Patent ID: 12189874

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. In this regard, the present embodiments may have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the descriptions set forth herein. Accordingly, the embodiments are merely described below, by referring to the figures, to explain aspects of the present description. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Throughout the disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b or c” indicates only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

As the disclosure allows for various changes and numerous embodiments, particular embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the written description. Hereinafter, effects and features of the disclosure and a method for accomplishing them will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

One or more embodiments of the disclosure will be described below in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those components that are the same as or are in correspondence with each other are rendered the same reference numeral regardless of the figure number, and redundant explanations are omitted.

It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These components are only used to distinguish one component from another.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It will 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 will be understood that when a layer, region, or component is referred to as being “formed on” another layer, region, or component, it can be directly or indirectly formed on the other layer, region, or component. That is, for example, intervening layers, regions, or components may be present.

Sizes of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for convenience of explanation. For example, since sizes and thicknesses of components in the drawings are arbitrarily illustrated for convenience of explanation, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto.

In the following examples, the x-axis, the y-axis and the z-axis are not limited to three axes of the rectangular coordinate system, and may be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis may be perpendicular to one another, or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to one another.

When a certain embodiment may be implemented differently, a specific process order may be performed differently from the described order. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially at the same time or performed in an order opposite to the described order.

FIG.1is a schematic perspective view of a display apparatus according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.1, a display apparatus1displays a moving picture or a still image and may thus be used as the display screens of various products such as not only portable electronic apparatuses, such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablet personal computers (PCs), mobile communication terminals, electronic notebooks, electronic books, portable multimedia players (“PMPs”), navigation devices, and ultra-mobile PCs (“UMPCs”) but also televisions, notebooks, monitors, advertisement panels, and Internet of things (“IoT”) devices.

The display apparatus1may also be used in wearable devices such as smart watches, watch phones, glasses-type displays, and head mounted displays (“HMDs”). The display apparatus1may also be used as dashboards of automobiles, center information displays (“CIDs”) of the center fasciae or dashboards of automobiles, room mirror displays that replace the side mirrors of automobiles, and displays arranged on the rear sides of front seats to serve as entertainment devices for back seat passengers of automobiles. For convenience of explanation,FIG.1illustrates use of a smartphone as the display apparatus1.

The display apparatus1may include a display area DA and a peripheral area DPA surrounding the display area DA. The display apparatus1may also include a folding area FA, and the display area DA may include a first display area DA1and a second display area DA2spaced apart from each other with the folding area FA therebetween. The peripheral area DPA is a non-display area in which no display elements are arranged.

According to an embodiment, the display area DA and the folding area FA may display an image individually or cooperatively. In detail, pixels PX may be arranged in the display area DA and the folding area FA. Accordingly, the display apparatus1may provide an image by using the pixels PX arranged in the display area DA and the folding area FA.

The terms “above” and “on” used herein indicates a +Z direction in relation to the display apparatus1, and the term “below” used herein indicates a −Z direction in relation to the display apparatus1.

The terms “left”, “right”, “upper”, and “lower” used herein indicate directions when the display apparatus1is viewed from the top. For example, “left” indicates a −X direction, “right” indicates a +X direction, “upper” indicates a +Y direction, and “lower” indicates a −Y direction.

The display apparatus1may have a rectangular shape in a plan view. Here, the “plan view” is a view in the Z-axis direction. For example, the display apparatus1may have a rectangular planar shape having short sides in an X-axis direction and long sides in a Y-axis direction, as shown inFIG.1. Corners between the short sides in the X-axis direction and the long sides in the Y-axis direction may be rounded to have a certain curvature, or may have right angles. The planar shape of the display apparatus1is not limited to a rectangle, and may be any other polygon, an oval, or an irregular shape.

The display apparatus1may have any of various shapes. According to an embodiment, the display apparatus1may be provided in a shape that does not change. According to an embodiment, the display apparatus1may be provided in a shape of which at least a portion is folded. In this case, the display apparatus1may have an in-folding shape or an out-folding shape. For convenience of description, a case where the display apparatus1has an in-folding shape will now be focused on and described in detail.

