Display device having optical sensor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a display device with improved sensing efficiency of an optical sensor, comprising: a first substrate and a second substrate including a plurality of subpixels and a sensing area; a sensing brightness enhancing member formed on the substrate of the sensing area to concentrate light input from the outside into the sensing area; an adhesive bonding the first substrate and the second substrate; and an optical sensor disposed below the sensing area of ​​the substrate to which light is input through the sensing area.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device equipped with an optical sensor capable of minimizing a non-luminous region and maximizing the brightness of light input to the sensor. Background Technology

[0002] With the advancement of information technology, various types of small and thin display devices, such as Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs), Organic Light Emitting Displays (OLEDs), Plasma Displays (PDS), and Micro LED Displays, are being proposed. Furthermore, these display devices are being applied to various electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablet PCs.

[0003] These electronic devices are equipped with various sensors, such as cameras or fingerprint recognition sensors for personal authentication, but there was a problem where the bezel area of ​​the display device increased due to the installation of these sensors. The problem to be solved

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above problem by providing a display device that can prevent the bezel area from increasing by placing an optical sensor within the display area.

[0006] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of improving the sensing efficiency of an optical sensor by providing a sensing brightness enhancement member in a sensing area to enhance the brightness of light input to the optical sensor. means of solving the problem

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, a display device according to the present invention comprises: a first substrate and a second substrate including a plurality of subpixels and a sensing area; a sensing brightness enhancing member formed on the substrate of the sensing area to concentrate light input from the outside into the sensing area; an adhesive bonding the first substrate and the second substrate; and an optical sensor disposed below the sensing area of ​​the substrate to which light is input through the sensing area.

[0009] Displays such as organic electroluminescent displays, liquid crystal displays, electrophoretic displays, micro LED displays, and mini LED displays are arranged in the subpixels.

[0010] The sensing brightness enhancement member includes a sensing brightness enhancement pattern of a set width formed along the perimeter of the sensing portion, and the adhesive is in contact with the sensing brightness enhancement pattern, and the sensing brightness enhancement pattern is composed of an organic material having a lower refractive index than the adhesive. At this time, the refractive index of the adhesive is 1.60-1.69 and the refractive index of the sensing brightness enhancement pattern is 1.40-1.49.

[0011] In the sensing brightness enhancement pattern, the sidewall is inclined so that light incident on the sidewall is totally reflected and input into the optical sensor.

[0012] A reflective layer may be further formed on at least the inner sidewall of the sensing brightness enhancement pattern. Additionally, the sensing brightness enhancement pattern may include a first sensing brightness enhancement layer and a second sensing brightness enhancement layer formed on at least the inner sidewall of the first sensing brightness enhancement layer. In this case, the first sensing brightness enhancement layer is composed of an inorganic material and the second sensing brightness enhancement layer is composed of an organic material, and the second sensing brightness enhancement layer has a lower refractive index than the adhesive.

[0013] A groove may be formed in the first substrate of the sensing area, and a sensing brightness enhancement member may be formed extending into the groove. Effects of the invention

[0015] In the present invention, by placing the optical sensor within the display area rather than in the non-display area outside the display area, it is possible to prevent the bezel area from increasing.

[0016] In addition, the present invention provides a sensing brightness enhancement member in the sensing area to enhance the brightness of light input to the optical sensor, thereby improving the sensing efficiency of the optical sensor.

[0017] In addition, in the present invention, since the sensing brightness enhancement member blocks the penetration of impurities such as moisture or oxygen through the sensing area, defects caused by impurities can be effectively prevented. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a display device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a display device according to the present invention. Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of the subpixel shown in Figure 2. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram conceptually showing a subpixel of an organic electroluminescent display device according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of FIG. 1, showing the specific structure of a display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6a is an enlarged plan view of area A in Fig. 5. Figure 6b is an enlarged cross-sectional view of area A. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a display device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a display device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0020] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the scope of the rights of the present invention must be determined by the appended claims.

[0021] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a display device (100) according to the present invention.

[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the display device (100) according to the present invention includes a display area (AA) and a non-display area (NA).

[0024] The above display area (AA) is an area where an actual image is displayed, and a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix shape. The above non-display area (NA) is placed outside the above display area (AA) and various driving elements and wiring for applying a signal to the above display area (AA) are arranged therein.

[0025] An optical sensor (190) is positioned at the top of the display area (AA). In the drawing, the optical sensor (AA) is positioned at the top of the display area (AA), but it may be positioned at various locations depending on the type of optical sensor (190). For example, if the optical sensor (190) is a camera lens, it is preferable to position the optical sensor (190) at the top of the display area (AA) to facilitate photography for the user. Additionally, if the optical sensor (190) is a fingerprint recognition sensor, the optical sensor (190) may be positioned at the bottom of the display area (AA) for convenient fingerprint recognition.

