Patent Description:
A conventional display device has been replaced by a thin portable display device. Recently, applications of a flexible display device that is bendable, rollable, or foldable when in use or during manufacture have been expanding.

<CIT> discloses a flexible display apparatus, including a flexible substrate including a bending area and a non-bending area; a display unit on the flexible substrate; and an encapsulation unit covering the display unit, the encapsulation unit including a first inorganic film, a second inorganic film, and an organic film between the first inorganic film and the second inorganic film, the organic film having a first thickness in the bending area and a second thickness greater than the first thickness in the non-bending area.

<CIT> discloses a flexible display apparatus including: a first film including a first surface and a second surface that are opposite each other, and a first groove formed in the first surface, the first film having a first rigidity; a third film on the second surface of the first film; a fourth film facing the third film; an emission display unit between and encapsulated by the third film and the fourth film; and a second film on the fourth film and facing the first film, the second film having a second rigidity that is less than the first rigidity.

<CIT> discloses a display apparatus in which organic through-holes are defined through an organic material layer, connection lines are respectively connected to the internal conductive lines through the organic through-holes, and an upper surface of the organic material layer between the organic through-holes has a convex curved shape.

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a flexible display device having improved bending properties is provided.

According to an aspect, there is provided a flexible display device as set out in claim <NUM>.

In the flexible display device according to embodiments, the groove corresponding to the bending area may be formed. Therefore, stress applied to the bending area due to bending may be decreased, and a flexible display device in which the bending area may be bent with a relatively low curvature may be provided.

Embodiments will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description of some illustrative, non-limiting embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Herein, flexible display devices in accordance with embodiments will be explained in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Reference will be made in further detail to some embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

It is to be understood that although terms such as "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms, and the terms are used to distinguish one component from another.

It is to be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" used herein specify the presence of stated features or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features or components.

It is to be understood that when a layer, area, or component is referred to as being "formed on" another layer, area, or component, it may be directly or indirectly formed on the other layer, area, or component. That is, for example, one or more intervening layers, areas, or components may be present.

Sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated for convenience of explanation. In other words, since sizes and thicknesses of components in the drawings may be arbitrarily illustrated for convenience of explanation, the following embodiments are not limited thereto.

When an embodiment may be implemented differently, a specific process order may be performed differently from the described order.

In embodiments set forth herein, when a layer, area, or component is connected to another layer, area, or component, the layers, areas, or components may be directly connected to each other, and the layers, areas, or components may also be indirectly connected to each other with another layer, area, or component therebetween.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments of the inventive concept belong. It is to be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly-used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

<FIG> is a plan view illustrating a flexible display device before bending according to an embodiment; <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the flexible display device before and after bending, taken along the line II-II' in <FIG>; and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the flexible display device before and after bending, taken along the line III-III' in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a flexible display device according to an embodiment includes a non-bending area NBA and a bending area BA. The non-bending area NBA may be a flat area which is not bendable, and the bending area BA may be a bendable area that is bendable along a bending axis during a manufacturing process or during use. A flexibility of the bending area BA may be greater than a flexibility of the non-bending area NBA. In an embodiment, the flexible display device may include at least one non-bending area NBA and at least one bending area BA.

The flexible display device may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. Pixels may be disposed in the display area DA, and the display area DA may display an image through the pixels PX. Pads connected to external devices and wirings connecting the pads to the pixels may be disposed in the non-display area NDA, and signals for displaying an image may be provided to the pixels through the pads and the wirings.

The display area DA may include a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2. The second display area DA2 may be located at at least one side of the first display area DA1. In an embodiment, the display area DA may include four second display areas DA2 respectively located at four sides of the first display area DA1. For example, two second display areas DA2 may be located in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1, respectively, from the first display area DA1, and another two second display areas DA2 may be located in a third direction D3 crossing the first and second directions D1 and D2 and a fourth direction D4 opposite to the third direction D3, respectively, from the first display area DA1. In other words, four second display areas DA2 may be located at a left side, a right side, an upper side, and a lower side of the first display area DA1, respectively.

The non-display area NDA may be located at a side of the display area DA. In an embodiment, the non-display area NDA may be located at one side of the second display area DA2. The first display area DA1 and the non-display area NDA may be spaced apart from each other with the second display area DA2 disposed therebetween. For example, the non-display area NDA may be located in the fourth direction D4 from the second display area DA2 that is located in the fourth direction D4 from the first display area DA1.

In an embodiment, the non-bending area NBA may include the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2, and the non-display area NDA. In other words, a portion of the non-bending area NBA may be the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 thereby displaying an image, and another portion of the non-bending area NBA may be the non-display area NDA not displaying an image.

