U.S. patent application number 17/689052 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-23 for flexible display apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Jonghyun Choi, Kinyeng Kang.
Application Number | 20220199953 17/689052 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220199953 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kang; Kinyeng ; et
al. |
June 23, 2022 |
FLEXIBLE DISPLAY APPARATUS
Abstract
A flexible display apparatus includes: a substrate; a gate
insulating layer including an inorganic layer disposed on the
substrate; a gate line disposed on the gate insulating layer; an
inter-insulating layer including an inorganic layer and covering
the gate line; and a data line disposed on the inter-insulating
layer, where the flexible display apparatus has a first region
which is bendable and second regions at opposite sides of the first
region, respectively, portions of the gate insulating layer and the
inter-insulating layer in the first region are removed, and the
gate insulating layer and the inter-insulating layer in the second
region have a patterned structure.
Inventors: |
Kang; Kinyeng; (Yongin-si,
KR) ; Choi; Jonghyun; (Yongin-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD. |
Yongin-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/689052 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16732689 |
Jan 2, 2020 |
11289679 |
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17689052 |
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15944051 |
Apr 3, 2018 |
10553821 |
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16732689 |
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15156874 |
May 17, 2016 |
9966564 |
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15944051 |
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International
Class: |
H01L 51/52 20060101
H01L051/52; H01L 27/32 20060101 H01L027/32 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 15, 2015 |
KR |
10-2015-0130597 |
Claims
1. A flexible display apparatus comprising: a substrate including a
first area, a second area, and a bending region; a first insulating
layer on the substrate; a second insulating layer on the first
insulating layer in the first area; a third insulating layer on the
first insulating layer in the second area; a first signal line on
the second insulating layer in the first area; a second signal line
on the third insulating layer in the second area; a fourth
insulating layer on the first signal line in the first area; a
fifth insulating layer on the second signal line in the second
area; a third signal line on the substrate in the first area, the
second area and the bending region; and a first organic material
layer in the bending region, the first organic material layer is
apart from a via layer in the first area and in the second area,
wherein the first insulating layer is between the substrate and the
third signal line in the first area or the second area in a top
plan view in a thickness direction of the substrate.
2. A flexible display apparatus comprising: a substrate including a
first area, a second area, and a bending region; a first insulating
layer on the substrate; a second insulating layer on the first
insulating layer in the first area; a third insulating layer on the
first insulating layer in the second area; a first signal line on
the second insulating layer in the first area; a second signal line
on the third insulating layer in the second area; a fourth
insulating layer on the first signal line in the first area; a
fifth insulating layer on the second signal line in the second
area; a third signal line on the substrate in the first area, the
second area and the bending region; a first organic material layer
in the bending region, the first organic material layer is apart
from a via layer in the first area and in the second area; and
display elements on the first area; wherein the display elements
are not in the second area, and wherein the first insulating layer
is between the substrate and the third signal line in the first
area or the second area in a top plan view in a thickness direction
of the substrate.
3. A flexible display apparatus comprising: a substrate including a
first area, a second area, and a bending region; a first insulating
layer on the substrate; a second insulating layer on the first
insulating layer in the first area; a third insulating layer
including on the first insulating layer in the second area; a first
signal line including a first portion on the second insulating
layer in the first area; a second signal line including a second
portion on the third insulating layer in the second area; a fourth
insulating layer on the first signal line in the first area; a
fifth insulating layer on the second signal line in the second
area; a third signal line including a third portion and a fourth
portion on the substrate in the first area, the second area and the
bending region; a first organic material layer in the bending
region, the first organic material layer is apart from a via layer
in the first area and in the second area; and display elements on
the first area; wherein the first insulating layer is between the
substrate and the third signal line in the first area or the second
area in a top plan view in a thickness direction of the substrate,
wherein the fourth insulating layer includes a first contact hole
and the fifth insulating layer includes a second contact hole,
wherein the third portion of the third signal line is disposed on
the first portion of the first signal line in the first area,
wherein the fourth portion of the third signal line is disposed on
the second portion of the second signal line in the second area,
wherein the third portion of the third signal line and the first
portion of the first signal line overlap the first contact hole in
a plan view, wherein the fourth portion of the third signal line
and the second portion of the second signal line overlap the second
contact hole in the plan view, and wherein the display elements are
not in the second area.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/732,689, filed on Jan. 2, 2020, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/944,051, filed
on Apr. 3, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/156,874, filed on May 17, 2016, which claims priority
to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0130597, filed on Sep. 15,
2015, and all the benefits accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 119, the content of which in its entirety is herein
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0002] One or more exemplary embodiments relate to a flexible
display apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] As information technology has developed, the market for
display apparatuses that are connecting media between users and
information is increasing. Accordingly, usage of flat panel
displays ("FPD"s), such as liquid crystal displays ("LCD"s),
organic light-emitting diodes ("OLED"s), and plasma display panels
("PDP"s) have increased.
[0004] If a display apparatus has flexibility, the display
apparatus is portable in a state of being curved, folded, or
rolled, and accordingly, portability may be ensured while
increasing a screen size of the display apparatus.
[0005] Accordingly, research on commercializing a display apparatus
including a flexible display panel has recently increased.
SUMMARY
[0006] One or more exemplary embodiments include a flexible display
apparatus.
[0007] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the
description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the
description, or may be learned by practice of the presented
embodiments.
[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment, a flexible display
apparatus includes: a substrate; a gate insulating layer including
an inorganic layer and disposed on the substrate; a gate line
disposed on the gate insulating layer; an inter-insulating layer
including an inorganic layer and covering the gate line; and a data
line disposed on the inter-insulating layer, where the flexible
display apparatus has a first region which is bendable and second
regions at opposite sides of the first region, respectively,
portions of the gate insulating layer and the inter-insulating
layer in the first region are removed, and the gate insulating
layer and the inter-insulating layer in the second region have a
patterned structure.
[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the data line may include
aluminum (Al).
[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the data line may be disposed
directly on the substrate, and the data line disposed in the first
region may connect portions of the gate line in the second regions,
respectively.
[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible display apparatus
may further include a metal dam at an edge of each of the second
regions, where the metal dam may be spaced from the data line with
a predetermined distance apart.
