Display device

Abstract

In some embodiments, the display device includes an anti-reflective pattern or columnar spacer disposed between the light-emitting diode and the diaphragm layer and comprising a blue colorant. Blue light reflected from the anti-reflective pattern or columnar spacer is almost imperceptible. Image quality can be improved by preventing rainbow spots (or blotches) caused by reflections of external light. Since blue light emitted from the light-emitting diode can pass through the anti-reflective pattern and / or columnar spacer, the light intensity emitted from the light-emitting diode can be increased.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0194880, filed in Korea on December 24, 2024, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a display device, and more specifically, to a display device that, by controlling the absorption of external light, minimizes stains caused by external light reflection and emits light of uniform intensity in each sub-pixel region. Background Technology

[0004] Various display devices have been used for displaying images in TVs, monitors, smartphones, tablet PCs, and laptops. The display device includes a display panel having multiple light-emitting elements or liquid crystals for realizing images, and transistors for controlling each light-emitting element or liquid crystal, so that the display device displays the desired image through the multiple light-emitting elements or liquid crystals.

[0005] The technology of light-emitting display devices, including those using light-emitting diodes (LEDs), has developed rapidly. Light-emitting display devices can be divided into organic light-emitting display devices that use organic light-emitting materials and inorganic light-emitting display devices that use inorganic light-emitting materials.

[0006] Display devices include polarizers on the display surface to minimize external light reflection. Recently, various studies and developments have been conducted to improve the reliability and image quality of display devices. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, one or more embodiments of the present invention relate to a display device that substantially eliminates one or more problems caused by the limitations and disadvantages of related technologies.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a display device that can minimize spots caused by external light reflection while maintaining or increasing brightness and preventing a decrease in brightness.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of improving luminous efficiency by expanding the luminous area.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of emitting light of uniform intensity in each sub-pixel region.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a display device that can improve flexibility and be applied to foldable products.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of removing polarizing components.

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a display device that achieves low reflection and low power consumption, thereby being environmentally friendly and pursuing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governmental) considerations.

[0014] Additional features and aspects will be set forth in the following description, some of which will be obvious from the description or will be apparent from the implementation of the disclosed concept provided herein. Other features and aspects of the disclosed concept will be realized and obtained or may be derived from the structures particularly pointed out in the draft specification and claims and the accompanying drawings.

[0015] To achieve these and other aspects of the inventive concept, as specifically described and broadly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a display device comprising: a substrate having a light-emitting region and a non-light-emitting region; a light-emitting diode disposed on the substrate corresponding to the light-emitting region; a dam layer disposed on the substrate corresponding to the non-light-emitting region; and an anti-reflective pattern disposed between the light-emitting diode and the dam layer and comprising a blue colorant, wherein the light-emitting diode comprises a first electrode, a second electrode facing the first electrode, and a light-emitting layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0016] In one embodiment, the side of the anti-reflective pattern that contacts the outer side of the light-emitting layer may have a cross-sectional shape that slopes downward toward the light-emitting layer.

[0017] In another embodiment, the side of the dam layer that contacts the outer side of the anti-reflective pattern may have a cross-sectional shape that slopes downward toward the opposite side of the anti-reflective pattern.

[0018] In another embodiment, the side of the dam layer that contacts the outer side of the anti-reflective pattern may be disposed perpendicular to the surface of the first electrode.

[0019] In another embodiment, the display device may further include columnar spacers disposed on the embankment.

[0020] As an example, the columnar spacer may include a blue colorant.

[0021] In one embodiment, each of the anti-reflective pattern and the dam layer may be configured to cover a portion of the surface of the first electrode.

[0022] In another embodiment, the anti-reflective pattern may be configured to cover a portion of the first electrode, and the dam layer may be configured on the outside of the first electrode.

[0023] As an example, the dam layer may have a refractive index equal to or greater than the refractive index of the antireflective pattern.

[0024] The dam layer may include materials that block or absorb light, such as a black colorant.

[0025] In another aspect, the present invention provides a display device comprising: a substrate having a light-emitting region and a non-light-emitting region; a light-emitting diode disposed on the substrate corresponding to the light-emitting region; a dam layer disposed on the substrate corresponding to the non-light-emitting region; and a columnar spacer extending from the upper surface of the dam layer to a region between the light-emitting diode and the dam layer and comprising a blue colorant, wherein the light-emitting diode comprises a first electrode, a second electrode facing the first electrode, and a light-emitting layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0026] In one embodiment, the side of the columnar spacer that contacts the outer side of the light-emitting layer may have a cross-sectional shape that slopes downward toward the light-emitting layer.

[0027] For example, the columnar spacer may include: a main body portion disposed on the embankment; a connecting portion extending from the main body portion toward the light-emitting diode; and an inclined portion having a cross-sectional shape that slopes downward from the connecting portion, and the inclined portion may be disposed between the embankment and the light-emitting layer.

[0028] In one embodiment, the side of the embankment that contacts the inclined portion of the columnar spacer may have a cross-sectional shape that slopes downward toward the opposite side of the inclined portion of the columnar spacer.

[0029] In another embodiment, the side of the embankment that contacts the inclined portion of the columnar spacer may be disposed perpendicular to the surface of the first electrode.

[0030] In another embodiment, the inclined portion of the columnar spacer and the embankment may be configured to cover a portion of the surface of the first electrode.

[0031] In another embodiment, the inclined portion may be configured to cover a portion of the surface of the first electrode, and the dam layer may be configured on the outside of the first electrode.

[0032] As an example, the columnar spacer may have a refractive index equal to or greater than the refractive index of the dam layer.

[0033] In another embodiment, the display device may further include: a driving thin-film transistor disposed on the substrate, the driving thin-film transistor being connected to the light-emitting diode and comprising an oxide semiconductor; an encapsulation layer disposed on the second electrode; and a color filter layer disposed on the encapsulation layer, wherein the encapsulation layer may comprise a black colorant.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, in a display device, an anti-reflective pattern including a blue colorant is disposed between a light-emitting diode and a barrier layer, or a columnar spacer including a blue colorant extends between the light-emitting diode and the barrier layer.

[0035] Since no separate polarizer is required on the display surface, the brightness of the light emitted from the LED is not reduced. Clearly identifiable external light can be absorbed and / or blocked by anti-reflective patterns and / or columnar spacers. Furthermore, by providing a dike layer including a black colorant, external light reflection and spots caused by external light reflection can be further minimized.

[0036] Light emitted from the light-emitting diode can be transmitted to the display surface through an anti-reflective pattern with blue colorant and / or columnar spacers. Because the light-emitting area is expanded, the luminous efficiency of the display device can be improved.

[0037] Furthermore, light emitted from the light-emitting diodes in the blue sub-pixels can be transmitted to the display surface through anti-reflective patterns and / or columnar spacers. Due to the expansion of the light-emitting area in the blue sub-pixels, the luminous intensity in the blue sub-pixels increases. The intensity of light emitted from each sub-pixel region can be uniformly controlled, and the image quality of the display device can be maximized.

[0038] According to the present invention, the display device can remove the polarizing member, thereby improving its flexibility, and thus, a foldable display device in which the display area is folded can be realized.

[0039] The reliability of the black dam layer can be improved while maintaining sufficient light density. Furthermore, by including anti-reflective patterns and / or columnar spacers and setting the dam layer with a black material, a low-reflection display device can be achieved, and ESG can be realized by providing the advantage of low power consumption.

[0040] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the claimed inventive concept. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The accompanying drawings, which provide a further understanding of the invention, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrating embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0042] Figure 1 A schematic circuit diagram of a display device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0043] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the components of a display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, including a light-emitting diode, an anti-reflective pattern, and a retaining layer.

[0045] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the minimization of external light reflection in a display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the dimensions of the luminescent and non-luminescent areas when an anti-reflective pattern is provided between a light-emitting diode and a dam layer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 6A This is a schematic diagram illustrating the light-emitting region in a blue sub-pixel with an anti-reflective pattern applied according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 6B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the light-emitting regions in red and / or green sub-pixels with applied anti-reflective patterns according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figures 7 to 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the arrangement of light-emitting diodes, anti-reflective patterns, and embankments in a display device according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] Figures 10 to 12 This shows the simulation results of the reflectivity of external light based on the changes in the internal structure of the embankment.

[0051] Figure 13 A schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0052] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the components of a display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, including a light-emitting diode, a diaphragm, and a columnar spacer.

