Patent Description:
A display device may be an apparatus having various electronic components such as a display panel that displays an image, an input sensor that detects an external input, and electronic modules. The electronic components may be electrically connected to each other through signal lines. The electronic module may include one or more sensors, such as cameras, infrared sensors, proximity sensors, or the like. The input sensor may be directly formed on the display panel. When the display panel is changed in shape, the input sensor may also be changed in shape. <CIT> discloses a display device that includes a substrate that includes a display area and a peripheral area outside the display area, a display element on the display area, a peripheral circuit on the peripheral area, the peripheral circuit including a thin film transistor, a first shielding layer on the peripheral circuit and a second shielding layer on the first shielding layer. At least one of the first shielding layer and the second shielding layer includes a hole. One shielding layer of the first shielding layer and the second shielding layer includes the hole and overlaps the other one of the first shielding layer and the second shielding layer. <CIT> discloses an electronic apparatus that includes a base substrate having an active area and a peripheral area adjacent to the active area. A plurality of pixels is disposed on the active area. The electronic apparatus also includes a plurality of power lines connected to the pixels. A power pad is disposed on a peripheral area and is configured to receive a power voltage. A power pattern is disposed on the peripheral area and connecting the power lines to the power pad. A plurality of sensing electrodes is disposed on the pixels in the active area. A plurality of sensing pads is disposed on the peripheral area and is electrically connected to the sensing electrodes. The sensing pads overlap with the power pattern. <CIT> discloses a flexible display configured to allow bending of a portion or portions to reduce apparent border size and/or utilize the side surface of an assembled flexible display. <CIT> discloses a display device including sensing electrodes and sensing signal lines connected to the sensing electrodes. The sensing signal lines overlap the connection electrode. Some of the first through-holes overlap the shielding electrode.

According to the present invention, there is provided a display device as defined by claim <NUM>.

Aspects of some embodiments of the present invention include a display device with relatively increased product reliability.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a display device may comprise: a base layer that has a first area and a second area adjacent to the first area; a plurality of pixels on the first area of the base layer; a power line that supplies the plurality of pixels with power; a power pattern on the second area and electrically connected to the power line; and a protrusion on the second area, the protrusion surrounding at least a portion of the first area and including a first protruding portion and a second protruding portion on the first protruding portion. The power pattern may include an overlapping portion between the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion. The overlapping portion may have an opening.

According to some embodiments, the display device may further comprise: an encapsulation layer on the plurality of pixels; a plurality of sensing electrodes on the first area and directly on the encapsulation layer; and a plurality of sensing lines on the second area and electrically connected to the plurality of sensing electrodes. When viewed in plan, the plurality of sensing lines may be spaced apart from the opening.

According to some embodiments, a portion of each of the plurality of sensing lines may overlap the power pattern.

According to some embodiments, the power pattern may include: a first pattern portion that extends along a first direction; and a plurality of second pattern portions that protrude along a second direction from the first pattern portion, the second direction intersecting the first direction. The plurality of second pattern portions may include: a first branch pattern portion that overlaps at least portions of the plurality of sensing lines; and a second branch pattern portion that does not overlap the plurality of sensing lines.

According to some embodiments, the opening may be defined in each of the first branch pattern portion and the second branch pattern portion.

According to some embodiments, the opening may be defined in the first branch pattern portion and may not be defined in the second branch pattern portion.

According to some embodiments, the overlapping portion may include a portion of each of the plurality of second pattern portions.

According to some embodiments, each of the plurality of second pattern portions may have a width of equal to or less than about <NUM>,<NUM> in the first direction.

According to some embodiments, when viewed in plan, a minimum distance between the opening and the plurality of sensing lines may be equal to or greater than about <NUM>.

According to some embodiments, the plurality of sensing lines may be on the protrusion. Each of the plurality of sensing lines may extend in a direction that intersects an extending direction of the protrusion.

According to some embodiments, each of the plurality of sensing lines that overlap the protrusion may have a crooked shape.

According to some embodiments, the display device may further comprise an additional protrusion on the second area and closer than the protrusion to the first area. A portion of the power pattern may be below the additional protrusion.

According to some embodiments, the additional protrusion and the second protruding portion may include a same material.

According to some embodiments, the opening may be provided in plural. A pitch between the plurality of openings may be about <NUM>. Each of the plurality of openings may have a tetragonal shape.

According to some embodiments, the first protruding portion may include an organic material.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a display device may comprise: a display panel that has an active area and a peripheral area; and an input sensor directly on the display panel. The display panel may include: a plurality of pixels on the active area; a protrusion on the peripheral area, the protrusion surrounding at least a portion of the active area and including a first protruding portion and a second protruding portion on the first protruding portion; a power line that supplies the plurality of pixels with power; and a power pattern in the peripheral area and electrically connected to the power line, the power pattern including an overlapping portion between the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion, the overlapping portion having an opening. The input sensor may include: a plurality of sensing electrodes in the active area; and a plurality of sensing lines in the peripheral area and electrically connected to the plurality of sensing electrodes, wherein each of the plurality of sensing lines that overlap the protrusion has a crooked shape corresponding to a shape of the protrusion.

According to some embodiments, the plurality of sensing lines may be on the overlapping portion. When viewed in plan, the plurality of sensing lines may be spaced apart from the opening.

According to some embodiments, the protrusion may extend along a first direction. The power pattern may include a first branch pattern portion and a second branch pattern portion that extend along a second direction intersecting the first direction and that are between the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion. The opening may be provided in at least one selected from the first branch pattern portion and the second branch pattern portion.