[0026] Additionally, the optical sensor (190) may be placed in a non-display area (NA). However, in this case, the width of the non-display area (NA) is increased by the optical sensor (190), making it impossible to realize a narrow bezel of the display device (100). On the other hand, as in the present invention, by placing the optical sensor (190) within the display area (AA), it becomes possible to realize a narrow bezel or a bezel-less display device (100).

[0027] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a display device (100) according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a subpixel (SP) shown in FIG. 2. In this case, the display device (100) is described in the drawings as an example of an organic electroluminescent display device, but the display device (100) of the present invention is not limited to an organic electroluminescent display device and can be applied to various display devices such as a liquid crystal display device, an electrophoretic display device, a microLED display device, and a miniLED display device.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the display device (100) is configured to include an image processing unit (102), a timing control unit (104), a gate driving unit (106), a data driving unit (107), a power supply unit (108), and a display panel (109).

[0029] The image processing unit (102) outputs a driving signal for driving various devices along with image data supplied from the outside. For example, the driving signal output from the image processing unit (102) may include a data enable signal, a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, and a clock signal.

[0030] The timing control unit (104) receives image data and a driving signal, etc., from the image processing unit (102). Based on the driving signal input from the image processing unit (102), the timing control unit (104) generates and outputs a gate timing control signal (GDC) for controlling the operation timing of the gate driving unit (106) and a data timing control signal (DDC) for controlling the operation timing of the data driving unit (107).

[0031] The gate driving unit (106) outputs a scan signal to a display panel (109) in response to a gate timing control signal (GDC) supplied from a timing control unit (104). The gate driving unit (106) outputs a scan signal through a plurality of gate lines (GL1~GLm). At this time, the gate driving unit (106) may be formed in the form of an IC (Integrated Circuit), but is not limited thereto.

[0032] The data driving unit (107) outputs a data voltage to a display panel (109) in response to a data timing control signal (DDC) input from the timing control unit (104). The data driving unit (107) samples and latches a digital data signal (DATA) supplied from the timing control unit (104) and converts it into an analog data voltage based on gamma voltage. The data driving unit (107) outputs the data voltage through a plurality of data lines (DL1~DLn). At this time, the data driving unit (107) may be formed in the form of an IC (Integrated Circuit), but is not limited thereto.

[0033] The power supply unit (108) outputs a high potential voltage (VDD) and a low potential voltage (VSS), etc., and supplies them to the display panel (109). The high potential voltage (VDD) is supplied to the display panel (109) through the first power line (EVDD), and the low potential voltage (VSS) is supplied to the display panel (109) through the second power line (EVSS). At this time, the voltage output from the power supply unit (108) may be output to the gate driving unit (106) or the data driving unit (107) and used for driving them.

[0034] The above display panel (109) displays an image in response to the data voltage and scan signal supplied from the gate driving unit (106) and the data driving unit (108), and the power supplied from the power supply unit (108).

[0035] The above display panel (109) is composed of a plurality of subpixels (SP) to display an actual image. The subpixels (SP) include a red subpixel, a green subpixel, and a blue subpixel, or a white (W) subpixel, a red (R) subpixel, a green (G) subpixel, and a blue (B) subpixel. At this time, the W, R, G, and B subpixels (SP) may all be formed with the same area, but may also be formed with different areas.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, one subpixel (SP) can be connected to a gate line (GL1), a data line (DL1), a first power line (EVDD), and a second power line (EVSS). The number of transistors and capacitors, as well as the driving method of the subpixel (SP), are determined according to the configuration of the pixel circuit.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram conceptually showing a subpixel (SP) of an organic electroluminescent display device (100) according to the present invention.

[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the organic electroluminescent display device according to the present invention includes gate wiring (GL), data wiring (DL), and power wiring (PL) that intersect to define pixels (P), and a switching thin-film transistor (Ts), a driving thin-film transistor (Td), a storage capacitor (Cst), and an organic light-emitting element (D) are arranged in the pixels (P).

[0039] The switching thin-film transistor (Ts) is connected to the gate wiring (GL) and data wiring (DL), the driving thin-film transistor (Td) and storage capacitor (Cst) are connected between the switching thin-film transistor (Ts) and the power wiring (PL), and the organic light-emitting diode (D) is connected to the driving thin-film transistor (Td).

[0040] In an organic electroluminescent display device of this structure, when a switching thin-film transistor (Ts) is turned on according to a gate signal applied to a gate wire (GL), a data signal applied to a data wire (DL) is applied to the gate electrode of a driving thin-film transistor (Td) and one electrode of a storage capacitor (Cst) through the switching thin-film transistor (Ts).

