Display panel

Abstract

A display panel is disclosed. The display panel includes: a substrate having a plurality of sub-pixels disposed on an active region; a black matrix disposed on the plurality of sub-pixels; a first lens disposed in an opening of the black matrix; a color filter disposed on the first lens in the opening of the black matrix; a second lens disposed on the color filter; and a high refractive index layer disposed on the second lens. The refractive index of the first lens is higher than that of the second lens, and the refractive index of the high refractive index layer is higher than that of the second lens.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0200904, filed on December 30, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference as if it were fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a display panel. Background Technology

[0003] With the advancement of information technology, the market for display devices, which serve as the connection medium between users and information, is expanding. Consequently, the use of display devices such as light-emitting diode (LED) displays, quantum dot (QDD) displays, and liquid crystal displays (LCDs) is increasing.

[0004] Such a display device includes: a display panel including sub-pixels; a driver configured to output a drive signal for driving the display panel; and a power supply configured to generate a drive voltage to be supplied to the display panel or the driver, etc.

[0005] In such a display device, when a driving signal (e.g., a scan signal, a data signal, etc.) is supplied to a sub-pixel formed at the display panel, a selected sub-pixel transmits light or emits light directly, and thus can display an image.

[0006] At the same time, when such a display device is displaying images, external light may be reflected by the electrodes and other components that make up each pixel of the display panel, thus interfering with the viewing experience.

[0007] In recent years, active research has been conducted to reduce the reflection of external light as described above. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, this disclosure relates to a display panel that substantially eliminates one or more problems caused by the limitations and disadvantages of related technologies.

[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a display panel that can reduce external light reflection.

[0010] The purpose of this disclosure is not limited to the above-described purposes, and other undescribed purposes of this disclosure will become clearer to those skilled in the art through the following detailed description.

[0011] To achieve these and other advantages, and for the purposes of this disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, the display panel includes: a substrate including an active area configured to display an image and an active area surrounding the active area, the active area including a plurality of sub-pixels; a black matrix defining an opening corresponding to each of the plurality of sub-pixels; a first lens disposed in the opening; a color filter disposed on the first lens in the opening; a second lens disposed on the color filter; and a high refractive index layer disposed on the second lens, wherein the refractive index of the first lens is higher than the refractive index of the second lens, and wherein the refractive index of the high refractive index layer is higher than the refractive index of the second lens.

[0012] The refractive index difference between the first lens and the color filter can be greater than the refractive index difference between the second lens and the color filter.

[0013] The refractive index difference between the high refractive index layer and the second lens can be greater than the refractive index difference between the second lens and the color filter.

[0014] The refractive index of the second lens can be equal to that of the color filter.

[0015] The refractive index of the high refractive index layer can be equal to the refractive index of the first lens, and the refractive index difference between the high refractive index layer and the second lens can be equal to the refractive index difference between the first lens and the color filter.

[0016] The width of the second lens can be greater than the width of the first lens.

[0017] The width of the second lens can be greater than the width of the opening.

[0018] The display panel may also include a light-emitting element, which includes a first electrode, a light-emitting layer disposed on the first electrode, a second electrode disposed on the light-emitting layer, and a dam covering the edge of the first electrode and separating the light-emitting areas of adjacent sub-pixels from each other.

[0019] The distance between the portions of the embankment that separate the light-emitting areas of adjacent sub-pixels can be less than the width of the corresponding opening.

[0020] The embankment may include light-absorbing materials.

[0021] The width of the embankment can be greater than the width of the black matrix.

[0022] The radius of curvature of the second lens can be greater than that of the first lens.

[0023] The maximum height of the second lens can be greater than the maximum height of the first lens.

[0024] The black matrix and the first lens can be disposed on the optical layer, which is positioned above the light-emitting element.

[0025] The refractive index of the optical layer can be lower than that of the first lens.

[0026] The contact interface between the high refractive index layer and the second lens has a concave curved surface shape. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of this disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application. The drawings illustrate (multiple) embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a configuration diagram that explains the configuration concept of the display device according to this disclosure; Figure 2 A circuit diagram illustrating an example of an equivalent pixel circuit for a display panel applicable to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the cross-sectional structure of a display panel applied to this disclosure; Figure 4 A more detailed explanation Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the structure of the first and second lenses for each sub-pixel shown; and Figure 5 A cross-sectional view is shown illustrating the effects of the first and second lenses applied to the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Throughout this disclosure, the same reference numerals denote the same constituent elements. In some figures, the thickness, scale, and dimensions of constituent elements may be exaggerated for a more effective description. For ease of description, the dimensions and scales of constituent elements shown in the figures may differ from actual dimensions and scales, and therefore should not be construed as being the same as those shown in the figures.

