Display panel

Abstract

The present application relates to a display panel. The display panel includes: a lower display substrate including a light-emitting element configured to generate source light; and an upper display substrate including a first pixel region, a second pixel region, and a third pixel region, and a peripheral region adjacent to the first pixel region, the second pixel region, and the third pixel region, wherein the upper display substrate includes: a base substrate; a first separation pattern disposed on the bottom surface of the base substrate, overlapping the peripheral region, and having a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening corresponding to the first pixel region, the second pixel region, and the third pixel region, respectively; a first color filter, a second color filter, and a third color filter disposed on the bottom surface of the base substrate and overlapping the first pixel region, the second pixel region, and the third pixel region, respectively; a first color control layer, a second color control layer, and a third color control layer disposed on the first color filter, the second color filter, and the third color filter, respectively; and an encapsulating inorganic layer covering the second color control layer and exposing at least one of the first color control layer and the third color control layer.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0080777, filed on Jul. 4, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to display panels, and more particularly, to a display panel including a quantum dot layer and an inorganic layer encapsulating the quantum dot layer. Background Art

[0004] The display panel can include a transmissive display panel that selectively transmits source light generated by a light source, or an emissive display panel that generates the source light itself. To produce a color image, the display panel can include different types of color control layers depending on the pixel. The color control layer can transmit light in a certain wavelength range of the source light or convert the color of the source light. Certain color control layers may not change the color of the source light, but may change the characteristics of the light.

[0005] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for understanding the background of the present inventive concept and therefore it may contain information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The display panel constructed according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention can increase the service life and improve the light output efficiency.

[0007] Additional features of the present inventive concepts will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the present inventive concepts.

[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment, a display panel includes: a lower display substrate, including a light-emitting element configured to generate source light; and an upper display substrate, including a first pixel area, a second pixel area, and a third pixel area, and a peripheral area adjacent to the first pixel area, the second pixel area, and the third pixel area, wherein the upper display substrate includes: a base substrate; a first separation pattern, which is arranged on the bottom surface of the base substrate, overlaps with the peripheral area, and has a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening corresponding to the first pixel area, the second pixel area, and the third pixel area, respectively; a first color filter, a second color filter, and a third color filter, which are arranged on the bottom surface of the base substrate and overlap with the first pixel area, the second pixel area, and the third pixel area, respectively; a first color control layer, a second color control layer, and a third color control layer, which are respectively arranged on the first color filter, the second color filter, and the third color filter; and an encapsulation inorganic layer, which covers the second color control layer and exposes at least one of the first color control layer and the third color control layer.

[0009] The display panel may further include a first inorganic layer disposed on the bottom surface of the base substrate, the first separation pattern, and the first, second, and third color filters.

[0010] The encapsulating inorganic layer may contact the first inorganic layer, and the second color control layer may be encapsulated by the first inorganic layer and the encapsulating inorganic layer.

[0011] The first color control layer and the third color control layer may contact the encapsulating inorganic layer.

[0012] The display panel may further include a second inorganic layer disposed on the first color control layer, the third color control layer, and the encapsulation inorganic layer, wherein the second inorganic layer may be in contact with the encapsulation inorganic layer.

[0013] The source light may be third color light, the first color control layer may be configured to convert the third color light into the first color light, the second color control layer may be configured to convert the third color light into the second color light, and the third color control layer may be configured to transmit the third color light, and the first color filter may be configured to transmit the first color light, the second color filter may be configured to transmit the second color light, and the third color filter may be configured to transmit the third color light.

[0014] The first color control layer may include a base resin and first quantum dots mixed with the base resin, and the second color control layer may include a base resin and second quantum dots mixed with the base resin of the second color control layer, and the weight percentage of the second quantum dots in the second color control layer may be greater than the weight percentage of the first quantum dots in the first color control layer.

[0015] The first color control layer may include a base resin and first quantum dots mixed with the base resin, and the second color control layer may include a base resin and second quantum dots mixed with the base resin of the second color control layer, and the number of second quantum dots per volume in the second color control layer may be greater than the number of first quantum dots per volume in the first color control layer.

[0016] The first separation pattern may include a black colorant.

[0017] The display panel may further include a second partition pattern disposed on the bottom surface of the base substrate, the second partition pattern overlapping the first partition pattern and having at least fourth and fifth openings corresponding to the first and second pixel regions, respectively.

[0018] The second partition pattern may be configured to transmit third color light, and the second partition pattern and the third color filter may form a single body shape.

[0019] The second separation pattern may be closer to the base substrate than the first separation pattern.

[0020] The first color control layer, the second color control layer, and the third color control layer may be spaced apart from each other in the peripheral region.

[0021] The display panel may further include a third separation pattern disposed between the first color control layer, the second color control layer, and the third color control layer in the peripheral region.

