Patent Description:
A display device is a device for displaying images, and recently, an organic light emitting display device has been receiving attention. The organic light emitting display device is a self-luminous display device. Unlike a liquid crystal display device, the organic light emitting display device may not require a separate light source, and thus, thickness and weight can be reduced. Further, the organic light emitting display device may exhibit high quality characteristics such as low power consumption, high luminance, fast response speeds, and the like.

<CIT> discloses a light-emitting diode matrix comprising a substrate, first and second electrodes electrically insulated from each other formed in or on the substrate, and a first organic layer on the first electrode and a second organic layer on the second electrode. The first organic layer is separated from the second organic layer by separator means. Further, the light-emitting diode matrix comprises a cap electrode with an area disposed on the first organic layer and an area disposed on the second organic layer. The areas of the cap electrode are connected in an electrically conductive way via an area of the cap electrode disposed on the separator means.

<CIT> discloses an organic light-emitting display apparatus including a flexible substrate.

<CIT> discloses an organic light-emitting display including a substrate, an insulating layer on the substrate, the substrate and the insulating layer having an opening therethrough penetrating, a pixel array on the insulating layer, the pixel array including a plurality of pixels that surround the opening, a first pixel adjacent to the opening from among the plurality of pixels includes a pixel electrode layer, an intermediate layer on the pixel electrode layer, and an opposite electrode layer on the intermediate layer, and a stepped portion on the substrate and adjacent to the opening, the stepped portion having an under-cut step.

<CIT> discloses a method of manufacturing an organic light emitting display apparatus which includes a through-hole penetrating the substrate from the first surface to the second surface.

<CIT>, falling within the terms of Article <NUM>(<NUM>) EPC, discloses a display panel (<NUM>) that includes: a base substrate (<NUM>) including a front surface and a rear surface, and a display area (DA) and a periphery area (NDA) adjacent to the display area (DA) when viewed in a plane; a pixel layer including a plurality of pixels in the display area (DA); and a cover layer on the base substrate (<NUM>) and including an inorganic material, and the base substrate (<NUM>) includes: a module hole (MH) defined in the display area (DA) and passing through the front surface and the rear surface of the base substrate (<NUM>); and a blocking groove (BR) adjacent to the module hole (MH) and recessed from the front surface of the base substrate (<NUM>), and the cover layer includes a passing-through portion covering the front surface of the base substrate (<NUM>) and overlapping the blocking groove (BR).

Embodiments are directed to an organic light emitting display device including a flexible substrate having a groove, the groove being undercut, a common layer on the flexible substrate, the common layer including an organic light emitting layer and being disconnected by the groove, and an encapsulation member on the common layer, the encapsulation member covering the common layer.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an organic light emitting display device as set-out in claim <NUM>. Optional features of this aspect of the invention are set-out in claims <NUM> to <NUM>. A further aspect of the invention provides a method of manufacturing an organic light emitting display device as set-out in claim <NUM>. Optional features of this aspect of the invention are set-out in claims <NUM> and <NUM>.

In an embodiment, a laser absorption rate of the first plastic layer may be greater than a laser absorption rate of the first barrier layer.

In an embodiment, the groove may be formed to correspond to an entirety of a thickness of the first barrier layer and a portion of a thickness of the first plastic layer.

In an embodiment, the flexible substrate may include a second plastic layer on the first barrier layer and a second barrier layer on the second plastic layer. The second plastic layer may be undercut at the groove with respect to the second barrier layer.

In an embodiment, a laser absorption rate of the second plastic layer may be greater than a laser absorption rate of the second barrier layer.

In an embodiment, a width of the groove at the second barrier layer may be greater than a width of the groove at the first barrier layer.

In an embodiment, each of the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer may include at least one of polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyarylate, polycarbonate (PC), polyetherimide (PEI), and polyether sulfone (PES).

In an embodiment, each of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer may include at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and amorphous silicon.

In an embodiment, the common layer may include a first portion disposed outside the groove and a second portion disposed inside the groove. The first portion and the second portion may be disconnected from each other.

In an embodiment, the encapsulation member may cover the first portion of the common layer, the second portion of the common layer, and a surface of the flexible substrate that is exposed by the groove.

In an embodiment, the encapsulation member may include at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer.

In an embodiment, the at least one inorganic layer may cover a surface of the flexible substrate that is exposed by the groove.

In an embodiment, the at least one organic layer may be disposed outside the groove.

In an embodiment, the encapsulation member may include a first inorganic layer on the common layer, a second inorganic layer on the first inorganic layer, and an organic layer between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer.

In an embodiment, the peripheral area may be disposed between the display area and the through area.

In an embodiment, the peripheral area may surround the through area, and the display area may surround the peripheral area.

In an embodiment, forming the flexible substrate may further include forming a second plastic layer on the first barrier and forming a second barrier layer on the second plastic layer. The groove may be integrally formed in the first plastic layer, the first barrier layer, the second plastic layer, and the second barrier layer.

In an embodiment, the groove may be formed by irradiating a laser to the flexible substrate.

In an embodiment, the method may further include attaching an upper protective film on the encapsulation member before separating the carrier substrate and removing the upper protective film before forming the polarizing member.

In an embodiment, the method may further include forming a through hole passing through the lower protective film, the flexible substrate, the common layer, the encapsulation member, and the polarizing member.