The bending area BA may include a first bending area BA1 and a second bending area BA2. The first bending area BA1 may be adjacent to a boundary between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2. For example, the first bending area BA1 may be located inside the second display area DA2, and may be adjacent to the boundary between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2. In an embodiment, the bending area BA may include four first bending areas BA1 respectively located at boundaries between the four sides of the first display area DA1 and the second display areas DA2. For example, two first bending areas BA1 may be respectively located at boundaries between the first display area DA1 and the second display areas DA2 located in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2 from the first display area DA1, and another two first bending areas BA1 may be respectively located at boundaries between the first display area DA1 and the second display areas DA2 located in the third direction D3 or the fourth direction D4 from the first display area DA1.

The first bending area BA1 may be bent along a bending axis in parallel with the first direction D1 or the third direction D3. For example, the first bending area BA1 located in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2 from the first display area DA1 may be bent along a bending axis in parallel with the third direction D3, and the first bending area BA1 located in the third direction D3 or the fourth direction D4 from the first display area DA1 may be bent along a bending axis in parallel with the first direction D1. Accordingly, the first display area DA1 may display an image to a front surface of the flexible display device, and the second display area DA2 may display an image to a side surface of the flexible display device.

The second bending area BA2 may be adjacent to a boundary between the display area DA and the non-display area NDA. In an embodiment, the second bending area BA2 may be adjacent to a boundary between the second display area DA2 and the non-display area NDA. For example, the second bending area BA2 may be located inside the non-display area NDA, and may be adjacent to the boundary between the second display area DA2 and the non-display area NDA. For example, the second bending area BA2 may be adjacent to a boundary between the second display area DA2 located in the fourth direction D4 from the first display area DA1 and the non-display area NDA.

The second bending area BA2 may be bent along a bending axis in parallel with the first direction D1 or the third direction D3. For example, the second bending area BA2 located in the fourth direction D4 from the second display area DA2 may be bent along a bending axis in parallel with the first direction D1. Accordingly, the non-bending area NBA of the non-display area NDA may face the first display area DA1.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a flexible display device according to an embodiment. <FIG> may illustrate an example of the flexible display device taken along a line IV-IV' and a line V-V' in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a flexible display device according to an embodiment may include a base structure <NUM>, a circuit structure <NUM>, a planarization layer <NUM>, a display structure <NUM>, and an encapsulation structure <NUM>. An organic layer <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed over the circuit structure <NUM>, and the organic layer <NUM> and <NUM> may have grooves GR1 and GR2 corresponding to the bending area BA.

The base structure <NUM> may provide a space or substrate to structures located on the base structure <NUM> thereby supporting elements of the flexible display device. The base structure <NUM> may include at least one base layer and at least one barrier layer. In an embodiment, the base structure <NUM> may include a first base layer <NUM>, a first barrier layer <NUM>, a second base layer <NUM>, and a second barrier layer <NUM>.

The first base layer <NUM> may include a material having flexibility and an electrical insulating property. For example, the first base layer <NUM> may be formed of an organic material, such as polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyarylate (PAR), polycarbonate (PC), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PS), or the like. However, a material of the first base layer <NUM> is not limited thereto in embodiments, and any material having flexibility and an electrical insulating property may be used as the material of the first base layer <NUM>.

The first barrier layer <NUM> may be disposed on the first base layer <NUM>. The first barrier layer <NUM> may be formed of an inorganic material. For example, the first barrier layer <NUM> may include a material containing silicon, such as amorphous silicon (a-Si), silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), or the like. The first barrier layer <NUM> may be formed on the first base layer <NUM> that is vulnerable to oxygen and moisture to prevent or substantially prevent the first base layer <NUM> from being damaged, and may prevent or substantially prevent impurities such as oxygen and moisture from being permeated into the flexible display device.

The second base layer <NUM> may be disposed on the first barrier layer <NUM>. The second base layer <NUM> may include a material having flexibility and electrical insulating property. In an embodiment, the second base layer <NUM> may include substantially the same material as that of the first base layer <NUM>, or may have substantially the same thickness as that of the first base layer <NUM>. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and the first base layer <NUM> and the second base layer <NUM> may include a different material or have different thicknesses.

The second barrier layer <NUM> may be disposed on the second base layer <NUM>. The second barrier layer <NUM> may be formed of an inorganic material. In an embodiment, the second barrier layer <NUM> may include substantially a same material as that of the first barrier layer <NUM>, or may have substantially the same thickness as that of the first barrier layer <NUM>. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and the first barrier layer <NUM> and the second barrier layer <NUM> may include different material or have different thicknesses. The second barrier layer <NUM> may be formed on the second base layer <NUM> that is vulnerable to oxygen and moisture to prevent or substantially prevent the second base layer <NUM> from being damaged, and may prevent or substantially prevent impurities such as oxygen and moisture from being permeated into the flexible display device.