[0041] The above driving thin-film transistor (Td) is turned on according to a data signal applied to the gate electrode, and as a result, a current proportional to the data signal flows from the power wiring (PL) through the driving thin-film transistor (Td) to the organic light-emitting element (D), and the organic light-emitting element (D) emits light with a brightness proportional to the current flowing through the driving thin-film transistor (Td).

[0042] At this time, the storage capacitor (Cst) is charged with a voltage proportional to the data signal, so that the voltage of the gate electrode of the driving thin-film transistor (Td) is maintained constant during one frame.

[0043] In the drawing, only two thin-film transistors (Td, Ts) and one capacitor (Cst) are provided, but this is not limited to three or more thin-film transistors and two or more capacitors may be provided.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line I-I' of FIG. 1, showing two subpixels adjacent to the optical sensor (190) of the organic electroluminescent display device (100) according to the present invention.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, the first substrate (110) has a sensing area (SA) formed between two adjacent subpixels (SP) and subpixels (SP).

[0046] A buffer layer (112) is formed on a subpixel (SP) on the first substrate (110), and a driving thin-film transistor is placed on the buffer layer (112).

[0047] The first substrate (110) may be made of a transparent material such as glass, or a transparent and flexible plastic such as polyimide. The buffer layer (112) may be composed of a single layer of inorganic layers or multiple layers of inorganic and organic layers. In this case, inorganic materials such as SiOx or SiNx may be used as the inorganic layer, and organic materials such as photoacrylic may be used as the organic layer, but are not limited thereto.

[0048] In this way, by forming the buffer layer (112) as a single layer of inorganic layer or a plurality of layers including inorganic layer, the penetration of impurities such as air and moisture through plastic, which is vulnerable to air and moisture compared to glass, is minimized, thereby minimizing the degradation of the organic light-emitting layer.

[0049] The above driving thin-film transistor is formed in each of a plurality of subpixels. The driving thin-film transistor is composed of a semiconductor layer (111) formed on a pixel above the buffer layer (122), a gate insulating layer (124) formed over the entire first substrate (110) on which the semiconductor layer (111) is formed, a gate electrode (112) formed on the gate insulating layer (124), an interlayer insulating layer (126) formed over the entire first substrate (110) to cover the gate electrode (112), and a source electrode (114) and a drain electrode (116) that contact the semiconductor layer (111) through contact holes (114a, 116a) formed in the interlayer insulating layer (126), respectively.

[0050] The semiconductor layer (111) may be formed from crystalline silicon or an oxide semiconductor such as IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide), wherein the oxide semiconductor layer is composed of a channel layer in the central region and doping layers on both sides, so that the source electrode (114) and the drain electrode (116) come into contact with the doping layers. Additionally, the semiconductor layer (112) may be composed of amorphous silicon or an organic semiconductor material.

[0051] The gate electrode (112) may be formed as a single layer or multiple layers made of a metal such as Cr, Mo, Ta, Cu, Ti, Al, or an Al alloy, and the gate insulating layer (124) is SiO x A single layer or SiO composed of inorganic materials such as SiNx x It can be composed of an inorganic layer with a two-layer structure of SiNx. In addition, the interlayer insulating layer (126) is SiO x It may be composed of a single layer or multiple layers made of inorganic materials such as SiNx, but is not limited thereto.

[0052] Also, the source electrode (114) and the drain electrode (116) may be composed of Cr, Mo, Ta, Cu, Ti, Al, or an Al alloy, but are not limited thereto.

[0053] Meanwhile, although the driving thin-film transistor is configured with a specific structure in the drawings and the above description, the driving thin-film transistor of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated structure, and driving thin-film transistors of any structure can be applied.

[0054] A protective layer (128) is formed over the entire first substrate (110) on which the above-mentioned driving thin-film transistor is formed, and a flattening layer (129) is formed on the protective layer (128).

[0055] The protective layer (128) may be composed of a single layer made of inorganic material or multiple layers made of inorganic and organic material, and the flattening layer (129) may be composed of an organic material such as photoacrylic, but is not limited thereto.

[0056] An organic light-emitting element (E) is formed on the flattening layer (129) and is connected to the drain electrode (116) of a driving thin-film transistor through a contact hole (128a) formed in the protective layer (128) and the flattening layer (129).

[0057] The above organic light-emitting element (E) is composed of a first electrode (152) connected to the drain electrode (116) of a driving thin-film transistor through a contact hole (128a), an organic light-emitting layer (154) formed on the first electrode (152), and a second electrode (156) formed on the organic light-emitting layer (154).