At least some of the above features that accord with the invention and other features according to the invention are set out in the claims.

Features of the invention will be made more apparent to those of skill in the art by describing in detail example embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings in which:.

Example embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, the invention may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will convey example implementations to those skilled in the art. In the drawing figures, the dimensions of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. In addition, it will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "between" two layers, it can be the only layer between the two layers, or one or more intervening layers may also be present.

Hereinafter, a planar structure of an organic light emitting display device according to an example embodiment will be explained with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are plan views illustrating an organic light emitting display device according to an example embodiment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an organic light emitting display device <NUM> according to the claimed invention includes a display area DA, a through area TA, and a peripheral area PA. An image may be displayed from the display area DA. A plurality of pixels each emitting light may be disposed in the display area DA to display an image.

The through area TA may be an area for disposing, for example, a camera, a sensor, a speaker, or the like, which is included in the organic light emitting display device <NUM>. The through area TA may be provided by, for example forming a through hole corresponding to the through area TA after forming insulation layers, conductive layers, organic layers, or the like on a substrate. The formation of the through hole will be explained in detail below.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the through area TA having a substantially circular shape, however, the present embodiment is not limited thereto. The through area TA may have a shape such as, for example, a polygonal shape including a square, a triangle, etc..

The peripheral area PA may be located between the display area DA and the through area TA. The peripheral area PA may surround the through area TA. In an implementation, the display area DA may surround the peripheral area PA. A driving circuit for supplying driving signals, e.g., a data signal and a gate signal, to the pixels may be disposed in the peripheral area PA.

Hereinafter, a through hole and a groove formed in the organic light emitting display device according to an example embodiment will be explained with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> is a plan view illustrating a region A in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view cut along a line I-I' in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a through hole TH and a groove GR are formed in the organic light emitting display device <NUM> according to an embodiment. The through area TA may be defined by the through hole TH. The groove GR is formed in the peripheral area PA.

The groove GR may be located between the display area DA and the through area TA. The groove GR may have a shape surrounding the through hole TH. A depth of the through hole TH may correspond to an entirety of a thickness of the organic light emitting display device <NUM>. A depth of the groove GR may correspond to a portion of the thickness of the organic light emitting display device <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate that one groove GR is disposed in the peripheral area PA, however, the present embodiment is not limited thereto. In an implementation, a plurality of grooves GR surrounding the through hole TH may be formed in the peripheral area PA.

Hereinafter, a cross-sectional structure of the organic light emitting display device will be explained in detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a region B in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, an organic light emitting display device <NUM> according to an embodiment includes a flexible substrate <NUM>, a common layer <NUM>, and an encapsulation member <NUM>.

The flexible substrate <NUM> includes a first plastic layer <NUM> and a first barrier layer <NUM>. The first plastic layer <NUM> may be formed of, for example, a plastic material having high heat resistance and high durability such as polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyarylate, polycarbonate (PC), polyetherimide (PEI) or polyether sulfone (PES).

Moisture or oxygen may more easily penetrate through the first plastic layer <NUM> formed of the plastic material than a glass substrate. Thus, an organic light emitting layer that is vulnerable to moisture or oxygen may be degraded when moisture or oxygen permeates through the first plastic layer <NUM>, which may reduce the lifespan of an organic light emitting element. In order to prevent the penetration of oxygen and moisture, the first barrier layer <NUM> may be formed on the first plastic layer <NUM>.

The first barrier layer <NUM> may be formed of, for example, an inorganic material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or amorphous silicon. A water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the first barrier layer <NUM> may be less than or equal to about <NUM>-<NUM>/m<NUM> day.

The groove GR is formed in the flexible substrate <NUM>. The groove GR is formed in the peripheral area PA. The groove GR may correspond to a portion of a thickness of the flexible substrate <NUM>. For example, the groove GR may correspond to an entirety of a thickness of the first barrier layer <NUM> and a portion of a thickness of the first plastic layer <NUM>.

The groove GR has an undercut shape. As shown in <FIG>, the first plastic layer <NUM> is undercut with respect to the first barrier layer <NUM> at the groove GR. Thus, the first barrier layer <NUM> protrudes laterally with respect to the first plastic layer <NUM> at the groove GR. Thus, a width of the groove GR at the first plastic layer <NUM> may be greater than a width of the groove GR at the first barrier layer <NUM>.

The common layer <NUM> is disposed on the flexible substrate <NUM>. The common layer <NUM> includes an organic light emitting layer.

The common layer <NUM> is disconnected by the groove GR. The disconnection of the common layer <NUM> may help prevent lateral infiltration of impurities along the interface of the common layer <NUM>. The common layer <NUM> may include a first portion 140a disposed outside the groove GR and a second portion 140b disposed inside the groove GR. For example, the first portion 140a may be disposed on the first barrier layer <NUM> outside the groove GR. Further, the second portion 140b may be disposed on the first plastic layer <NUM> inside the groove GR.

The first portion 140a and the second portion 140b of the common layer <NUM> may be disconnected from each other. The first portion 140a and the second portion 140b of the common layer <NUM> may be disconnected by an undercut shape and a depth of the groove GR.

The encapsulation member <NUM> covering the common layer <NUM> is disposed thereon. The encapsulation member <NUM> may be formed of, for example, an inorganic material such as aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon carbide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, zinc oxide, or the like.