The circuit structure <NUM> may be disposed on the base structure <NUM>. The circuit structure <NUM> may provide the display structure <NUM> electrical signals for driving the display structure <NUM>. The circuit structure <NUM> may include at least one transistor and at least one capacitor. For example, the circuit structure <NUM> may include at least a driving transistor T1, a switching transistor T2, and a storage capacitor CST. In an embodiment, the circuit structure <NUM> may include a buffer layer <NUM>, semiconductor layers <NUM> and <NUM>, a first inorganic insulation layer <NUM>, gate electrodes <NUM> and <NUM>, a second inorganic insulation layer <NUM>, a capacitor electrode <NUM>, a third inorganic insulation layer <NUM>, source/drain electrodes <NUM> and <NUM>, and organic insulation layers <NUM> and <NUM>.

The buffer layer <NUM> may be disposed on the base structure <NUM>. The buffer layer <NUM> may prevent or substantially prevent impurities from being permeated through the base structure <NUM>. Further, the buffer layer <NUM> may provide a planarized surface over the buffer layer <NUM>. The buffer layer <NUM> may be formed of an inorganic material, such as silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), or the like. In another embodiment, the buffer layer <NUM> may be omitted.

The semiconductor layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed on the buffer layer <NUM>. The semiconductor layers <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first semiconductor layer <NUM> and a second semiconductor layer <NUM>. The first semiconductor layer <NUM> and the second semiconductor layer <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other. The semiconductor layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed of amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, or the like. In an embodiment, the semiconductor layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed of an oxide semiconductor. Each of the first semiconductor layer <NUM> and the second semiconductor layer <NUM> may include a source region, a drain region, and a channel region located between the source region and the drain region.

The first inorganic insulation layer <NUM> may be disposed on the semiconductor layers <NUM> and <NUM>. The first inorganic insulation layer <NUM> may insulate the gate electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> from the semiconductor layers <NUM> and <NUM>. The first inorganic insulation layer <NUM> may be formed of an inorganic material, such as silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), or the like.

The gate electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed on the first inorganic insulation layer <NUM>. The gate electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first gate electrode <NUM> and a second gate electrode <NUM>. The first gate electrode <NUM> may overlap the first semiconductor layer <NUM>, and the second gate electrode <NUM> may be spaced apart from the first gate electrode <NUM> and overlap the second semiconductor layer <NUM>. The gate electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed of a metal, such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), or the like. The second semiconductor layer <NUM> and the second gate electrode <NUM> that is insulated from the second semiconductor layer <NUM> by the first inorganic insulation layer <NUM> may form the switching transistor T2.

The second inorganic insulation layer <NUM> may be disposed on the gate electrodes <NUM> and <NUM>. The second inorganic insulation layer <NUM> may insulate the capacitor electrode <NUM> from the first gate electrode <NUM>. The second inorganic insulation layer <NUM> may be formed of an inorganic material, such as silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), or the like.

The capacitor electrode <NUM> may be disposed on the second inorganic insulation layer <NUM>. The capacitor electrode <NUM> may overlap the first gate electrode <NUM>. The capacitor electrode <NUM> may be formed of a metal, such as Au, Ag, Cu, Ni, Pt, Pd, Al, Mo, Ti, or the like. The first gate electrode <NUM> and the capacitor electrode <NUM> that is insulated from the first gate electrode <NUM> by the second inorganic insulation layer <NUM> may form the storage capacitor CST.

The third inorganic insulation layer <NUM> may be disposed on the capacitor electrode <NUM>. The third inorganic insulation layer <NUM> may insulate the source/drain electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> from the capacitor electrode <NUM>. The third inorganic insulation layer <NUM> may be formed of an inorganic material, such as silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), or the like.

The source/drain electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed on the third inorganic insulation layer <NUM>. The source/drain electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> may include a source electrode <NUM> and a drain electrode <NUM>. The source electrode <NUM> and the drain electrode <NUM> may be respectively connected to the source region and the drain region of the first semiconductor layer <NUM>. The source/drain electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed of a metal, such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), or the like. The first semiconductor layer <NUM>, the first gate electrode <NUM> that is insulated from the first semiconductor layer <NUM> by the first inorganic insulation layer <NUM>, and the source electrode <NUM> and the drain electrode <NUM> connected to the first semiconductor layer <NUM> may form the driving transistor T1.