[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the metal dam and the data line
may be disposed in a same layer and include a same material as each
other.
[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible display apparatus
may further include a via layer including an organic layer and
covering the data line, where a portion of the via layer in a third
region, which is between an end portion of the data line and the
metal dam within each second region, is removed.
[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible display apparatus
may further include: a pixel defining layer disposed on the via
layer; and a spacer disposed on the pixel defining layer.
[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, portions of the pixel defining
layer and the spacer in a region from the first region to the third
region may be removed, and the pixel defining layer and the spacer
may be disposed to overlap only the metal dam and a region inside
the metal dam in the second region.
[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, portions of the pixel defining
layer and the spacer in the third region may be removed to overlap
the second region except the first region and the third region.
[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible display apparatus
may further include a thin film encapsulation portion disposed on
the spacer.
[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the thin film encapsulation
portion may be disposed on the substrate, and the data line, the
via layer and the thin film encapsulation portion may be
sequentially disposed on the substrate in the first region.
[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the thin film encapsulation
portion may be disposed on the substrate entirely in the second
region, except the first region.
[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible display apparatus
may further include: a via layer including an organic material and
disposed on the data line; and a pixel electrode on the via layer,
where a portion of the via layer on the data line in the second
region is removed.
[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the pixel electrode may be
disposed on the via layer in the first region, and the pixel
electrode may connect portions of the data line in the second
regions, respectively.
[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible display apparatus
may further include a molding portion disposed on the via layer in
the first region, on which the thin film encapsulation portion is
removed, where the molding portion may include a waterproof coating
agent.
[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible display apparatus
may further include a touch screen panel ("TSP") line disposed on
the via layer in the first region, in which the thin film
encapsulation portion is removed, and a TSP protective organic
layer disposed on the TSP line.
[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the gate insulating layer and
the inter-insulating layer in a bendable portion of the second
region are removed, and portions of the gate insulating layer and
the inter-insulating layer only on regions, where the gate line and
the data line are to be insulated in the second region, have a
patterned structure.
[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment, a flexible
display apparatus includes: a substrate; a gate insulating layer
including an inorganic layer and disposed on the substrate; a gate
line disposed on the gate insulating layer; an inter-insulating
layer including an inorganic layer and covering the gate line; and
a data line disposed on the inter-insulating layer. In such an
embodiment, the flexible display apparatus has a first region which
is bendable and second regions at opposite sides of the first
region, respectively, the gate insulating layer and the
inter-insulating layer in the second region have a patterned
structure, and a portion of the data line in the first region is
disposed directly on the substrate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] These and/or other features will become apparent and more
readily appreciated from the following description of the exemplary
embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a flexible display
apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an internal
portion of a second region in the flexible display apparatus of
FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of edges of a
first region and a second region in the flexible display apparatus
according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a first region in a
flexible display apparatus according to an alternative exemplary
embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a first region in a
flexible display apparatus according to another alternative
exemplary embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a first region in a
flexible display apparatus according to another alternative
exemplary embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a first region in a
flexible display apparatus according to another alternative
exemplary embodiment; and
[0034] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a first region in a
flexible display apparatus according to another alternative
exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] As the inventive concept allows for various changes and
numerous embodiments, particular embodiments will be illustrated in
the drawings and described in detail in the written description.
However, this is not intended to limit the inventive concept to
particular modes of practice, and it is to be appreciated that all
changes, equivalents, and substitutes that do not depart from the
spirit and technical scope are encompassed in the inventive
concept. In the description, certain detailed explanations of the
related art are omitted when it is deemed that they may
unnecessarily obscure the essence of the inventive concept.
[0036] While such terms as "first," "second," etc., may be used to
describe various components, such components must not be limited to
the above terms. The above terms are used only to distinguish one
component from another. Thus, "a first element," "component,"
"region," "layer" or "section" discussed below could be termed a
second element, component, region, layer or section without
departing from the teachings herein.
[0037] The terms used in the present specification are merely used
to describe particular embodiments, and are not intended to limit
the inventive concept. An expression used in the singular
encompasses the expression of the plural, unless it has a clearly
different meaning in the context. In the present specification, it
is to be understood that the terms such as "including," "having,"
and "comprising" are intended to indicate the existence of the
features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or
combinations thereof disclosed in the specification, and are not
intended to preclude the possibility that one or more other
features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or
combinations thereof may exist or may be added.
[0038] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As
used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended
to include the plural forms, including "at least one," unless the
content clearly indicates otherwise. "Or" means "and/or." As used
herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one
or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as "at
least one of," when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire
list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the
list.
[0039] Furthermore, relative terms, such as "lower" or "bottom" and
"upper" or "top," may be used herein to describe one element's
relationship to another elements as illustrated in the Figures. It
will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass
different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation
depicted in the Figures. For example, if the device in one of the
figures is turned over, elements described as being on the "lower"
side of other elements would then be oriented on "upper" sides of
the other elements. The exemplary term "lower," can therefore,
encompasses both an orientation of "lower" and "upper," depending
on the particular orientation of the figure. Similarly, if the
device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as
"below" or "beneath" other elements would then be oriented "above"
the other elements. The exemplary terms "below" or "beneath" can,
therefore, encompass both an orientation of above and below.
[0040] "About" or "approximately" as used herein is inclusive of
the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation
for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in
the art, considering the measurement in question and the error
associated with measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the
limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can
mean within one or more standard deviations, or within .+-.30%,
20%, 10%, 5% of the stated value.
[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such
as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present
disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly
formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0042] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to
cross section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of
idealized embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the
illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques
and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments described
herein should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes
of regions as illustrated herein but are to include deviations in
shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, a
region illustrated or described as flat may, typically, have rough
and/or nonlinear features. Moreover, sharp angles that are
illustrated may be rounded. Thus, the regions illustrated in the
figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended
to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are not intended to
limit the scope of the present claims.
[0043] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0044] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a flexible display
apparatus 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 2 is a
schematic cross-sectional view showing an internal portion of a
second region D in the flexible display apparatus 1000, and FIG. 3
is a schematic cross-sectional view of edge portions of a first
region B and the second region D in the flexible display apparatus
1000.