[0058] The first electrode (152) is composed of a single layer or multiple layers made of metals such as Ca, Ba, Mg, Al, Ag, etc., or alloys thereof, and is connected to the drain electrode (116) of the driving thin-film transistor so that an image signal is applied from the outside. At this time, the first electrode (152) acts as a reflective film and can reflect light emitted from the organic light-emitting layer (154) in an upward direction (i.e., opposite direction to the first substrate (110). In addition, the first electrode (152) may be composed of a transparent metal oxide such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) or IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide).

[0059] The second electrode (156) is composed of a transparent metal oxide such as ITO or IZO, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the second electrode (156) may be composed of a single layer or multiple layers made of metals such as Ca, Ba, Mg, Al, Ag, etc., or alloys thereof. In this case, the second electrode (156) acts as a reflective film and can reflect light emitted from the organic light-emitting layer (154) downward (i.e., in the direction of the first substrate (110).

[0060] The above organic light-emitting layer (154) may be an R-organic light-emitting layer that emits red light, a G-organic light-emitting layer that emits green light, and a B-organic light-emitting layer that emits blue light, formed on R, G, and B pixels, or may be a white organic light-emitting layer that emits white light formed over the entire display device. When the organic light-emitting layer (154) is a white organic light-emitting layer, an R, G, and B color filter layer is formed in the upper region of the white organic light-emitting layer of the R, G, and B pixels to convert the white light emitted from the white organic light-emitting layer into red light, green light, and blue light. The white organic light-emitting layer may be formed by mixing multiple organic materials that emit monochromatic light of R, G, and B, respectively, or by stacking multiple organic light-emitting layers that emit monochromatic light of R, G, and B, respectively.

[0061] The above organic light-emitting layer may be an inorganic light-emitting layer composed of an inorganic light-emitting material other than an organic light-emitting material, such as a quantum dot.

[0062] In addition to the light-emitting layer (154), the organic light-emitting layer may also have an electron injection layer and a hole injection layer that inject electrons and holes into the light-emitting layer, respectively, and an electron transport layer and a hole transport layer that transport the injected electrons and holes into the organic layer, respectively.

[0063] A bank layer (132) is formed in the boundary region of the pixel on the flattening layer (129). The bank layer (132) acts as a partition to divide each pixel, thereby minimizing the mixing of different colored light output from adjacent pixels.

[0064] In the drawing, a portion of the bank layer (132) is formed on the first electrode (152), but the bank layer (132) may be formed only on the flattening layer (129) and the first electrode (152) may be formed extending over the side of the bank layer (132). In this way, when the first electrode (152) is extended over the side of the bank layer (132), the first electrode (152) is also formed in the corner area of ​​the boundary between the bank layer (132) and the flattening layer (129). Since a signal is applied to the organic light-emitting layer (154) in this area, light emission occurs in the corner area as well, and an image can be realized in this area. Therefore, the non-display area where an image within the pixel is not displayed can be minimized.

[0065] A first encapsulation layer (142) is formed on the upper portion of the light-emitting element (E) and the bank layer (132). The first encapsulation layer (142) is composed of inorganic materials such as SiNx and SiX, but is not limited thereto.

[0066] A second encapsulation layer (144) made of an organic material is formed on the first encapsulation layer (142) above the light-emitting element (E). As the second encapsulation layer (144), organic materials such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyimide, polyethylene sulfonate, polyoxymethylene, polyarylate, or a mixture thereof may be used, but are not limited thereto.

[0067] The second sealing layer (144) is formed in an island shape on the first sealing layer (142), and it is preferable that the second sealing layer (144) be positioned to completely cover the lower light-emitting element (E).

[0068] In this way, since the second sealing layer (144) is formed in an island shape only on the corresponding pixel and not on adjacent pixels, when the display device is bent, the stress applied to the second sealing layer (144) formed on a series of pixels arranged along the bending area is limited only to the second sealing layer (144) of the corresponding pixel and is not transmitted to the second sealing layer (144) of adjacent pixels. Therefore, since the stress applied to the bending area can be dispersed, the occurrence of cracks in the second sealing layer (144) due to bending can be minimized.

[0069] A third sealing layer (146) is formed on the first sealing layer (142) and the second sealing layer (144). The third sealing layer (144) is composed of inorganic materials such as SiNx and SiX, but is not limited thereto. At this time, the third sealing layer (146) is formed to completely surround the upper surface and side of the second sealing layer (144), so that the second sealing layer (144) is completely sealed from the outside by the first sealing layer (142) and the third sealing layer (146).