The encapsulation member <NUM> may cover the first portion 140a and the second portion 140b of the common layer <NUM>, and a surface of the flexible substrate <NUM> that is exposed by the groove GR. For example, the encapsulation member <NUM> may cover an upper surface and a sidewall of the first portion 140a of the common layer <NUM> and an upper surface and a sidewall of the second portion 140b of the common layer <NUM>. The encapsulation member <NUM> may further cover an upper surface and a sidewall of the first plastic layer <NUM> and a lower surface and a sidewall of the first barrier layer <NUM> that are exposed by the groove GR.

Hereinafter, a cross-sectional structure of the organic light emitting display device according to an example embodiment will be explained in detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating an organic light emitting display device according to an example embodiment.

The example embodiment illustrated in <FIG> is substantially the same as the example embodiment illustrated in <FIG> except for elements of the flexible substrate, so redundant explanations may be omitted.

The flexible substrate <NUM> may include a first plastic layer <NUM>, a first barrier layer <NUM>, a second plastic layer <NUM>, and a second barrier layer <NUM>. The second plastic layer <NUM> may be formed of, for example, a plastic material having high heat resistance and high durability such as polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyarylate, polycarbonate (PC), polyetherimide (PEI) or polyether sulfone (PES).

The second barrier layer <NUM> may be disposed on the second plastic layer <NUM>. The second barrier layer <NUM> may be formed of, for example, an inorganic material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or amorphous silicon. A water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the second barrier layer <NUM> may be less than or equal to about <NUM>-<NUM>/m<NUM> day.

The groove GR is formed in the flexible substrate <NUM>. The groove GR may correspond to an entirety of a thickness of the second barrier layer <NUM>, an entirety of a thickness of the second plastic layer <NUM>, an entirety of a thickness of the first barrier layer <NUM>, and a portion of a thickness of the first plastic layer <NUM>.

The groove GR has an undercut shape. For example, the second plastic layer <NUM> may be undercut with respect to the second barrier layer <NUM> at the groove GR. Thus, the second barrier layer <NUM> may protrude laterally with respect to the second plastic layer <NUM> at the groove GR. Thus, a width of the groove GR at the second plastic layer <NUM> may be greater than a width of the groove GR at the second barrier layer <NUM>.

A width of the groove GR may decrease from top to bottom of the flexible substrate <NUM>. For example, a width W2 of the groove GR at the second barrier layer <NUM> may be greater than a width W1 of the groove GR at the first barrier layer <NUM>. Further, a width of the groove GR at the second plastic layer <NUM> may be greater than a width of the groove GR at the first plastic layer <NUM>.

The common layer <NUM> may include a first portion 240a disposed outside the groove GR and a second portion 240b disposed inside the groove GR. For example, the first portion 240a may be disposed on the second barrier layer <NUM> outside the groove GR. Further, a portion of the second portion 240b may be disposed on the first barrier layer <NUM> inside the groove GR, and another portion of the second portion 240b may be disposed on the first plastic layer <NUM> inside the groove GR.

The encapsulation member <NUM> may cover an upper surface and a sidewall of the first portion 240a of the common layer <NUM> and an upper surface and a sidewall of the second portion 240b of the common layer <NUM>. The encapsulation member <NUM> may cover an upper surface and a sidewall of the first plastic layer <NUM>, a lower surface, a sidewall, and an upper surface of the first barrier layer <NUM>, a sidewall of the second plastic layer <NUM>, and a lower surface and a sidewall of the second barrier layer <NUM> which are exposed by the groove GR.

Hereinafter, a cross-sectional structure of an organic light emitting display device according to an example embodiment will be explained in detail with reference to <FIG>.

The example embodiment illustrated in <FIG> is substantially the same as the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> except for further including a lower structure, so redundant explanations may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, an organic light emitting display device <NUM> according to an example embodiment may include a flexible substrate <NUM>, a lower structure <NUM>, a common layer <NUM>, and an encapsulation member <NUM>.

The lower structure <NUM> may be disposed between the flexible substrate <NUM> and the common layer <NUM>. A groove GR may be formed in the lower structure <NUM> and the flexible substrate <NUM>. The groove GR may correspond to an entirety of a thickness of the lower structure <NUM>, an entirety of a thickness of the second barrier layer <NUM>, an entirety of a thickness of the second plastic layer <NUM>, an entirety of a thickness of the first barrier layer <NUM>, and a portion of a thickness of the first plastic layer <NUM>.

The lower structure <NUM> may include a plurality of inorganic layers. Detailed elements of the lower structure <NUM> will be explained with reference to <FIG> below.

The common layer <NUM> may include a first portion 340a disposed outside the groove GR and a second portion 340b disposed inside the groove GR. For example, the first portion 340a may be disposed on the lower structure <NUM> outside the groove GR. Further, a portion of the second portion 340b may be disposed on the second barrier layer <NUM> inside the groove GR, another portion of the second portion 340b may be disposed on the first barrier layer <NUM> inside the groove GR, and still another portion of the second portion 340b may be disposed on the first plastic layer <NUM> inside the groove GR.