[0045] The flexible display apparatus 1000 according to an
exemplary embodiment includes a first region B and second regions
D.
[0046] The first region B is a bending region, at which a display
panel is bendable or foldable by an angle of 90.degree. or greater,
and the second regions D are flat regions in which a display unit
200 is included.
[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, two second
regions D may be disposed at opposite sides of the first region B,
based on the first region B. In such an embodiment, the display
panel may be bent at the first region B, and the two second regions
D disposed at opposite sides of the first region B may display
images to be shown.
[0048] In such an embodiment, the flexible display apparatus 1000
may include a third region I disposed on an edge portion of each of
the second regions D.
[0049] The third region I may be defined by an external portion of
the second region D that is adjacent to the first region B.
[0050] Alternatively, an organic layer may be removed on the third
region I, which will be described later.
[0051] Hereinafter, a cross-section of the first region B and an
internal cross-section of the display unit 200 located in the
second region D will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1
to 3. The display unit 200 emits visible light corresponding to the
image to be shown. The display unit 200 may include various
devices, for example, an organic light-emitting display diode
("OLED") and a liquid crystal display ("LCD") device. In an
exemplary embodiment of the flexible display apparatus 1000, the
display unit 200 includes an organic light-emitting diode OLED, as
shown in FIG. 2.
[0052] The substrate 100 may include various materials, for
example, a glass material, other insulating materials, or a metal
thin film.
[0053] Alternatively, the substrate 100 may include a flexible
material, for example, an organic material.
[0054] Alternatively, the substrate 100 may include at least one
selected from a silicon-based polymer, polyurethane, polyurethane
acrylate, acrylate polymer, and acrylate terpolymer. In such an
embodiment, the silicon-based polymer may include, for example,
polydimethylsiloxane ("PDMS") and hexamethyldisiloxane
("HMDSO").
[0055] According to an exemplary embodiment of the flexible display
apparatus 1000, the substrate 100 is fabricated to have a flexible
property to elongate two-dimensionally.
[0056] Alternatively, the substrate 100 may include a material
having a Poisson's ratio of about 0.4 or greater. The Poisson's
ratio denotes a ratio of compression in one direction when a
material is elongated by being pulled in the other direction. When
the material forming the substrate 100 has a Poissons's ratio of
about 0.4 or greater, that is, the substrate 100 is sufficiently
expanded, the flexibility of the substrate 100 may be improved and
a bending portion may be defined by the substrate 100. In such an
embodiment, the display apparatus 1000 may effectively include the
bending portion.
[0057] A buffer layer 110 may be disposed on the substrate 100. The
buffer layer 110 may function as a barrier layer and/or a blocking
layer that effectively prevents dispersion of impurity ions and
infiltration of moisture or external air, and that planarizes a
surface of the substrate 100.
[0058] Alternatively, the buffer layer 110 may include an inorganic
layer, and may cover only the second regions D. In such an
embodiment, the buffer layer 110 including the inorganic material
may be disposed on the substrate 100 and patterned to overlap only
the second regions D and to expose the first region B.
[0059] A thin film transistor TFT may be disposed on the buffer
layer 110. An active layer A of the thin film transistor TFT may
include polysilicon, and may include a channel region on which
impurities are not doped, and a source region and a drain region
disposed on opposite sides of the channel region and doped with
impurities. Here, the impurities may vary depending on the thin
film transistor TFT, e.g., may be N-type impurities or P-type
impurities.
[0060] In such an embodiment, a gate insulating layer 210 may be
disposed on the active layer A.
[0061] The gate insulating layer 210 may have a multi-layered or a
single-layered structure including an inorganic material such as
silicon oxide or silicon nitride. The gate insulating layer 210
insulates a gate electrode G disposed thereon from the active layer
A.
[0062] Alternatively, the gate insulating layer 210 including the
inorganic material may be patterned to overlap only the second
regions D, and to expose the first region B.
[0063] In such an embodiment, the gate electrode G may be disposed
on the gate insulating layer 210. In an exemplary embodiment, the
gate electrode G may be fabricated by a photolithography process
and an etching process.
[0064] The gate electrode G may include at least one selected from
molybdenum (Mo), aluminium (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd),
silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium
(Nd), iridium (Ir), chrome (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca),
titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), and copper (Cu).
[0065] In such an embodiment, an inter-insulating layer 230 is
disposed on the gate insulating layer 210. In an exemplary
embodiment, the inter-insulating layer 230 may be patterned to
overlap only the second regions D.
[0066] The inter-insulating layer 230 may include an inorganic
material. In an exemplary embodiment, the inter-insulating layer
230 may include a metal oxide or a metal nitride. In one exemplary
embodiment, for example, the inorganic material may include at
least one selected from silicon oxide (SiO.sub.2), silicon nitride
(SiNx), silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminium oxide
(Al.sub.2O.sub.3), titanium oxide (TiO.sub.2), tantalum oxide
(Ta.sub.2O.sub.5), hafnium oxide (HfO.sub.2), or zinc oxide
(ZrO.sub.2).
[0067] The inter-insulating layer 230 may have a multi-layered or a
single-layered structure including an inorganic material such as
silicon oxide (SiOx) and/or silicon nitride (SiNx). In some
exemplary embodiments, the inter-insulating layer 230 may have a
dual-layer structure such as SiOx/SiNy or SiNx/SiOy.
[0068] Alternatively, the flexible display apparatus 1000 may
include the gate insulating layer 210 and the inter-insulating
layer 230, both of which may include a single-layered or
multi-layered structure including the inorganic material. In such
an embodiment, the gate insulating layer 210 and the
inter-insulating layer 230 may be patterned to overlap only the
second region D, and to expose the first region B that is
bendable.
[0069] A source electrode S and a drain electrode D of the thin
film transistor TFT may be disposed on the inter-insulating layer
230.
[0070] The source electrode S and the drain electrode D may include
at least one metal material selected from Al, Pt, Pd, Ag, Mg, Au,
Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, Mo, Ti, W, and Cu.
[0071] Alternatively, the source electrode S and the drain
electrode D may include Al that may improve flexural properties
when forming data lines SD of the first region B, and will be
described in greater detail later.