According to some embodiments, at least portions of the plurality of sensing lines may be on the first branch pattern portion. The opening may be defined in the first branch pattern portion.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a display device may comprise: a plurality of pixels in an active area; a protrusion that surrounds at least a portion of the active area and includes a first protruding portion and a second protruding portion on the first protruding portion; a power pattern that transmits power to the plurality of pixels and is between the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion; an encapsulation layer on the plurality of pixels; a plurality of sensing electrodes in the active area; and a plurality of sensing lines electrically connected to the plurality of sensing electrodes and spaced apart from the power pattern across the second protruding portion. The power pattern may have an opening that exposes a portion of the first protruding portion. Each of the plurality of sensing lines that overlap the protrusion may have a crooked shape corresponding to a shape of the protrusion.

In this description, when a certain component (or region, layer, portion, etc.) is referred to as being "on", "connected to", or "coupled to" other component(s), the certain component may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other component(s) or at least one intervening component may be present therebetween.

Like numerals indicate like components. Moreover, in the drawings, thicknesses, ratios, and dimensions of components are exaggerated for effectively explaining the technical contents.

The term "and/or" includes one or more combinations defined by associated components.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. For example, a first component could be termed a second component, and vice versa without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well.

In addition, the terms "beneath", "lower", "above", "upper", and the like are used herein to describe one component's relationship to other component(s) illustrated in the drawings. The relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein including technical and scientific terms have the same meaning as that generally understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art. Also, terms as defined in dictionaries generally used should be understood as having meaning identical or meaning contextually defined in the art and should not be understood as ideally or excessively formal meaning unless definitely defined herein.

It should be understood that the terms "comprise", "include", "have" , and the like are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, components, elements, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, components, elements, or combinations thereof.

The following will now describe aspects of some embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view showing a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, a display device <NUM> may be an apparatus that is activated in response to an electrical signal. For example, the display device <NUM> may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, an automotive navigation system, a game console, or a wearable apparatus, but embodiments according to the present invention are not necessarily limited thereto. <FIG> shows a mobile phone as an example of the display device <NUM>.

The display device <NUM> may display an image through an active area 1000A. The active area 1000A may include a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. The active area 1000A may further include curved surfaces bent from at least two sides of the plane. The shape of the active area 1000A, however, is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the active area 1000A may include only the plane, and may further include a plurality of curved surfaces bent from at least two sides of the plane, for example, four curved surfaces bent from four sides of the plane.

A thickness direction of the display device <NUM> may be parallel to a third direction DR3 that intersects the first and second directions DR1 and DR2. Therefore, the third direction DR3 may be used to distinguish front and rear surfaces (or top and bottom surfaces) of each of members that constitute the display device <NUM>. In this description, the phrase "when viewed in plan" may be interpreted as "when viewed in the thickness direction of the display device <NUM>" or "when viewed in the third direction DR3.

<FIG> illustrates a simplified cross-sectional view showing some components of a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may include a display panel <NUM> and an input sensor <NUM>.

The display panel <NUM> may be a component that substantially generates an image. The display panel <NUM> may be an emissive display panel. For example, the display panel <NUM> may be an organic light emitting display panel, a quantum-dot light emitting display panel, or a micro-LED display panel. Alternatively, the display panel <NUM> may be a light-receiving type display panel. For example, the display panel <NUM> may be a liquid crystal display panel.

The input sensor <NUM> may be located on the display panel <NUM>. The input sensor <NUM> may detect an external input externally applied. The external input may be a user's input. The user's input may include a user's body part, light, heat, pen, pressure, or any other types of external input.

The input sensor <NUM> may be formed on the display panel <NUM> in a successive process. In this case, it may be expressed that the input sensor <NUM> is directly located on the display panel <NUM>. The phrase "directly located on" may mean that no component is located between the input sensor <NUM> and the display panel <NUM>. For example, no adhesive member may be separately located between the input sensor <NUM> and the display panel <NUM>.

According to some embodiments, the display device <NUM> may further include a window located on the input sensor <NUM>. The window may include an optically transparent material, for example, glass or plastic. The window may have a single-layered or multi-layered structure.

<FIG> illustrates a plan view showing a display panel according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, an active area 100A and a peripheral area 100N may be defined on the display panel <NUM>. The active area 100A may be a region activated with an electrical signal. For example, the active area 100A may be a region that displays an image. The peripheral area 100N may be adjacent to and surround the active area 100A. The peripheral area 100N may include a driver line or a driver circuit for driving the active area 100A.

<FIG> shows the display panel <NUM> prior to being assembled. During an assembly procedure, a bending area BA defined in the peripheral area 100N may be bent to have a certain curvature. Therefore, components on and under the bending area BA may be arranged to face each other.

A through hole 100T may be defined in the active area 100A of the display panel <NUM>. The active area 100A may surround the through hole 100T. The present invention, however, is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, a portion of the through hole 100T may be in contact with the active area 100A, and another portion of the through hole 100T may be in contact with the peripheral area 100N.

The through hole 100T may be a space through which is transmitted a signal that is input to or output from an electronic module. For example, the electronic module is a camera module.

The through hole 100T may be defined by removing all or at least a portion of components that constitute the display panel <NUM>. When viewed in plan, the through hole 100T may have a circular shape, an oval shape, or a polygonal shape including at least one curved side, but embodiments according to the present invention are not limited to a particular embodiment. For example, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the through hole 100T may be omitted.