The encapsulation member <NUM> may cover an upper surface and a sidewall of the first portion 340a of the common layer <NUM>, and an upper surface and a sidewall of the second portion 340b of the common layer <NUM>. The encapsulation member <NUM> may further cover an upper surface and a sidewall of the first plastic layer <NUM>, a lower surface, a sidewall, and an upper surface of the first barrier layer <NUM>, a sidewall of the second plastic layer <NUM>, a lower surface and a sidewall of the second barrier layer <NUM>, and a sidewall of the lower structure <NUM> that are exposed by the groove GR.

The example embodiment illustrated in <FIG> is substantially the same as the example embodiment illustrated in <FIG> except for elements of the encapsulation member, so redundant explanations may be omitted.

The encapsulation member <NUM> may include, for example, at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer. For example, the encapsulation member <NUM> may include a first inorganic layer <NUM>, an organic layer <NUM>, and a second inorganic layer <NUM>.

The first inorganic layer <NUM> may be disposed on the common layer <NUM>. The second inorganic layer <NUM> may be disposed on the first inorganic layer <NUM>. Each of the first inorganic layer <NUM> and the second inorganic layer <NUM> may be formed of, for example, an inorganic material such as aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon carbide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, zinc oxide, or the like.

The organic layer <NUM> may be disposed between the first inorganic layer <NUM> and the second inorganic layer <NUM>. The organic layer <NUM> may be formed of, for example, an organic material such as epoxy, polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polyacrylate, or the like.

The at least one inorganic layer of the encapsulation member <NUM> may cover a surface of the flexible substrate <NUM> that is exposed by the groove GR. For example, the first inorganic layer <NUM> and the second inorganic layer <NUM> may extend from an outside of the groove GR to an inside of the groove GR along a shape of the groove GR. In this case, the first inorganic layer <NUM> may cover a surface of the first plastic layer <NUM>, a surface of the first barrier layer <NUM>, a surface of the second plastic layer <NUM>, a surface of the second barrier layer <NUM>, the second portion 440b of the common layer <NUM>, and a surface of the lower structure <NUM> which are exposed by the groove GR along the shape of the groove GR. Further, the second inorganic layer <NUM> may cover the first inorganic layer <NUM> along the shape thereof.

The at least one organic layer of the encapsulation member <NUM> may be disposed outside the groove GR. Thus, the at least one organic layer may not be disposed inside the groove GR. For example, the organic layer <NUM> may be selectively disposed outside the groove GR.

Hereinafter, the lower structure <NUM> and the common layer <NUM> in the display area DA and the peripheral area PA will be explained in detail.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a region C in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a region D in <FIG>. For example, <FIG> may illustrate one pixel of the organic light emitting display device.

Referring to <FIG>, an organic light emitting display device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a flexible substrate <NUM>, a lower structure <NUM>, a thin film transistor <NUM>, a common layer <NUM>, and an encapsulation member <NUM>.

The lower structure <NUM> may include a buffer layer <NUM>, a gate insulation layer <NUM>, an insulation interlayer <NUM>, a planarization layer <NUM>, a pixel electrode <NUM>, and a pixel defining layer <NUM>. The thin film transistor <NUM> may include an active pattern <NUM>, a gate electrode <NUM>, a source electrode <NUM>, and a drain electrode <NUM>.

The buffer layer <NUM> may be disposed on the flexible substrate <NUM>. The buffer layer <NUM> may reduce or block penetration of impurities, moisture, external air, etc., from a lower portion of the flexible substrate <NUM>. Further, the buffer layer <NUM> may provide a substantially flat surface on a top surface of the flexible substrate <NUM>.

The active pattern <NUM> may be disposed on the buffer layer <NUM>. The active pattern <NUM> may include semiconductor material, such as amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, etc. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and the active pattern <NUM> may include any suitable material. In another embodiment, the active pattern <NUM> may include an oxide semiconductor material, an organic semiconductor material, etc..

The gate insulation layer <NUM> covering the active pattern <NUM> may be disposed on the buffer layer <NUM>. The gate insulation layer <NUM> may insulate the gate electrode <NUM> from the active pattern <NUM>.

The gate electrode <NUM> may be disposed on the gate insulation layer <NUM>. The gate electrode <NUM> may overlap a portion of the active pattern <NUM>. The gate electrode <NUM> may include a conductive material including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), etc..

The insulation interlayer <NUM> covering the gate electrode <NUM> may be disposed on the gate insulation layer <NUM>. The insulation interlayer <NUM> may insulate the source electrode <NUM> and the drain electrode <NUM> from the gate electrode <NUM>.

Each of the buffer layer <NUM>, the gate insulation layer <NUM>, and the insulation interlayer <NUM> may be formed of an inorganic material such as aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon carbide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, zinc oxide, or the like.

The buffer layer <NUM>, the gate insulation layer <NUM>, and the insulation interlayer <NUM> may extend from the display area DA to the peripheral area PA. An edge of the buffer layer <NUM>, the gate insulation layer <NUM>, and the insulation interlayer <NUM> may be adjacent to the groove GR.

Referring to <FIG>, in an example embodiment, the edge of the buffer layer <NUM>, the gate insulation layer <NUM>, and the insulation interlayer <NUM> may be spaced apart from an edge of the second barrier layer <NUM>. Thus, as shown in <FIG>, the second barrier layer <NUM> may protrude laterally with respect to the buffer layer <NUM>, the gate insulation layer <NUM>, and the insulation interlayer <NUM> at the groove GR.