[0030] It should be understood that when a constituent element (or region, layer, part, etc.) is referred to as "on another element", "connected to another element" or "coupled to another element", it can be directly on another element, connected to another element or coupled to another element, or there can be an intermediate third element.

[0031] The term “and / or” as used in this document includes any and all combinations of one or more configurations that are associated with each other.

[0032] While terms including ordinal numbers (e.g., first or second) may be used to describe various constituent elements, constituent elements are not limited to these terms, and these terms are used only to distinguish one constituent element from other constituent elements. For example, within the scope of this disclosure, a first constituent element may be referred to as a second constituent element. Similarly, a second constituent element may also be referred to as a first constituent element. Unless otherwise specified, components described in the singular form encompass components in the plural form.

[0033] The use of terms such as “below,” “under,” “above,” and “above” is to explain the relationships between the configurations shown in the figures. These terms are relative concepts and are described with reference to the directions indicated in the figures. For example, unless “adjacent” or “direct” is used, there may be at least one intermediate element between two elements. It should be understood that terms such as “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” (which are spatially related terms) can be used to readily explain the relationship between one device or component and another device or other component. Thus, for example, “below” or “lower” relative to a first component can encompass the opposite direction to being above or above the first component.

[0034] It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations when the device is in use or when the device is in operation, and not just the orientations depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in one of the figures is flipped over, an element described as being positioned "below" or "under" other elements would be positioned "above" other elements. Therefore, the exemplary terms "below" or "under" can cover both the orientation above and below.

[0035] It should be understood that terms such as “including” and “comprising” are intended to express the presence of a characteristic, number, step, operation, constituent element, component or combination thereof, and do not exclude one or more other characteristics, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof, or any addition thereof.

[0036] The corresponding features of the various embodiments according to this disclosure may be combined or integrated in part or in whole and may be technically variably associated or operated, and the embodiments may be implemented independently or in combination.

[0037] The display device of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a configuration diagram that explains the concept of the configuration of a display device according to this disclosure. Figure 2 A circuit diagram illustrating an example of an equivalent pixel circuitry for a display panel applicable to the present disclosure is shown.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel 10, a timing controller 11, a data driver 12, a gate driver 13, and a power supply 20.

[0040] although Figure 1 The example shown illustrates a configuration where the timing controller 11, data driver 12, and power supply 20 are configured separately; however, some or all of the timing controller 11, data driver 12, and power supply 20 can be integrated into a driver integrated circuit. Figure 1 In this configuration, each of the data driver 12, the gate driver 13, and the power supply 20 may include a panel driving circuit configured to drive the display panel 10.

[0041] although Figure 1 The illustration shows a case where the gate driver 13 is disposed separately from the display panel 10, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The gate driver 13 may be disposed in the non-active region NA of the display panel 10, and may be formed directly on the substrate of the display panel 10 as an in-panel gate driver (GIP).

[0042] In addition to the non-active area NA, the display panel 10 may include an active area AA.

[0043] An active region AA can be an area configured to display an image. Multiple subpixels SP are set in the active region AA, and therefore, multiple subpixels SP can be used to display an image. The area with multiple subpixels SP can be called the active region AA, and the non-active region NA can be the area surrounding the active region AA, and the non-active region NA is set at the outer edge of the display panel, and no image is displayed in it.

[0044] For example, multiple sub-pixels SP located in an active region AA can display different colors such as red (R), green (G), and blue (B). For example, the multiple sub-pixels SP can include sub-pixels that are configured to emit different colors of light.

[0045] The multiple sub-pixels SP, each configured to emit light of a different color, can be grouped into a single unit pixel UP.

[0046] When a group of pixels used for color representation is defined as a unit pixel UP, the unit pixel UP can be configured by including multiple sub-pixels SPR, SPG, and SPB, which are configured to emit red (R), green (G), and blue (B) light, or by further including sub-pixels configured to emit white (W) light in addition to red (R), green (G), and blue (B). Each unit pixel UP can represent various colors by mixing different colors emitted from multiple sub-pixels.

[0047] exist Figure 1 The following case is shown as an example, in which the unit pixel includes a red sub-pixel SPR configured to emit red light, a green sub-pixel SPG configured to emit green light, and a blue sub-pixel SPB configured to emit blue light.

[0048] At least one panel driving circuit can be set in the non-active region NA to drive multiple sub-pixels SP.

[0049] The timing controller 11 can supply digital image data D-DATA sent from the host system (not shown) to the data driver 12.

[0050] The timing controller 11 can receive timing signals from the host system, such as vertical synchronization signals, horizontal synchronization signals, data enable signals, point clock signals, etc. The timing signals 11 can thus generate timing control signals for the operation timing of the control panel drive circuit.

[0051] The timing control signals may include: a gate timing control signal GDC for controlling the operation timing of the gate driver 13, a data timing control signal DDC for controlling the operation timing of the data driver 12, and a power timing control signal PDC for controlling the operation timing of the power supply 20.