In an embodiment, portions of the inorganic insulation layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> inside the bending area BA of the circuit structure <NUM> may be removed, and the organic insulation layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed on the removed portions of the inorganic insulation layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. In an embodiment, a first organic insulation layer <NUM> may be formed on a removed portion of the inorganic insulation layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> inside the first bending area BA1 of the circuit structure <NUM>, and a second organic insulation layer <NUM> may be formed on a removed portion of the inorganic insulation layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> inside the second bending area BA2 of the circuit structure <NUM>. The first organic insulation layer <NUM> and the second organic insulation layer <NUM> may be formed of an organic material, such as a polyimide-based resin, a polyacrylate-based resin, or the like. A flexibility of the bending area BA of the circuit structure <NUM> including the organic insulation layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be greater than a flexibility of the non-bending area NBA of the circuit structure <NUM> including the inorganic insulation layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

The planarization layer <NUM> may be disposed on the circuit structure <NUM>. The planarization layer <NUM> may cover the circuit structure <NUM> to protect the circuit structure <NUM>, and may provide a planarized surface to the display structure <NUM> located on the planarization layer <NUM>. The planarization layer <NUM> may be formed of an organic material, such as a polyimide-based resin, a polyacrylate-based resin, or the like.

The display structure <NUM> may be disposed on the planarization layer <NUM>. The display structure <NUM> may display an image based on electrical signals provided from the circuit structure <NUM>. The display structure <NUM> includes a first electrode <NUM>, a pixel defining layer <NUM>, an emission layer <NUM>, and a second electrode <NUM>.

The first electrode <NUM> may be disposed on the planarization layer <NUM>. The first electrode <NUM> may be connected to the source electrode <NUM> or the drain electrode <NUM> of the driving transistor T1. The first electrode <NUM> may be a transparent electrode or a reflective electrode. In an embodiment, the first electrode <NUM> may include ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In<NUM>O<NUM> when being the transparent electrode, and may include a reflective layer formed of any of Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, and a mixture thereof and a transparent layer formed of ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In<NUM>O<NUM> when being the reflective electrode. In an embodiment, the first electrode <NUM> may have an ITO-Ag-ITO structure.

The pixel defining layer <NUM> is disposed at a periphery of the first electrode <NUM> on the planarization layer <NUM>. In an embodiment, the pixel defining layer <NUM> may cover an edge of the first electrode <NUM>, and includes an opening that exposes a center portion of the first electrode <NUM>. The pixel defining layer <NUM> may be located at a periphery of the first electrode <NUM> to define an emission area, and may space the second electrode <NUM> from the first electrode <NUM> to prevent or substantially prevent an arc or the like from occurring between the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM>. The pixel defining layer <NUM> may be formed of an organic material, such as a polyimide-based resin, a polyacrylate-based resin, or the like.

The emission layer <NUM> may be disposed on the first electrode <NUM>. In an embodiment, the emission layer <NUM> may be disposed on a center portion of the first electrode <NUM> inside the opening of the pixel defining layer <NUM>. Holes and electrons respectively provided from the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> may be combined at the emission layer <NUM> to form excitons, and light may be generated from the emission layer <NUM> when the excitons are changed from an excited state to a ground state. In an embodiment, a hole injection layer (HIL) and/or a hole transport layer (HTL) may be disposed between the first electrode <NUM> and the emission layer <NUM>, and an electron transport layer (ETL) and/or an electron injection layer (EIL) may be disposed on the emission layer <NUM>.

The second electrode <NUM> may be disposed on the emission layer <NUM>. The second electrode <NUM> may be a transparent electrode or a reflective electrode. In an embodiment, the second electrode <NUM> may include ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In<NUM>O<NUM> when being the transparent electrode, and may include a reflective layer formed of any of Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, and a mixture thereof and a transparent layer formed of ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In<NUM>O<NUM> when being the reflective electrode. The first electrode <NUM>, the emission layer <NUM>, and the second electrode <NUM> may form an organic light emitting diode OLED.

The encapsulation structure <NUM> may be disposed on the display structure <NUM>. The encapsulation structure <NUM> may cover the display structure <NUM> to protect the display structure <NUM>. In an embodiment, the encapsulation structure <NUM> may be formed in the display area DA, and may not be formed in the non-display area NDA. The encapsulation structure <NUM> may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer. In an embodiment, the encapsulation structure <NUM> may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM>, an organic encapsulation layer <NUM>, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM>.