The display panel <NUM> may include a base layer <NUM>-<NUM>, a plurality of pixels <NUM>, a plurality of signal lines <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, a power pattern <NUM>, a plurality of display pads <NUM>, a plurality of sensing pads <NUM>, and a plurality of protrusions <NUM>.

The base layer <NUM>-<NUM> may include a glass substrate, an organic/inorganic composite substrate, or a synthetic resin film. The synthetic resin film may include a thermosetting resin. The base layer <NUM>-<NUM> may have a multi-layered structure. For example, the base layer <NUM>-<NUM> may have a tri-layered structure including a synthetic resin layer, an adhesive layer, and/or a synthetic resin layer. For example, the synthetic resin layer may be a polyimide resin layer, but the material of the synthetic resin layer is not particularly limited. The synthetic resin layer may include at least one selected from acryl-based resin, methacryl-based resin, polyisoprene, vinyl-based resin, epoxy-based resin, urethane-based resin, cellulose-based resin, siloxane-based resin, polyamide-based resin, and perylene-based resin.

The base layer <NUM>-<NUM> may have a partial area, which is called a first area, included in the active area 100A, and may also have another partial area, which is called a second area, included in the peripheral area 100N.

The signal lines <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be connected to the pixels <NUM>, and may transmit electrical signals to the pixels <NUM>. <FIG> shows, as an example, that the signal lines <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a data line <NUM>, a scan line <NUM>, and a power line <NUM>. This, however, is illustrated as an example, and according to some embodiments, for example, the signal lines <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may further include at least one selected from an initialization power line and an emission control line, but embodiments according to the present invention are not necessarily limited thereto.

The pixels <NUM> may be located in the active area 100A. <FIG> illustrates an example enlarged circuit diagram of one of the plurality of pixels <NUM>. Embodiments according to the present disclosure, however, are not limited to the pixel circuit of the pixels <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. For example, according to some embodiments, the pixel circuit of the pixels <NUM> may include additional components or fewer components without departing from the spirit and scope of embodiments according to the present disclosure.

The pixel <NUM> may include a first transistor <NUM>, a second transistor <NUM>, a capacitor <NUM>, and a light emitting element <NUM>. This, however, is merely an example, and according to some embodiments, the pixel <NUM> may include electronic elements having various configurations and arrangements, but embodiments according to the present invention are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the pixel <NUM> may include an equivalent circuit including seven transistors and one capacitor, and the equivalent circuit of the pixel <NUM> may be variously changed in shape.

The first transistor <NUM> may be a switching element that controls on-off of the pixel <NUM>. In response to a scan signal transmitted through the scan line <NUM>, the first transistor <NUM> may transfer or block a data signal transmitted through the data line <NUM>.

The capacitor <NUM> may be connected to the first transistor <NUM> and the power line <NUM>. The capacitor <NUM> may charge an amount of charges that corresponds to a difference between a data signal transmitted from the first transistor <NUM> and a first power signal applied to the power line <NUM>.

The second transistor <NUM> may be connected to the first transistor <NUM>, the capacitor <NUM>, and the light emitting element <NUM>. In response to an amount of charges accumulated in the capacitor <NUM>, the second transistor <NUM> may control a driving current that flows through the light emitting element <NUM>. A turn-on time of the second transistor <NUM> may be determined based on an amount of charges accumulated in the capacitor <NUM>. During its turn-on time, the second transistor <NUM> may provide the light emitting element <NUM> with the first power signal transmitted through the power line <NUM>.

In accordance with an electrical signal, the light emitting element <NUM> may generate light or control an amount of light. For example, the light emitting element <NUM> may include an organic light emitting element, a quantum-dot light emitting element, a micro-LED element, or a nano-LED element.

The light emitting element <NUM> may be connected to a power terminal <NUM>, and may be provided with a power signal (referred to hereinafter as a second power signal or a ground voltage) different from the first power signal provided from the power line <NUM>. The light emitting element <NUM> may receive a driving current that corresponds to a difference between the second power signal and an electrical signal that is provided from the second transistor <NUM>, and then may generate light that corresponds to the driving current.

The power pattern <NUM> may be located in the peripheral area 100N. The power pattern <NUM> may be electrically connected to the power line <NUM>. Although <FIG> shows a single power line <NUM>, the power line <NUM> may be provided in plural, and the plurality of power lines <NUM> may all be electrically connected to the power pattern <NUM>.

The plurality of protrusions <NUM> may be located in the peripheral area 100N, and may surround at least a portion of the active area 100A. For example, each of the plurality of protrusions <NUM> may surround an entirety of the active area 100A or at least a portion of the active area 100A. Each of the plurality of protrusions <NUM> may have a closed curved shape or a partially opened shape.

The plurality of protrusions <NUM> may include a first protrusion <NUM>, a second protrusion <NUM>, and a third protrusion <NUM>. The number of the plurality of protrusions <NUM>, however, is not limited thereto, but may either be two or be four or more.

Among the plurality of protrusions <NUM>, the first protrusion <NUM> may be located closest to the active area 100A. The first protrusion <NUM>, the second protrusion <NUM>, and the third protrusion <NUM> may be sequentially arranged in a direction departing from the active area 100A. The second protrusion <NUM> may surround at least a portion of the first protrusion <NUM>. The third protrusion <NUM> may surround at least a portion of the second protrusion <NUM>.