[0053] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the minimization of external light reflection in a display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figures 16 to 18This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the arrangement of light-emitting diodes, anti-reflective patterns, and embankments in a display device according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 19 A schematic exploded perspective view of a display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0056] Figure 20 A schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as methods for implementing them, will be illustrated by the embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the invention may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be sufficient and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0058] The shapes, dimensions, proportions, angles, quantities, etc., disclosed in the accompanying drawings to describe embodiments of the present invention are merely illustrative examples, and therefore the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. Throughout this disclosure, the same reference numerals refer to the same parts unless otherwise indicated. Furthermore, in the following description of the present invention, detailed descriptions of known related technologies will be omitted or briefly discussed where such detailed descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention.

[0059] In the context of the use of terms such as “comprising,” “having,” or “including” in this invention, additional parts may be added, unless the more restrictive term “only” is used herein. Furthermore, when a component is referred to in the singular, multiple components may be included, and vice versa, unless otherwise indicated.

[0060] When analyzing components, it should be interpreted as including the error range, even if it is not explicitly described.

[0061] When describing positional relationships, for example, when the positional relationship between two parts / layers is described as "above," "on," "above," "below," "below," "next to," etc., one or more other parts / layers may be placed between these two parts / layers, unless more restrictive terms such as "immediately" or "directly" are used with them.

[0062] When a component or layer is referred to as being "on" another component or layer, it includes both cases where the component is directly on the other component or layer or where another layer or component exists in between.

[0063] When describing temporal relationships, such as when a time sequence is described as "after," "following," "next," "before," etc., discontinuous or sequential situations may also be included unless more restrictive terms such as "immediately" or "directly" are used. Furthermore, the term "can" fully encompasses all the meanings and scope of the term "may," and vice versa.

[0064] Although the terms first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, these components are not substantially limited by these terms. These terms are used only to refer to a component separately from another component and may not limit any particular order or sequence. Therefore, within the technical spirit of the invention, the first component described below may substantially be the second component, and vice versa.

[0065] The features of the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined or integrated with each other in part or in whole, various technical interconnections and drives are possible, and each embodiment can be implemented independently of each other or together in an interdependent relationship.

[0066] All components of each display device according to all embodiments of the present invention are operably combined and configured.

[0067] Reference will now be made in detail to various aspects of the invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0068] Figure 1 A schematic circuit diagram of a display device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0069] Reference Figure 1 The display device according to the present invention includes a gate line GL, a data line DL, and a power line PL that intersect each other to define a pixel region P. A switching thin-film transistor Ts, a driving thin-film transistor Td, a storage capacitor Cst, and a light-emitting diode D may be disposed in the pixel region P. The pixel region P may include a first sub-pixel region, a second sub-pixel region, a third sub-pixel region, and optionally a fourth sub-pixel region. As an example, the first sub-pixel region may be a red (R) sub-pixel region, the second sub-pixel region may be a green (G) sub-pixel region, the third sub-pixel region may be a blue (B) sub-pixel region, and the fourth sub-pixel region may be a white (W) sub-pixel region, but is not limited thereto.

[0070] The switching thin-film transistor Ts is connected to the gate line GL and the data line DL. The driving thin-film transistor Td and the storage capacitor Cst are connected between the switching thin-film transistor Ts and the power line PL, and the light-emitting diode D is connected to the driving thin-film transistor Td.

[0071] In a display device, when the switching thin-film transistor Ts is turned on by the gate signal applied to the gate line GL, the data signal applied to the data line DL is applied to the gate electrode 114 or 214 of the driving thin-film transistor Td through the switching thin-film transistor Ts. Figure 2 or Figure 13 ), and one electrode of the storage capacitor Cst.

[0072] The driving thin-film transistor Td is turned on by a data signal applied to its gate electrode 114 or 214, causing a current proportional to the data signal to be supplied from the power line PL through the driving thin-film transistor Td to the light-emitting diode D. The light-emitting diode D then emits light with a brightness proportional to the current flowing through the driving thin-film transistor Td. In this case, the storage capacitor Cst is charged with a voltage proportional to the data signal, so that the voltage at the gate electrode 114 or 214 in the driving thin-film transistor Td remains constant during one frame. Therefore, the display device can display the desired image.

[0073] In one embodiment, the switching thin-film transistor Ts and / or the driving thin-film transistor Td may comprise, but are not limited to, polycrystalline semiconductor materials such as low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) and / or oxide semiconductors. For example, the switching thin-film transistor Ts and / or the driving thin-film transistor Td may be a low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LPTO) type transistor comprising LTPS and oxide semiconductors, but are not limited to. In another embodiment, the driving thin-film transistor Td may be a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) type transistor combining p-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor (PMOS) and n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS), but is not limited to.

[0074] [First Implementation Method]

[0075] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0076] Reference Figure 2 The display device 100 includes a substrate 102, a light-emitting diode D and a bank layer 150 disposed on the substrate 102, and optionally or additionally includes a thin-film transistor Tr disposed on the substrate 102 and a color filter layer 182 disposed on the light-emitting diode D.

[0077] A pixel region P, comprising a red sub-pixel region, a green sub-pixel region, and a blue sub-pixel region, can be defined in the substrate 102. Figure 1 The pixel region P may also include a white sub-pixel region. Furthermore, the substrate 102 may include a light-emitting region EA and a non-light-emitting region NEA disposed adjacent to or surrounding the light-emitting region EA.

[0078] The substrate 102 may include a glass substrate, a flexible substrate, or a polymer plastic substrate, but is not limited thereto. For example, the substrate 102 may be configured to have at least one of a polyimide (PI) substrate, a polyethersulfone (PES) substrate, a polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) substrate, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate, and a polycarbonate (PC) substrate.

[0079] The thin film transistor Tr is provided on the substrate 102. In Figure 2 , the thin film transistor Tr is directly provided on the substrate 102. Optionally, a first buffer layer may be provided on the substrate 102, and the thin film transistor Tr may be provided on the first buffer layer. For example, the first buffer layer may include silicon oxide (SiO x ) and / or silicon nitride (SiN x ) (where 0 < x ≤ 2), but is not limited thereto.

[0080] The thin film transistor Tr may include a semiconductor layer 110, a gate electrode 114, a source electrode 130, and a drain electrode 132. The thin film transistor Tr may be a driving thin film transistor Td( Figure 1 ).

[0081] The semiconductor layer 110 is provided on the substrate 102. In one embodiment, the semiconductor layer 110 may include an oxide semiconductor material. For example, the oxide semiconductor may be selected from indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO), zinc gallium tin oxide (ZGTO), zinc tin oxide (ZTO), zinc gallium oxide (ZGO), zinc oxide (ZnO), and combinations thereof, but is not limited thereto. When the semiconductor layer 110 includes an oxide semiconductor material, a light shielding pattern may be provided under the semiconductor layer 110. The light shielding pattern may prevent light from incident on the semiconductor layer 110, thereby preventing the semiconductor layer 110 from being degraded by light. In another embodiment, the semiconductor layer 110 may include a polycrystalline semiconductor. In this case, impurities may be doped on both sides of the semiconductor layer 110.

[0082] The gate insulating layer 112 may cover the entire substrate 102 and is provided on the semiconductor layer 110. For example, the gate insulating layer 112 may include an inorganic insulating material, such as silicon oxide (SiO x ) and / or silicon nitride (SiN x ) (where 0 < x ≤ 2), but is not limited thereto.

[0083] A gate electrode 114 including a conductive material such as a metal is provided on a gate insulating layer 112 corresponding to the center of a semiconductor layer 110. For example, the gate electrode 114 may include metal components such as copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), gold (Au), and silver (Ag). The gate electrode 114 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. In Figure 2 Although the gate insulating layer 112 may be provided on the entire substrate 102, the gate insulating layer 112 may be patterned in the same manner as the gate electrode 114.

[0084] An interlayer insulating layer 120 is provided to cover the entire substrate 102 on the gate electrode 114. For example, the interlayer insulating layer 120 may include inorganic insulating materials such as silicon oxide (SiO x ) and silicon nitride (SiN x )(where 0 < x ≤ 2) or organic insulating materials such as benzocyclobutene and / or optical acrylic, but is not limited thereto.

[0085] The interlayer insulating layer 120 has a first semiconductor contact hole 122 and a second semiconductor contact hole 124 that expose or do not cover both sides of the semiconductor layer 110. The first semiconductor contact hole 122 and the second semiconductor contact hole 124 are spaced apart from the gate electrode 114 and are located on both sides of the gate electrode 114. In Figure 2 Although the first semiconductor contact hole 122 and the second semiconductor contact hole 124 are provided in the interlayer insulating layer 120 and the gate insulating layer 112. In another embodiment, when the gate insulating layer 112 is patterned in the same manner as the gate electrode 114, the first semiconductor contact hole 122 and the second semiconductor contact hole 124 may be formed only in the interlayer insulating layer 120.