[0052] The data driver 12 can be connected to multiple sub-pixels SP via data lines DL (DL1 to DLm). The data driver 12 can generate a data voltage as an analog signal required to drive the multiple sub-pixels SP based on the digital image data D-DATA input from the timing controller 11, and can supply the data voltage to the data lines DL.

[0053] The data driver 12 can sample and latch digital image data D-DATA based on the data timing control signal DDC input from the timing controller 11 to convert the digital image data D-DATA into parallel data.

[0054] The data driver 12 can then convert the digital image data D-DATA into analog data voltages based on the gamma compensation voltage via a digital-to-analog converter (hereinafter referred to as "DAC"), and can then supply the analog data voltages to the multiple sub-pixels SP via the data lines DL. The analog data voltages can be analog voltage values ​​of different voltage levels corresponding to the image grayscale to be expressed at the multiple sub-pixels SP.

[0055] The data driver 12 can output data voltages to multiple sub-pixels SP according to the data timing control signal DDC. The data driver 12 can be composed of multiple source driver integrated circuits. Each source driver integrated circuit may include a shift register, a latch, a level shifter, a DAC, and an output buffer.

[0056] The gate driver 13 can generate a scan signal based on the gate timing control signal GDC, and can supply scan signals to multiple sub-pixels SP through gate lines GL (GL1 to GLn).

[0057] The power supply 20 can process the input power according to the power timing control signal PDC, thereby generating a high-level drive voltage EVDD with a fixed level, and can supply the high-level drive voltage EVDD to the display panel 10.

[0058] like Figure 2 As shown in the circuit diagram (a), at least one of the multiple sub-pixels SP may include, for example, a first switching transistor ST1, a driving transistor DT, a capacitor Cst, and a light-emitting element OLED.

[0059] The first electrode (e.g., the drain electrode) of the first switching transistor ST1 can be electrically connected to the data line DL, the second electrode (e.g., the source electrode) of the first switching transistor ST1 can be electrically connected to the first node N1, and the gate electrode of the first switching transistor ST1 can be electrically connected to the gate line GL.

[0060] The first switching transistor ST1 can send a data signal supplied via the data line DL to the first node N1 in response to a scan signal supplied via the gate line GL.

[0061] The capacitor Cst can be electrically connected to the first node N1, and therefore can be charged using the voltage applied to the first node N1.

[0062] The first electrode (e.g., drain electrode) of the driving transistor DT can receive a high-level driving voltage EVDD, and the second electrode (e.g., source electrode) of the driving transistor DT can be electrically connected to the first electrode (e.g., anode) of the light-emitting element OLED. The driving transistor DT can control the magnitude of the driving current flowing through the light-emitting element OLED, corresponding to the voltage applied to its gate.

[0063] An OLED (Optical Display Panel) can output light corresponding to a driving current. OLEDs can output light corresponding to one of the following colors: red (R), green (G), blue (B), and white (W).

[0064] The light-emitting element OLED may include a first electrode (e.g., Figure 3 The anode designated as "E1" in the diagram), and the light-emitting layer disposed on the first electrode E1 (e.g., Figure 3 The “EL” in the text), and the second electrode configured to supply a common voltage (e.g., Figure 3 The cathode designated as "E2" in the text.

[0065] The display panel 10 of this disclosure may have, for example: (1) a top-emitting structure, wherein light generated from the light-emitting element OLED is emitted to the top side of the display panel 10; (2) a bottom-emitting structure, wherein light generated from the light-emitting element OLED is emitted to the bottom side of the display panel 10; or (3) a dual-emitting structure, wherein light generated from the light-emitting element OLED is emitted to both the top and bottom sides of the display panel 10. When the display panel 10 has the top-emitting structure as described above, the first electrode E1 may include a conductive material and may have a structure including a transparent conductive layer (not shown) and a reflective layer (not shown) stacked below the transparent conductive layer. The transparent conductive layer may be made of a transparent conductive oxide material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). The reflective layer may be made of, for example, silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), gold (Au), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), chromium (Cr), and alloys thereof. Therefore, based on the high reflectivity of the reflective layer, the first electrode E1 may reflect light incident from its front surface on which the light-emitting layer EL is disposed.

[0066] The light-emitting layer (EL) can generate light with a brightness corresponding to the voltage difference between the first electrode (E1) and the second electrode (E2). For example, the light-emitting layer (EL) may include a light-emitting material layer (EML) containing a light-emitting material. The light-emitting material may include organic materials, inorganic materials, or a mixture of materials. For example, the light-emitting layer (EL) may include a light-emitting material layer composed of organic materials.