[0072] A via layer 250 may be disposed on the inter-insulating
layer 230 to cover the source electrode S and the drain electrode D
on the inter-insulating layer 230. A pixel electrode 271 may be
disposed on the via layer 250. According to an exemplary
embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the pixel electrode 281 is
connected to the drain electrode D via a via hole defined in the
via layer 250.
[0073] The via layer 250 may include an insulating material. In one
exemplary embodiment, for example, the via layer 250 may have a
single-layered or a multi-layered structure including an inorganic
material, an organic material, or an organic/inorganic compound
material, provided by using various deposition methods. In some
exemplary embodiments, the via layer 250 may include at least one
selected from an polyacrylates resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic
resin, a polyamides resin, a polyimides resin, an unsaturated
polyesters resin, a poly phenylenethers resin, a poly
phenylenesulfides resin, and benzocyclobutene ("BCB").
[0074] Alternatively, the via layer 250 may include an organic
material, and may be patterned in the first region B and the second
regions D. However, if the via layer 250 including the organic
material is disposed on the entire surface of the second regions D,
a path of supplying moisture to the organic light-emitting diode
OLED may be provided due to the organic material.
[0075] Therefore, in some exemplary embodiments, where the via
layer 250, is the organic layer, a portion of the via layer 250 on
the third region I that is formed at an edge of the second region D
as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is removed, and then, the via layer 250
may be disposed to overlap only the second regions D and to expose
the first region B and the third region I. This will be described
in detail later.
[0076] The organic light-emitting diode OLED may be disposed on the
via layer 250. The organic light-emitting diode OLED includes the
pixel electrode 281, an intermediate layer 283 including an organic
emission layer, and an opposite electrode 285. In such an
embodiment, the organic light-emitting diode OLED may further
include a pixel defining layer 270.
[0077] The pixel electrode 281 and/or the opposite electrode 285
may be transparent electrodes or reflective electrodes. In an
exemplary embodiment, where the pixel electrode 281 and/or the
opposite electrode 285 are transparent electrodes, the pixel
electrode 281 and/or the opposite electrode 285 may include indium
tin oxide ("ITO"), indium zinc oxide ("IZO"), ZnO, or
In.sub.2O.sub.3. In an exemplary embodiment, where the pixel
electrode 281 and/or the opposite electrode 285 are reflective
electrodes, the pixel electrode 281 and/or the opposite electrode
285 may each include a reflective layer including Ag, Mg, Al, Pt,
Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, or a compound thereof, and a transparent
layer including ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In.sub.2O.sub.3. In some
exemplary embodiments, the pixel electrode 281 or the opposite
electrode 285 may have an ITO/Ag/ITO structure.
[0078] The intermediate layer 283 disposed between pixel electrode
281 and the opposite electrode 285 may include an organic emission
layer.
[0079] Alternatively, the intermediate layer 283 includes the
organic emission layer, and may further include at least one of a
hole injection layer ("HIL"), a hole transport layer ("HTL"), an
electron transport layer ("ETL"), and an electron injection layer
("EIL"). However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.
Alternatively, the intermediate layer 283 includes the organic
emission layer and may further include various functional
layers.
[0080] A spacer 290 (see FIG. 3) may be further disposed on the
pixel defining layer 270. The spacer 290 may protrude upward from
the pixel defining layer 270, and may be disposed in a way such
that display characteristics is effectively prevented from being
degraded due to external shock.
[0081] In an exemplary embodiment, the spacer 290 may be formed
through a same manufacturing process using a same material as those
of the pixel defining layer 270. In such an embodiment, the pixel
defining layer 270 and the spacer 290 may be formed simultaneously
by adjusting an exposure amount through an exposure process using a
half-tone mask. However, one or more exemplary embodiments are not
limited thereto, alternatively, the pixel defining layer 270 and
the spacer 290 may be sequentially or separately formed. In another
alternative exemplary embodiment, the pixel defining layer 270 and
the spacer 290 may be provided as independent structures from each
other by using different materials.
[0082] Hereinafter, the cross-sectional structure of the second
regions D located at opposite sides of the first region B will be
described in detail with reference to FIG. 3.
[0083] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 and as
described above, the buffer layer 110, the gate insulating layer
210, gate lines GL, the inter-insulating layer 230, and the data
lines SD are sequentially disposed on the substrate 100.
[0084] FIG. 3 shows that the buffer layer 110 is disposed on the
substrate 100, but not being limited thereto. Alternatively, the
buffer layer 110 may be omitted and the gate insulating layer 210
may be disposed directly on the substrate 100.
[0085] Alternatively, the buffer layer 110 may include an inorganic
material, and may be selectively formed only in the second regions
D, not in the first region B.
[0086] Alternatively, the gate insulating layer 210 and the
inter-insulating layer 230 may include an inorganic material. In an
exemplary embodiment, the gate insulating layer 210 and the
inter-insulating layer 230 are not formed on the first region B at
which the flexible display apparatus 1000 bends, but may be
patterned only in the second regions D on the substrate 100.
[0087] An inorganic layer may have a single-layered structure or a
stacked structure including metal oxide or metal nitride. Although
the inorganic layer may prevent infiltration of oxygen or moisture,
stress applied thereto may not be effectively reduced.
[0088] Thus, according to an exemplary embodiment of the flexible
display apparatus 1000, the gate insulating layer 210 and the
inter-insulating layer 230 including the inorganic material are
substantially entirely removed from or not provided in the first
region B by which the flexible display apparatus 1000 bends, and
accordingly, the stress may be reduced and flexibility may be
improved.
[0089] The data lines SD may be arranged on the inter-insulating
layer 230. In an exemplary embodiment, the data lines SD may be
arranged on the first region B to connect the gate lines GL of the
second regions D at the opposite sides of the first region B to
each other.
[0090] In such an embodiment, the data lines SD may be disposed
directly on the substrate 100 in the first region B, so that an
upper surface of the substrate 100 directly contacts the data lines
SD.
[0091] In such an embodiment where the data lines SD connect the
gate lines GL of the two second regions D that are separate from
each other, signals may be transferred between the second regions
D.