[0086] A source electrode 130 and a drain electrode 132 including a conductive material such as a metal component are provided on the interlayer insulating layer 120. The source electrode 130 and the drain electrode 132 are spaced apart from each other across the gate electrode 114, and respectively contact both sides of the semiconductor layer 110 through the first semiconductor contact hole 122 and the second semiconductor contact hole 124. In one embodiment, the source electrode 130 may be an input electrode connected to a high-potential drive power supply, and the drain electrode 132 may be an output electrode connected to a switching circuit, but is not limited thereto. The amount of current flowing to the light-emitting diode D can be controlled by the voltage difference between the gate electrode 114 and the source electrode 130.

[0087] For example, the source electrode 130 and the drain electrode 132 may include metal components such as copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), gold (Au), and / or silver (Ag), but are not limited thereto. The source electrode 130 and the drain electrode 132 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0088] In Figure 2 it, the thin film transistor Tr has a coplanar structure in which a gate electrode 114, a source electrode 130, and a drain electrode 132 are provided on a semiconductor layer 110. In another embodiment, the thin film transistor may have an inverted staggered structure in which the gate electrode is provided under the semiconductor layer and the source electrode and the drain electrode are provided on the semiconductor layer. In this case, the semiconductor layer may include amorphous silicon.

[0089] The thin film transistor Tr may be a driving thin film transistor Td( Figure 1 ). For example, the driving thin film transistor Td may include an oxide semiconductor, but is not limited thereto.

[0090] The planarization layer 134 covers the entire substrate 102 and is provided on the source electrode 130 and the drain electrode 132. The planarization layer 134 may be provided to cover the thin film transistor Tr.

[0091] The planarization layer 134 has a flat surface and has a drain contact hole 136 that exposes or does not cover the drain electrode 132. For example, the planarization layer 134 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO x ) and silicon nitride (SiN x )(where 0 < x ≤ 2) or an organic insulating material such as benzocyclobutene and / or optical acrylic, but is not limited thereto.

[0092] The light emitting diode D corresponding to the light emitting region EA is provided on the planarization layer 134. The light emitting diode D includes: a first electrode 140 provided on the planarization layer 134 and connected to the drain electrode 132, and a light emitting layer 1A2 and a second electrode 144 stacked in sequence on the first electrode 140. As an example, the light emitting diode D may be located in each of the red sub-pixel region, the green sub-pixel region, and the blue sub-pixel region, and may emit red light, green light, and blue light, respectively.

[0093] The first electrode 140 may be provided individually in each sub-pixel region. The first electrode 140 may be an anode and may include a conductive material having a relatively high work function value, such as a transparent conductive oxide (TCO). For example, the first electrode 142 may include indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), tin oxide (SnO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium copper oxide (ICO), and / or aluminum oxide: zinc oxide (AZO), but is not limited thereto.

[0094] In one embodiment, the first electrode 14 may have a single-layer structure of a transparent conductive oxide. In another embodiment, the first electrode may have a double-layer or triple-layer structure further including a reflective layer. In this case, the first electrode 140 may be a reflective electrode.

[0095] In one embodiment, the reflective layer may include silver (Ag), an alloy comprising at least one of silver (Ag) and palladium (Pd), copper (Cu), indium (In) and neodymium (Nd), and / or an aluminum-palladium-copper (APC) alloy. For example, the first electrode 140 may have a bilayer structure of Ag / ITO or APC / ITO, or a trilayer structure of ITO / APC / ITO.

[0096] A dam layer 150, corresponding to the non-light-emitting area (NEA), is disposed on the planarization layer 134 and covers the peripheral region of the first electrode 140. The dam layer 150 may or may not cover the center of the first electrode 140 corresponding to the sub-pixel region. For example, the dam layer 150 may include a light-blocking material or a light-absorbing material. Alternatively, a color filter layer comprising red, green, and / or blue colorants may be laminated onto the dam layer 150.

[0097] According to the first embodiment, an anti-reflective pattern 152 comprising a blue colorant is provided between the light-emitting diode D and the dam layer 150. In this case, the light-emitting layer 142 of the light-emitting diode D is spaced apart from the dam layer 150. By applying the anti-reflective pattern 152 between the light-emitting diode D and the dam layer 150, spots caused by reflection of external light or ambient light can be minimized and the light-emitting area EA can be expanded.

[0098] A columnar spacer 154 is disposed on the embankment layer 150. The columnar spacer 154 may be configured to surround the light-emitting region EA of each sub-pixel region in which a light-emitting diode D is disposed. The columnar spacer 154 may be patterned from a composition including a colorant and may absorb reflected light and external light.

[0099] For example, the columnar spacer may have a cross-sectional shape that gradually increases toward the width of the embankment (trapezoidal or conical cross-sectional shape), or a cross-sectional shape that gradually decreases toward the width of the embankment (inverted trapezoidal or inverted conical cross-sectional shape), but is not limited thereto.

[0100] A light-emitting layer 142 is disposed on the first electrode 140. As an example, the light-emitting layer 142 may have a single-layer structure of a light-emitting material layer (EML). The EML may include organic light-emitting materials or inorganic light-emitting materials. In other words, the display device 100 may be an organic light-emitting display device or an inorganic light-emitting display device.

[0101] In organic light-emitting display devices, the EML (Emitting Microstructure) may include a matrix and dopants as light emitters. In the red sub-pixel, the EML may include a red matrix and red dopants. In the green sub-pixel, the EML may include a green matrix and green dopants. In the blue sub-pixel, the EML may include a blue matrix and blue dopants. In inorganic light-emitting display devices, the EML may include quantum dots as inorganic light-emitting materials.

[0102] In another embodiment, the light-emitting layer 142 may have a multilayer structure. As an example, in addition to the EML, the light-emitting layer 142 may also include at least one of a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an electron blocking layer (EBL), a hole blocking layer (HBL), an electron transport layer (ETL), and an electron injection layer (EIL).

[0103] In one embodiment, the light-emitting diode D can emit white light in each of the red, green, and blue sub-pixels. For example, the light-emitting layer 142 of the light-emitting diode D can have a double-stacked structure, which includes: a first light-emitting unit including a first light-emitting material layer, a second light-emitting unit including a second light-emitting material layer, and a charge-generating layer (CGL) disposed between the first and second light-emitting units. In another embodiment, the light-emitting layer 142 of the light-emitting diode D can have a triple-stacked structure, which further includes: a third light-emitting unit including a third light-emitting material layer, and another charge-generating layer between the second and third light-emitting units.

[0104] The second electrode 144 is disposed on the substrate 102 on which the light-emitting layer 142 is disposed. The second electrode 144 may be disposed over the entire display area and may comprise a conductive material with a relatively low work function value to serve as a cathode. For example, the second electrode 144 may comprise aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), silver (Ag), and alloys thereof, such as magnesium-silver alloys, but is not limited thereto. The second electrode 144 may have a thin thickness to have light-transmitting (semi-transmitting) properties.

[0105] An encapsulation layer (encapsulation film) 160 is disposed on the second electrode 144 to prevent external oxygen and / or moisture from penetrating into the light-emitting diode D. In one embodiment, the encapsulation layer 160 may have a laminated structure of a first inorganic insulating layer 162, an organic insulating layer 164, and a second inorganic insulating layer 166, but is not limited thereto.

[0106] Each of the first inorganic insulating layer 162 and the second inorganic insulating layer 166 may include, for example, silicon oxide (SiO2). x ) and silicon nitride (SiN) x)(where 0 < x ≤ 2), but not limited thereto. The organic insulating layer 164 may include organic insulating materials such as epoxy resin, optical acrylic (or photosensitive acrylic polymer), but not limited thereto. The organic insulating layer 164 is disposed between the first inorganic insulating layer 162 and the second inorganic insulating layer 166. The organic insulating layer 164 flattens the underlying steps and provides a flat surface.

[0107] The touch sensor 170 may be disposed on the encapsulation layer 160 to provide a sensing function. As an example, the touch sensor 170 may include: a connection (or bridging) electrode 172 disposed on the encapsulation layer 160, a first touch insulating layer 174a having first and second contact holes exposing both sides of the connection electrode 172, a first touch electrode 176 and a second touch electrode 172 disposed on the first touch insulating layer 174a, and a second touch insulating layer 174b disposed on the first touch electrode 176 and the second touch electrode 178. Adjacent first touch electrodes 176 may be electrically connected to each other through the first and second contact holes.