[0067] The light-emitting layer EL may include at least one of a first common light-emitting layer (not shown) disposed between the light-emitting layer EL and the first electrode E1, or a second common light-emitting layer (not shown) disposed between the light-emitting layer EL and the second electrode E2. Each of the first common light-emitting layer (not shown) and the second common light-emitting layer (not shown) may include at least one of a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an electron transport layer (ETL), or an electron injection layer (EIL).

[0068] The second electrode E2 may include a conductive material. The second electrode E2 may include a material different from the first electrode E1. For example, the second electrode E2 may be a transparent electrode made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO or IZO. The second electrode E2 may have a higher transmittance than the first electrode E1.

[0069] While the second electrode E2 can be formed of a transparent metal oxide such as ITO or IZO, this disclosure is not limited thereto. When the display device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is a top-emitting type, the second electrode E2 can be provided with a semi-transparent conductive material that allows light transmission. For example, the second electrode E2 can be formed of at least one of LiF / Al, CsF / Al, Mg:Ag, Ca / Ag, Ca:Ag, LiF / Mg:Ag, LiF / Ca / Ag, and LiF / Ca:Ag alloys. Therefore, in the display device according to an embodiment of this disclosure, when light is reflected by the first electrode E1 and then emitted through the second electrode E2, the light generated from the light-emitting layer EL can be emitted to the top side of the display panel 10.

[0070] When the display panel 10 has a bottom-emitting structure, the first electrode E1 can be made of a transparent electrode, which includes a transparent conductive material such as ITO or IZO or a semi-transparent conductive material that allows light transmission; and the second electrode E2 disposed above the light-emitting layer EL can be configured to include a structure having a transparent conductive layer and a reflective layer stacked on the transparent conductive layer. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, when light is reflected by the second electrode E2 and then emitted through the first electrode E1, the light generated from the light-emitting layer EL can be emitted to the bottom side of the display panel 10.

[0071] On the other hand, when the display panel 10 has a dual-emission structure, each of the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 can be composed of a transparent electrode, which includes a transparent conductive material such as ITO or IZO, or a semi-transparent conductive material that allows light to pass through. Therefore, when light is emitted through the second electrode E2, the light generated from the light-emitting layer EL can be emitted to the top side of the display panel 10, or when light is emitted through the first electrode E1, it can be emitted to the bottom side of the display panel 10.

[0072] Figure 2 The circuit diagram (a) in the figure shows, as an example, a case where the driving transistor DT is directly connected to the light-emitting element OLED, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 2 As shown in the circuit diagram (b), the driving transistor DT can be connected to the light-emitting element OLED via the second switching transistor ST2.

[0073] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown in circuit diagram (b), a second switching transistor ST2 can be disposed between the driving transistor DT and the light-emitting element OLED. The first electrode of the second switching transistor ST2 can be connected to the driving transistor DT, and the second electrode of the second switching transistor ST2 can be electrically connected to the light-emitting element OLED. The second switching transistor ST2 can control the on / off state of the driving current applied from the driving transistor DT to the light-emitting element OLED in response to an emission signal applied to its gate electrode.

[0074] In addition, although Figure 2 The sub-pixel SP may include a compensation circuit (not shown) configured to compensate for the threshold voltage of the driving transistor DT, etc. This compensation circuit may include at least one transistor connected to the driving transistor DT and may be located within the sub-pixel SP.

[0075] According to the configuration method, the compensation circuit can be configured to have various structures in the sub-pixel SP, such as 3T1C (including three transistors and one capacitor), 4T2C (including four transistors and two capacitors), 5T2C, 6T1C, 6T2C, 7T1C, 7T2C, 8T1C, etc.

[0076] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the cross-sectional structure of a display panel applied to this disclosure.

[0077] like Figure 3 As shown, the display panel 10 may include a substrate 100, an insulating layer 110, a buffer layer 140, a gate insulating layer 150, an interlayer insulating layer 200, a planarization layer 300, a dam 400, a light-emitting element OLED, an encapsulation layer 500, an optical layer 600, an adhesive layer 650, a black matrix BM, a first lens ML1, a color filter CF, a second lens ML2, a high refractive index layer 700, a polarizing plate 800, a cover layer 900, and a transistor TR.

[0078] exist Figure 3 In this context, the transistor TR can be a reference. Figure 2 One of the first switching transistor ST1, the second switching transistor ST2, and the driving transistor DT. Figure 3In the example shown, transistor TR is used as... Figure 2 The circuit diagram (a) shows the case of the driving transistor DT. Figure 3 The cross-sectional structure of the display device is merely an example for understanding the contents of this disclosure, and therefore the contents of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0079] The substrate 100 can be formed of a flexible plastic material and therefore can have flexible properties. The substrate 100 may also include a flexible thin glass material.