In this case, the display apparatus1may be folded about a folding axis FAX extending in a first direction DR1in the folding area FA. In this embodiment, the first direction DR1is parallel to the X-axis direction. In this case, when the display apparatus1is folded about the folding axis FAX, a size of the display area DA may be reduced, and, when the display apparatus1is fully unfolded, the display area DA may display an image while forming a flat surface, thereby forming a large screen image.

FIG.2is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a display apparatus according to an embodiment.FIG.2may correspond to a portion taken along line II-II′ ofFIG.1.

Referring toFIG.2, the display apparatus1may include a substrate100, a stopper layer EST, a buffer layer111, an inorganic insulating layer IIL, a planarization layer117, a pixel defining layer119, an emission layer122b, an organic functional layer122e, an opposite electrode123, a digitizer DGT, and an adhesive layer ADH.

The substrate100may include a first substrate101and a second substrate102.

The first substrate101may include a transparent glass material containing SiO2as a main component. The first substrate101may be a support substrate having a high rigidity.

The second substrate102may be disposed on the first substrate101and may be flexible. The second substrate102may include an insulating material, such as polymer resin. For example, the second substrate102may include polymer resin such as polyethersulphone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polycarbonate, or cellulose acetate propionate.

The stopper layer EST may be disposed on the first substrate101. In other words, the stopper layer EST may be between the first substrate101and the second substrate102. The stopper layer EST may be an etch stopper. In other words, the stopper layer EST may not be etched by an etchant described later.

For example, the stopper layer EST may be an inorganic layer including at least one of SiOx, SiNx, SiOCx, and SiONx, or an organic layer including an organic material or a polymeric organic material. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

The buffer layer111may be positioned on the substrate100and may reduce or prevent infiltration of a foreign material, moisture, or ambient air from below the substrate100and may provide a flat surface to the substrate100. The buffer layer111may include an inorganic material (such as oxide or nitride), an organic material, or an organic and inorganic compound, and may be a single layer or multiple layers of an inorganic material and an organic material. A barrier layer (not shown) may be between the substrate100and the buffer layer111in order to prevent infiltration of ambient air. According to an embodiment, the buffer layer111may include silicon oxide (SiOx) or silicon nitride (SiNx). The buffer layer111may include a first buffer layer111aand a second buffer layer111b, one of which is stacked on the other. In this case, the first buffer layer111amay include be silicon oxide (SiO2), and the second buffer layer111bmay include silicon nitride (SiNx). Alternatively, the first buffer layer111amay include silicon nitride (SiNx), and the second buffer layer111bmay include silicon oxide (SiO2). Alternatively, the first buffer layer111aand the second buffer layer111bmay include the same materials.

A pixel circuit PC (seeFIG.3) may be disposed on the buffer layer111. The pixel circuit PC may include a thin-film transistor TFT and a storage capacitor Cst. The thin-film transistor TFT may be disposed on the buffer layer111. The thin-film transistor TFT may include a semiconductor layer A, a gate electrode G, a source electrode S, and a drain electrode D. The thin-film transistor TFT may be connected to an organic light-emitting diode OLED and may drive the organic light-emitting diode OLED.

The semiconductor layer A may be disposed on the buffer layer111and may include polysilicon. According to an embodiment, the semiconductor layer A may include amorphous silicon. According to an embodiment, the semiconductor layer A may include oxide of at least one material selected from the group consisting of indium (In), gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), hafnium (Hf), cadmium (Cd), germanium (Ge), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), and zinc (Zn). The semiconductor layer A may include a channel region, and a source region and a drain region both doped with impurities.

A first insulating layer112may be included to cover the semiconductor layer A. The first insulating layer112may include an inorganic insulating material, such as silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2), or zinc oxide (ZnO2). The first insulating layer112may be a single layer or a multi-layer including the aforementioned inorganic insulating materials.

The gate electrode G may be disposed on the first insulating layer112and overlap the semiconductor layer A in a plan view. The gate electrode G may include molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), or titanium (Ti), and may include a single layer or multiple layers. According to an embodiment, the gate electrode G may be a single Mo layer.

The second insulating layer113may be included to cover the gate electrode G. The second insulating layer113may include an inorganic insulating material, such as silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2), or zinc oxide (ZnO2). The second insulating layer113may be a single layer or a multi-layer including the aforementioned inorganic insulating materials.