The source electrode <NUM> and the drain electrode <NUM> may be disposed on the insulation interlayer <NUM>. The source electrode <NUM> and the drain electrode <NUM> may be electrically connected to the active pattern <NUM>. For example, a first contact hole exposing a first region of the active pattern <NUM> and a second contact hole exposing a second region of the active pattern <NUM> may be formed in the gate insulation layer <NUM> and the insulation interlayer <NUM>, and the source electrode <NUM> and the drain electrode <NUM> may contact the active pattern <NUM> through the first contact hole and the second contact hole, respectively.

The planarization layer <NUM> covering the source electrode <NUM> and the drain electrode <NUM> may be disposed on the insulation interlayer <NUM>. The planarization layer <NUM> may remove a step caused by the thin film transistor <NUM>, and may provide a substantially flat surface on a top surface of the thin film transistor <NUM>. The planarization layer <NUM> may protect the source electrode <NUM> and the drain electrode <NUM>.

An organic light emitting element may be disposed on the planarization layer <NUM>. The organic light emitting element may include the pixel electrode <NUM>, and includes, according to the claimed invention, an organic light emitting layer <NUM>, and a common electrode <NUM>.

The pixel electrode <NUM> may be disposed on the planarization layer <NUM>. The pixel electrode <NUM> may be electrically connected to the drain electrode <NUM>. For example, a third contact hole exposing the drain electrode <NUM> may be formed in the planarization layer <NUM>, and the pixel electrode <NUM> may contact the drain electrode <NUM> through the third contact hole. The pixel electrode <NUM> may be formed of various conductive materials. The pixel electrode <NUM> may have various shapes. For example, the pixel electrode <NUM> may be patterned per each pixel to have an island shape.

The pixel defining layer <NUM> covering the pixel electrode <NUM> may be disposed on the planarization layer <NUM>. The pixel defining layer <NUM> may include an opening exposing a portion of the pixel electrode <NUM>.

Each of the planarization layer <NUM> and the pixel defining layer <NUM> may be formed of an organic material. The planarization layer <NUM> and the pixel defining layer <NUM> may be disposed only in the display area DA, and may not extend to the peripheral area PA.

The organic light emitting layer <NUM> may be disposed on the pixel electrode <NUM>. The organic light emitting layer <NUM> may be formed of, for example, low molecular organic material or high molecular organic material such as poly(<NUM>,<NUM>-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). The organic light emitting layer <NUM> may be formed individually per each pixel.

The common electrode <NUM> may be disposed on the organic light emitting layer <NUM>. The common electrode <NUM> may be also disposed on the pixel defining layer <NUM>, and may be formed throughout a plurality of pixels.

The organic light emitting element further includes a first organic function layer <NUM> and a second organic function layer <NUM>. The first organic function layer <NUM> may be disposed between the pixel electrode <NUM> and the organic light emitting layer <NUM>, and the second organic function layer <NUM> may be disposed between the organic light emitting layer <NUM> and the common electrode <NUM>.

The first organic function layer <NUM> may include a hole injection layer (HIL) and/or a hole transport layer (HTL). The second organic function layer <NUM> may include an electron transport layer (ETL) and/or an electron injection layer (EIL). The first organic function layer <NUM> and the second organic function layer <NUM> may be formed throughout a plurality of pixels.

A capping layer <NUM> is disposed on the common electrode <NUM>. The capping layer <NUM> may protect the common electrode <NUM>, and may control a refractive index of visual light emitted from the organic light emitting layer <NUM> in order to improve light efficiency.

The first organic function layer <NUM>, the second organic function layer <NUM>, the common electrode <NUM>, and the capping layer <NUM> extend from the display area DA to the peripheral area PA. At least one of the first organic function layer <NUM>, the second organic function layer <NUM>, the common electrode <NUM>, and the capping layer <NUM> may be disposed throughout outside and inside of the groove GR. <FIG> illustrates that the common layer <NUM> including the first organic function layer <NUM>, the second organic function layer <NUM>, the common electrode <NUM>, and the capping layer <NUM> is disposed throughout outside and inside of the groove GR, however, the present embodiment is not limited thereto.

The encapsulation member <NUM> is disposed on the capping layer <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing an organic light emitting display device according to an example embodiment will be explained with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are cross-sectional views of stages in a method of manufacturing an organic light emitting display device according to an example embodiment.

For example, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate a method of manufacturing the organic light emitting display device <NUM> in <FIG>. The method of manufacturing the organic light emitting display device <NUM> is described as an example. Thus, the description in association with <FIG> may apply to the organic light emitting display devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a carrier substrate <NUM> is prepared, and the flexible substrate <NUM> is formed on the carrier substrate <NUM>.

The flexible substrate <NUM> is formed of a plastic material that is bendable or stretchable when heat is applied thereto. Thus, it may be difficult to precisely form thin film patterns such as various electrodes or conductive wirings on the flexible substrate <NUM>. Accordingly, various thin film patterns may be formed on the flexible substrate <NUM> that is adhered to the carrier substrate <NUM>.

Firstly, the first plastic layer <NUM> is formed on the carrier substrate <NUM>. The first plastic layer <NUM> may be formed by, for example, coating and curing a plastic polymer solution or by laminating a polymer film on the carrier substrate <NUM>. The curing may be performed by, for example, using any of various methods such as thermal curing, UV curing, or electron-beam curing.