[0108] For example, the first touch insulating layer 174a may include inorganic insulating materials such as silicon oxide (SiO x ) and / or silicon nitride (SiN x )(where 0 < x ≤ 2), but not limited thereto. Alternatively or additionally, a second buffer layer may be disposed between the second inorganic insulating layer 166 of the encapsulation layer 160 and the first touch insulating layer 174a. The second buffer layer may include inorganic insulating materials such as silicon oxide (SiO x ) and / or silicon nitride (SiN x )(where 0 < x ≤ 2), but not limited thereto. For example, the second touch insulating layer 174b may include inorganic insulating materials such as silicon oxide (SiO x ) and / or silicon nitride (SiN x )(where 0 < x ≤ 2) or organic insulating materials such as benzocyclobutene or optical acrylic, but not limited thereto.

[0109] Each of the plurality of touch electrodes {176, 178} may be disposed corresponding to the boundary of the sub-pixel region. As an example, each of the plurality of touch electrodes {176, 178} may be disposed corresponding to the bank layer 150 and / or the black matrix 180, but the alignment structure of the touch electrodes {176, 178} is not limited thereto. For example, the touch electrodes {176, 178} may include transparent metal oxides such as ITO, IZO, ITZO, SnO, ZnO, ICO, and / or AZO, but not limited thereto.

[0110] The black matrix 180 and the color filter layer 182 are disposed on the second touch insulating layer 174b. In another embodiment, the touch sensor 170 including the connection electrode 172, the first touch insulating layer 174a, the first touch electrode 176, the second touch electrode 178, and the second touch insulating layer 174b may be omitted, and the black matrix 180 and the color filter layer 182 may be disposed on the encapsulation layer 160.

[0111] The black matrix 180 is disposed at the periphery of the sub-pixel region corresponding to the non-light emitting region NEA and has an opening corresponding to the light emitting diode D. For example, the black matrix 180 may include a light blocking material or a light absorbing material such as black resin and / or carbon black. Alternatively or additionally, a color filter layer including red (R), green (G), and / or blue (B) colorants may be laminated on the black matrix 180.

[0112] The color filter layer 182 is disposed corresponding to the opening of the black matrix 180. In other words, the color filter layer 182 is disposed on the encapsulation layer 160 or the touch sensor 170 corresponding to the light emitting region EA. When the sub-pixel region includes red sub-pixels, green sub-pixels, and blue sub-pixels, the color filter layer 182 may include a red color filter pattern corresponding to the red sub-pixels, a green color filter pattern corresponding to the green sub-pixels, and a blue color filter pattern corresponding to the blue sub-pixels.

[0113] The red color filter pattern may include at least one of a red dye and a red pigment. The green color filter pattern may include at least one of a green dye and a green pigment. The blue color filter pattern may include at least one of a blue dye and a blue pigment.

[0114] In another embodiment, a passivation layer is disposed to cover the entire substrate 102 on the second touch insulating layer 174b, and the black matrix 180 and the color filter layer 182 may be disposed on the passivation layer. The passivation layer may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO x ) and / or silicon nitride (SiN x )(where 0 < x ≤ 2), but is not limited thereto.

[0115] The first insulating layer 190 may be disposed to cover the entire substrate 102 on the color filter layer 182. For example, the first insulating layer 190 may include an organic insulating material such as epoxy resin and / or optical acrylic, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively or additionally, a second insulating layer may be disposed on the first insulating layer 190.

[0116] In one embodiment, the side surface 151c of the bank layer 150 covering the first electrode 140 adjacent to the light emitting region EA ( Figure 3The side of the black matrix 180 adjacent to the color filter layer 182 can extend further toward the light-emitting region EA, thus having a "pullback" structure, but is not limited thereto.

[0117] The structure and arrangement of the light-emitting diode, anti-reflective pattern, embankment and columnar spacer according to the present invention will be described in more detail. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the components of a display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, including a light-emitting diode, an anti-reflective pattern, and a retaining layer.

[0118] Reference Figure 3 The dam layer 150 is spaced apart from one side of the light-emitting layer 142 constituting the light-emitting diode D. An anti-reflective pattern 152 is disposed between the light-emitting layer 142 and the dam layer 150. As an example, the dam layer 150 and the anti-reflective pattern 152 may be configured to cover a portion of the first electrode 140, for example, the peripheral region of the first electrode 140.

[0119] The dam layer 150 may include a first photosensitive adhesive resin 151a and a light-blocking material or light-absorbing material (hereinafter referred to as light-blocking material) 151b. The anti-reflective pattern 152 between the light-emitting diode D and the dam layer 150 may include a second photosensitive adhesive resin 153a and a blue colorant 153b. In addition, the columnar spacer 154 may include a third photosensitive adhesive resin 155a and a colorant 155b.

[0120] For example, each of the first photosensitive adhesive resin 151a, the second photosensitive adhesive resin 153a, and the third photosensitive adhesive resin 155a may independently include, but is not limited to, an adhesive resin containing acryloyl groups, an adhesive resin containing methacryloyl groups, an adhesive resin containing acrylamide, an adhesive resin containing imide, an adhesive resin containing epoxy groups, an adhesive resin containing cardo, an adhesive resin containing fluorene, an adhesive resin containing siloxane, copolymers thereof, or combinations thereof.

[0121] The light-blocking material 151b in the dike layer 150 may include a black colorant capable of absorbing light and / or a material capable of blocking light, such as a black dye and / or a black pigment. For example, the light-blocking material 151b may include, but is not limited to, carbon black, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, organic black, black pigment, perylene-containing materials, azo-containing materials, nano-based carbon materials, mixed types of red / green / blue pigments or dyes, or multilayer film materials. In another embodiment, the light-blocking material 151b may include an organic material that is oxidized and transformed into black during a post-baking process.

[0122] The blue colorant 153b in the anti-reflective pattern 152 may include, but is not limited to, blue dyes and / or blue pigments. For example, the blue colorant 153b may include blue dyes containing phthalocyanine, blue dyes containing indanthrone, blue dyes containing triarylmethane, blue dyes containing copper phthalocyanine, or combinations thereof. The anti-reflective pattern 152 including the blue colorant 153b is disposed between the light-emitting diode D and the dam layer 150, for example, between the light-emitting layer 142 and the dam layer 150. Therefore, the reflection of external light can be minimized and the light-emitting area EA in the display device 100 can be expanded.

[0123] The colorant 155b in the columnar spacer 154 can be a light-blocking material. For example, the colorant 155b in the columnar spacer 154 can be the same as the light-blocking material 151b in the dam layer 150. In another embodiment, the colorant 155b in the columnar spacer 154 can include a blue colorant. For example, the colorant 155b in the columnar spacer 154 can be the same as the blue colorant 153b in the anti-reflective pattern 152.

[0124] In one embodiment, the height H1 of the dam layer 150 and the anti-reflective pattern 152, and the height H2 of the columnar spacer 154, can be from about 1 μm to about 3 μm, but are not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the width W of the anti-reflective pattern 152 disposed between the light-emitting diode D and the dam layer 150 can be from about 0.5 μm to about 3 μm, for example from about 0.5 μm to about 2 μm, but is not limited thereto. When the width W of the anti-reflective pattern 152 is less than 0.5 μm, the light-emitting area EA cannot be sufficiently expanded. When the width W of the anti-reflective pattern 152 is greater than 3 μm, it is difficult to achieve a pull-back structure.

[0125] A photosensitive composition comprising a photosensitive binder resin 151a, 153a, or 155a; a solvent; a light-blocking material 151b, a blue colorant 153b, or a colorant 155b; and additives such as a dispersant can be coated onto the planarization layer 134, the first electrode 140, and the dam layer 150, respectively. Then, a photoresist (PR) process is performed using a mask to form or arrange the dam layer 150, the anti-reflective pattern 152, and the columnar spacers 154, respectively, on the planarization layer 134, the first electrode 140, and the dam layer 150. For example, the anti-reflective pattern 152 and the columnar spacers 154 can each be formed on the first electrode 140 and the dam layer 150 respectively by performing a negative photoresist process using a full-tone mask, but this is not a limitation.