An upper electrode CE2of the storage capacitor Cst may be disposed on the second insulating layer113. The upper electrode CE2disposed on the second insulating layer113may overlap the gate electrode G disposed below the second insulating layer113in a plan view. The gate electrode GE and the upper electrode CE2overlapping each other with the second insulating layer113therebetween may constitute the storage capacitor Cst. According to an embodiment, the gate electrode G may be a lower electrode CE1of the storage capacitor Cst. According to an embodiment, the lower electrode CE1of the storage capacitor Cst may be included as a separate independent component. In this case, the lower electrode CE1and the gate electrode G may be disposed apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

The upper electrode CE2may include aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), and/or copper (Cu), and may be a single layer or a multi-layer including the aforementioned materials.

A third insulating layer115may be formed to cover the upper electrode CE2. The third insulating layer115may include an inorganic insulating material, such as silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2), or zinc oxide (ZnO2). The third insulating layer115may be a single layer or a multi-layer including the aforementioned inorganic insulating materials.

The source electrode S and the drain electrode D may be disposed on the third insulating layer115. Each of the source electrode S and the drain electrode D may include a conductive material including, for example, Mo, Al, Cu, and Ti, and may be a multi-layer or a single layer including the aforementioned materials. According to an embodiment, each of the source electrode S and the drain electrode D may have a multi-layer structure of Ti/Al/Ti.

The planarization layer117may be disposed on the source electrode S and the drain electrode D. The planarization layer117may have a flat upper surface such that a pixel electrode121to be disposed above the planarization layer117is formed flat.

The planarization layer117may include an organic material or an inorganic material and may have a single layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The planarization layer117may include a commercial polymer such as benzocyclobutene (“BCB”), polyimide, hexamethyldisiloxane (“HMDSO”), polymethyl methacrylate (“PMMA”) or polystyrene (“PS”), a polymer derivative having a phenol-based group, an acryl-based polymer, an imide-based polymer, an aryl ether-based polymer, an amide-based polymer, a fluorine-based polymer, a p-xylene-based polymer, a vinyl alcohol-based polymer, or the like. The planarization layer117may include an inorganic insulating material, such as silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2), or zinc oxide (ZnO2). When the planarization layer117is formed, a layer may be formed, and then chemical and mechanical polishing may be performed on the upper surface of the layer to provide a flat upper surface.

The planarization layer117may have a via hole through which one of the source electrode S and the drain electrode D of the thin-film-transistor TFT is exposed, and the pixel electrode121may contact the source electrode S or the drain electrode D through the via hole and may be electrically connected to the thin-film-transistor TFT.

InFIG.2, one planarization layer is included. However, according to an embodiment, two planarization layers may be included. The inclusion of two planarization layers may be more favorable for high integration.

The pixel electrode121may be disposed on the planarization layer117. The pixel electrode121may include conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (“ITO”), indium zinc oxide (“IZO”), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In2O3), indium gallium oxide (“IGO”), or aluminum zinc oxide (AZO). The pixel electrode121may include a reflective layer including silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), or a compound of these materials. For example, the pixel electrode121may have a structure including films including ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In2O3above/below the aforementioned reflective layer. In this case, the pixel electrode121may have a stack structure of ITO/Ag/ITO.

The pixel defining layer119may be disposed on the planarization layer117. The pixel defining layer119may be disposed on the planarization layer117and may cover an edge of the pixel electrode121. A first opening OP1exposing at least a portion of the pixel electrode121may be defined in the pixel defining layer119. The first opening OP1may define the size and shape of an emission area EA of the organic light-emitting diode OLED, namely, a pixel P.

The pixel defining layer119may prevent an electric arc or the like from occurring on the edge of the pixel electrode121by increasing a distance between the edge of the pixel electrode121and the opposite electrode123over the pixel electrode121. The pixel defining layer119may be formed of an organic insulating material, such as polyimide, polyamide, acryl resin, benzocyclobutene, hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO), or phenol resin, via spin coating or the like.