The display pads <NUM> may include a first pad <NUM> and a second pad <NUM>. The first pad <NUM> may be provided in plural, and the plurality of first pads <NUM> may be connected to corresponding data lines <NUM>. The second pad <NUM> may be electrically connected through the power pattern <NUM> to the power line <NUM>. The first pad <NUM> may be a portion of the power pattern <NUM>.

The display panel <NUM> may provide the pixels <NUM> with electrical signals that are externally provided through the display pads <NUM>. The display pads <NUM> may further include pads for receiving different electrical signals, in addition to the first pad <NUM> and the second pad <NUM>, but embodiments according to the present invention are not limited to a particular embodiment.

The plurality of sensing pads <NUM> may be electrically connected to sensing electrodes (see <NUM>, <NUM> of <FIG>) of a sensor (see <NUM> of <FIG>) which will be discussed below. Among the plurality of sensing pads <NUM>, some sensing pads <NUM> may be arranged such that the sensing pads <NUM> are spaced apart from other sensing pads <NUM> across the display pads <NUM>. Embodiments according to the present invention, however, are not necessarily limited thereto, and an arrangement relationship between the sensing pads <NUM> and the display pads <NUM> may be variously changed.

A driver chip <NUM> may be mounted in the peripheral area 100N of the display panel <NUM>. The driver chip <NUM> may be a timing control circuit in the form of a chip. In this case, the data lines <NUM> may be electrically connected through the driver chip <NUM> to the first pads <NUM>. This, however, is merely an example, and the driver chip <NUM> may be mounted on a film separated from the display panel <NUM>. In this case, the driver chip <NUM> may be electrically connected through the film to the display pads <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a plan view showing an input sensor according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, an active area 200A and a peripheral area 200N may be defined on the input sensor <NUM>. The active area 200A may be a region activated with an electrical signal. For example, the active area 200A may be a region that detects an input. The peripheral area 200N may be adjacent to and surround the active area 200A.

A through hole 200T may be defined in the active area 200A of the input sensor <NUM>. When viewed in plan, the through hole 200T may overlap the through hole (see 100T of <FIG>) of the display panel (see <NUM> of <FIG>) discussed above. The through hole 200T may be defined by removing all of components that constitute the input sensor <NUM>. In some embodiments of the present invention, the through hole 200T may be omitted.

The input sensor <NUM> may include a base dielectric layer <NUM>-<NUM>, first sensing electrodes <NUM>, second sensing electrodes <NUM>, and sensing lines <NUM>. The first sensing electrodes <NUM> and the second sensing electrodes <NUM> may be located in the active area 200A, and the sensing lines <NUM> may be located in the peripheral area 200N. The input sensor <NUM> may use a variation in mutual capacitance between the first sensing electrodes <NUM> and the second sensing electrodes <NUM>, thereby obtaining information about an external input.

The first sensing electrodes <NUM> may be arranged along the first direction DR1 and may each extend along the second direction DR2. The first sensing electrodes <NUM> may include first sensing patterns <NUM> and first connection patterns <NUM>. The first connection patterns <NUM> may electrically connect two neighboring first sensing patterns <NUM> to each other. The two neighboring first sensing patterns <NUM> may be connected to each other through two first connection patterns <NUM>, but embodiments according to the present invention are not necessarily limited thereto.

The second sensing electrodes <NUM> may be arranged along the second direction DR2 and may each extend along the first direction DR1. The second sensing electrodes <NUM> may include second sensing patterns <NUM> and second connection patterns <NUM>. The second connection patterns <NUM> may electrically connect two neighboring second sensing patterns <NUM> to each other. Two first connection patterns <NUM> may be insulated from and intersect one second connection pattern <NUM>.

<FIG> shows example shapes and arrangements of the first sensing electrodes <NUM> and the second sensing electrodes <NUM>, but embodiments according to the present invention are not limited to those illustrated in <FIG>.

The sensing lines <NUM> may be electrically connected to corresponding sensing pads (see <NUM> of <FIG>) through contact holes. The sensing lines <NUM> may include first sensing lines <NUM> and second sensing lines <NUM>.

The first sensing lines <NUM> may be electrically connected to corresponding first sensing electrodes <NUM>. The second sensing lines <NUM> may be electrically connected to corresponding second sensing electrodes <NUM>. One of the second sensing lines <NUM> may be connected to a left side of one of the second sensing electrodes <NUM>, and another of the second sensing lines <NUM> may be connected to a right side of another of the second sensing electrodes <NUM>. A connection relationship between the first sensing lines <NUM> and the first sensing electrodes <NUM> and between the second sensing lines <NUM> and the second sensing electrodes <NUM> is not limited to that shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates an enlarged plan view partially showing a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention. <FIG> illustrates an enlarged plan view showing a portion of <FIG>.

<FIG> partially illustrates the display device that corresponds to a region AA' of <FIG> or a region BB' of <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrates an enlarged view showing a region CC' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the power pattern <NUM> may include a first pattern portion <NUM> that extends along the first direction DR1 and second pattern portions <NUM> that protrude along the second direction DR2 from the first pattern portion <NUM>. The second pattern portions <NUM> may include a first branch pattern portion <NUM> that overlaps at least portions of the sensing lines <NUM> and a second branch pattern portion <NUM> that does not overlap the sensing lines <NUM>.

An opening <NUM> may be defined in the power pattern <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may be provided by removing a portion of the power pattern <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may expose a component located below the power pattern <NUM>. Therefore, the opening <NUM> may serve as a pathway through which is discharged a gas produced by the component located below the power pattern <NUM>. It may thus be possible to avoid issues caused by the gas, and its description will be given in detail below.