[0092] Alternatively, the data lines SD may include Al. Since the
Al has high flexibility, the data lines SD may be formed to be
curved on the substrate 100 in the first region B between the gate
lines GL of the two second regions D.
[0093] In such an embodiment, when the first region B is bent,
stress may not largely affect the data lines SD having high
flexibility and the data lines SD are not likely to be shorted, and
thus, the flexibility may be improved.
[0094] The via layer 250 may be disposed on the data lines SD.
[0095] The via layer 250 may include an organic material, and may
be formed entirely on the first region B to cover the data lines
SD.
[0096] Since the via layer 250 including the organic material is
disposed on the data lines SD on the first region B that is
bendable, the via layer 250 may absorb stress applied to the first
region B and provides flexibility.
[0097] Therefore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
flexible display apparatus 1000, the inorganic layer on the
substrate 100 is reduced or removed in the first region B and the
organic layer and the data lines SD having high flexibility are
only disposed on the substrate 100 in the first region B. Thus, in
such an embodiment, the stress applied to the first region B may be
reduced, and crack may not occur even when the bending is
repeatedly performed.
[0098] The pixel defining layer 270 for defining pixel regions and
the spacer 290 may be sequentially disposed on the via layer
250.
[0099] In some exemplary embodiment, the pixel defining layer 270
and the spacer 290 may both include an organic material, and as
shown in FIG. 3, the pixel defining layer 270 and the spacer 290
may be omitted from the first region B and may be selectively
patterned in the second region D.
[0100] Alternatively, the flexible display apparatus 1000 may
further include a metal dam DAM disposed at an edge of each second
region D to be spaced apart from the data lines SD with a
predetermined distance.
[0101] In an exemplary embodiment, the metal dam DAM may be
patterned at the same time when the data lines SD are formed by
using the same material as that of the data lines SD, and may be
formed at each of the second regions D located at the opposite
sides of the first region B.
[0102] The via layer 250, the pixel defining layer 270 and the
spacer 290 may be sequentially disposed on the metal dam DAM.
[0103] In such an embodiment, where the metal dam DAM is disposed
on the inter-insulating layer 230, and the via layer 250, the pixel
defining layer 270 and the spacer 290 are disposed on the metal dam
DAM, the edge of the second region D is relatively higher.
[0104] In such an embodiment, since the edge of the second region D
is relatively higher than the first region B and the other portion
of the second region D, on which the metal dam DAM is not formed,
infiltration of moisture into the organic light-emitting diode OLED
that is located at an inner portion of the second region D may be
effectively prevented.
[0105] The third region I may be between the metal dam DAM and an
end portion of the data lines SD.
[0106] In such an embodiment, a moisture transferring path is not
formed in the third region I, and the via layer 250, the pixel
defining layer 270 and the spacer 290 including the organic
material may not be formed on the third region I.
[0107] In such an embodiment, the via layer 250, the pixel defining
layer 270 and the spacer 290 may be patterned in the second region
D, except for the third region I.
[0108] Although the layer including the organic material relives
the stress and improves the flexibility, a path for transferring
moisture or oxygen may be provided due to the organic material.
[0109] Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, layers including the
organic material are substantially entirely removed from the third
region I not to provide the path of transferring the moisture, and
then, only inorganic layers, e.g., the gate insulating layer 210,
the inter-insulating layer 230 and the gate lines GL, may be formed
on the substrate 100 in the third region I.
[0110] In an exemplary embodiment of the flexible display apparatus
1000, the inorganic layers, e.g., the gate insulating layer 210 and
the inter-insulating layer 230, are substantially entirely removed
from the first region B and formed only on the second region D, and
the organic layer, e.g., the via layer 250, is substantially
entirely removed from the third region I to be formed only in the
first region B and the second region D except the third region
I.
[0111] In such an embodiment, the organic layers, e.g., the pixel
defining layer 270 and the spacer 290, may be patterned within the
second region D. In such an embodiment, the pixel defining layer
270 and the spacer 290 may be substantially entirely removed from
the third region I and a part of the second region D, which is
located on an outer portion of the third region I, and may be
patterned on the metal dam DAM and the second region D inside the
metal dam DAM.
[0112] Accordingly, in such an embodiment, the pixel defining layer
270 and the spacer 290 may not overlap the region from the first
region B to the third region I, and may be patterned only in the
third region I, that is, on the metal dam DAM and the second region
D inside the metal dam DAM.
[0113] Accordingly, the inorganic layer may not be formed on the
first region B that is the bending portion, and then, the data
lines SD and the via layer 250 that is the organic layer are formed
only on the first region B. Thus, the stress may be relieved and
the flexibility is improved.
[0114] In such an embodiment, the organic layers are not formed on
the edge of the second region D, on which the organic
light-emitting diode OLED is formed, and then, the third region I,
on which the inorganic layers, e.g., the gate insulating layer 210,
the inter-insulating layer 230 and the gate lines GL, are only
formed, is located at the edge of the second region D. Accordingly,
the path through which the moisture transfers into the organic
light-emitting diode OLED from the outside may be blocked.
[0115] In such an embodiment, the metal dam DAM that is spaced
apart from the data lines SD with a predetermined distance is
disposed on the edge of the second region D including the organic
light-emitting diode OLED, and the via layer 250, the pixel
defining layer 270 and the spacer 290 are sequentially disposed on
the metal dam DAM. Thus, the edge of the second region D is
relatively higher than peripheral regions, and thus, the
infiltration of the moisture from the outside may be effectively
prevented.
[0116] In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible display apparatus
1000 may include a thin film encapsulation portion 300a on an upper
portion of the display unit 200 to completely seal the display unit
200, to thereby protect the display unit 200 against external
moisture or oxygen.
[0117] The thin film encapsulation portion 300a may be disposed on
the display unit 200, and opposite ends of the thin film
encapsulation portion 300a may be coupled, e.g., adhered, to the
substrate 100.
[0118] In some exemplary embodiments, the thin film encapsulation
portion 300a has a structure in which a plurality of thin film
layers are stacked, that is, inorganic layers and organic layers
may be alternately stacked.
[0119] The inorganic layers may effectively prevent the
infiltration of oxygen or moisture, and the organic layers may
absorb stress applied to the inorganic layer to grant the
flexibility.