Although not shown in the drawings, a spacer for preventing damage by a mask may be further arranged on the pixel defining layer119. The spacer may be integrally formed with the pixel defining layer119. For example, the spacer and the pixel defining layer119may be simultaneously formed according to the same process by using a half tone mask process.

An emission layer122bmay be disposed within the first opening OP1defined in the pixel defining layer119to correspond to the pixel electrode121. The emission layer122bmay include a high molecular weight material or a low molecular weight material and may emit red, green, blue, or white light.

An organic functional layer122emay be disposed above and/or below the emission layer122b. According to an embodiment, the organic functional layer122emay include a first functional layer122aand/or a second functional layer122c. According to an embodiment, the first functional layer122aor the second functional layer122cmay be omitted.

The first functional layer122amay be disposed below the emission layer122b. The first functional layer122amay be a single layer or layers including an organic material. The first functional layer122amay be a hole transport layer (“HTL”) having a single layer structure. Alternatively, the first functional layer122amay include a hole injection layer (“HIL”) and an HTL. The first functional layer122amay be integrally provided to correspond to organic light-emitting diodes OLED included in the display area DA.

The second functional layer122cmay be disposed above the emission layer122b. The second functional layer122cmay be a single layer or layers including an organic material. The second functional layer122cmay include an electron transport layer (“ETL”) and/or an electron injection layer (“EIL”). The second functional layer122cmay be integrally provided to correspond to the organic light-emitting diodes OLED included in the display area DA.

The opposite electrode123may be disposed on the second functional layer122c. The opposite electrode123may include a conductive material having a low work function. For example, the opposite electrode123may include a (semi)transparent layer including, for example, silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), or an alloy of these materials. Alternatively, the opposite electrode123may further include a layer, such as ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In2O3, on the (semi)transparent layer including any of the materials described above. The opposite electrode123may be integrally provided to correspond to the organic light-emitting diodes OLED included in the display area DA.

The layers ranging from the pixel electrode121to the opposite electrode123may constitute an organic light-emitting diode OLED.

The digitizer DGT may be disposed below the substrate100. An adhesive layer ADH may be disposed on the digitizer DGT to contact the digitizer DGT, and the substrate100may be disposed on the adhesive layer ADH to contact the adhesive layer ADH. In other words, the adhesive layer ADH may contact the digitizer DGT and the first substrate101.

The digitizer DGT may sense a signal that is input from an external electronic pen or the like. For example, the digitizer DGT may sense the intensity, direction, and the like of a signal input by an electronic pen or the like. The digitizer DGT may be electrically connected to a separately-included main circuit board. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The digitizer DGT may be split into two digitizers DGT. The two digitizers DGT may be spaced apart from each other in the folding area FA (seeFIG.1). Accordingly, the flexibility of the digitizer DGT may be increased while the display apparatus1is being folded.

The digitizer DGT and the substrate100may be attached to each other by the adhesive layer ADH. In other words, the adhesive layer ADH may be filled between the digitizer DGT and the substrate100. For example, the adhesive layer ADH may be a pressure sensitive adhesive (“PSA”). For example, the adhesive layer ADH may include a resin component.

Although not shown inFIG.2, an input sensing layer may be disposed on the emission layer122b. The input sensing layer may obtain coordinates information based on an external input, for example, a touch event. The input sensing layer may sense an external input according to, for example, an electrostatic capacitive method. An operation method of the input sensing layer is not particularly limited in the disclosure. An external input may be sensed according to an electromagnetic induction method or a pressure detection method.

A plurality of first structures STR1including openings or grooves may be defined in the first substrate101such that the first substrate101is easily folded about the folding axis FAX ofFIG.1extending in the first direction DR1ofFIG.1. Here, the first structure STR1may be an empty space. Because the plurality of first structures STR1are defined in the folding area FA of the first substrate101, the flexibility of the first substrate101may be increased. For example, as shown inFIG.2, each of the plurality of first structures STR1may include an opening. In other words, the first structure STR1may penetrate the first substrate101. Therefore, the occurrence of cracks in the first substrate101during the folding process may be effectively reduced.