[0080] An insulating layer 110 may be disposed on the active region AA and the non-active region NA on the substrate 100. The insulating layer 110 may be disposed on the substrate 100 to protect structures on the substrate 100 that are susceptible to moisture permeating through the substrate 100. The insulating layer 110 may include silicon oxide (SiO2). x ) layer, silicon nitride (SiN) x ) layer, and silicon oxynitride (SiO) x N y One or more in the layers.

[0081] A buffer layer 140 may be disposed on an insulating layer 110. The buffer layer 140 may comprise an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO) or silicon nitride (SiN).

[0082] A transistor TR can be disposed on a buffer layer 140. The transistor TR may include a gate electrode G, an active layer ACT, and a first source / drain electrode SDa and a second source / drain electrode SDb. The active layer ACT may include a source region AS, a channel region CH, and a drain region AD. The conductivity of the source region AS and the drain region AD may be higher than the conductivity of the channel region CH. The channel region CH can form a channel in response to a voltage applied to the gate electrode G.

[0083] The gate insulating layer 150 can be stacked on the buffer layer 140 to cover the active layer ACT. The gate insulating layer 150 can insulate the gate electrode G from the active layer ACT of the transistor TR.

[0084] An interlayer insulating layer 200 may be disposed on the gate insulating layer 150 to cover the gate electrode G of the transistor TR. The first source-drain electrode SDa and the second source-drain electrode SDb of the transistor TR may be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 200.

[0085] The first source-drain electrode SDa and the second source-drain electrode SDb of the transistor TR can extend through the interlayer insulating layer 200 and the gate insulating layer 150 to contact the source and drain regions of the transistor TR.

[0086] The planarization layer 300 can be stacked on the interlayer insulating layer 200 to cover the first source / drain electrode SDa and the second source / drain electrode SDb of the transistor TR. The planarization layer 300 can remove steps caused by the driving circuit and can have a flat surface on its upper surface. The planarization layer 300 can include an insulating material with high fluidity.

[0087] One of the first source / drain electrodes SDa and the second source / drain electrode SDb can extend through the planarization layer 300 to contact the first electrode E1 of the light-emitting element OLED.

[0088] The embankment 400 can be disposed on the planarization layer 300. The embankment 400 can define the light-emitting area of ​​each sub-pixel, and the areas of the corresponding sub-pixels can be separated from each other by the corresponding portions of the embankment 400.

[0089] The dam 400 may include light-absorbing materials. For example, the dam 400 may include black pigment, such as carbon black. Therefore, the dam 400 can minimize reflectivity by absorbing external light, thereby achieving enhanced black levels and improved image quality through improvements in contrast and color accuracy.

[0090] The dam 400 may include an organic insulating material. The dam 400 may cover the edge of the first electrode E1 (e.g., the anode). The light-emitting layer EL and the second electrode E2 (e.g., the cathode) may be stacked on the portion of the first electrode E1 exposed by the dam 400.

[0091] Therefore, the corresponding regions of the multiple sub-pixels SPR, SPG, and SPB defined by the corresponding light-emitting regions can be separated from each other by corresponding portions of the embankment 400. An OLED light-emitting element can be disposed in each light-emitting region. The OLED light-emitting element may include a first electrode E1, a light-emitting layer EL, and a second electrode E2.

[0092] The first electrode E1 can be used as an anode, for example, and can comprise a conductive material. The first electrode E1 can have high reflectivity. For example, the first electrode E1 can comprise a metal, such as aluminum (Al) or silver (Ag).

[0093] The light-emitting layer (EL) can generate light with a brightness corresponding to the voltage difference between the first electrode (E1) and the second electrode (E2). For example, the EL may include a light-emitting material layer (EML) containing a light-emitting material. The light-emitting material may include organic materials, inorganic materials, or a mixture of materials. For example, the EL may include a light-emitting material layer composed of organic materials.

[0094] The second electrode E2 can, for example, be used as a cathode and can include a conductive material. The second electrode E2 can include a material different from the first electrode E1. For example, the second electrode E2 can be a transparent electrode made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO or IZO. The second electrode E2 can have a higher transmittance than the first electrode E1.

[0095] The encapsulation layer 500 can be disposed on the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element OLED and can perform the encapsulation function to prevent damage to the light-emitting element OLED caused by external impact and moisture.

[0096] The encapsulation layer 500 can be configured by alternating stacks of inorganic insulating material layers and organic insulating material layers.

[0097] The encapsulation layer 500 can remove the steps caused by the light-emitting element OLED, and the upper surface of the encapsulation layer 500 can be a flat surface.

[0098] An optical layer 600 may be disposed on the encapsulation layer 500. The optical layer 600 may form an upper surface and thus serve as an optical gap configured to guide light through the lens for uniform refraction, thereby enhancing light extraction efficiency. For this function, the refractive index of the optical layer 600 may be lower than that of the second lens ML2.