The first inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> may cover the second electrode <NUM>. The first inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> may be formed along a profile of a structure disposed thereunder. In an embodiment, the first inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> may be formed of silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy). However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and, in another embodiment, the first inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> may be formed of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, nickel oxide, or the like.

The organic encapsulation layer <NUM> may be disposed on the first inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM>. The organic encapsulation layer <NUM> may have a relatively large thickness, and an upper surface of the organic encapsulation layer <NUM> may be substantially planarized inside the display area DA. The organic encapsulation layer <NUM> may be formed of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyimide, polyethylene sulfonate, polyoxymethylene, polyarylate, hexamehyldisiloxane, or the like.

The second inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> may be disposed on the organic encapsulation layer <NUM> and covering the organic encapsulation layer <NUM>. The second inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> may be formed along a profile of the upper surface of the organic encapsulation layer <NUM>. In an embodiment, the second inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> may be formed of silicon nitride (SiNx). However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and, in another embodiment, the second inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> may be formed of silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, nickel oxide, or the like. In an embodiment, each of the first inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> and the second inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> may have an area greater than that of the organic encapsulation layer <NUM>, and the first inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> and the second inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> may be in contact with each other outside the organic encapsulation layer <NUM>. In other words, the organic encapsulation layer <NUM> may not be exposed by the first inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> and the second inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the grooves GR1 and GR2 corresponding to the bending area BA may be formed in the planarization layer <NUM> and the pixel defining layer <NUM>. In an embodiment, the grooves GR1 and GR2 may pass through an entirety of a thickness of the pixel defining layer <NUM> and at least a portion of a thickness of the planarization layer <NUM> inside the bending area BA. A first groove GR1 may be formed in the first bending area BA1, and a second groove GR2 may be formed in the second bending area BA2. The first groove GR1 may not overlap the first electrode <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the grooves GR1 and GR2 passing through the pixel defining layer <NUM> and at least a portion of the planarization layer <NUM> may be formed by photolithography, laser drilling, or the like, in the bending area BA of the flexible display device in which the pixel defining layer <NUM> is formed, and the second electrode <NUM> and the encapsulation structure <NUM> may be formed in the display area DA on the pixel defining layer <NUM>.

In an embodiment, a portion of the second electrode <NUM> and a portion of the encapsulation structure <NUM> which are disposed on the pixel defining layer <NUM> may be located inside the first groove GR1. As illustrated in <FIG>, the second electrode <NUM> and the encapsulation structure <NUM> may sequentially cover the first groove GR1. Accordingly, for example, a portion of the second electrode <NUM>, a portion of the first inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM>, and a portion of the organic encapsulation layer <NUM> may be located inside the first groove GR1. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and, in an embodiment, a portion of the second inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> may be additionally located inside the first groove GR1.

In an embodiment, a height of a portion of the second inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> inside the first groove GR1 may be lower than a height of another portion of the second inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> outside the first groove GR1. For example, a height of a lower surface of the second inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> inside the first groove GR1 from the base structure <NUM> may be lower than a height of a lower surface of the second inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> outside the first groove GR1 from the base structure <NUM>. The first inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> may be formed along a profile of a structure disposed thereunder; therefore, the first inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> may be formed along a profile of the first groove GR1 inside the first bending area BA1. The organic encapsulation layer <NUM> may provide a substantially planarized upper surface; however, in an embodiment, a height of an upper surface of the organic encapsulation layer <NUM> inside the first groove GR1 may be lower than a height of an upper surface of the organic encapsulation layer <NUM> outside the first groove GR1 due to the first groove GR1. Accordingly, a height of a portion of the second inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> inside the first groove GR1 which is formed along the upper surface of the organic encapsulation layer <NUM> may be lower than a height of another portion of the second inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> outside the first groove GR1.

When a bending area of a flexible display device according to a comparative example of the prior art in which a groove is not formed is bent, cracks may be formed in a second inorganic encapsulation layer away from a stress neutral plane, or the second inorganic encapsulation layer may be detached from an organic encapsulation layer. However, when the first bending area BA1 of the flexible display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure in which the first groove GR1 is formed is bent, the second inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> inside the first bending area BA1 may be located at or near the stress neutral plane due to the first groove GR1, therefore, generation of cracks in the second inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> or detachment of the second inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> from the organic encapsulation layer <NUM> may be prevented or substantially prevented. Further, a contact area between the second electrode <NUM> and the first inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> may increase due to the first groove GR1; therefore, the attachment between the display structure <NUM> and the encapsulation structure <NUM> may increase. Further, a flexible display device in which the first bending area BA1 is bent with a relatively low curvature may be formed.