A width of each of the plurality of first structures STR1measured in the Y-axis direction may gradually decrease in a direction away from the digitizer DGT (e.g., in a +Z-axis direction). A cross-section of each of the plurality of first structures STR1may have a shape with an inclined lateral surface. Therefore, while the first substrate101is being folded, interference between the plurality of first structures STR1may be prevented.

Although five first structures STR1are illustrated inFIG.2, this is only an example. The number of first structures STR1is not limited thereto.

At least a portion of the adhesive layer ADH may be accommodated in the plurality of first structures STR1. In other words, the adhesive layer ADH may contact the first substrate101and the stopper layer EST. Thus, the adhesive layer ADH may improve the durability of the first substrate101in the folding area FA.

Due to the first substrate101having a high rigidity by including a glass material, a separate plate and a separate protective film disposed between the first substrate101and the digitizer DGT may be omitted. Accordingly, the display apparatus1may have a reduced thickness. In particular, because a separate plate requiring insulation is omitted, durability and surface quality of the display apparatus1may be effectively improved.

FIG.3is an equivalent circuit diagram of one pixel of a display panel according to an embodiment.

Each pixel PX may include a pixel circuit PC and a display element, for example, an organic light-emitting diode OLED, connected to the pixel circuit PC. The pixel circuit PC may include a first thin-film transistor T1, a second thin-film transistor T2, and a storage capacitor Cst. Each pixel PX may emit, for example, red light, green light, blue light, or white light via the organic light-emitting diode OLED.

The second thin-film transistor T2, which is a switching thin-film transistor, may be connected to a scan line SL and a data line DTL and may transmit, to the first thin-film transistor T1, a data voltage received via the data line DL, based on a switching voltage received via the scan line SL. The storage capacitor Cst may be connected to the second thin-film transistor T2and a driving voltage line PL, and may store a voltage corresponding to a difference between a voltage received from the second thin-film transistor T2and a first power supply voltage ELVDD supplied to the driving voltage line PL.

The first thin-film transistor T1, which is a driving thin-film transistor, may be connected to the driving voltage line PL and the storage capacitor Cst, and may control a driving current flowing from the driving voltage line PL to the organic light-emitting diode OLED, in accordance with a voltage value stored in the storage capacitor Cst. The organic light-emitting diode OLED may emit light having a certain brightness according to the driving current. An opposite electrode (for example, a cathode) of the organic light-emitting diode OLED may receive a second power supply voltage ELVSS.

Although a case where the pixel circuit PC includes two thin-film transistors and one storage capacitor is illustrated inFIG.3, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The number of thin-film transistors and the number of storage capacitors may vary according to a design of the pixel circuit PC. For example, the pixel circuit PC may further include four or more thin-film transistors in addition to the aforementioned two thin-film transistors.

FIG.4is a schematic bottom view of a first substrate according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.4, a plurality of first structures STR1may be arranged apart from each other in a second direction DR2intersecting with the first direction DR1. In this embodiment, the second direction DR2is parallel to the Y-axis direction. The plurality of first structures STR1may be arranged as a plurality of columns. Intervals between the plurality of first structures STR1may all be the same as each other. The plurality of first structures STR1may be arranged symmetrically with one another about the folding axis FAX.

A length of each of the plurality of first structures STR1in the first direction DR1may be greater than a width of each of the plurality of first structures STR1in the second direction DR2intersecting with the first direction DR1. Each of the plurality of first structures STR1may extend in the first direction DR1. In the folding area FA, the length of each of the plurality of first structures STR1in the first direction DR1may be equal to the length of the first substrate101in the first direction DR1. In other words, a planar shape of the plurality of first structures STR1may include a stripe pattern. Thus, the flexibility of the first substrate101may be improved.

FIG.5is a schematic bottom view of a first substrate according to another embodiment. The same reference numerals inFIGS.4and5denote the same elements, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

Referring toFIG.5, the plurality of first structures STR1may include a plurality of 1-1ststructures STR1-1arranged in a first column and a plurality of 1-2ndstructures STR1-2arranged apart from one another in a second column that is different from the first column. Here, the first column and the second column may each extend parallel to the folding axis FAX.

The plurality of 1-1ststructures STR1-1may be arranged apart from one another in the first direction DR1. The plurality of 1-2ndstructures STR1-2may be arranged apart from one another in the first direction DR1. The plurality of 1-1ststructures STR1-1and the plurality of 1-2ndstructures STR1-2may be arranged apart from one another in the second direction DR2.