[0099] The optical layer 600 may comprise glass or a polymer material (polycaprolactone (PCL)). When the optical layer 600 comprises a polymer material (PCL), the polymer material (PCL) may be selected from acrylic resin, phenolic resin, polyimide resin, polyamide resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polyphenylene ether resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, benzocyclobutene, etc. In this case, the refractive index of the optical layer 600 may be lower than the refractive index of the first lens ML1.

[0100] An adhesive layer 650 may be disposed on the optical layer 600 to attach the optical layer 600 beneath the first lens ML1 and the black matrix BM. The adhesive layer 650 may comprise a highly fluid insulating material and an adhesive material. For example, the adhesive layer 650 may comprise a fluid material equivalent to the planarization layer 300. The refractive index of the adhesive layer 650 may be lower than that of the second lens ML2, and its refractive index may be substantially equal to that of the optical layer 600.

[0101] A black matrix BM can be disposed on the adhesive layer 650. The black matrix BM may include light-absorbing materials and may include, for example, black pigment. The black matrix BM may overlap with the embankment 400. The black matrix BM defines an opening corresponding to each sub-pixel.

[0102] The first lens ML1 can be disposed in the opening of the black matrix BM. In other words, the first lens ML1 can be disposed in the space between adjacent black matrices BM. For example, the bottom surface of the first lens ML1 can be disposed on the adhesive layer 650, and the black matrix BM can be disposed on the opposite side of the first lens ML1.

[0103] The first lens ML1 can be used as a convex lens, and thus prevents excessive increase in the width of external light incident from the second lens ML2 by suppressing the width of external light. The first lens ML1 can have a high refractive index and can comprise a polyimide-acrylic acid composite (PAC).

[0104] A color filter CF can be disposed on the first lens ML1 in each opening of the black matrix BM. For example, the color filter CF can fill the space between the black matrix BM and the first lens ML1, and a portion of the color filter CF can be disposed to cover a portion of the upper surface of the black matrix BM.

[0105] The color filter CF can include colorants and pigments, and its color is the same as the color emitted by the emissive layer of each sub-pixel. For example, the red sub-pixel SPR can include a red color filter R, and its color is the same as the red color emitted by the emissive layer of the red sub-pixel SPR; the green sub-pixel SPG can include a green color filter G; and the blue sub-pixel SPG can include a blue color filter B.

[0106] The second lens ML2 can be disposed on the color filter CF. For example, the second lens ML2 can be disposed on the color filter CF such that its bottom surface covers each opening of the black matrix BM. The second lens ML2 may have a low refractive index and may comprise a polyimide-acrylic composite (PAC).

[0107] The second lens ML2 can be configured to provide a dome shape to the high refractive index layer 700, such that the high refractive index layer 700 functions as a concave lens. That is, the interface between the high refractive index layer 700 and the second lens ML2 can have a concave dome shape that conforms to the shape of the upper surface of the second lens ML2, and this concave dome shape can function as a concave lens.

[0108] A high refractive index layer 700 may be disposed on the second lens ML2. For example, the high refractive index layer 700 may be disposed on a plurality of second lenses ML2 spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction, while filling the gaps between the plurality of second lenses ML2. The high refractive index layer 700 may have a high refractive index and may comprise a polyimide-acrylic acid composite (PAC).

[0109] The contact interface between the high refractive index layer 700 and the second lens ML2 can have a concave curved surface shape and can be used as a concave lens, which is configured to increase the width of external light incident from the outside. That is, the contact interface between the high refractive index layer 700 and the second lens ML2 can increase the width of external light incident from the outside, and the light with the increased width can thus be incident on the first lens ML1.

[0110] In description Figure 3 Following the remaining constituent elements shown, reference will be made to... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The optical structure, including the first lens ML1, the color filter CF, the second lens ML2, and the high refractive index layer 700, is described in more detail.

[0111] The polarizing plate 800 can be disposed on the high refractive index layer 700 and can reduce the reflection of external light. The cover layer 900 can be disposed on the polarizing plate 800 and can include glass made of a light-transmitting material.

[0112] As described above, the display panel 10 can increase the width of externally incident light to reduce the light density of the incident external light. Furthermore, the increase in width can be controlled within an appropriate range so that when the externally incident light with increased width reaches the target sub-pixel, the increased external light is not reflected by the first electrode of the sub-pixel adjacent to the target sub-pixel, and a portion of the increased external light is absorbed by the dam 400. Therefore, the reflectivity of the display panel 10 can be reduced.

[0113] The following will refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The description includes the optical structure and its effects, including the first lens ML1, the color filter CF, the second lens ML2, and the high refractive index layer 700.

[0114] Figure 4 A more detailed explanation Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the structure of the first and second lenses for each sub-pixel.

[0115] For ease of description, Figure 4 The middle part shows the state of increasing width. Figure 3 The structure of a portion of the subpixels of the display panel shown is from the light-emitting element to the high refractive index layer 700.