Then, the first barrier layer <NUM> is formed on the first plastic layer <NUM>. The first barrier layer <NUM> may be formed of, for example, an inorganic material by using, for example, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), or atomic layer deposition (ALD).

Then, the second plastic layer <NUM> may be formed on the first barrier layer <NUM>, and the second barrier layer <NUM> may be formed on the second plastic layer <NUM>. The second plastic layer <NUM> may be formed of, for example, the same material by using the same method as those of the first plastic layer <NUM>. The second barrier layer <NUM> may be formed of the same material by using the same method as those of the first barrier layer <NUM>.

Then, the lower structure <NUM> may be formed on the flexible substrate <NUM>. The active pattern <NUM> in <FIG> may be formed by various methods depending on a material. For example, the active pattern <NUM> may be formed by using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition, low pressure chemical vapor deposition, or the like when including amorphous silicon, oxide semiconductor, or the like. When the active pattern <NUM> includes polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon may be crystallized by using a crystallizing method such as rapid thermal annealing, solid phase crystallization, excimer laser annealing, metal induced annealing, or the like.

The gate electrode <NUM> in <FIG>, the source electrode <NUM> in <FIG>, the drain electrode <NUM> in <FIG>, the pixel electrode <NUM> in <FIG>, etc. may be deposited by chemical vapor deposition, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition, or the like, and may be patterned by photolithography.

Referring to <FIG>, a preliminary groove GR' passing through the lower structure <NUM> may be formed.

The preliminary groove GR' is formed in the peripheral area PA to correspond to the groove GR. The preliminary groove GR' may be formed by, for example, using a first etching source ES1 illustrated in <FIG>. The first etching source ES1 may be various, and may include laser irradiation, for example, laser ablation.

Referring to <FIG>, the undercut groove GR is formed in the flexible substrate <NUM>.

The groove GR may be formed on the flexible substrate <NUM> exposed by the preliminary groove GR' by using a second etching source ES2 illustrated in <FIG>. The second etching source ES2 may be various, and may include laser irradiation.

The groove GR may be formed in the first plastic layer <NUM>, the first barrier layer <NUM>, the second plastic layer <NUM>, and the second barrier layer <NUM>. For example, the groove GR may correspond to a portion of a thickness of the first plastic layer <NUM>, an entirety of a thickness of the first barrier layer <NUM>, an entirety of a thickness of the second plastic layer <NUM>, and an entirety of a thickness of the second barrier layer <NUM>. In this case, an upper surface and a sidewall of the first plastic layer <NUM>, a lower surface, a sidewall, and an upper surface of the first barrier layer <NUM>, a sidewall of the second plastic layer <NUM>, and a lower surface and a sidewall of the second barrier layer <NUM> may be exposed by the groove GR.

The groove GR may be integrally formed in the first plastic layer <NUM>, the first barrier layer <NUM>, the second plastic layer <NUM>, and the second barrier layer <NUM>. For example, the groove GR, which is formed in the first plastic layer <NUM>, the first barrier layer <NUM>, the second plastic layer <NUM>, and the second barrier layer <NUM>, may be formed with one process in which laser may be irradiated from top of the flexible substrate <NUM>. Materials of the first and second plastic layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the first and second barrier layers <NUM> and <NUM> are different to each other, so that laser absorption rates thereof may be different to each other. Accordingly, a width of the groove GR may not be uniform.

A laser absorption rate of the first plastic layer <NUM> may be greater than a laser absorption rate of the first barrier layer <NUM>. Therefore, the first plastic layer <NUM> may be undercut with respect to the first barrier layer <NUM> at the groove GR. Thus, the first barrier layer <NUM> may be protruded with respect to the first plastic layer <NUM> at the groove GR. A laser absorption rate of the second plastic layer <NUM> may be greater than a laser absorption rate of the second barrier layer <NUM>. Therefore, the second plastic layer <NUM> may be undercut with respect to the second barrier layer <NUM> at the groove GR. Thus, the second barrier layer <NUM> may be protruded with respect to the second plastic layer <NUM> at the groove GR.

When the laser is irradiated over several times from top of the flexible substrate <NUM>, an upper portion of the flexible substrate <NUM> may be more exposed to the laser than a lower portion of the flexible substrate <NUM>. Therefore, a width of the groove GR may be decrease from the upper portion of the flexible substrate <NUM> to the lower portion of the flexible substrate <NUM>. For example, a width of the groove GR at the second barrier layer <NUM> may be greater than a width of the groove GR at the first barrier layer <NUM>. Further, a width of the groove GR at the second plastic layer <NUM> may be greater than a width of the groove GR at the first plastic layer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the common layer <NUM> disconnected by the groove GR is formed on the flexible substrate <NUM>.

As described above, the common layer <NUM> includes the first organic function layer <NUM> in <FIG>, the second organic function layer <NUM> in <FIG>, the common electrode <NUM> in <FIG>, and the capping layer <NUM> in <FIG>. The common layer <NUM> may be formed on an entire surface of the flexible substrate <NUM> throughout the display area DA and the peripheral area PA. The common layer <NUM> may be formed by various methods such as deposition method, coating method, printing method, light thermal transfer method.