A center of each of the plurality of 1-1ststructures STR1-1may be disposed between two adjacent 1-2ndstructures STR1-2in a view from the second direction DR2. The plurality of 1-1ststructures STR1-1may include a 1-11thstructure STR1-11, and the plurality of 1-2ndstructures STR1-2may include a 1-21thstructure STR1-21arranged adjacent to the 1-11thstructure STR1-11. Here, the 1-11thstructure STR1-11is a particular one of the plurality of 1-1ststructures STR1-1, and the 1-21thstructure STR1-21is a particular one of the plurality of 1-2ndstructures STR1-2. A third direction DR3from the center of the 1-11thstructure STR1-11to the center of the 1-21thstructure STR1-21may intersect with the second direction DR2.

FIG.6is a schematic bottom view of a first substrate according to another embodiment. The same reference numerals inFIGS.4,5, and6denote the same elements, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

Referring toFIG.6, the plurality of 1-1ststructures STR1-1and the plurality of 1-2ndstructures STR1-2may be arranged in the same row parallel to the second direction DR2. In this case, the third direction DR3from the center of the 1-11thstructure STR1-11to the center of the 1-21thstructure STR1-21may be parallel to the second direction DR2. In other words, the 1-11thstructure STR1-11and the 1-21thstructure STR1-21may be arranged on the same row.

FIGS.7through10are cross-sectional views for explaining a method of manufacturing a display apparatus, according to an embodiment. Reference numerals inFIGS.7through10that are the same as the reference numerals inFIG.2denote the same elements, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

Referring toFIG.7, a laser LA may be radiated to the folding area FA of the first substrate101. A laser emitter LAE may emit the laser LA toward the first substrate101. Although five laser emitters LAE are shown inFIG.7, this is only an example. One laser emitter LAE may radiate the laser LAE to the first substrate101while moving along a designated path.

Referring toFIG.8, a stopper layer EST may be disposed on the first substrate101irradiated with the laser LA ofFIG.7. At least one of the second substrate102, the buffer layer111, the inorganic insulating layer IIL, the planarization layer117, the pixel defining layer119, the emission layer122b, the organic functional layer122e, and the opposite electrode123may be arranged on the stopper layer EST.

Referring toFIG.9, an etchant ECT may be sprayed to the folding area FA of the first substrate101irradiated with the laser LA ofFIG.7. A nozzle NOZ may spray the etchant ECT toward the first substrate101. Portions of the first substrate101irradiated with the lasers LA may be at least partially removed by the etchant ECT. Accordingly, a plurality of first structures STR1penetrating the first substrate101may be disposed in the first substrate101. Because the stopper layer EST is not etched by the etchant ECT, the etchant ECT may not pass through the stopper layer EST. Therefore, the stopper layer EST may prevent the etchant ECT from contacting at least one of the second substrate102, the buffer layer111, the inorganic insulating layer IIL, the planarization layer117, the pixel defining layer119, the emission layer122b, the organic functional layer122e, and the opposite electrode123.

Referring toFIG.10, when the plurality of first structures STR1are defined in the first substrate101, the adhesive layer ADH may be disposed on the digitizer DGT to contact the digitizer DGT, and the first substrate101may be disposed on the adhesive layer ADH to contact the adhesive layer ADH.

According to the process described above with reference toFIGS.7and8, after the laser LA is radiated onto the first substrate101, the stopper layer EST is disposed on the first substrate101, and at least one of the second substrate102, the buffer layer111, the inorganic insulating layer IIL, the planarization layer117, the pixel defining layer119, the emission layer122b, the organic functional layer122e, and the opposite electrode123is disposed on the stopper layer EST. However, the order of the process described above with reference toFIGS.7and8is not limited thereto.

For example, after the stopper layer EST is disposed on the first substrate101and at least one of the second substrate102, the buffer layer111, the inorganic insulating layer IIL, the planarization layer117, the pixel defining layer119, the emission layer122b, the organic functional layer122e, and the opposite electrode123is disposed on the stopper layer EST as shown inFIG.8, the laser LA may be radiated onto the first substrate101as shown inFIG.7.