[0126] In one exemplary embodiment, the side 153c of the antireflective pattern 152 that contacts or faces one side of the light-emitting layer 142 of the light-emitting diode D may have a cross-sectional shape that slopes downward toward the light-emitting diode D (e.g., the light-emitting layer 142). For example, the side 153c of the antireflective pattern 152 may have a cross-sectional shape that gradually increases toward the width of the first electrode, or a tapered cross-sectional shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0127] The side surface 153c of the anti-reflective pattern 152 can be curved with a predetermined curvature, or it can extend downward without curvature. For example, the side surface 153c of the anti-reflective pattern 152 can be set at an angle of about 30° to about 60° relative to the first electrode 140, but is not limited thereto. Since the side surface 153c of the anti-reflective pattern 152 has a tapered cross-sectional shape, the occurrence of dead points in the light-emitting diode can be minimized, and the disconnection or tilting of the light-emitting diode D can be prevented.

[0128] In another embodiment, the side 151c of the dam layer 150 that contacts the other side of the anti-reflective pattern 152 may have a cross-sectional shape that slopes downward toward the opposite side of the anti-reflective pattern 152. In other words, for the dam layer 150, the side 151c of the dam layer 150 may have a cross-sectional shape whose width gradually decreases toward the first electrode 140, or an inverted conical cross-sectional shape. For example, the side 151c of the dam layer 150 may be arranged at an angle of 90° or more and 150° or less relative to the first electrode 140, but is not limited thereto.

[0129] When the side surface 151c of the dam layer 150 has the same tapered cross-sectional shape as the side surface 153c of the anti-reflective pattern 152, the surface area of ​​the upper part of the dam layer 150 is reduced. Therefore, the absorption and blocking of external light in the upper part of the dam layer 150 is greatly reduced. Thus, there are limitations in the efficiency of preventing the reflection of external light and the spotting caused by the reflection of external light.

[0130] Conversely, when the side surface 151c of the dam 150 has an inverted conical cross-sectional shape, the upper part of the dam 150 where external light is incident has a relatively large surface area compared to the lower part of the dam 150. Therefore, due to the increased amount of external light absorbed or blocked in the upper part of the dam 150, the reflection of external light and spots such as rainbow mura caused by the reflection of external light can be minimized.

[0131] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the minimization of external light reflection in a display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] Reference Figure 4All red light R, green light G, and blue light B in the visible light region of external light are contained in light-blocking material 151b. Figure 3 The light is absorbed and blocked in the dam layer 150. Therefore, the reflection of external light can be minimized, and spots caused by the reflection of external light can be prevented.

[0133] Furthermore, the red light R and green light G in the external light are included with blue colorant 153b ( Figure 3 The anti-reflective pattern 152 absorbs and blocks the light. Conversely, the blue light B incident on the anti-reflective pattern 152 passes through or through the anti-reflective pattern 152, and some of the blue light B is reflected from the first electrode 140.

[0134] Among electromagnetic waves in the visible light spectrum, green light around 555 nm is the brightest and most visible to the human eye. In contrast, blue light around 500 nm is almost invisible to the human eye, compared to red light around 600 nm.

[0135] In the visible light spectrum, red light R and green light G, which are relatively clearly visible to the human eye, cannot pass through the anti-reflective pattern 152, which includes the blue colorant 151b. Figure 3 In other words, red light R and green light G in external light incident on the anti-reflective pattern 152 are blocked by the anti-reflective pattern 152 and are not reflected to the outside. In other words, the relatively easily visible red light R and green light G in external light are absorbed and blocked by the anti-reflective pattern 152. Reflection of external light corresponding to the wavelengths of red light R and green light G is not detected. Only blue light B, which is almost invisible to the human eye, is reflected by the anti-reflective pattern 152. Therefore, by applying the anti-reflective pattern 152, the reflection of external light can be effectively prevented, and the spots caused by the reflection of external light can be minimized.

[0136] In one embodiment, the dam layer 150 may have a first refractive index n1 equal to or greater than the second refractive index n2 of the antireflective pattern 152. When external light passing through the antireflective pattern 152, which is a relatively loose medium, is incident on the dam layer 150, which is a relatively dense medium, it is refracted onto the dam layer 150 without total internal reflection. Then, the external light incident on the dam layer 150 may include a light-blocking material 151b. Figure 3 The dam 150 effectively absorbs and blocks light. For example, the first refractive index n1 of the dam 150 may be about 1.6 to about 1.9, and the second refractive index n2 of the anti-reflective pattern 152 may be about 1.5 to about 1.8, but is not limited thereto.

[0137] The step difference caused by the thin-film transistor Tr may generate ambient light diffraction mura. Furthermore, since the diffraction of reflected external light is further enhanced by the color filter layer 182, rainbow spots may occur due to interference between adjacent sub-pixel regions. However, according to a first embodiment of the invention, an anti-reflective pattern 152 including a blue colorant 153b is disposed between the light-emitting diode D and the dam layer 150, thereby effectively blocking external light clearly visible to the human eye and reducing external light reflection. Since a polarizer is not used, image quality degradation due to external light reflection can be prevented while minimizing the reduction in luminous intensity caused by the polarizer.

[0138] The method of expanding the luminescent area by introducing an anti-reflective pattern will then be described. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the dimensions of the luminescent and non-luminescent areas when an anti-reflective pattern is provided between a light-emitting diode and a dam layer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0139] When, according to the first embodiment, a blue colorant 153b is provided between the light-emitting diode D and the barrier layer 150, Figure 3 When the anti-reflective pattern 152 is formed, blue light emitted from the light-emitting layer 142 can pass through the anti-reflective pattern 152 and be transmitted to the display surface. In this case, in the display device 100 according to the first embodiment, the light-emitting area EA can be extended by increasing the width W of the anti-reflective pattern 152. As the light-emitting area EA is extended, the intensity of light transmitted to the display surface in each sub-pixel area can be increased, thereby improving the luminous efficiency of the display device 100.

[0140] Figure 6A This is a schematic diagram illustrating the light-emitting region in a blue sub-pixel with an anti-reflective pattern applied according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the light-emitting regions in red and / or green sub-pixels with applied anti-reflective patterns according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0141] exist Figure 6A and Figure 6B The image describes a display device that emits white light from a light-emitting diode (LED) D. (See reference...) Figure 6A White light emitted from the upper surface of the light-emitting diode D in the blue sub-pixel is transmitted to the upper surface. Blue light B within the white light emitted to the side of the light-emitting diode D can pass through the blue colorant 153b. Figure 3 Anti-reflective pattern 152.

[0142] White light emitted from the upper surface of the light-emitting diode D and blue light B emitted from the side of the light-emitting diode D and passing through the anti-reflective pattern 152 can both pass through the blue color filter pattern 182B. Therefore, in the blue sub-pixel, blue light B can be transmitted to the display surface in both the area emitted onto the upper surface of the light-emitting diode D and the area transmitted through the anti-reflective pattern 152 with a width W. In the blue sub-pixel, the light-emitting area EA-B is expanded by increasing the width W of the anti-reflective pattern 152 in addition to the width of the light-emitting layer 142.

[0143] Reference Figure 6B White light emitted from the upper surface of the LED D in the red and green sub-pixels is transmitted to the upper surface. Only blue light B among the white light emitted to the side of the LED D can pass through the anti-reflective pattern 152, which includes blue colorant 153b. Figure 3 ).

[0144] In the red and green sub-pixels, white light emitted from the upper surface of the light-emitting diode D can pass through the red color filter pattern 182R or the green color filter pattern 182G, and then the red light R or the green light G can be transmitted to the display surface. However, in the red and green sub-pixels, blue light B emitted from the side of the light-emitting diode D and passing through the anti-reflective pattern 152 cannot pass through the red color filter pattern 182R and / or the green color filter pattern 182G. In the red and green sub-pixels, the light-emitting areas EA-RG can correspond to the width of the light-emitting layer 142.

[0145] In other words, according to the first embodiment, the light-emitting area EA-B in the blue sub-pixel extends the width W of the anti-reflection pattern 152 compared to the light-emitting areas EA-RG in the red and green sub-pixels.

[0146] In organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), phosphorescent materials are used for red (doped) and green (blue) emitters, while fluorescent materials are used for blue (blue) emitters. Unlike fluorescent materials, which can only utilize singlet exciton energy, phosphorescent materials, which can utilize both singlet and triplet exciton energies, exhibit relatively superior luminous efficiency.

[0147] In conventional display devices, the luminous efficiency of blue subpixels is lower than that of red and green subpixels. Because the luminous efficiency varies across each subpixel region, achieving uniform whiteness is difficult in conventional display devices.