When the common layer <NUM> extends from the display area DA to the peripheral area PA, moisture and/or oxygen may be injected to an edge of the common layer <NUM> from outside, and the moisture and/or oxygen may be transferred from the peripheral area PA to the display area DA through the common layer <NUM> thereby degrading the pixels. Therefore, a path through which the moisture and/or oxygen is transferred is blocked.

As described above, the groove GR is formed in the peripheral area PA, and the groove GR has an undercut shape. Accordingly, the first portion 440a of the common layer <NUM> formed outside the groove GR and the second portion 440b of the common layer <NUM> formed inside the groove GR may be disconnected from each other. In this case, the common layer <NUM> may be disconnected without additional process for disconnecting the common layer <NUM>, and a path of transferring the moisture and/or oxygen may be blocked.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the encapsulation member <NUM> covering the common layer <NUM> is formed thereon.

Firstly, as illustrated in <FIG>, the first inorganic layer <NUM> may be formed on the common layer <NUM>. The first inorganic layer <NUM> may be formed throughout an outside and an inside of the groove GR. For example, the first inorganic layer <NUM> may cover the first portion 440a of the common layer <NUM> formed outside the groove GR, and may cover the second portion 440b of the common layer <NUM> formed inside the groove GR, and a surface of the flexible substrate <NUM> and a surface of the lower structure <NUM> which are exposed by the groove GR. The first inorganic layer <NUM> may be formed of an inorganic material by using various deposition methods such as chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition, sputtering, or the like.

Then, as illustrated in <FIG>, the organic layer <NUM> may be formed on the first inorganic layer <NUM>. The organic layer <NUM> may be formed only outside the groove GR. Thus, the organic layer <NUM> may not be formed inside the groove GR. The organic layer <NUM> may be formed of an organic material by using, for example, inkjet printing, slot die coating, or the like.

Then, as illustrated in <FIG>, the second inorganic layer <NUM> covering the organic layer <NUM> may be formed on the first inorganic layer <NUM>. The second inorganic layer <NUM> may be formed throughout an outside and an inside of the groove GR. For example, the second inorganic layer <NUM> may be formed along a profile of the first inorganic layer <NUM> formed inside the groove GR. The second inorganic layer <NUM> may be formed of the same material by using the same method as those of the first inorganic layer <NUM>.

The encapsulation member <NUM> may be formed along a concavo-convex shape inside the groove GR. Thus, the contact area between the flexible substrate <NUM> and the encapsulation member <NUM> may increase in comparison with not forming the groove GR. Accordingly, adhesion between the flexible substrate <NUM> and the encapsulation member <NUM> may increase.

Referring to <FIG>, the carrier substrate <NUM> may be separated from the flexible substrate <NUM>.

In order to separate the carrier substrate <NUM> from the flexible substrate <NUM>, laser may be irradiated to a surface of the carrier substrate <NUM> which is opposite to a surface on which the flexible substrate <NUM> is formed. The first plastic layer <NUM> and the second plastic layer <NUM> may absorb the laser, therefore, the coherence between the flexible substrate <NUM> and the carrier substrate <NUM> may be reduced. Then, the carrier substrate <NUM> may be separated from the flexible substrate <NUM> by using mechanical stress.

Hereinafter, a cross-sectional structure of an organic light emitting display device according to an embodiment will be explained with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating an organic light emitting display device according to an embodiment.

An embodiment illustrated in <FIG> is substantially the same as the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> except for a lower protective film, a polarizing member, and a through hole, so that redundant explanations will be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, an organic light emitting display device <NUM> includes a flexible substrate <NUM>, a common layer <NUM>, an encapsulation member <NUM>, a lower protective film <NUM>, and a polarizing member <NUM>.

The lower protective film <NUM> is disposed on a lower surface of the flexible substrate <NUM>. The lower protective film <NUM> may absorb an impact from outside to prevent the organic light emitting display device <NUM> from being damaged. The lower protective film <NUM> may be formed of a material containing air such as cushion, sponge, etc. in order to absorb an impact.

The polarizing member <NUM> is disposed on the encapsulation member <NUM>. The polarizing member <NUM> may cause destructive interference of external light to reduce or extinguish it. Thus, the polarizing member <NUM> suppresses reflection of external light.

The organic light emitting display device <NUM> includes a through hole TH. The through hole TH may correspond to an entirety of a thickness of the organic light emitting display device <NUM>. For example, the through hole TH may pass through the lower protective film <NUM>, the flexible substrate <NUM>, the common layer <NUM>, the encapsulation member <NUM>, and the polarizing member <NUM>. The through hole TH may define the through area TA of the organic light emitting display device <NUM>.

At least a portion of the peripheral area PA which is exposed by the through hole TH may be covered by the encapsulation member <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, a side portion of the flexible substrate <NUM>, a side portion of the lower structure <NUM>, and a side portion of the common layer <NUM> may be covered by the first inorganic layer <NUM> and the second inorganic layer <NUM> of the encapsulation member <NUM>. Accordingly, the encapsulation member <NUM> may substantially block or decrease an inflow of moisture and/or oxygen into an edge of the peripheral area PA which is exposed by the through hole TH.

Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing an organic light emitting display device according to an example embodiment will be explained with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are cross-sectional views of stages in a method of manufacturing an organic light emitting display device according to an example embodiment.

For example, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate a method of manufacturing the organic light emitting display device <NUM> in <FIG>. Description of elements of a method of manufacturing the organic light emitting display device <NUM> with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, which are substantially the same as or similar to those of the method of manufacturing the organic light emitting display device <NUM> with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, may not be repeated.