In an embodiment, the second groove GR2 may be exposed. Accordingly, a thickness of the organic layer including the planarization layer <NUM> and the pixel defining layer <NUM> inside the second bending area BA2 may be less than a thickness of the organic layer including the planarization layer <NUM> and the pixel defining layer <NUM> inside the non-bending area NBA adjacent to the second bending area BA2. When the second bending area BA2 of the flexible display device according to the present embodiment in which the second groove GR2 is formed is bent, a stress applied to the second bending area BA2 may decrease due to the decrease of a thickness of the organic layer including the planarization layer <NUM> and the pixel defining layer <NUM> inside the second bending area BA2. Further, a flexible display device in which the second bending area BA2 is bent with a relatively low curvature may be formed.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a flexible display device according to an embodiment. <FIG> may illustrate an example of the flexible display device taken along the line IV-IV' and the line V-V' in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a flexible display device according to an embodiment may include a base structure <NUM>, a circuit structure <NUM>, a planarization layer <NUM>, a display structure <NUM>, and an encapsulation structure <NUM>. An organic layer <NUM> may be disposed over the circuit structure <NUM>, and the organic layer <NUM> may have grooves GR1 and GR2 corresponding to the bending area BA. Descriptions of elements of the flexible display device described with reference to <FIG> which are substantially the same as or similar to those of the flexible display device described above with reference to <FIG> may not be repeated.

In an embodiment, the grooves GR1 and GR2 corresponding to the bending area BA may be formed in the pixel defining layer <NUM>. The grooves GR1 and GR2 may pass through at least a portion of a thickness of the pixel defining layer <NUM> inside the bending area BA. A first groove GR1 may be formed in the first bending area BA1, and a second groove GR2 may be formed in the second bending area BA2. The first groove GR1 may overlap or may not overlap the first electrode <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the grooves GR1 and GR2 passing through at least a portion of the pixel defining layer <NUM> may be formed by photolithography, laser drilling, or the like, in the bending area BA of the flexible display device in which the pixel defining layer <NUM> is formed, and the second electrode <NUM> and the encapsulation structure <NUM> may be formed in the display area DA on the pixel defining layer <NUM>.

In an embodiment, a portion of the second electrode <NUM> and a portion of the encapsulation structure <NUM> which are disposed on the pixel defining layer <NUM> may be located inside the first groove GR1. As illustrated in <FIG>, a portion of the second electrode <NUM> and a portion of the first inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> may be located inside the first groove GR1.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a flexible display device according to an embodiment not covered by the claimed invention. <FIG> may illustrate an example of the flexible display device taken along the line IV-IV' and the line V-V' in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a flexible display device may include a base structure <NUM>, a circuit structure <NUM>, a planarization layer <NUM>, a display structure <NUM>, and an encapsulation structure <NUM>. A second base layer <NUM> including an organic material may be disposed under the circuit structure <NUM>, and the second base layer <NUM> may have grooves GR1 and GR2 corresponding to the bending area BA. Descriptions of elements of the flexible display device described with reference to <FIG> which are substantially the same as or similar to those of the flexible display device described above with reference to <FIG> may not be repeated.

The grooves GR1 and GR2 corresponding to the bending area BA may be formed in the second base layer <NUM> and the second barrier layer <NUM> of the base structure <NUM>. In an embodiment, the grooves GR1 and GR2 may pass through an entirety of a thickness of the inorganic insulation layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, an entirety of a thickness of the second barrier layer <NUM>, and at least a portion of a thickness of the second base layer <NUM> inside the bending area BA. A first groove GR1 may be formed in the first bending area BA1, and a second groove GR2 may be formed in the second bending area BA2. The first groove GR1 does not overlap the first electrode <NUM>.

The grooves GR1 and GR2 may be filled with an organic material. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the organic insulation layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be respectively disposed inside the grooves GR1 and GR2 such that the grooves GR1 and GR2 may be filled with an organic material.

The grooves GR1 and GR2 passing through the inorganic insulation layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the second barrier layer <NUM>, and at least a portion of the second base layer <NUM> may be formed by photolithography, laser drilling, or the like, in the bending area BA of the flexible display device in which the inorganic insulation layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are formed, and the organic insulation layers <NUM> and <NUM> respectively filling the grooves GR1 and GR2 with an organic material may be formed.