The opening <NUM> may have a tetragonal shape, for example, a square or rectangular shape when viewed in plan, but embodiments according to the present invention are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the opening <NUM> may have a circular shape, an oval shape, or a polygonal shape.

When viewed in plan, the opening <NUM> may not overlap the sensing lines <NUM>. For example, when viewed in the third direction DR3, the opening <NUM> may be spaced apart from the sensing lines <NUM>.

The sensing lines <NUM> may be arranged to overlap the power pattern <NUM> without overlapping the opening <NUM>. As the power pattern <NUM> is supplied with constant voltage, the power pattern <NUM> may shield noise signals that affect the sensing lines <NUM>. Therefore, it may be possible to prevent or reduce sensitivity failure due to noise signals.

A minimum distance <NUM> between the opening <NUM> and the sensing lines <NUM> may range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>,<NUM>. When the minimum distance <NUM> is greater than about <NUM>,<NUM>, it is unlikely that a gas produced below the power pattern <NUM> is sufficiently discharged through the opening <NUM>.

The opening <NUM> may have a width <NUM> of about <NUM> in the first direction DR1 and a width <NUM> of about <NUM> in the second direction DR2, and an interval or pitch <NUM> between adjacent openings <NUM> may be about <NUM>. The values mentioned above are just an example of design specification, and embodiments according to the present invention are not necessarily limited thereto.

In some embodiments of the present invention, each of the second pattern portions <NUM> may have a width of equal to or less than about <NUM>,<NUM>. For example, each of the first and second branch pattern portions <NUM> and <NUM> may have a maximum width of equal to or less than about <NUM>,<NUM> in the first direction DR1. In this case, a gas produced by a component located below the power pattern <NUM> may be discharged through a space between the second pattern portions <NUM>. Alternatively, a value of equal to or less than about <NUM>,<NUM> may be given as a width of the second branch pattern portion <NUM> where the opening <NUM> is not defined, and no limitation in width may be imposed on the first branch pattern portion <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the display panel <NUM> may include a plurality of dielectric layers, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, and a signal line. A coating or deposition process may be employed to form a dielectric layer, a semiconductor layer, and a conductive layer. Afterwards, a photolithography process may be used to selectively pattern the dielectric layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer. Through the processes mentioned above, the base layer <NUM>-<NUM> may be provided thereon with the semiconductor pattern, the conductive pattern, and the signal line that are included in a circuit element layer <NUM>-<NUM> and a display element layer <NUM>-<NUM>. Thereafter, an encapsulation layer <NUM>-<NUM> may be formed to cover the display element layer <NUM>-<NUM>.

The base layer <NUM>-<NUM> may include a synthetic resin film. The synthetic resin film may include a thermosetting resin. The base layer <NUM>-<NUM> may have a multi-layered structure. For example, the base layer <NUM>-<NUM> may have a tri-layered structure including a synthetic resin layer, an adhesive layer, and a synthetic resin layer. For example, the synthetic resin layer may be a polyimide resin layer, but the material of the synthetic resin layer is not particularly limited. The synthetic resin layer may include at least one selected from acryl-based resin, methacryl-based resin, polyisoprene, vinyl-based resin, epoxy-based resin, urethane-based resin, cellulose-based resin, siloxane-based resin, polyamide-based resin, and perylene-based resin. The base layer <NUM>-<NUM> may include a glass substrate or an organic/inorganic composite substrate.

At least one inorganic layer may be formed on a top surface of the base layer <NUM>-<NUM>. The inorganic layer may include at least one selected from aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. The inorganic layer may be formed to be multi-layered. The multi-layered inorganic layers may constitute a barrier layer and/or a buffer layer. In some embodiments, the display panel <NUM> is illustrated to include a buffer layer BFL.

The buffer layer BFL increases a bonding force between the base layer <NUM>-<NUM> and the semiconductor pattern. The buffer layer BFL may include a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer. The silicon oxide layer and the silicon nitride layer may be alternately stacked.

The semiconductor pattern is located on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor pattern may include polysilicon. Embodiments according to the present invention, however, are not limited thereto, and the semiconductor pattern may include amorphous silicon or metal oxide.

<FIG> merely shows a portion of the semiconductor pattern, and the semiconductor pattern may further be arranged at other regions. The semiconductor pattern may be specifically arranged over the pixels (see <NUM> of <FIG>). The semiconductor pattern may have an electrical property that is different based on whether the semiconductor pattern is doped or not. The semiconductor pattern may include a doped region and an undoped region. The doped region may be doped with n-type or p-type impurities. A p-type transistor includes a doped region implanted with p-type impurities.

The doped region has its conductivity greater than that of the undoped region, and substantially serves as an electrode or a signal line. The undoped region substantially corresponds to an active (or channel) of a transistor. For example, a portion of the semiconductor pattern may be an active of a transistor, another portion of the semiconductor pattern may be a source or drain of the transistor, and still another portion of the semiconductor pattern may be a connection electrode or a connection signal line SCL.

As shown in <FIG>, the first transistor <NUM> may include a source S1, an active A1, and a drain D1 that are formed from the semiconductor pattern, and the second transistor <NUM> may include a source S2, an active A2, and a drain D2 that are formed from the semiconductor pattern. When viewed in cross-section, the source S1 and the drain D1 extend in opposite directions from the active A1, and likewise, the source S2 and the drain D2 extend in opposite directions from the active A2. <FIG> partially shows a connection signal line SCL formed from the semiconductor pattern. According to some embodiments, when viewed in plan view (e.g., a direction normal or perpendicular with respect to a plane of the display surface of the display device), the connection signal line SCL may be connected to the drain D2 of the second transistor <NUM>.