[0148] On the other hand, according to the present invention, the light-emitting region EA-B in the blue sub-pixel is extended by the width W of the anti-reflective pattern 152 compared to the light-emitting regions EA-RG in the red and green sub-pixels. Since the light-emitting region EA-B is extended in the blue sub-pixel, which has relatively low luminous efficiency, the amount of light transmitted to the display surface in the blue sub-pixel is increased compared to the amount of light transmitted to the display surface in the red and green sub-pixels. The intensity of the light transmitted to the display surface in the blue sub-pixel, which has relatively low luminous efficiency, is close to the intensity of the light transmitted to the display surface in the red and green sub-pixels. According to the first embodiment, since a blue colorant 153c is provided between the light-emitting diode D and the dam layer 150... Figure 3 The anti-reflective pattern 152 enables a display device 100 to have uniform light intensity in each sub-pixel region.

[0149] Figures 7 to 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the arrangement of light-emitting diodes, anti-reflective patterns, and embankments in a display device according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0150] exist Figure 7 In the display device 100A shown, an anti-reflective pattern 152 disposed between the dam layer 150 and the light-emitting layer 142 covers a portion of the first electrode 140, for example, the peripheral region of the first electrode 140. However, the dam layer 150 is disposed outside the first electrode 140 and does not cover the first electrode 140. Light emitted from the light-emitting layer 142 can pass through the anti-reflective pattern 152 disposed to cover the peripheral region of the first electrode 140. Since the dam layer 150, which absorbs and blocks light emitted from the light-emitting layer 142, is disposed outside the first electrode 140, the light-emitting region EA can be further extended.

[0151] and Figure 3 Compared to the structure in, in Figure 8 In the display device 100B shown, the side 151d of the dam 150 that contacts the other side of the anti-reflective pattern 152 is disposed perpendicular to the upper surface of the first electrode 140. The upper portion of the dam 150 where external light is incident has the same surface area as the lower portion of the dam 150. External light incident on the dam 150 can be effectively blocked and absorbed.

[0152] exist Figure 9 In the display device 100C shown, an anti-reflective pattern 152 disposed between the dam layer 150 and the light-emitting layer 142 covers a portion of the first electrode 140, for example, the peripheral region of the first electrode 140. However, the dam layer 150 is disposed outside the first electrode 140 and does not cover the first electrode 140. The side 151d of the dam layer 150 that contacts the other side of the anti-reflective pattern 152 is disposed perpendicular to the upper surface of the first electrode 140.

[0153] Similar to Figure 7 As shown in the configuration, light emitted from the light-emitting layer 142 can pass through the anti-reflective pattern 152, which is configured to cover the peripheral region of the first electrode 140. Since the dam layer 150, which absorbs and blocks light emitted from the light-emitting layer 142, is disposed on the outside of the first electrode 140, the light-emitting region EA can be further extended.

[0154] Figures 10 to 12 This shows the simulation results of the reflectivity of external light based on the changes in the internal structure of the embankment.

[0155] Reference Figure 10 When the sides of the embankment are configured with a tapered cross-section, the surface area of ​​the upper part of the embankment is reduced compared to the surface area of ​​the lower part. When external light is incident on the embankment, a considerable amount of external light reflection can be observed.

[0156] Conversely, when Figure 11 The side of the embankment shown is perpendicular to the upper surface of the first electrode, or as... Figure 12 When the sides of the embankment are arranged in an inverted conical cross-section, the surface area of ​​the upper part of the embankment increases. When external light is incident on the embankment, the reflection of external light is greatly reduced because the external light is effectively absorbed and blocked in the upper part of the embankment with a wider surface area.

[0157] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a display device that realizes ESG can be manufactured by improving the reliability of the dam layer and providing the advantages of low reflection and low power consumption.

[0158] [Second Implementation]

[0159] Figure 13 A schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0160] Reference Figure 13 The display device 200 according to the second embodiment includes: a substrate 202 having a light-emitting region EA and a non-light-emitting region NEA; a thin-film transistor Tr, a light-emitting diode D, and a dam layer 250 disposed on the substrate 202; a columnar spacer 254 disposed on the dam layer 250; and a color filter layer 280 disposed on the light-emitting diode D.

[0161] A pixel region P is defined in the substrate 202. Figure 1 The pixel region P includes red sub-pixels, green sub-pixels, blue sub-pixels, and optionally includes white sub-pixels.

[0162] A thin-film transistor Tr is disposed on substrate 202. The thin-film transistor Tr includes a semiconductor layer 210, a gate electrode 214, a source electrode 230, and a drain electrode 232. The thin-film transistor Tr can be a driving thin-film transistor Td( Figure 1 ).

[0163] The thin-film transistor Tr can be directly disposed on the substrate 202, or a first buffer layer can be disposed on the substrate 202, and the thin-film transistor Tr can be disposed on the first buffer layer. The gate insulating layer 212 can cover the entire substrate 202 and is disposed on the semiconductor layer 210. The gate electrode 214 of conductive material is disposed on the gate insulating layer 212 corresponding to the center of the semiconductor layer 210. The gate insulating layer 212 can be patterned in the same way as the gate electrode 214.

[0164] An interlayer insulating layer 220 covers the entire substrate 202 and is disposed on the gate electrode 214. The interlayer insulating layer 220 may have a first semiconductor contact hole 222 and a second semiconductor contact hole 224 exposing both sides of the semiconductor layer 210. The first semiconductor contact hole 222 and the second semiconductor contact hole 224 may be spaced apart from the gate electrode 214 and located on both sides of the gate electrode 214.

[0165] Source electrode 230 and drain electrode 232, made of conductive material such as metal, are disposed on interlayer insulating layer 220. Source electrode 230 and drain electrode 232 are positioned to be spaced apart from each other with reference to gate electrode 214, and contact both sides of semiconductor layer 210 through first semiconductor contact hole 222 and second semiconductor contact hole 224.

[0166] A planarization layer 234 covers the entire substrate 202 and is disposed on the source electrode 230 and the drain electrode 232. The planarization layer 234 has a drain contact hole 236 that exposes the drain electrode 232 of the thin-film transistor Tr.

[0167] The light-emitting diode D includes a first electrode 240 disposed on a planarization layer 234 and connected to the drain electrode 232 of a thin-film transistor Tr, and a light-emitting layer 242 and a second electrode 244 sequentially stacked on the first electrode 240.

[0168] A dam layer 250 covering the peripheral region of the first electrode 240 is disposed on the planarization layer 234. According to a second embodiment, the display device 200 includes a columnar spacer 254, which is configured to extend from the upper surface of the dam layer 250 to the region between the dam layer 250 and the light-emitting layer 242. The application of the columnar spacer 254 can minimize spots caused by reflection of external light and expand the light-emitting area EA.

[0169] The columnar spacer 254 may include a main body portion 256 disposed on the embankment 250. In one embodiment, the main body portion 256 may have a cross-sectional shape that gradually increases toward the width of the embankment 250 (trapezoidal or conical cross-sectional shape), or a cross-sectional shape that gradually decreases toward the width of the embankment 250 (inverted trapezoidal or inverted conical cross-sectional shape), but is not limited thereto.

[0170] An encapsulation layer (encapsulation film) 260 is disposed on the second electrode 244 to prevent external oxygen and / or moisture from penetrating into the light-emitting diode D. The encapsulation layer 260 may have a laminated structure of a first inorganic insulating layer 262, an organic insulating layer 264, and a second inorganic insulating layer 264, but is not limited thereto.

[0171] A touch sensor 270, comprising a connecting electrode 272, a first touch insulating layer 274a, a second touch insulating layer 274b, a first touch electrode 276, and a second touch electrode 278, may be disposed on the encapsulation layer 260. In some embodiments, the touch sensor 270 may be omitted.

[0172] The black matrix 280 and the color filter layer 282 are disposed on the encapsulation layer 260 or the second touch insulating layer 274b. The first insulating layer 290 may be disposed on the color filter layer 282. Optionally or additionally, a second insulating layer may be disposed on the first insulating layer 290.

[0173] The structure and arrangement of the light-emitting diode, the embankment, and the columnar spacer according to the second embodiment will be described in more detail. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the components of a display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, including a light-emitting diode, a diaphragm layer, and a columnar spacer.

[0174] Reference Figure 14 The dam layer 250 is spaced apart from one side of the light-emitting layer 242 constituting the light-emitting diode D. The columnar spacer 254 is provided to extend from the upper surface of the dam layer 250 to the region between the light-emitting layer 242 of the light-emitting diode D and the dam layer 250.

[0175] In one embodiment, the columnar spacer 250 may include: a main body portion 256 projecting upward from the upper surface of the embankment 250, a connecting portion or extension portion 257 extending horizontally from the main body portion 256 toward the light-emitting diode D, and an inclined portion 258 having a cross-sectional shape that slopes downward from the connecting portion 257. As an example, the inclined portion 258 of the columnar spacer 254 and the embankment 250 may be configured to cover a portion of the first electrode 240, for example, the peripheral region of the first electrode 240.