[0120] The inorganic layer may be a single layer or a stacked layer
including metal oxide or metal nitride. The inorganic layers may
include one of SiNx, Al.sub.2O.sub.3, SiO.sub.2, and TiO.sub.2.
[0121] The organic layer may include a polymer, and may be a single
layer or a stacked layer including, for example, one of
polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide, polycarbonate, epoxy,
polyethylene, and polyacrylate. In an exemplary embodiment, the
organic layers may include polyacrylate. In one exemplary
embodiment, for example, the organic layer may include a
polymerized monomer composition including diacrylate-based monomer
and triacrylate-based monomer. The monomer composition may further
include monoacrylate-based monomer. Also, the monomer composition
may further include a well-known photoinitiator such as trimethyl
benzoyl diphenyl phosphine oxide ("TPO"), but exemplary embodiments
are not limited thereto.
[0122] In an exemplary embodiment, the inorganic layer is removed
only from the first region B that is the bending portion, but is
not limited thereto. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the
second region D may include a region from which the inorganic layer
is removed as in the first region B.
[0123] In an exemplary embodiment, the second region D may also
have a bending region, and in the bending region, the inorganic
layer may be removed to relieve the stress and improve the
flexibility within a range of maintaining connections between
wires. Therefore, the region from which the inorganic layer is
removed is not limited to the first region B between the two second
regions D, as described above.
[0124] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible display
apparatus 2000 according to an alternative exemplary embodiment,
based on the first region B. The same or like elements shown in
FIG. 4 have been labelled with the same reference characters as
used above to describe the exemplary embodiments of the flexible
display apparatus in FIGS. 1 to 3, and any repetitive detailed
description thereof will hereinafter be omitted or simplified.
[0125] In such an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the inorganic
layers, e.g., the gate insulating layer 210 and the
inter-insulating layer 230, are removed in the first region B, and
may be disposed entirely in the second region D on the substrate
100.
[0126] In such an embodiment, the data lines SD may be directly
arranged on the substrate 1000 in the first region B.
[0127] The gate lines GL may be disposed on the gate insulating
layer 210 and under the inter-insulating layer 230 in the second
region D.
[0128] The data lines SD may be disposed on the inter-insulating
layer 230, and the data lines SD may connect the gate lines GL of
the two second regions D that are located at the opposite sides of
the first region B.
[0129] The metal dam DAM that is spaced apart from the data lines
SD with a predetermined distance may be formed at an edge of the
second region D. The metal dam DAM may be patterned at the same
time when the data lines SD are patterned by using the same
material as the data lines SD.
[0130] The via layer 250 may be disposed on the data lines SD. The
via layer 250 may include an organic layer that may be formed on
the data lines SD entirely in the first region and may be patterned
within the second region D.
[0131] In such an embodiment, the via layer 250 is substantially
entirely removed from the third region I that is between the data
lines SD and the metal dam DAM, and may be formed on (or disposed
to overlap when viewed from a plan view in a thickness direction of
the flexible display apparatus) the first region B and the second
region D except the third region I.
[0132] The pixel defining layer 270 and the spacer 290 including
the organic material may be sequentially formed on the via layer
250, and may be patterned on the metal dam DAM and inside the metal
dam DAM on the second region D. That is, the pixel defining layer
270 and the spacer 290 may not be formed on the third region I, a
portion of the second region D outside the third region I, and the
first region B.
[0133] Accordingly, the inorganic layers are substantially entirely
removed from the first region B that is the bending portion, and
the data lines SD and the organic layer, that is, the via layer
250, are only formed on the first region B so that the stress
applied to the first region B may be relieved and the flexibility
may be improved.
[0134] In such an embodiment, the organic layers are substantially
entirely removed from the edge of the second region D, on which the
organic light-emitting diode OLED is formed, and then, the third
region I on which the inorganic layers, e.g., the gate insulating
layer 210, the inter-insulating layers 230 and the gate lines GL
are only formed, is located at the edge of the second region D.
Accordingly, the path through which the moisture transfers from the
outside toward the organic light-emitting diode OLED may be
blocked.
[0135] In such an embodiment, the metal dam DAM that is spaced
apart from the data lines SD with a predetermined distance is
disposed on the edge of the second region D, on which the organic
light-emitting diode OLED is formed, and the via layer 250, the
pixel defining layer 270 and the spacer 290 are sequentially
disposed on the metal dam DAM. Thus, the edge of the second region
D is relatively higher and performs as a dam for preventing
infiltration of the moisture from the outside.
[0136] According to an exemplary embodiment, the flexible display
apparatus 2000 may further include a thin film encapsulation
portion 300b on the display unit 200 to completely seal the display
unit 200, to thereby protect the display unit 200 against the
external moisture or oxygen.
[0137] The thin film encapsulation portion 300b may have a
structure, in which a plurality of thin film layers are stacked one
on another, for example, inorganic layers and organic layers may be
alternately stacked.
[0138] The thin film encapsulation portion 300b in the flexible
display apparatus 2000 may be disposed on the entire surface of the
substrate 100, except the first region B.
[0139] The thin film encapsulation portion 300b has a predetermined
thickness, and thus, the thin film encapsulation portion 300b is
substantially entirely removed from the first region B, which is
the bending portion, so that the first region B may be relatively
thin in thickness. Therefore, the stress may be relieved and a
possibility of occurring crack in the flexible display apparatus
2000 may be reduced.
[0140] In some other exemplary embodiments, the inorganic layers in
the thin film encapsulation portion 300b, in which the organic
layers and the inorganic layers are alternately stacked, may be
disposed on the first region B so that the organic layers remain
only on the first region B. Since the organic layer relieves the
stress and improves the flexibility, the stress applied to the
first region B may be relieved provided that the organic layers are
formed on the via layer 250 of the first region B.
[0141] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible display
apparatus 3000 according to another alternative exemplary
embodiment, based on the first region B. The same or like elements
shown in FIG. 5 have been labelled with the same reference
characters as used above to describe the exemplary embodiments of
the flexible display apparatus in FIGS. 1 to 3, and any repetitive
detailed description thereof will hereinafter be omitted or
simplified.