A first dielectric layer <NUM> is located on the buffer layer BFL. The first dielectric layer <NUM> may overlap in common a plurality of pixels (see <NUM> of <FIG>) and may cover the semiconductor pattern. The first dielectric layer <NUM> may be an inorganic layer and/or an organic layer, and may have a single-layered or multi-layered structure. The first dielectric layer <NUM> may include at least one selected from aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. In some embodiments, the first dielectric layer <NUM> may be a single-layered silicon oxide layer. Likewise the first dielectric layer <NUM>, a dielectric layer of the circuit element layer <NUM>-<NUM> may be an inorganic layer and/or an organic layer, and may have a single-layered or multi-layered structure. The inorganic layer may include at least one selected from the materials mentioned above.

Gates G1 and G2 are located on the first dielectric layer <NUM>. The gates G1 and G2 may each be a portion of a metal pattern. The gates G1 and G2 correspondingly overlap the actives A1 and A2. The gates G1 and G2 may serve as a mask in a process where the semiconductor pattern is doped.

A second dielectric layer <NUM> may be located on the first dielectric layer <NUM> and may cover the gates G1 and G2. The second dielectric layer <NUM> overlaps in common the pixels (see <NUM> of <FIG>). The second dielectric layer <NUM> may be an inorganic layer and/or an organic layer, and may have a single-layered or multi-layered structure. In some embodiments, the second dielectric layer <NUM> may be a single-layered silicon oxide layer.

An upper electrode UE may be located on the second dielectric layer <NUM>. The upper electrode UE may overlap the gate G2 of the second transistor <NUM>. The upper electrode UE may be a portion of a metal pattern. A portion of the gate G2 and its overlying upper electrode UE may define the capacitor (see <NUM> of <FIG>).

A third dielectric layer <NUM> may be located on the second dielectric layer <NUM> and may cover the upper electrode UE. In some embodiments, the third dielectric layer <NUM> may be a single-layered silicon oxide layer. A first connection electrode CNE1 may be located on the third dielectric layer <NUM>. The first connection electrode CNE1 may be coupled to the connection signal line SCL through a contact hole CNT-<NUM> that penetrates the first, second, and third dielectric layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

A fourth dielectric layer <NUM> may be located on the third dielectric layer <NUM>. The fourth dielectric layer <NUM> may be a single-layered silicon oxide layer. A fifth dielectric layer <NUM> may be located on the fourth dielectric layer <NUM>. The fifth dielectric layer <NUM> may be an organic layer. A second connection electrode CNE2 may be located on the fifth dielectric layer <NUM>. The second connection electrode CNE2 may be coupled to the first connection electrode CNE1 through a contact hole CNT-<NUM> that penetrates the fourth and fifth dielectric layers <NUM> and <NUM>.

A sixth dielectric layer <NUM> may be located on the fifth dielectric layer <NUM> and may cover the second connection electrode CNE2. The sixth dielectric layer <NUM> may be an organic layer. A first electrode AE is located on the sixth dielectric layer <NUM>. The first electrode AE may be connected to the second connection electrode CNE2 through a contact hole CNT-<NUM> that penetrates the sixth dielectric layer <NUM>. An opening <NUM>-OP is defined in a pixel definition layer <NUM>. The opening <NUM>-OP of the pixel definition layer <NUM> exposes at least a portion of the first electrode AE.

The active area (see 100A of <FIG>) may include an emission area PXA and a non-emission area NPXA adjacent to the emission area PXA. The non-emission area NPXA may adjoin and surround the emission area PXA. In some embodiments, the first electrode AE has a portion exposed to the opening <NUM>-OP, and the emission area PXA is defined to correspond to the portion of the first electrode AE.

A hole control layer HCL may be arranged in common in the emission area PXA and the non-emission area NPXA. The hole control layer HCL may include a hole transport layer and may further include a hole injection layer. An emission layer EML may be located on the hole control layer HCL. The emission layer EML may be located in a region that corresponds to the opening <NUM>-OP. For example, the emission layer EML may be formed on each of the pixels (see <NUM> of <FIG>).

An electron control layer ECL may be located on the emission layer EML. The electron control layer ECL may include an electron transport layer and may further include an electron injection layer. An open mask may be used such that the hole control layer HCL and the electron control layer ECL are formed in common on a plurality of pixels (see <NUM> of <FIG>). A second electrode CE may be located on the electron control layer ECL. The second electrode CE has a unitary shape and is located on a plurality of pixels (see <NUM> of <FIG>).

A capping layer <NUM> may be located on the second electrode CE and may be in contact with the second electrode CE. The capping layer <NUM> may include an organic material. The capping layer <NUM> may protect the second electrode CE from a subsequent process, such as a sputtering process, and may increase emission efficiency of the light emitting element <NUM>. The capping layer <NUM> may have a refractive index greater than that of a first inorganic layer <NUM> which will be discussed.

The encapsulation layer <NUM>-<NUM> may be located on the display element layer <NUM>-<NUM>. The encapsulation layer <NUM>-<NUM> may be located on the pixels (see <NUM> of <FIG>), and may cover or encapsulate the pixels (see <NUM> of <FIG>).