Referring to <FIG>, an upper protective film <NUM> may be attached on the encapsulation member <NUM>.

The upper protective film <NUM> may be attached on the encapsulation member <NUM> of the organic light emitting display device <NUM> on which the carrier substrate <NUM> is attached and a plurality of grooves GR and GR" are formed. As illustrated in <FIG>, a temporary groove GR" may be formed as well as a groove GR corresponding to the groove GR illustrated in <FIG> in the organic light emitting display device <NUM>. The groove GR may surround the temporary groove GR". At least a portion of the temporary groove GR" may be exposed by the through hole TH when forming the through hole TH as described below.

The upper protective film <NUM> may protect the encapsulation member <NUM>. The encapsulation member <NUM> may be easily damaged by scratch, foreign substance, etc. during a manufacturing process of the organic light emitting display device <NUM>. The upper protective film <NUM> may be disposed to prevent the damage of the encapsulation member <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the carrier substrate <NUM> may be separated from the flexible substrate <NUM>, and the lower protective film <NUM> may be attached to a surface of the flexible substrate <NUM> on which the carrier substrate <NUM> is separated. The lower protective film <NUM> may prevent the surface of the flexible substrate <NUM> from being damaged during the process progress.

Referring to <FIG>, the upper protective film <NUM> may be removed. The upper protective film <NUM> may be formed to prevent damage, e.g., scratch, of the encapsulation member <NUM> during the process progress. The upper protective film <NUM> may be removed before forming function members, e.g., a polarizing member, on the encapsulation member <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the polarizing member <NUM> may be formed on the encapsulation member <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the through hole TH may be formed in the organic light emitting display device <NUM>.

The through hole TH may be formed by using a third etching source ES3 illustrated in <FIG>. The third etching source ES3 may be various, and may include laser irradiation.

The through hole TH may pass through the lower protective film <NUM>, the flexible substrate <NUM>, the common layer <NUM>, the encapsulation member <NUM>, and the polarizing member <NUM>. Thus, the through hole TH may correspond to an entirety of a thickness of the organic light emitting display device <NUM>.

At least a portion of the temporary groove GR" may be exposed by the through hole TH. Therefore, the temporary groove GR" may provide a basis for forming the through hole TH. For example, the organic light emitting display device <NUM> may be cut along the temporary groove GR" so as to form the through hole TH. Since the through hole TH is formed based on the temporary groove GR", at least a portion of the peripheral area PA which is exposed by the through hole TH may be covered by the encapsulation member <NUM>. Accordingly, the encapsulation member <NUM> may substantially block or decrease an inflow of moisture and/or oxygen into an edge of the peripheral area PA which is exposed by the through hole TH.

The organic light emitting display devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure 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.

By way of summation and review, to improve performance and lifespan of the organic light emitting display device and to minimize influence of moisture and/or oxygen from outside, the organic light emitting display device may be hermetically sealed. In a general organic light emitting display device, an organic light emitting element included in the organic light emitting display device may interact with moisture and/or oxygen flowed in from outside, and the organic light emitting element may be degraded.

As described above, embodiments provide an organic light emitting display device in which moisture transmission is blocked. Embodiments also provide a method of manufacturing an organic light emitting display device for blocking moisture transmission. An organic light emitting display device according to an embodiment includes the flexible substrate on which an undercut groove is formed, and the common layer is disconnected by the groove, so that moisture transmission is blocked. A method of manufacturing the organic light emitting display device according to an embodiment includes forming the undercut groove on the flexible substrate by irradiating laser, so that moisture transmission is blocked.

Claim 1:
An organic light emitting display device (<NUM>) including a display area (DA), a through hole (TH), and a peripheral area (PA), the organic light emitting display device (<NUM>) comprising:
a flexible substrate (<NUM>) including a first plastic layer (<NUM>) and a first barrier layer (<NUM>) on the first plastic layer (<NUM>), and having a groove (GR) in the peripheral area (PA), the groove (GR) being undercut, wherein the first plastic layer (<NUM>) is undercut at the groove (GR) with respect to the first barrier layer (<NUM>);
a common layer (<NUM>) on an upper surface of the flexible substrate (<NUM>), the common layer (<NUM>) having:
a first part in the display area (DA) including a first organic function layer (<NUM>), a second organic function layer (<NUM>), a common electrode (<NUM>), a capping layer (<NUM>), and an organic light emitting layer (<NUM>); and
a second part in the peripheral area (PA) including the first organic function layer (<NUM>), the second organic function layer (<NUM>), the common electrode (<NUM>), and the capping layer (<NUM>),
the first organic function layer (<NUM>), the second organic function layer (<NUM>), the common electrode (<NUM>) and the capping layer (<NUM>) extending from the display area to the peripheral area and the common layer (<NUM>) being disconnected by the groove (GR);
an encapsulation member (<NUM>) on the common layer (<NUM>), the encapsulation member (<NUM>) covering the common layer (<NUM>) and the groove (GR);
a lower protective film (<NUM>) on a lower surface of the flexible substrate (<NUM>); and
a polarizing member (<NUM>) on the encapsulation member (<NUM>), wherein the polarizing member (<NUM>) is configured to suppress reflection of external light.