[0176] The dam layer 250 may include a first photosensitive adhesive resin 251a and a light-blocking material 251b. The columnar spacer 254 may include a second photosensitive adhesive resin 255a and a blue colorant 255b. For example, each of the first photosensitive adhesive resin 251a and the second photosensitive adhesive resin 255a may independently include an acryloyl-containing adhesive resin, a methacryl-containing adhesive resin, an acrylamide-containing adhesive resin, an imide-containing adhesive resin, an epoxy-containing adhesive resin, a cardoyl-containing adhesive resin, a fluorene-containing adhesive resin, a siloxane-containing adhesive resin, copolymers thereof, or combinations thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0177] The light-blocking material 251b in the dam layer 250 can be the same as the light-blocking material 151b in the dam layer 150 described in the first embodiment. The blue colorant 255b in the columnar spacer 254 can be the same as the blue colorant 153b in the anti-reflective pattern 152 described in the first embodiment. The connecting portion 257 and / or the inclined portion 258 of the columnar spacer 254, including the blue colorant 255b, are disposed between the light-emitting diode D and the dam layer 250, for example, between the light-emitting layer 242 and the dam layer 250. Therefore, the reflection of external light can be minimized and the light-emitting area EA in the display device 200 can be expanded.

[0178] In one embodiment, the height H1 of the inclined portion 258 of the dam layer 250 and / or the height H2 of the main body portion 256 of the columnar spacer 254 can be from about 1 μm to about 3 μm, but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the width W of the inclined portion 258 of the columnar spacer 254 disposed between the light-emitting diode D and the dam layer 250 can be from about 0.5 μm to about 3 μm, for example from about 0.5 μm to about 2 μm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the columnar spacer 254 can be disposed on the first electrode 240 and the dam layer 250 by performing a negative photoresist process using a full-color mask, but is not limited thereto.

[0179] In one exemplary embodiment, the inclined portion 258 of the columnar spacer 254 that contacts or faces one side of the light-emitting layer 242 of the light-emitting diode D may have a cross-sectional shape that slopes downward toward the light-emitting diode D (e.g., the light-emitting layer 242). For example, the inclined portion 258 of the columnar spacer 254 may have a cross-sectional shape that gradually increases in width toward the first electrode 240, or a tapered cross-sectional shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0180] The inclined portion 258 of the columnar spacer 254 can be bent at a predetermined curvature, or it can extend downward without curvature. For example, the inclined portion 258 of the columnar spacer 254 can be arranged at an angle of about 30° to about 60° relative to the first electrode 240, but is not limited thereto. Since the inclined portion 258 of the columnar spacer 254 has a tapered cross-sectional shape, the occurrence of dead points in the light-emitting diode can be minimized, and the disconnection or tilting of the light-emitting diode D can be prevented.

[0181] In another embodiment, the side 251c of the dam 250 that contacts the other side of the inclined portion 258 disposed between the light-emitting layer 242 and the dam 250 in the columnar spacer 254 may have a cross-sectional shape that slopes downward toward the opposite side of the inclined portion 258. In other words, for the dam 250, the side 251c of the dam 250 may have a cross-sectional shape in which the width gradually decreases toward the first electrode 240, or an inverted conical cross-sectional shape. For example, the side 251c of the dam 250 may be disposed at an angle of 90° or more and 150° or less relative to the first electrode 240, but is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, since the side 251c of the dam 250 has an inverted conical cross-sectional shape, the absorption and blocking of external light in the dam 250 can be improved.

[0182] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the minimization of external light reflection in a display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0183] Reference Figure 15 All red light R, green light G, and blue light B in the visible light region of external light are contained in light-blocking material 251b. Figure 14 The light is absorbed and blocked in the dam layer 250. Therefore, the reflection of external light can be minimized, and spots caused by the reflection of external light can be prevented.

[0184] Furthermore, the red light R and green light G in the external light are separated by columnar spacers 254 (e.g., including blue colorant 255b). Figure 14 The inclined portion 258) absorbs and blocks the light. Conversely, the blue light B incident on the columnar spacer 254 passes through or through the columnar spacer 254, and some of the blue light B is reflected from the first electrode 240.

[0185] The red light R and green light G, which are relatively clearly distinguishable to the human eye in external light, are included with blue colorant 255b. Figure 14 The columnar spacer 254 blocks the light, preventing it from reflecting to the outside. The relatively easily recognizable red light R and green light G in the external light are absorbed and blocked by the columnar spacer 254. The reflection of external light corresponding to the wavelengths of red light R and green light G is not recognized.

[0186] In one embodiment, the dam layer 250 may have a first refractive index n1 equal to or greater than the second refractive index n2 of the columnar spacer 254. When external light passing through the columnar spacer 254, which is a relatively loose medium, is incident on the dam layer 250, which is a relatively dense medium, it is refracted onto the dam layer 250 without total internal reflection. Then, the external light incident on the dam layer 250 may include a light-blocking material 251b. Figure 14 The dam 250 effectively absorbs and blocks [the material]. For example, the first refractive index n1 of the dam 250 may be about 1.6 to about 1.9, and the second refractive index n2 of the columnar spacer 254 may be about 1.5 to about 1.8, but is not limited thereto.

[0187] Similar to the first embodiment, a columnar spacer 254 including a blue colorant 255b is disposed between the light-emitting layer 242 and the dam layer 250 of the light-emitting diode D. Blue light B emitted from the light-emitting layer 242 passes through the columnar spacer 254 and is transmitted to the display surface. Therefore, the light-emitting region EA can be extended by the width W of the inclined portion 258 of the columnar spacer 254 disposed between the light-emitting layer 242 and the dam layer 250.

[0188] Similar to the first embodiment, compared to the light-emitting regions EA-RG in the red and green sub-pixels, the light-emitting region EA-B in the blue sub-pixel can be further extended by the width W of the tilted portion 258. Figure 6A and Figure 6B Because the light-emitting region EA-B is expanded in the blue sub-pixel, which has relatively low luminous efficiency, the amount of light transmitted to the display surface in the blue sub-pixel is increased compared to the amount of light transmitted to the display surface in the red and green sub-pixels.

[0189] The intensity of light transmitted to the display surface from the blue sub-pixel, which has relatively low luminous efficiency, is close to the intensity of light transmitted to the display surface from the red and green sub-pixels. According to the second embodiment, since a blue colorant 255b is disposed between the light-emitting diode D and the embankment 250... Figure 14 The columnar spacer 254 enables a display device 200 with uniform light intensity in each sub-pixel region.

[0190] Figures 16 to 18 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of light-emitting diodes, embankments, and columnar spacers in a display device according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0191] exist Figure 16In the illustrated display device 200A, the inclined portion 258 of the columnar spacer 254 disposed between the dam layer 250 and the light-emitting layer 242 covers a portion of the first electrode 240, for example, the peripheral region of the first electrode 240. However, the dam layer 250 is disposed outside the first electrode 240 and does not cover the first electrode 240. Light emitted from the light-emitting layer 242 can pass through the columnar spacer 254 disposed to cover the peripheral region of the first electrode 240. Since the dam layer 250, which absorbs and blocks light emitted from the light-emitting layer 242, is disposed outside the first electrode 240, the light-emitting region EA can be further extended.

[0192] and Figure 14 Compared to the structure in, in Figure 17 In the display device 200B shown, the side 251d of the dam 250 that contacts the other side of the inclined portion 258 of the columnar spacer 254 is disposed perpendicular to the upper surface of the first electrode 240. The upper portion of the dam 250 into which external light is incident has the same surface area as the lower portion of the dam 250. External light incident on the dam 250 can be effectively blocked and absorbed.

[0193] exist Figure 18 In the illustrated display device 200C, a columnar spacer 254 (e.g., an inclined portion 258) disposed between the dam layer 250 and the light-emitting layer 242 covers a portion of the first electrode 240, for example, the peripheral region of the first electrode 240. However, the dam layer 250 is disposed outside the first electrode 240 and does not cover the first electrode 240. The side 251d of the dam layer 250 that contacts the other side of the inclined portion 258 is disposed perpendicular to the upper surface of the first electrode 240.

[0194] Similar to Figure 16 As shown in the configuration, light emitted from the light-emitting layer 242 can pass through the inclined group portion 258 of the columnar spacer 254, which is configured to cover the peripheral region of the first electrode 240. Since the dam layer 250, which absorbs and blocks light emitted from the light-emitting layer 242, is provided on the outside of the first electrode 240, the light-emitting region EA can be further extended.

