-I and GV2-I. In this case, the portions of the control layer OL and the second electrode E2may be separated from the control layer OL and the second electrode E2located outside the initial recess patterns GV1-I and GV2-I.

Thereafter, the first inorganic layer41may be formed. The first inorganic layer41may be formed by a deposition process. For example, the first inorganic layer41may be formed of an inorganic material by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. At this time, the first inorganic layer41may be isotropically formed. The first inorganic layer41may be formed along a profile of the undercut shape. Thus, a first recess pattern GV1and a second recess pattern GV2which have inner surfaces defined by the first inorganic layer41may be formed.

Referring toFIGS. 9C and 9D, a first organic material OLQ1and a second organic material OLQ2may be provided onto the second initial substrate100-I2to form a third initial substrate100-I3having an organic layer42and an initial protective pattern SDL-I.

A first liquid supply unit PRT1may provide the first organic material OLQ1to the display area DA. In the present embodiment, the first organic material OLQ1may comprise a monomer.

The first organic material OLQ1may be provided in a liquid form. The first organic material OLQ1may extend from the display area DA into the hole area PA due to its viscosity. The first liquid supply unit PRT1according to the present embodiment may control the amount and a supply rate of the first organic material OLQ1in such a way that the extension of the first organic material OLQ1is stopped before the first organic material OLQ1reaches the first recess pattern GV1.

Thereafter, the first organic material OLQ1may be hardened to form the organic layer42. The organic layer42may fill the second recess pattern GV2and may be spaced apart from the first recess pattern GV1.

A second liquid supply unit PRT2may be spaced apart from the first liquid supply unit PRT1and may provide the second organic material OLQ2to the module hole area HA. In the present embodiment, the second organic material OLQ2may comprise a material having a high absorption rate for light having a wavelength corresponding to that of laser light.

The second organic material OLQ2may be provided in a liquid form. The second organic material OLQ2may extend from a center of the module hole area HA due to its viscosity as an area covered by the second organic material OLQ2increases. Thereafter, the second organic material OLQ2may be hardened to form the initial protective pattern SDL-I. The initial protective pattern SDL-I may extend from the center of the module hole area HA and may be spaced apart from the second recess pattern GV2.

In the present embodiment, the first organic material OLQ1and the second organic material OLQ2may comprise the same material. For example, the first organic material OLQ1and the second organic material OLQ2may comprise a monomer having a high absorption rate for light. In this case, the organic layer42and the initial protective pattern SDL-I may be formed at the same time by a single hardening process, and thus a process cost and a process time may be reduced.

Alternatively, the first organic material OLQ1and the second organic material OLQ2may comprise different materials from each other. In this case, the organic layer42and the initial protective pattern SDL-I may be sequentially formed, and the formation of each of the organic layer42and the initial protective pattern SDL-I may be stably controlled.

Referring toFIG. 9E, a second inorganic layer43may be formed on the third initial substrate100-I3to form a fourth initial substrate100-I4. The second inorganic layer43may be formed by depositing an inorganic material. The second inorganic layer43may cover the organic layer42, the first recess pattern GV1, and the initial protective pattern SDL-I.

Thereafter, a module hole MH may be formed in the fourth initial substrate100-I4to manufacture the electronic panel100, as illustrated inFIGS. 9F to 9H. The module hole MH may be formed by irradiating laser light LB.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 9F, the laser light LB may be irradiated to the fourth initial substrate100-I4by using a laser irradiating unit LS. The laser light LB may be irradiated to the center of the module hole area HA. In the present embodiment, an imaginary line VL corresponding to the center of the module hole area HA is illustrated. The laser light LB may be aligned in parallel to the imaginary line VL and then may be irradiated.

Thereafter, portions of components of the fourth initial substrate100-I4, to which the laser light LB is irradiated, may be thermally damaged and removed as illustrated inFIG. 9G. The module hole area HA may be divided into a heating area HTA and a margin area MA.

The heating area HTA is shaded inFIG. 9Gfor the purpose of ease and convenience of description. The heating area HTA may be an area thermally damaged by the laser light LB. The heating area HTA may be a thermally damaged area which is removable by the laser light LB.

The margin area MA may be defined between the heating area HTA and the groove area GA and may be adjacent to the heating area HTA. The margin area MA may surround the heating area HTA. A degree of thermal damage of the margin area MA may be lower than a degree of thermal damage of the heating area HTA. For example, the margin area MA may not be thermally damaged. Alternatively, the margin area MA may be thermally damaged but may not be removed by the laser light LB.

Meanwhile, the initial protective pattern SDL-I may absorb light having a wavelength corresponding to that of the laser light LB. The initial protective pattern SDL-I may inhibit extension of the area damaged by the laser light LB. A portion of the laser light LB may be absorbed in the initial protective pattern SDL-I, and thus irregular extension of the heating area HTA may be prevented or reduced. In addition, the laser light LB may be weakened by the initial protective pattern SDL-I and then may be irradiated to the control layer OL and/or the second electrode E2, and thus damage of the control layer OL and/or the second electrode E2may be reduced in the margin area MA. As a result, an area (or a size) of the margin area MA may be reduced, and thus a process cost may be reduced and/or performance of the electronic panel100may be improved.

Thereafter, the electronic panel100comprising the module hole MH may be manufactured as illustrated inFIG. 9H. The module hole MH may be formed by the laser light LB. The module hole MH may penetrate the second inorganic layer43, the initial protective pattern SDL-I, the first inorganic layer41, the second electrode E2, the control layer OL, and the insulating substrate10. An inner surface of the module hole MH may be defined by a sidewall43-E of the second inorganic layer, a sidewall SDL-E of the protective pattern, a sidewall41-E of the first inorganic layer, a sidewall E2-E of the second electrode, a sidewall OL-E of the control layer, and a sidewall10-E of the insulating substrate, which are cut by the laser light LB.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concepts, the initial protective pattern SDL-I may be cut by the laser light LB so as to be formed into the protective pattern SDL surrounding the module hole MH. A degree of the damage of the margin area MA by the laser light LB may be reduced by the initial protective pattern SDL-I, and thus the inner surface of the module hole MH may be stably formed. As a result, process reliability of the electronic panel100may be improved.

According to the embodiments of the inventive concepts, it is possible to prevent or reduce instances of the elements being damaged by an external contaminant provided through the hole, and thus the reliability of the electronic panel may be improved. In addition, thermal damage occurring in the formation of the hole may be reduced or inhibited, and thus the process reliability of the electronic panel may be improved.