For example, after the stopper layer EST is disposed on the first substrate101and the laser LA is radiated onto the first substrate101, at least one of the second substrate102, the buffer layer111, the inorganic insulating layer IIL, the planarization layer117, the pixel defining layer119, the emission layer122b, the organic functional layer122e, and the opposite electrode123may be arranged on the stopper layer EST.

FIG.11is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a display apparatus according to another embodiment.FIG.11may correspond to a portion taken along line II-II′ ofFIG.1.

The same reference numerals inFIGS.2and11denote the same elements, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

Referring toFIG.11, each of the plurality of first structures STR1may include a groove. In this structure, in a process of defining the first structure STR1on the first substrate101by spraying the etchant ECT onto the first substrate101, the etchant ECT may not pass through the first substrate101. Thus, the stopper layer EST described with reference toFIG.2may be omitted.

In this structure, the adhesive layer ADH may not contact the second substrate102. In other words, in the folding area FA, a lower surface (for example, a surface directed toward a −Z axis) of the second substrate102may contact an upper surface (for example, a surface directed toward a +Z axis) of the first substrate101. Therefore, due to expansion of the adhesive layer ADH during curing of the adhesive layer ADH or non-recovery of the adhesive layer ADH during repetitive folding processes, the occurrence of unevenness of the second substrate102in the folding area FA may be reduced.

FIG.12is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a display apparatus according to another embodiment.FIG.12may correspond to a portion taken along line II-II′ ofFIG.1.

The same reference numerals inFIGS.2and12denote the same elements, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

Referring toFIG.12, the second substrate102may include a first substrate layer1021and a second substrate layer1022disposed on the first substrate layer1021. The first substrate layer1021may be between the first substrate101and the second substrate layer1022. The first substrate layer1021may contact the stopper layer EST and the second substrate layer1022. An adhesive may be disposed between the first substrate layer1021and the second substrate layer1022. The first substrate layer1021and the second substrate layer1022may reduce introduction of foreign substances such as moisture and oxygen into the display apparatus1.

FIG.13is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a display apparatus according to another embodiment.FIG.13may correspond to a portion taken along line II-II′ ofFIG.1.

The same reference numerals inFIGS.2and13denote the same elements, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

Referring toFIG.13, each of the plurality of first structures STR1may include a groove, and the second substrate102described above with reference toFIG.2may be omitted. In this structure, the first substrate101may contact at least one of the buffer layer111, the inorganic insulating layer IIL, the planarization layer117, and the pixel defining layer119. Accordingly, manufacturing costs of the display apparatus1may be reduced.

FIG.14is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a display apparatus according to another embodiment.FIG.14may correspond to a portion taken along line II-II′ ofFIG.1.

The same reference numerals inFIGS.2and14denote the same elements, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

Referring toFIG.14, at least two of the plurality of first structures STR1may have different shapes from each other. Respective cross-sectional shapes of the plurality of first structures STR1may have different sizes from one another. Accordingly, visual recognition of the plurality of first structures STR1by a user may be reduced due to repetition of the first structure STR1. For example, as shown inFIG.14, the respective sizes of the respective cross-sectional shapes of the plurality of first structures STR1may gradually decrease in the −Y-axis direction. However, this is only an example, and the shapes of the plurality of first structures STR1are not limited thereto.

The display apparatus1described above with reference toFIGS.11and14may be manufactured in the same method as the method of manufacturing the display apparatus1, described above with reference toFIGS.7through10. In other words, similar to the method of manufacturing the display apparatus1, described above with reference toFIGS.7through10, the method of manufacturing the display apparatus1, described above with reference toFIGS.11and14, may include the operation of radiating the laser LA ofFIG.7to the first substrate101and the operation of spraying the etchant ECT ofFIG.9to the first substrate101.

According to embodiments, a thickness of a display apparatus may be reduced because a separate plate and a separate protective film are omitted.

According to embodiments, the durability and surface quality of a display apparatus may be effectively improved because a separate insulation plate is omitted.

Effects of the disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

It should be understood that embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each embodiment should typically be considered as available for other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. While one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope as defined by the following claims.