[0142] In an exemplary embodiment of the flexible display apparatus
3000 shown in FIG. 5, the inorganic layers, e.g., the gate
insulating layer 210 and the inter-insulating layer 230, are
substantially entirely removed from the first region B, and may be
formed entirely in the second region D on the substrate 100.
[0143] In such an embodiment, the data lines SD are disposed
directly on the substrate 100 in the first region B, and the gate
lines GL may be disposed on the gate insulating layer 210 and under
the inter-insulating layer 230 in the second region D.
[0144] The data lines SD may be disposed on the inter-insulating
layer 230, and the data lines SD are disposed entirely on the first
region B to connect the gate lines GL of the two second regions D
located at the opposite sides of the first region B.
[0145] The metal dam DAM that is spaced apart from the data lines
SD with a predetermined distance may be disposed at the edge of the
second region D. The metal dam DAM may be patterned at the same
time when forming the data lines SD by using the same material as
that of the data lines SD.
[0146] The via layer 250 may be disposed on the data lines SD. The
via layer 250 may include an organic layer, and may be disposed on
the data lines SD entirely in the first region B and may be
patterned in the second region D.
[0147] In such an embodiment, the via layer 250 is substantially
entirely removed from the third region I that is between the data
lines SD and the metal dam DAM, and may be formed on the first
region B and the second region D except the third region I.
[0148] The pixel defining layer 270 and the spacer 290 including
the organic material may be sequentially disposed on the via layer
250. Like the via layer 250, the pixel defining layer 270 and the
spacer 290 may be disposed to overlap the first region B and the
second region D except the third region I.
[0149] Alternatively, the via layer 250, the pixel defining layer
270 and the spacer 290 may be all include the organic material, and
may be sequentially disposed on the data lines SD in the first
region B that is the bending portion.
[0150] In such an embodiment, since the organic layers, e.g. the
via layer 250, the pixel defining layer 270 and the spacer 290 for
relieving the stress and improving the flexibility, are disposed on
the data lines SD in the first region B, the stress may not
accumulate and crack may not occur even if the first region B is
repeatedly bent.
[0151] In such an embodiment, the organic layers, e.g., the via
layer 250, the pixel defining layer 270 and the spacer 290, are
substantially entirely removed from the third region I so that the
via layer 250, the pixel defining layer 270 and the spacer 290 are
only disposed or patterned in the second region D except the third
region I.
[0152] Accordingly, the organic layers are all removed in the third
region I, and only the inorganic layers, e.g., the gate insulating
layer 210, the gate lines GL and the inter-insulating layer 230,
are disposed on the substrate 100, such that the path of
transferring moisture into the second region D may be blocked.
[0153] Alternatively, the thin film encapsulation portion 300b, in
which the inorganic layers and the organic layers are alternately
stacked, may be disposed on the display unit 200 to completely seal
the display unit 200 against the external moisture or oxygen.
[0154] In an exemplary embodiment of the flexible display apparatus
3000, the thin film encapsulation portion 300b may be disposed on
the substrate 100, except the first region B.
[0155] Since the thin film encapsulation portion 300b has a
predetermined thickness, the thin film encapsulation portion 300b
is substantially entirely removed from the first region B that is
the bending portion to relieve the stress and to reduce the
possibility of generating crack.
[0156] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible display
apparatus 4000 according to another alternative exemplary
embodiment, based on the first region B. The same or like elements
shown in FIG. 6 have been labelled with the same reference
characters as used above to describe the exemplary embodiments of
the flexible display apparatus in FIGS. 1 to 4, and any repetitive
detailed description thereof will hereinafter be omitted or
simplified.
[0157] In an exemplary embodiment of the flexible display apparatus
4000, as shown in FIG. 6, the inorganic layers, e.g., the gate
insulating layer 210 and the inter-insulating layer 230, are
substantially entirely removed from the first region B, and may be
disposed entirely in the second region D on the substrate 100.
[0158] The gate lines GL may be disposed on the gate insulating
layer 210 and under the inter-insulating layer 230, and the data
lines SD are disposed on the inter-insulating layer 230 to contact
the gate lines GL.
[0159] The via layer 250 may be disposed on the data lines SD. The
via layer 250 may include an organic layer, and may be patterned in
the second region D. In such an embodiment, the via layer 250
including the organic layer may be disposed on the first region
B.
[0160] As will be described later, since the data lines SD contact
the pixel electrode 281 located thereon, the via layer 250 may be
patterned in the second region D to expose at least a part of the
data lines SD.
[0161] In an exemplary embodiment of the flexible display apparatus
4000, the gate insulating layer 210, the gate lines GL, the
inter-insulating layer 230 and the data lines SD are not formed in
the first region B, and thus, the via layer 250 may be disposed
directly on the substrate 100.
[0162] The pixel electrode 281 may be disposed on the via layer
250.
[0163] Alternatively, the pixel electrode 281 may be disposed on
the via layer 250 entirely in the first region B. In an exemplary
embodiment, since the pixel electrode 281 contacts the data lines
of the second regions D located at the opposite sides of the first
region B, the pixel electrode 281 may connect the lines of the two
second regions D to each other.
[0164] The via layer 250 is patterned or has a patterned structure
to expose a part of the data lines SD as described above, and the
pixel electrode 281 may be disposed on the data lines SD to cover
the ends of the via layer 250. However, one or more exemplary
embodiments are not limited thereto, and the pixel electrode 281
may be formed in another way such that the data lines SD in
adjacent second regions D may be connected to each other
therethrough.
[0165] The pixel defining layer 270 may be disposed on the pixel
electrode 281.
[0166] Alternatively, the pixel defining layer 270 may include an
organic layer, and may be disposed on the pixel electrode 281
entirely in the first region B.
[0167] The pixel defining layer 270 may be patterned so that a part
of the pixel defining layer 270 may be removed at the edge of the
second region D.
[0168] On the region where the via layer 250 is removed, the pixel
defining layer 270 may be also removed. Then, such a region where
the via layer 250 and the pixel defining layer 270 are removed in
the second region D may define the third region I that removes the
path of transferring the moisture and locates at the edge of the
second region D.