The encapsulation layer <NUM>-<NUM> may include a first inorganic layer <NUM>, an organic layer <NUM>, and a second inorganic layer <NUM>. The first inorganic layer <NUM> and the second inorganic layer <NUM> may protect the display element layer <NUM>-<NUM> against moisture and/or oxygen, and the organic layer <NUM> may protect the display element layer <NUM>-<NUM> against foreign substances such as dust particles. The first inorganic layer <NUM> and the second inorganic layer <NUM> may each be one of a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, and a silicon oxide layer. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first inorganic layer <NUM> and the second inorganic layer <NUM> may include a titanium oxide layer or an aluminum oxide layer. The organic layer <NUM> may include an acryl-based organic layer, but embodiments according to the present invention are not necessarily limited thereto.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the capping layer <NUM> and the first inorganic layer <NUM> may be provided therebetween with an inorganic layer, for example, a LiF layer. The LiF layer may increase the emission efficiency of the light emitting element <NUM>.

The input sensor <NUM> may include a base dielectric layer <NUM>-<NUM>, a first conductive layer <NUM>-<NUM>, a sensing dielectric layer <NUM>-<NUM>, a second conductive layer <NUM>-<NUM>, and a cover dielectric layer <NUM>-<NUM>. After the display panel <NUM> is formed, the input sensor <NUM> may be formed in a successive process. Embodiments according to the present invention, however, are not necessarily limited thereto.

The base dielectric layer <NUM>-<NUM> may be directly located on the display panel <NUM>. For example, the base dielectric layer <NUM>-<NUM> may be in direct contact with the second inorganic layer <NUM>. The base dielectric layer <NUM>-<NUM> may have a single-layered or multi-layered structure. Alternatively, the base dielectric layer <NUM>-<NUM> may be omitted.

The first conductive layer <NUM>-<NUM> and the second conductive layer <NUM>-<NUM> may each have a single-layered structure or a multi-layered structure in which a plurality of conductive layers are stacked along the third direction DR3. The single-layered conductive layer may include a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer may include molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum, or an alloy thereof. The transparent conductive layer may include transparent conductive oxide, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO). Additionally or alternatively, the transparent conductive layer may include a metal nano-wire, a graphene, or a conductive polymer such as PEDOT.

The multi-layered conductive layer may include a plurality of metal layers. The plurality of metal layers may form a tri-layered structure of, for example, titanium/aluminum/titanium. The multi-layered conductive layer may include at least one metal layer and at least one transparent conductive layer.

The first conductive layer <NUM>-<NUM> and the second conductive layer <NUM>-<NUM> may each include patterns that constitute sensing electrodes. For example, the first conductive layer <NUM>-<NUM> may include the first connection pattern <NUM>, and the second conductive layer <NUM>-<NUM> may include the first sensing pattern <NUM>, the second sensing pattern <NUM>, and the second connection pattern <NUM>. In addition, the first conductive layer <NUM>-<NUM> and the second conductive layer <NUM>-<NUM> may each include the sensing lines (see <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, the first conductive layer <NUM>-<NUM> may include one or more of the sensing lines (see <NUM> of <FIG>), and the second conductive layer <NUM>-<NUM> may include other one or more of the sensing lines (see <NUM> of <FIG>).

The sensing dielectric layer <NUM>-<NUM> may be located between the first conductive layer <NUM>-<NUM> and the second conductive layer <NUM>-<NUM>, and may cover the first conductive layer <NUM>-<NUM>. A portion of the second conductive layer <NUM>-<NUM> may be electrically connected to a portion of the first conductive layer <NUM>-<NUM> through a contact hole that penetrates the sensing dielectric layer <NUM>-<NUM>. The cover dielectric layer <NUM>-<NUM> may be located on the sensing dielectric layer <NUM>-<NUM> and may cover the second conductive layer <NUM>-<NUM>.

The sensing dielectric layer <NUM>-<NUM> and the cover dielectric layer <NUM>-<NUM> may each or all include an inorganic layer. The inorganic layer may include at least one selected from aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide.

The sensing dielectric layer <NUM>-<NUM> and the cover dielectric layer <NUM>-<NUM> may each or all include an organic layer. The organic layer may include at least one selected from an acryl-based resin, methacryl-based resin, polyisoprene, a vinyl-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, an urethane-based resin, a cellulose-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, a polyimide-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, and a perylene-based resin.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention. <FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate cross-sectional views showing a region where the power pattern <NUM>, the first protrusion <NUM>, the second protrusion <NUM>, and the third protrusion <NUM> are located. <FIG> depicts a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of <FIG>, and <FIG> depicts a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the first protrusion <NUM>, the second protrusion <NUM>, and the third protrusion <NUM> may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. The first, second, and third protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be called first, second, and third dams, respectively.

When an organic monomer is printed to form the organic layer <NUM>, the first, second, and third protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may serve to prevent or reduce an overflow of the organic monomer.

Each of the first, second, and third protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may have a stack structure. For example, the first protrusion <NUM> may include a first protruding portion 181a and a second protruding portion 181b stacked on the first protruding portion 181a, the second protrusion <NUM> may include a first protruding portion 182a and a second protruding portion 182b stacked on the first protruding portion 182a, and the third protrusion <NUM> may include a first protruding portion 183a, a second protruding portion 183b stacked on the first protruding portion 183a, and a third protruding portion 183c stacked on the second protruding portion 183b.