[0070] In the drawing, the encapsulation structure for encapsulating the light-emitting element (E) is composed of a first encapsulation layer (142), an island-shaped second encapsulation layer (144), and a third encapsulation layer (146), but the organic electroluminescent display device (100) of the present invention is not limited to this specific encapsulation structure. For example, the organic electroluminescent display device (100) according to the present invention may be composed of two encapsulation layers or four or more encapsulation layers. In addition, it may be composed of a plurality of encapsulation layers that cover the entire display device (100) without an island-shaped encapsulation layer.

[0071] An opening (H) is formed in the sensing area (SA). That is, in the sensing area (SA), a buffer layer (112), a gate insulating layer (124), an interlayer insulating layer (126), a protective layer (128), a flattening layer (129), a first encapsulation layer (142), and a third encapsulation layer (146) are removed, thereby forming an opening (H) in which the first substrate (110) is exposed to the outside. At this time, the first encapsulation layer (142) and the third encapsulation layer (146) are formed to cover the sides of the lower structures in contact with the sensing area (SA), namely the buffer layer (112), the gate insulating layer (124), the interlayer insulating layer (126), the protective layer (128), and the flattening layer (129), thereby encapsulating these structures.

[0072] A transparent adhesive (148) is applied to the upper portion of the third encapsulation layer (146) of the subpixel (SP) and the first substrate (110) of the sensing area (CA), and a second substrate (170) is placed thereon, so that the first substrate (110) and the second substrate (170) are bonded together by the adhesive (148). The adhesive (148) may be a thermosetting resin and a photocurable resin, but is not limited thereto.

[0073] The adhesive (148) can not only bond the first substrate (110) and the second substrate (170) together, but also serve as a sealing layer to minimize the penetration of moisture into the electroluminescent display device. Therefore, although the term 148 is referred to as an adhesive in the detailed description of the present invention, this is for convenience, and the adhesive may also be referred to as a filler or a fourth sealing layer.

[0074] The second substrate (170) above may be used as an encapsulation cap for encapsulating an electroluminescent display device, and may use a protective film such as a PS (Polystyrene) film, PE (Polyethylene) film, PEN (Polyethylene Naphthalate) film or PI (Polyimide) film.

[0075] Meanwhile, a partition (134) of a set width may be formed on the upper surface of the bank layer (132) between pixels. The partition (134) is intended to block air and moisture penetrating through the interface between the bank layer (132) and the first sealing layer (142), and may be composed of a single layer made of an inorganic or organic material, or a plurality of layers made of an inorganic layer and an organic layer.

[0076] An optical sensor (190) is disposed on the back surface of the first substrate (110), that is, on the sensing area (CA) of the rear surface of the display device (100). The optical sensor (190) may include various sensors such as a camera lens, a fingerprint recognition sensor, a gesture detection sensor, etc.

[0077] Since various insulating layers such as a buffer layer (112), a gate insulating layer (124), an interlayer insulating layer (126), a protective layer (128), and a flattening layer (129), as well as various wiring such as a metal pattern and semiconductor layers, are not disposed in the above sensing area (SA), light input from the outside through the above sensing area (SA) does not pass through the above layers but passes only through the second substrate (170), adhesive (148), and first substrate (110) and is input to the optical sensor (190).

[0078] Therefore, light absorption or light reflection by various insulating layers, metal patterns, semiconductor layers, etc. does not occur, so the brightness of the light input to the optical sensor (190) is not reduced, thereby preventing the reduction of the light efficiency of the optical sensor (190).

[0079] Meanwhile, a sensing brightness enhancement member (192) is disposed in the sensor area (SA) between the subpixel (SP) and the sensor area (SA) on the upper surface of the first substrate (110). In the drawing, the sensing brightness enhancement member (192) is formed on both sides of the sensor area (SA), but as shown in FIG. 1, since the sensor area (SA) is formed in a circular shape, the sensing brightness enhancement member (192) will also be formed in a circular shape along the perimeter of the sensor area (SA). Additionally, if the sensor area (SA) is rectangular, the sensing brightness enhancement member (192) will also be formed in a rectangular shape along the perimeter of the sensor area (SA).

[0080] The above-mentioned sensing brightness enhancement member (192) may be a sensing brightness enhancement pattern formed along the perimeter of the sensor area (SA). That is, the sensing brightness enhancement pattern (192) may be formed on the first substrate (110) along the perimeter of the sensing area (SA). At this time, since the entire sensing area (SA) including the opening (H) is filled with an adhesive (148), the sensing brightness enhancement pattern (192) placed in the sensing area (SA) is completely covered by the adhesive (148).

[0081] The above sensing brightness enhancement pattern (192) is formed with a side wall that is inclined to reflect light incident toward the side wall so that it is input to the optical sensor (190) at the bottom of the sensing area (SA), and this will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 6a and 6b.