In a flexible display device according to a comparative example of the prior art in which a groove is not formed in a base structure, the flexible display device may include a second barrier layer formed of an inorganic material inside a bending area such that a stress of the base structure due to bending may increase. However, in the flexible display device, the grooves GR1 and GR2 may be formed in the second barrier layer <NUM> and the second base layer <NUM> inside the bending area BA of the base structure <NUM>, and the grooves GR1 and GR2 may be filled with an organic material, such that a stress of the base structure <NUM> due to bending may be decreased. In an embodiment, the grooves GR1 and GR2 may not be formed in the first barrier layer <NUM> such that the first barrier layer <NUM> formed of inorganic material may be located on the first base layer <NUM> formed of an organic material. Therefore, permeation of impurities such as oxygen and moisture into the flexible display device through the first base layer <NUM> may be prevented or substantially prevented.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a flexible display device t may include a base structure <NUM>, a circuit structure <NUM>, a planarization layer <NUM>, a display structure <NUM>, and an encapsulation structure <NUM>. First and second base layers <NUM> and <NUM> including an organic layer may be disposed under the circuit structure <NUM>, and the first and second base layers <NUM> and <NUM> may have grooves GR1 and GR2 corresponding to the bending area BA. Descriptions of elements of the flexible display device described with reference to <FIG> which are substantially the same as or similar to those of the flexible display device described with reference to <FIG> may not be repeated.

In an embodiment, the grooves GR1 and GR2 corresponding to the bending area BA may be formed in the first base layer <NUM>, the first barrier layer <NUM>, the second base layer <NUM>, and the second barrier layer <NUM> of the base structure <NUM>. In an embodiment, the grooves GR1 and GR2 may pass through an entirety of a thickness of the buffer layer <NUM>, an entirety of a thickness of the second barrier layer <NUM>, an entirety of a thickness of the second base layer <NUM>, an entirety of a thickness of the first barrier layer <NUM>, and at least a portion of a thickness of the first base layer <NUM> inside the bending area BA. A first groove GR1 may be formed in the first bending area BA1, and a second groove GR2 may be formed in the second bending area BA2. The first groove GR1 may overlap or may not overlap the first electrode <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first inorganic insulation layer <NUM> and the second inorganic insulation layer <NUM> may cover the grooves GR1 and GR2, and the grooves GR1 and GR2 may be filled with an organic material. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the first inorganic insulation layer <NUM> and the second inorganic insulation layer <NUM> may sequentially cover the grooves GR1 and GR2, and the organic insulation layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed on the second inorganic insulation layer <NUM> such that the grooves GR1 and GR2 respectively covered by the first inorganic insulation layer <NUM> and the second inorganic insulation layer <NUM> may be filled with an organic material. Further, the third inorganic insulation layer <NUM> may cover the organic insulation layers <NUM> and <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the grooves GR1 and GR2 passing through the buffer layer <NUM>, the second barrier layer <NUM>, the second base layer <NUM>, the first barrier layer <NUM>, and at least a portion of the first base layer <NUM> may be formed by photolithography, laser drilling, or the like, in the bending area BA of the flexible display device in which the buffer layer <NUM> is formed, and the first inorganic insulation layer <NUM> and the second inorganic insulation layer <NUM> may be sequentially formed on the buffer layer <NUM>. Then, the organic insulation layers <NUM> and <NUM> respectively filling the grooves GR1 and GR2 on the second inorganic insulation layer <NUM> with an organic material may be formed, and the third inorganic insulation layer <NUM> covering the organic insulation layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed on the second inorganic insulation layer <NUM>.

In a flexible display device according to a comparative example of the prior art in which a groove is not formed in a base structure, the flexible display device may include a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer formed of an inorganic material inside a bending area such that a stress of the base structure due to bending may increase. However, in the flexible display device according to the present embodiment, the grooves GR1 and GR2 may be formed in the second barrier layer <NUM>, the second base layer <NUM>, the first barrier layer <NUM>, and the first base layer <NUM> inside the bending area BA of the base structure <NUM>, and the grooves GR1 and GR2 may be filled with an organic material, such that a stress of the base structure <NUM> due to bending may be decreased. Further, although the grooves GR1 and GR2 are formed in the first barrier layer <NUM> and the second barrier layer <NUM>, the first inorganic insulation layer <NUM> and the second inorganic insulation layer <NUM> formed of an inorganic material may be located on the first base layer <NUM> formed of an organic material. Therefore, permeation of impurities such as oxygen and moisture into the flexible display device through the first base layer <NUM> may be prevented or substantially prevented.

<FIG> is a plan view illustrating a region VIII in <FIG>; and <FIG> is a plan view illustrating a region IX in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, in an embodiment, a plurality of grooves GR1 and GR2 may be formed inside the bending area BA. For example, a plurality of first grooves GR1 may be formed in the first bending area BA1, and a plurality of second grooves GR2 may be formed in the second bending area BA2.