[0195] According to the second embodiment, spots caused by reflection of external light can be minimized, and the reliability of the black dam layer can be improved while sufficiently maintaining its optical density. Furthermore, ESG can be achieved by providing the advantages of low reflection and low power consumption.

[0196] [Third Implementation Method]

[0197] The display device according to the present invention can be a foldable display device. Figure 19 A schematic exploded perspective view of a display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 20A schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0198] Reference Figure 19 and Figure 20 The display device 300 includes a folding region FR and a non-folding region NFR, and the display device 300 can be folded along a first direction. The display device 300 may include non-folding regions NFR located on both sides of the folding region FR along the first direction.

[0199] The display device 300 may be an outward-folding type in which the display surface is exposed to the outside when the folded state is achieved, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively or additionally, the display device 30 may be an inward-folding type in which the display surface is hidden therein.

[0200] In one embodiment, the display panel DP can be folded inward or outward relative to the folding axis FA. In this invention, the folding axis FA represents the center of a folded region having a predetermined curvature due to folding via an imaginary line. Although in Figure 19 The display panel DP is shown folded in the central section, but the entire display panel DP can be freely deformed.

[0201] The display panel (DP) may include a substrate (SUB) and a component layer for displaying images. The substrate (SUB) includes a flexible material that allows the display area to be folded inwards or outwards. For example, the component layer may include a thin-film transistor (TFT) component layer and a light-emitting diode (LEL) layer disposed in the display area on the substrate (SUB).

[0202] An encapsulation layer ENC is disposed on the light-emitting element layer LEL, a touch layer (touch sensor) TL is disposed on the encapsulation layer ENC, and a cover window CW is disposed on the touch layer TL. In addition, a color filter layer and / or a black matrix can be disposed on the touch layer TL, for example, between the touch layer TL and the cover window CW.

[0203] A plate PLT is disposed on the lower surface of a substrate SUB to support the substrate SUB. For example, the plate PLT may include a back plate BP, a top plate PT, and a bottom plate PB sequentially disposed on the lower surface of the substrate SUB.

[0204] A thin-film transistor (TFT) element layer includes a semiconductor layer, a gate electrode, a source electrode, a drain electrode, a gate insulating layer, and an interlayer insulating layer. A thin-film transistor can have... Figure 2 or Figure 13 The structure shown is a thin-film transistor. It can be a driving thin-film transistor and can include oxide semiconductors.

[0205] The light-emitting element layer (LEL) may include light-emitting diodes, a dam layer, an anti-reflective pattern, and / or columnar spacers. The arrangement and / or shape of the light-emitting diodes, dam layer, anti-reflective pattern, and / or columnar spacers may be consistent with a reference. Figures 2 to 10 and / or Figures 13 to 18 The same.

[0206] The substrate SUB, on which thin-film transistor (TFT) element layers and light-emitting element (LEL) layers are disposed, can be encapsulated by an encapsulation layer ENC. The encapsulation layer ENC prevents external oxygen and / or moisture from penetrating into the light-emitting element (LEL) layer.

[0207] The cover window CW forms the outer periphery of the display device 300. The cover window CW can be located outside the surface of the display panel DP where the image is displayed, allowing the image of the display panel DP to be transmitted through it, and protecting the display panel DP from external impacts or stress.

[0208] Cover window CWs may include tempered glass and / or tempered plastic materials. For example, cover window CWs may include, but are not limited to, materials selected from high-strength tempered glass, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylic resins and / or (meth)acrylate resins (such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)) to prevent external scratches.

[0209] The backsheet (BP) may include organic materials with favorable folding properties. For example, the backsheet (BP) may include polyimide (PI), but is not limited to this.

[0210] The top plate PT and the bottom plate PB may include metal components, and the thickness of the bottom plate PB exposed to the outside may be greater than the thickness of the top plate PT. For example, the top plate PT may include SUS301 with relatively high hardness, and the bottom plate PB may include SUS313 with higher corrosion resistance and acid resistance, but are not limited thereto.

[0211] The base plate PB includes multiple openings OP in the folding region FR, which improves the folding characteristics of the display device 300. In one embodiment, the multiple openings OP may be configured to penetrate the surface and / or rear surface of the base plate PB.

[0212] Multiple adhesive components AD1, AD2, AD3, AD4, and AD5 can be disposed between multiple components in the display device 300. For example, the first adhesive component AD1 can be disposed between the touch layer TL and the cover window CW, the second adhesive component AD2 can be disposed between the encapsulation layer ENC and the touch layer TL, the third adhesive component AD3 can be disposed between the substrate SUB and the backplane BP, the fourth adhesive component AD4 can be disposed between the backplane BP and the top plate PT, and the fifth adhesive component AD5 can be disposed between the top plate PT and the bottom plate PB. Each of the first to fifth adhesive components AD1, AD2, AD3, AD4, and AD5 may include an optically clear adhesive (OCA) and / or a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0213] According to the third embodiment, spotting caused by reflection of external light can be minimized, and a display device with beneficial luminous efficiency can be achieved. Furthermore, a foldable display device with beneficial flexibility can be manufactured by omitting the polarizer. An ESG display device can be achieved through the advantages of low reflection and low power consumption.

[0214] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to this invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, this invention is intended to cover any modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A substrate having light-emitting and non-light-emitting regions; Light-emitting diodes are disposed on the substrate corresponding to the light-emitting area; A dam layer corresponding to the non-light-emitting area is disposed on the substrate; as well as An anti-reflective pattern comprising a blue colorant is disposed between the light-emitting diode and the dam layer. The light-emitting diode includes a first electrode, a second electrode facing the first electrode, and a light-emitting layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the side of the anti-reflective pattern that contacts the outer side of the light-emitting layer has a cross-sectional shape that slopes downward toward the light-emitting layer.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the side of the embankment in contact with the outer side of the anti-reflective pattern has a cross-sectional shape that slopes downward toward the opposite side of the anti-reflective pattern.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the side of the dam layer that contacts the outer side of the anti-reflective pattern is disposed perpendicular to the surface of the first electrode.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display device further comprises a columnar spacer disposed on the embankment.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein the columnar spacer comprises a blue colorant.

7. The display device of claim 1, wherein each of the anti-reflective pattern and the dam layer is configured to cover a portion of the surface of the first electrode.

8. The display device of claim 1, wherein the anti-reflective pattern is configured to cover a portion of the first electrode, and the dam layer is disposed outside the first electrode.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the embankment has a refractive index equal to or greater than the refractive index of the antireflective pattern.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the diaphragm layer comprises a black colorant.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the dam layer comprises a material that blocks or absorbs light.

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display device further comprises: A driving thin-film transistor disposed on the substrate, the driving thin-film transistor being connected to the light-emitting diode and comprising an oxide semiconductor; An encapsulation layer disposed on the second electrode; and A color filter layer is disposed on the encapsulation layer, and The dike layer mentioned therein includes a black colorant.

13. A display device, comprising: A substrate having light-emitting and non-light-emitting regions; Light-emitting diodes are disposed on the substrate corresponding to the light-emitting area; A dam layer corresponding to the non-light-emitting area is disposed on the substrate; as well as A columnar spacer extends from the upper surface of the dam layer to the region between the light-emitting diode and the dam layer and includes a blue colorant. The light-emitting diode includes a first electrode, a second electrode facing the first electrode, and a light-emitting layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein the side of the columnar spacer that contacts the outer side of the light-emitting layer has a cross-sectional shape that slopes downward toward the light-emitting layer.

15. The display device according to claim 13, wherein the columnar spacer comprises: The main body is set on the embankment layer; A connection portion extending from the main body toward the light-emitting diode; as well as An inclined portion having a cross-sectional shape that slopes downwards from the connecting portion, and The inclined portion is disposed between the embankment layer and the light-emitting layer.

16. The display device of claim 15, wherein the side of the embankment in contact with the inclined portion of the columnar spacer has a cross-sectional shape that slopes downward toward the opposite side of the inclined portion of the columnar spacer.

17. The display device of claim 15, wherein the side of the embankment that contacts the inclined portion of the columnar spacer is disposed perpendicular to the surface of the first electrode.

18. The display device of claim 15, wherein the inclined portion of the columnar spacer and the embankment are configured to cover a portion of the surface of the first electrode.

19. The display device of claim 15, wherein the inclined portion is configured to cover a portion of the surface of the first electrode, and the dam layer is disposed outside the first electrode.

20. The display device of claim 13, wherein the columnar spacer has a refractive index equal to or greater than the refractive index of the dam layer.

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