[0116] exist Figure 4 In this design, the high-refractive-index layer 700 can have a high refractive index, the first lens ML1 and the color filter CP can each have a low refractive index, and the second lens ML2 can have a high refractive index. Specifically, the refractive index of the high-refractive-index layer 700 can be higher than the refractive index of the second lens ML2, and the refractive index of the first lens ML1 can be higher than the refractive index of the second lens ML2. Figure 4In the diagram, the refractive index of the high refractive index layer 700 is represented by "n0", the refractive index of the second lens ML2 is represented by "n2", the refractive index of the first lens ML1 is represented by "n1", and the refractive index of the color filter CF is represented by "n3".

[0117] Therefore, the width of the external light can be increased at the interface between the high refractive index layer 700 and the second lens ML2. When the external light passes through the second lens ML2, the increased width of the external light can be appropriately controlled, and some of the external light can be absorbed by the dam 400. Therefore, the reflectivity of the display panel 10 can be reduced.

[0118] The refractive index difference n0-n2 between the high refractive index layer 700 and the second lens ML2 can be greater than the refractive index difference n2-n3 between the second lens ML2 and the color filter CF, and the refractive index difference n1-n3 between the first lens ML1 and the color filter CF can be greater than the refractive index difference n2-n3 between the second lens ML2 and the color filter CF. Therefore, the increased width of external light passing through the interface between the high refractive index layer 700 and the second lens ML2 can be appropriately controlled to a uniform width, without increasing as the external light passes through the second lens ML2.

[0119] The refractive index n2 of the second lens ML2 can be equal to the refractive index n3 of the color filter CF. Therefore, in this case, the width of the external light can continue to increase as the external light passes through the interface between the high refractive index layer 700 and the second lens ML2 until the external light reaches the first lens ML1.

[0120] The refractive index n0 of the high refractive index layer 700 can be equal to the refractive index n1 of the first lens ML1, and the refractive index difference n0-n2 between the high refractive index layer 700 and the second lens ML2 can be substantially equal to the refractive index difference n1-n3 between the first lens ML1 and the color filter CF. Therefore, although the width of the external light continuously increases as the external light passes through the interface between the high refractive index layer 700 and the second lens ML2, the increase in the width of the external light is limited when the external light passes through the first lens ML1, and thus, the external light maintains a uniform width.

[0121] The width WML2 of the second lens ML2 can be greater than the width of the first lens ML1. For example, the width WML2 of the second lens ML2 can be greater than the aperture width DBM of the black matrix BM. That is, the end of the second lens ML2 can overlap with the black matrix BM. The width of the first lens ML1 can be equal to or less than the aperture width DBM of the black matrix BM.

[0122] The distance DBK between the portions of the embankment 400 used to separate the light-emitting regions of adjacent sub-pixels can be smaller than the opening width DBM of the black matrix BM. The width WBK of the embankment 400 can be larger than the width WBM of the black matrix BM. Therefore, the area in which the embankment 400 absorbs external light can be increased.

[0123] The maximum height H2 of the second lens ML2 can be greater than the maximum height H1 of the first lens ML1, and the radius of curvature of the second lens ML2 can be greater than the radius of curvature of the first lens ML1. Therefore, the width increment of the external light generated when external light passes through the second lens ML2 can be further increased, and the reflectivity of the external light can be further reduced.

[0124] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view is shown illustrating the effects of the first and second lenses applied to the present disclosure.

[0125] Figure 5 The cross-sectional view (a) in the figure is a comparative example in which the second lens ML2 is omitted from the top side of the color filter CF and only the first lens ML1 is set; Figure 5 Cross-sectional view (b) is a comparative example in which the first lens ML1 is omitted from the lower side of the color filter CF, and the high refractive index layer 700 and the second lens ML2 are provided only on the upper side of the color filter CF; and Figure 5 The cross-sectional view (c) in the diagram is related to... Figure 4 Examples of the same content disclosed herein.

[0126] like Figure 5 As shown in the cross-sectional view (a) in the comparative example, where the second lens ML2 is omitted from the top of the color filter CF and only the first lens ML1 is provided, the width of the external light OL, which is incident from the outside and has a width of W, continuously decreases as the external light passes through the first lens ML1. Therefore, when the external light is incident on the first electrode E1 of the light-emitting element OLED, the external light can have a width Wa that is smaller than the width W.

[0127] In this scenario, although the area of ​​external light OL reflected by the first electrode E1 of the OLED may decrease, the optical density of the external light may increase, and thus the light intensity may increase. Therefore, when external light OL is reflected by the first electrode E1, its reflectivity may increase due to the stronger light intensity.