[0082] Fig. 6a is an enlarged plan view of area A in Fig. 5, and Fig. 6b is an enlarged cross-sectional view of area A in Fig. 5.

[0083] As illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6b, a sensing brightness enhancement member (192) (or sensing brightness enhancement pattern) formed on a sensing area (CA) on a first substrate (110) is formed to surround the sensing area (CA), and an optical sensor (190) is positioned on the lower part of the first substrate (110) of the sensing area (CA). In the drawings, the sensing area (CA) is formed in a circular shape, and the sensing brightness enhancement member (192) is formed in a ring shape with a width set along the circumference of the circular shape. However, the sensing area (CA) and the sensing brightness enhancement member (192) may not only be formed in a circular shape but may also be formed in various shapes such as an elliptical shape or a polygonal shape. In addition, the sensing area (CA) and the sensing brightness enhancement member (192) may have different shapes, for example, the sensing area (CA) may be formed in a circular shape and the sensing brightness enhancement member (192) may be formed in a polygonal ring shape.

[0084] Since the sensing area (CA) where the sensing brightness enhancement member (192) is formed is filled with an adhesive (148), the adhesive (148) comes into contact with the sensing brightness enhancement member (192) and the first substrate (110).

[0085] The sensing brightness enhancement member (192) may be composed of an organic material. In particular, the sensing brightness enhancement member (192) may be composed of an organic material having a lower refractive index than the adhesive (148). For example, the adhesive (148) may be composed of a material having a refractive index of about 1.60-1.69, and the sensing brightness enhancement member (192) may be composed of a material having a refractive index of about 1.40-1.49.

[0086] In this way, as the adhesive (148) is composed of a material having a relatively high refractive index compared to the sensing brightness enhancement member (192), light input from the outside to the sensing brightness enhancement member (192) is totally reflected at the interface between the sensing brightness enhancement member (192) and the adhesive (148) due to the difference in refractive index, and passes through the transmission part (H).

[0087] In other words, in the display device (100) according to the present invention, not only is light incident on the area corresponding to the optical sensor (192) of the sensing area (CA) input to the optical sensor (192) to detect light, but light incident on the side of the sensing brightness enhancement member (192) is also input to the optical sensor (192) to detect light, so the amount of light input to the optical sensor (192) can be greatly increased, thereby improving the sensing efficiency of the optical sensor (192).

[0088] The above-mentioned sensing brightness enhancement member (192) has at least an inner side, that is, at least a side wall in contact with the sensing area (CA), inclined at a set angle (θ). At this time, the inclination angle (θ) of the side wall of the above-mentioned sensing brightness enhancement member (192) may vary depending on the refractive index of the above-mentioned sensing brightness enhancement member (192) and the adhesive (148). By adjusting the refractive index of the above-mentioned sensing brightness enhancement member (192) and the adhesive (148) and the inclination angle (θ) of the side wall of the above-mentioned sensing brightness enhancement member (192), the side wall of the above-mentioned sensing brightness enhancement member (192) can be made to totally reflect incident light and input it to the optical sensor (192).

[0089] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the structure of a display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of area A of FIG. 5.

[0090] As illustrated in FIG. 7, in the display device of this embodiment, a reflective layer (296) is formed on the upper surface and side wall of the sensing brightness enhancement member (292). The reflective layer (296) may be formed from a metal with good reflectivity, such as Al or an Al alloy, but is not limited to these and may be formed from various metals with good reflective properties.

[0091] In this way, in the display device of this embodiment, since the reflective layer (296) is formed on the upper surface and side wall of the sensing brightness enhancement member (292), only light incident on the area corresponding to the optical sensor (292) of the sensing area (CA) is input to the optical sensor (292) to detect light, and light incident on the side of the sensing brightness enhancement member (292) is also reflected and input to the optical sensor (292) to detect light, so the amount of light input to the optical sensor (292) can be greatly increased, thereby improving the sensing efficiency of the optical sensor (192).

[0092] Meanwhile, since the light reflected from the sensing brightness enhancement member (292) and input to the optical sensor (192) is substantially light reflected from the inner side wall of the sensing brightness enhancement member (292), the reflection layer (296) may be formed only on the inner side wall without the need to be formed on the entire upper surface and side wall of the sensing brightness enhancement member (292).

[0093] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned sensing brightness enhancement member (292) acts as a dam to prevent impurities such as moisture or oxygen from penetrating into the interior of the display device (200) in the sensing area (SA), and this is explained in more detail as follows.