[0169] In such an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the inorganic
layers, e.g., the gate insulating layer 210, the inter-insulating
layer 230, the gate lines GL, the data lines SD and the pixel
electrode 281 that include metal may be formed only in the third
region I on the substrate 100.
[0170] In the third region I including a part of the data lines SD,
the organic layers are removed, and thus, the movement of the
moisture and oxygen into the second region D via the organic layers
may be prevented.
[0171] The spacer 290 may be disposed on the pixel defining layer
270, and the spacer 290 is substantially entirely removed from the
first region B and the third region I and partially patterned on
the second region D except the third region I.
[0172] The spacer 290 may include the organic layer, and although
not shown in FIG. 6, the spacer 290 may be selectively formed on
the pixel defining layer 270 in the first region B.
[0173] In an exemplary embodiment of the flexible display apparatus
4000, the organic layers, e.g., the via layer 250, the pixel
defining layer 270 and the pixel electrode 281 between the via
layer 250 and the pixel defining layer 270, are formed only in the
first region B on the substrate 100, and thus, the flexibility may
be maximized. In such an embodiment, minimum metal wires are
provided to connect the lines between the two second regions D, and
thus, the stress may be relived and the possibility of generating
crack may be reduced even when the first region B is bent
repeatedly.
[0174] In an exemplary embodiment, the thin film encapsulation
portion 300b, in which the inorganic layers and the organic layers
are alternately stacked, may be disposed on the display unit 200 to
completely seal the display unit 200 against the external moisture
or oxygen.
[0175] In such an embodiment of the flexible display apparatus
4000, the thin film encapsulation portion 300b may be disposed
entirely on the substrate 100 except the first region B.
[0176] Since the thin film encapsulation portion 300b has a
predetermined thickness, the thin film encapsulation portion 300b
is substantially entirely removed from the first region B that is
the bending portion to relieve the stress and to reduce the
possibility of generating crack.
[0177] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible display
apparatus 5000 according to another alternative exemplary
embodiment, based on the first region B. The same or like elements
shown in FIG. 7 have been labelled with the same reference
characters as used above to describe the exemplary embodiments of
the flexible display apparatus in FIGS. 1 to 4, and any repetitive
detailed description thereof will hereinafter be omitted or
simplified.
[0178] The flexible display apparatus 5000 shown in FIG. 7 is
similar to the flexible display apparatus 2000 illustrated in FIG.
4, and thus, differences of the flexible display apparatus 5000
from the flexible display apparatus 2000 will be described
below.
[0179] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the thin
film encapsulation portion 300b may be disposed on the display unit
200 to completely seal the display unit 200 against the external
moisture or oxygen.
[0180] The thin film encapsulation portion 300b may have a
structure in which a plurality of thin film layers, e.g., inorganic
layers and organic layers, may be stacked alternately one on
another.
[0181] In an exemplary embodiment, the thin film encapsulation
portion 300b may be disposed on the entire surface of the substrate
100 except the first region B.
[0182] Since the thin film encapsulation portion 300b has a
predetermined thickness, the thin film encapsulation portion 300b
is substantially entirely removed from the first region B that is
the bending portion to relieve the stress and to reduce the
possibility of generating crack.
[0183] In an exemplary embodiment, since the first region B, on
which the thin film encapsulation portion 300b is removed, may be
more vulnerable to the external moisture or oxygen than the second
region D, a molding portion 400 may be disposed on the first region
B after bending the first region B.
[0184] In such an embodiment, where the molding portion 400 may be
disposed on the display unit 200 in the first region B, on which
the thin film encapsulation portion 300b is removed, the molding
portion 400 may include a waterproof coating agent.
[0185] Accordingly, in such an embodiment of the flexible display
apparatus 5000, the stress applied to the first region B is
relieved even when a thickness of the first region B is reduced and
the first region B is bent repeatedly. In such an embodiment, where
the molding portion 400 is provided, infiltrating the external
moisture or oxygen into the first region B is effectively
prevented, and thus, occurrence of crack may be effectively
prevented and the organic light-emitting diode OLED may be
protected at the same time.
[0186] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible display
apparatus 6000 according to another alternative exemplary
embodiment, based on the first region B. The same or like elements
shown in FIG. 8 have been labelled with the same reference
characters as used above to describe the exemplary embodiments of
the flexible display apparatus in FIGS. 1 to 4, and any repetitive
detailed description thereof will hereinafter be omitted or
simplified.
[0187] Since the flexible display apparatus 6000 shown in FIG. 8 is
similar to the flexible display apparatus 2000 illustrated in FIG.
4, differences of the flexible display apparatus 6000 from the
flexible display apparatus 2000 will be described below.
[0188] An exemplary embodiment of the flexible display apparatus
6000 may further include a touch screen panel ("TSP") wire or line
510 on the thin film encapsulation portion 300b.
[0189] The TSP line 510 is a line for sensing a touch of a user,
and is not disconnected in the first region B to be connected
between the two second regions D at the opposite sides of the first
region B.
[0190] If the TSP line 510 is stacked at the same location as the
data line SD disposed under the TSP line 510, a parasitic capacitor
may occur. Therefore, the data lines SD and the TSP line 510 above
the data lines SD may not be arranged in parallel with each
other.
[0191] In such an embodiment, a TSP protective organic layer 530
may be disposed on the TSP line 510 to protect the TSP line 510 on
the thin film encapsulation portion 300b. The TSP protective
organic layer 530 may completely seal the TSP line 510 and the
structures under the TSP line 510. In such an embodiment, since the
organic layer provides flexibility, the TSP protective organic
layer 530 may be disposed on the TSP line 510 in the first region
B.
[0192] The TSP protective organic layer 530 may include at least
one selected from polyacrylates resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin,
polyamides resin, polyimides resin, unsaturated polyesters resin,
poly phenylenethers resin, and poly phenylenesulfides resin.
[0193] According to exemplary embodiments, the stress applied to
the flexible display apparatus may be relived even when the
flexible display apparatus is bent by a predetermined angle or
greater.
[0194] It should be understood that exemplary embodiments described
herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for
purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within
each exemplary embodiment should typically be considered as
available for other similar features or aspects in other exemplary
embodiments.
[0195] While one or more exemplary 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.
* * * * *