[0128] In addition, such as Figure 5As shown in the cross-sectional view (b) in the comparative example where the first lens ML1 is omitted from the lower side of the color filter CF and the high refractive index layer 700 and the second lens ML2 are only provided on the upper side of the color filter CF, the external light OL with a width of W incident from the outside will continuously increase in width as it is refracted at the interface between the high refractive index layer 700 and the second lens ML2, and when the external light passes through the optical layer 600, its width Wb will be greater than the width W.

[0129] In this scenario, although the intensity of the external light OL decreases and thus its optical density decreases as the width of the external light OL increases from W to Wb, the width of the external light OL may become excessively large when it passes through the color filter CF and the optical layer 600. Therefore, the external light OL may even penetrate adjacent sub-pixels and may be reflected by the first electrode E1 located at the light-emitting element OLED of the adjacent sub-pixel.

[0130] Therefore, the reflectivity of external light (OL) may conversely increase. External light (OL) passing through an optical color filter of a specific color (e.g., R) may be configured to reflect light from an element emitting another color (e.g., G), and color mixing may therefore occur. Due to this color mixing, the visual perception of light reflection may change or decrease.

[0131] However, in this disclosure, such as Figure 5 As shown in the cross-sectional view (c), an externally incident light OL with a width of W increases in width as it passes through the interface between the high refractive index layer 700 and the second lens ML2. When the external light OL passes through the first lens ML1, it is refracted, thus limiting the increase in its width. Therefore, the external light OL can be incident on the OLED with a uniform width Wc.

[0132] In this scenario, due to the limited width of the target sub-pixel, the external light OL may not even be able to penetrate the sub-pixels adjacent to the target sub-pixel, and some of the external light OL may be absorbed by the dam 400. The external light OL reflected by the first electrode EL disposed on the light-emitting element OLED of the target sub-pixel may be reflected with relatively low light density and relatively low intensity. Therefore, the intensity of the reflected external light OL can also be reduced.

[0133] As can be clearly seen from the above description, in the embodiments of this disclosure, a first lens and a second lens with different refractive indices are provided on the upper and lower sides of the color filter disposed in the opening of the black matrix, thereby increasing the width of the incident external light, and the increased width of the external light is absorbed by the embankment. Therefore, the reflectivity of the external light can be reduced.

[0134] Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, additions, and substitutions are possible based on the foregoing content without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Therefore, the technical scope of this disclosure should be defined by the appended claims, and not limited to the content described in the detailed description of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A display panel, comprising: A substrate, the substrate including an active region configured to display an image and an active region surrounding the active region, the active region including a plurality of sub-pixels; A black matrix, the black matrix defining an opening corresponding to each of the plurality of sub-pixels; A first lens is disposed in the opening; A color filter, wherein the color filter is disposed on the first lens in the opening; A second lens is disposed on the color filter; as well as A high refractive index layer is disposed on the second lens. Wherein, the refractive index of the first lens is higher than that of the second lens, and The refractive index of the high refractive index layer is higher than that of the second lens.

2. The display panel of claim 1, wherein, The refractive index difference between the first lens and the color filter is greater than the refractive index difference between the second lens and the color filter.

3. The display panel of claim 1, wherein, The refractive index difference between the high refractive index layer and the second lens is greater than the refractive index difference between the second lens and the color filter.

4. The display panel of claim 1, wherein, The refractive index of the second lens is equal to the refractive index of the color filter.

5. The display panel of claim 1, wherein, The refractive index of the high refractive index layer is equal to the refractive index of the first lens, and the refractive index difference between the high refractive index layer and the second lens is equal to the refractive index difference between the first lens and the color filter.

6. The display panel of claim 1, wherein, The width of the second lens is greater than the width of the first lens.

7. The display panel of claim 1, wherein, The width of the second lens is greater than the width of the opening.

8. The display panel according to claim 1, further comprising: A light-emitting element, the light-emitting element comprising a first electrode, a light-emitting layer disposed on the first electrode, and a second electrode disposed on the light-emitting layer; as well as A dam that covers the edge of the first electrode and separates the light-emitting areas of adjacent sub-pixels from each other.

9. The display panel according to claim 8, wherein, The distance between the portions of the embankment that separate the luminous regions of adjacent sub-pixels from each other is less than the width of the corresponding opening.

10. The display panel according to claim 8, wherein, The embankment includes light-absorbing materials.

11. The display panel according to claim 8, wherein, The width of the embankment is greater than the width of the black matrix.

12. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein, The radius of curvature of the second lens is greater than that of the first lens.

13. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein, The maximum height of the second lens is greater than the maximum height of the first lens.

14. The display panel according to claim 8, wherein, The black matrix and the first lens are disposed on the optical layer, which is disposed above the light-emitting element.

15. The display panel according to claim 14, wherein, The refractive index of the optical layer is lower than that of the first lens.

16. The display panel according to claim 14, wherein, The contact interface between the high refractive index layer and the second lens has a concave curved surface shape.

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