The first protruding portion 183a may include the same material as that of the fifth dielectric layer (see <NUM> of <FIG>), and may be a layer formed in the same process in which the fifth dielectric layer (see <NUM> of <FIG>) is formed. Therefore, the first protruding portion 183a may include an organic material. The first protruding portion 181a, the first protruding portion 182a, and the second protruding portion 183b may include the same material as that of the sixth dielectric layer (see <NUM> of <FIG>), and may be layers formed in the same process in which the sixth dielectric layer (see <NUM> of <FIG>) is formed. The second protruding portion 181b, the second protruding portion 182b, and the third protruding portion 183c may include the same material as that of the pixel definition layer (see <NUM> of <FIG>), and may be layers formed in the same process in which the pixel definition layer (see <NUM> of <FIG>) is formed.

A portion of the power pattern <NUM> may be located below the first protrusion <NUM> and the second protrusion <NUM>, and another portion of the power pattern <NUM> may be located between the first protruding portion 183a and the second protruding portion 183b. The first protrusion <NUM> and the second protrusion <NUM> may each be called an additional protrusion, and the third protrusion <NUM> may simply be called a protrusion. In addition, the another portion of the power pattern <NUM> may be called an overlapping portion 150OP. The overlapping portion 150OP may overlap or cover a portion of (e.g., partially or fully) the first protruding portion 183a.

The sensing lines <NUM> may extend in a direction that intersects an extending direction of each of the first, second, and third protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The sensing lines <NUM> may be located on the first, second, and third protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and may each have a crooked or curved shape (e.g., following a contour of the curved surface of the layers and elements below the sensing lines <NUM>.

Differently from some embodiments of the present invention, when the opening <NUM> is not provided in the power pattern <NUM>, a gas produced by the first protruding portion 183a may be confined between the first protruding portion 183a and the power pattern <NUM>. In this case, the gas may cause a spacing between the first protruding portion 183a and the power pattern <NUM>. The spacing may be attributable to increase in height and deformation in shape of the third protrusion <NUM>, and the deformation of the third protrusion <NUM> may induce defects such as cuts of the sensing lines <NUM>. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the opening <NUM> may be defined on the overlapping portion 150OP. The gas produced from the first protruding portion 183a may be externally discharged through the opening <NUM>. Therefore, deformation in the shape of the third protrusion <NUM> may be prevented or reduced, and accordingly the sensing lines <NUM> may be free of defects such as line cut.

<FIG> illustrates an enlarged plan view partially showing a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, an opening <NUM> may further be defined in the second branch pattern portion <NUM> of the power pattern <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may be provided by removing a portion of the power pattern <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may expose a component located below the power pattern <NUM>. Therefore, the opening <NUM> may serve as a pathway through which is discharged a gas produced by the component located below the power pattern <NUM>. Accordingly, it may be possible to prevent or reduce issues caused by the gas.

According to the discussed above, an overlapping portion of a power pattern may be located between first and second protruding portions of a protrusion, and an opening may be defined in the overlapping portion of the power pattern. A gas produced from the first protruding portion may be externally discharged through the opening defined in the power pattern. Accordingly, it may be possible to inhibit delamination of the second protruding portion and thus to prevent or reduce cuts of sensing lines on the second protruding portion.

Moreover, the sensing lines may overlap the power pattern, and may not overlap the opening. As the power pattern is supplied with constant voltage, the power pattern may shield noise signals that affect the sensing lines. Therefore, it may be possible to prevent or reduce sensitivity failure due to noise signals.

Claim 1:
A display device (<NUM>), comprising:
a base layer (<NUM>-<NUM>) having a first area (100A) and a second area (100N) adjacent to the first area (100A);
a plurality of pixels (<NUM>) on the first area (100A) of the base layer (<NUM>-<NUM>);
an encapsulation layer (<NUM>-<NUM>) on the plurality of pixels (<NUM>);
a plurality of sensing electrodes (<NUM>) on the encapsulation layer (<NUM>-<NUM>) and overlapping the first area (100A) of the base layer (<NUM>-<NUM>);
a power line (<NUM>) configured to supply the plurality of pixels (<NUM>) with power;
a power pattern (<NUM>) on the second area (100N) and electrically connected to the power line (<NUM>);
a plurality of sensing lines (<NUM>) electrically connected to the plurality of sensing electrodes (<NUM>) and overlapping the second area (100N) of the base layer (<NUM>-<NUM>); and
a protrusion (<NUM>) on the second area (100N), the protrusion (<NUM>) surrounding at least a portion of the first area (100A) and comprising a first protruding portion (183a) and a second protruding portion (183b) on the first protruding portion (183a),
wherein the power pattern (<NUM>) comprises an overlapping portion (150OP) between the first protruding portion (183a) and the second protruding portion (183b), the overlapping portion (150OP) having an at least one opening (<NUM>);
characterized in that
portions of the plurality of sensing lines (<NUM>) are overlapping the overlapping portion (150OP) of the power pattern (<NUM>), the plurality of sensing lines (<NUM>) not overlapping the at least one opening (<NUM>) and being spaced apart from the least one opening (<NUM>) in a first direction (DR1) in a plan view,
wherein the portions of the plurality of sensing lines (<NUM>) have a curved shape by a shape of the second protruding portion (183b),
wherein a portion of the protrusion (<NUM>) overlapping the power pattern (<NUM>) extends along the first direction (DR1), and
where the portions of the plurality of sensing lines (<NUM>) extend along a second direction (DR2) intersecting the first direction (DR1).