[0094] In the above sensing area (SA), the buffer layer, gate insulating layer, interlayer insulating layer, protective layer, and flattening layer are trimmed so that the first substrate (210) is exposed to the outside, so foreign substances such as moisture or oxygen can penetrate into the display device (200) through the boundary portion between the buffer layer, gate insulating layer, interlayer insulating layer, protective layer, and flattening layer and the first substrate (210).

[0095] Of course, the above-mentioned sensing area (SA) is filled with adhesive (248) to block foreign substances such as moisture or oxygen from penetrating into this area, but the inherent property of the adhesive (248) is that it has good adhesive properties, not good foreign substance blocking properties. Therefore, there was a limit to the ability of the adhesive (248) to block foreign substances from penetrating into the display device (200).

[0096] In the present invention, since the sensing brightness enhancement member (292) is formed along the perimeter of the sensing area (SA), the sensing brightness enhancement member (292) is disposed between the buffer layer, gate insulation layer, interlayer insulation layer, protection layer and planarization layer, first encapsulation layer and third encapsulation layer and the adhesive (248) of the sensing area (SA).

[0097] Therefore, even if foreign substances penetrate into the adhesive (248), the sensing brightness enhancement member (292) acts as a dam to block the penetration of foreign substances, so it is possible to prevent foreign substances from penetrating through the contact area between the buffer layer, gate insulation layer, interlayer insulation layer, protection layer and planarization layer, first encapsulation layer and third encapsulation layer and the first substrate (210).

[0098] In addition, to effectively prevent foreign matter intrusion, the sensing brightness enhancement member may be composed of multiple layers.

[0099] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the structure of a display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of area A of FIG. 5.

[0100] As illustrated in FIG. 8, in the display device of this embodiment, the sensing brightness enhancement member (392) may be composed of a first sensing brightness enhancement layer (392a) and a second sensing brightness enhancement layer (392b). The first sensing brightness enhancement layer (392a) may be formed in a circular, elliptical, or polygonal shape along the perimeter of the sensing area (SA) with inclined side walls, and the second sensing brightness enhancement layer (392b) may be formed with a thickness set on the inclined side wall and upper surface of the first sensing brightness enhancement layer (392a).

[0101] The first sensing brightness enhancement layer (392a) may be composed of an inorganic material, and the second sensing brightness enhancement layer (392b) may be formed of an organic material. At this time, the adhesive (348) may have a refractive index of about 1.60-1.69, and the organic material of the second sensing brightness enhancement layer (392b) may have a refractive index of about 1.40-1.49. Accordingly, all light incident on the side wall of the second sensing brightness enhancement layer (392b) through the adhesive (348) is totally reflected and input to the optical sensor (390) through the opening (H) of the sensing area (SA), so the amount of light input to the optical sensor (390) is greatly increased, and the sensing efficiency of the optical sensor (390) is improved.

[0102] In addition, in the display device of this structure, a dam-shaped sensing brightness enhancement member (390) composed of an inorganic layer and an organic layer is disposed between the various insulating layers of the display device and the sensing area (SA) exposed to the outside, so that foreign substances such as moisture or oxygen penetrating into the display device through the sensing area (SA) can be efficiently blocked.

[0103] Meanwhile, in the drawing, the sensing brightness enhancement member (392) is composed of a first sensing brightness enhancement layer (392a) and a second sensing brightness enhancement layer (392b) of two layers, but the sensing brightness enhancement member (392) may be composed of three or more layers and may have thin inorganic layers and organic layers formed repeatedly.

[0104] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the structure of a display device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of area A of FIG. 5.

[0105] As illustrated in FIG. 9, in the display device of this embodiment, a dam-shaped sensing brightness enhancement member (492) is arranged along the outer edge of the sensing area (SA), and a part of the first substrate (410) is removed to form a groove (410a) of a set depth in the first substrate (410) of the sensing area (SA).

[0106] An adhesive (448) is applied to the upper surface of the structure of the first substrate (410), and the adhesive (448) is placed in the sensing area (SA) that includes the interior of the groove (410a). The adhesive (448) has a refractive index of about 1.60-1.69, and the sensing brightness enhancement member (492) is composed of an organic material having a refractive index of about 1.40-1.49. As the light incident on the side wall of the sensing brightness enhancement member (492) propagates through the adhesive (448), all of it is totally reflected and input to the optical sensor (490) through the opening (H) of the sensing area (SA), so the amount of light input to the optical sensor (490) is greatly increased, and the sensing efficiency of the optical sensor (490) is improved.

[0107] In addition, in the display device of this embodiment, a portion of the first substrate (410) of the sensing area (SA) is etched and removed, so the thickness of the first substrate (410) in the sensing area (SA) is reduced. Therefore, when light passes through the first substrate (410) and is input to the optical sensor (490), the reduction in brightness caused by the first substrate (410) made of glass or plastic material can be prevented, so the sensing efficiency of the optical sensor (490) can be further improved.