The grooves GR1 and GR2 may have any of various planar shapes, such as a line shape, a dot shape, etc. In an embodiment, the first groove GR1 located in the first bending area BA1 may have a dot shape, and the second groove GR2 located in the second bending area BA2 may have a line shape. For example, the first grooves GR1 having the dot shapes may be arranged along the first direction D1 and the third direction D3, and the second grooves GR2 having the line shapes may be extended in the first direction D1 and arranged along the third direction D3. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and, in another embodiment, the first groove GR1 may have another shape, such as a line shape, etc., and the second groove GR2 may have another shape, such as a dot shape, etc..

The grooves GR1 and GR2 may be substantially uniformly arranged or unevenly arranged inside the bending area BA. The grooves GR1 and GR2 are shown substantially uniformly arranged inside the bending area BA in <FIG> and <FIG>; however, the grooves GR1 and GR2 may be unevenly arranged inside the bending area BA. In an embodiment, for example, the grooves GR1 and GR2 may be relatively densely disposed in a stressed portion in the bending area BA, and the grooves GR1 and GR2 may be relatively sparsely disposed in a less-stressed portion in the bending area BA. In other words, the number of the grooves GR1 and GR2 per a unit area may be relatively large in the stressed portion in the bending area BA, and the number of the grooves GR1 and GR2 per the unit area may be relatively small in the less-stressed portion in the bending area BA.

As discussed, embodiments provide a flexible display device including a non-bending area and a bending area, the flexible display device comprising: a circuit structure; a display structure over the circuit structure; and an organic layer under or over the circuit structure, the organic layer comprising a groove corresponding to the bending area.

The flexible display device further comprises a planarization layer between the circuit structure and the display structure, wherein the display structure comprises: a first electrode over the planarization layer; a pixel defining layer at a periphery of the first electrode on the planarization layer; an emission layer over the first electrode; and a second electrode over the emission layer, and wherein the organic layer comprises the planarization layer and/or the pixel defining layer.

The flexible display device may further comprise an encapsulation structure on the display structure, wherein a portion of the encapsulation structure is disposed inside (e.g. within) the groove. The encapsulation structure may comprise: a first inorganic encapsulation layer on the display structure; an organic encapsulation layer over the first inorganic encapsulation layer; and a second inorganic encapsulation layer over the organic encapsulation layer, and wherein a height of a first portion of the second inorganic encapsulation layer inside the groove is lower than a height of a second portion of the second inorganic encapsulation layer outside the groove.

The flexible display device may comprise a base structure under the circuit structure, wherein the base structure comprises: a first base layer; a first barrier layer over the first base layer; a second base layer over the first barrier layer; and a second barrier layer between the second base layer and the circuit structure, and wherein the organic layer comprises the second base layer. An organic material may be disposed in the groove.

In some embodiments, the flexible display device comprises: a base structure, wherein the circuit structure is over the base structure; a planarization layer over the circuit structure; a first electrode over the planarization layer; a pixel defining layer at a periphery of the first electrode on the planarization layer; an emission layer on the first electrode; and a second electrode on the emission layer, wherein the organic layer comprises at least the pixel defining layer.

In embodiments, the flexible display device according to embodiments may be applied to a display device included in a computer, a notebook, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a smart pad, a PMP, a PDA, an MP3 player, or the like.

Claim 1:
A flexible display device including a non-bending area (NBA) and a bending area (BA), the flexible display device comprising:
a circuit structure (<NUM>);
a display structure (<NUM>) over the circuit structure (<NUM>);
an organic layer over the circuit structure (<NUM>), the organic layer comprising a groove (GR1, GR2) corresponding to the bending area (BA);
a planarization layer (<NUM>) between the circuit structure (<NUM>) and the display structure (<NUM>),
wherein the display structure (<NUM>) comprises at least one light emitting element (OLED), each light emitting element comprising:
a first electrode (<NUM>) over the planarization layer (<NUM>);
an emission layer (<NUM>) over the first electrode (<NUM>); and
a second electrode (<NUM>) over the emission layer (<NUM>),
wherein the display structure (<NUM>) further comprises a pixel defining layer (<NUM>) at a periphery of the first electrode (<NUM>) on the planarization layer (<NUM>), the pixel defining layer (<NUM>) comprising an opening exposing a center portion of the first electrode (<NUM>);
wherein the organic layer comprises the pixel defining layer (<NUM>), and the groove (GR1, GR2) is defined in at least the pixel defining layer (<NUM>),
wherein the groove (GR1, GR2) does not overlap the first electrode (<NUM>) of any of the at least one light emitting elements in plan view.