[0108] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the structure of a display device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of area A of FIG. 5.

[0109] As illustrated in FIG. 10, in the display device of this embodiment, a groove (510a) of a set depth is formed in the first substrate (510) of the sensing area (SA), and an adhesive (548) is applied to the sensing area (SA) including the inside of the groove (510a).

[0110] The sensing brightness enhancement member (592) is formed on the upper surface of the first substrate (510) along the perimeter of the sensing area (SA), and a portion of it is formed extending into the groove (510a). Additionally, since the sensing brightness enhancement member (592) has a high refractive index, the adhesive (548) propagates the light incident on the side wall of the sensing brightness enhancement member (592), causing all of the light to be totally reflected and input into the optical sensor (590) through the opening (H) of the sensing area (SA).

[0111] At this time, since the sensing brightness enhancement member (592) extends into the groove (510a) of the first substrate (510), the sensing brightness enhancement member (592) surrounds the inner wall of the groove (510a). Accordingly, light input to the transmission part (H) and output through the inner wall of the groove (510a) is reflected back to the lower part of the transmission part (H).

[0112] Accordingly, in the display device according to this embodiment, by forming a groove (510a) in the first substrate (510), the light output through the inner wall of the groove (510a) is reflected again by the sensing brightness enhancing member (592) inside the groove (510a), thereby further improving the sensing efficiency of the optical sensor (590).

[0113] Although many details are specifically described in the above description, this should be interpreted as an example of a preferred embodiment rather than as a limitation to the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention should not be determined by the described embodiment, but by the claims and equivalents thereof. Explanation of the symbols

[0115] 100 : Display device 110,170 : Substrate 148 : Adhesive 190 : Optical sensor 192: Sensing brightness enhancement component 296: Reflective layer 410a : Home SA : Sensing area

Claims

Claim 1 A display device comprising: a first substrate and a second substrate including a plurality of subpixels and a sensing area; a display unit disposed on the subpixel; a sensing brightness enhancement member formed on the first substrate of the sensing area to concentrate light input from the outside into the sensing area; an adhesive bonding the first substrate and the second substrate; an optical sensor disposed below the sensing area of ​​the first substrate to receive light input through the sensing area; a plurality of insulating layers formed on the subpixel; and an encapsulating layer disposed on the display unit to encapsulate the display unit, wherein the sensing brightness enhancement member includes a sensing brightness enhancement pattern formed with a set width and disposed on the upper surface of the first substrate along the perimeter of the sensing area, wherein the plurality of insulating layers are removed from the sensing area and the sensing brightness enhancement pattern is disposed at a certain distance from the side wall of the removed plurality of insulating layers, and the encapsulating layer is disposed between the side wall of the plurality of insulating layers and the sensing brightness enhancement pattern. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is one of an organic electroluminescent display unit, a liquid crystal display unit, an electrophoretic display unit, a micro LED display unit, and a mini LED display unit. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive is in contact with the sensing brightness enhancement pattern, and the sensing brightness enhancement pattern is composed of an organic material having a lower refractive index than the adhesive. Claim 6 A display device according to claim 5, characterized in that the refractive index of the adhesive is 1.60-1.69 and the refractive index of the sensing brightness enhancement pattern is 1.40-1.

49. Claim 7 In claim 5, the display device is characterized in that the sensing brightness enhancement pattern has a slanted side wall. Claim 8 A display device according to claim 7, characterized in that light incident on the side wall of the sensing brightness enhancement pattern is totally reflected and input into an optical sensor. Claim 9 A display device according to claim 1, further comprising a reflective layer formed on at least an inner side wall of the sensing brightness enhancement pattern. Claim 10 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the sensing brightness enhancement pattern comprises a first sensing brightness enhancement layer and a second sensing brightness enhancement layer formed on at least an inner side wall of the first sensing brightness enhancement layer. Claim 11 A display device according to claim 10, characterized in that the first sensing brightness enhancement layer is composed of an inorganic material and the second sensing brightness enhancement layer is composed of an organic material. Claim 12 A display device according to claim 11, characterized in that the second sensing brightness enhancement layer has a lower refractive index than the adhesive. Claim 13 A display device according to claim 1, further comprising a groove formed on the first substrate of the sensing area. Claim 14 A display device according to claim 13, characterized in that the sensing brightness enhancement member extends into the groove. Claim 15 A display device according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical sensor includes a camera lens, a fingerprint recognition sensor, and a gesture detection sensor. Claim 16 In claim 14, a display device in which the thickness of the first substrate in the sensing area is thinner than the thickness of the first substrate in another area.

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