[0022] The light emitting element may include a first light emitting element, a second light emitting element, and a third light emitting element arranged to correspond to the first pixel area, the second pixel area, and the third pixel area, respectively, and the emission layers of the first light emitting element, the second light emitting element, and the third light emitting element may form a single body shape.

[0023] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the inventive concept. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

[0025] Figure 1A is a perspective view illustrating a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0026] Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2is a plan view illustrating a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0028] Figure 3A is a plan view illustrating a display area of a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display area of a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4 is a plan view illustrating an upper display substrate corresponding to a display area according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0031] Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an upper display substrate corresponding to a display area according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 8 is a plan view illustrating an upper display substrate corresponding to a display area according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an upper display substrate corresponding to a display area according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments or implementations of the present invention. As used herein, "embodiment" and "implementation" are interchangeable words, which are non-limiting examples of one or more devices or methods using the inventive concepts disclosed herein. However, it is apparent that various exemplary embodiments can be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other cases, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily blurring the various exemplary embodiments. In addition, various exemplary embodiments can be different, but do not have to be exclusive. For example, without departing from the present invention, the specific shape, configuration and characteristics of the exemplary embodiment can be used or implemented in another exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Unless otherwise specified, the exemplary embodiments described should be understood as providing exemplary features of varying details of some ways in which the inventive concept can be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions and / or aspects (hereinafter, individually or collectively referred to as "elements") of the various embodiments may be combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged in other ways without departing from the inventive concept.

[0036] The use of cross hatching and / or shading in the drawings is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Therefore, unless specified, the presence or absence of cross hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for a particular material, material properties, size, ratio, commonality between the elements shown and / or any other characteristics, attributes, properties, etc. of the elements. In addition, in the drawings, the size and relative size of the elements may be exaggerated for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. When the exemplary embodiments can be implemented differently, the specific process sequence can be performed differently from the described sequence. For example, two processes described in succession can be performed substantially simultaneously or in an order opposite to the described sequence. In addition, the same reference numerals represent the same elements.

[0037] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to or directly coupled to another element or layer, or there can be an intervening element or layer. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on" another element or layer, "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. For this reason, the term "connected" can refer to a physical connection, an electrical connection and / or a fluid connection with or without an intervening element. In addition, the D1 axis, the D2 axis and the D3 axis are not limited to the three axes of a rectangular coordinate system, such as the x-axis, the y-axis and the z-axis, and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the D1 axis, the D2 axis and the D3 axis can be perpendicular to each other, or can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purposes of this disclosure, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” may be interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, for example, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0038] Although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0039] For descriptive purposes, spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "under," "down," "above," "up," "above," "higher," "side" (e.g., as in "sidewall"), etc., may be used herein and thereby describe the relationship of one element to another element(s) as shown in the accompanying drawings. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture in addition to the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is flipped, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features will then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both above and below orientations. Additionally, the device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and therefore, the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0040] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, when used in this specification, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including" specify the presence of the features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof set forth, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and other similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as terms of degree, and, therefore, are used to allow for inherent deviations in measurements, calculations, and / or provided values that will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0041] Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views and / or exploded views that are schematic diagrams of idealized exemplary embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Therefore, variations in the shapes in the figures, for example, due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, should be expected. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not necessarily be interpreted as being limited to the specific illustrated regional shapes, but should include deviations in shapes, for example, due to manufacturing. In this way, the regions shown in the drawings may be schematic in nature, and the shapes of these regions may not reflect the actual shapes of the regions of the device and are therefore not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0043] Figure 1A is a perspective view illustrating a display panel DP according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display panel DP according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 is a plan view illustrating a display panel DP according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0044] Reference Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B and Figure 2 The display panel DP may be a liquid crystal display panel, an electrophoretic display panel, a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) display panel, an electrowetting display panel, or an organic light emitting display panel, but is not limited thereto.

[0045] The display panel DP may further include a chassis member or a molding member, and according to the type of the display panel DP, the display panel DP may further include a backlight unit.

[0046] The display panel DP may include a first display substrate (or lower display substrate) 100 and a second display substrate (or upper display substrate) 200, which face each other while being spaced apart from each other. A cell gap may be formed between the first display substrate 100 and the second display substrate 200. The cell gap may be maintained by a sealant SLM that couples the first display substrate 100 and the second display substrate 200. A grayscale display layer for generating an image may be provided between the first display substrate 100 and the second display substrate 200. Depending on the type of the display panel DP, the grayscale display layer may include a liquid crystal layer, an organic light-emitting layer, or an electrophoretic layer.

[0047] like Figure 1A As shown in FIG, the display panel DP may display an image through the display surface DP-IS. Figure 1B The outer surface 200 -OS of the second display substrate 200 may be defined as a display surface DP-IS.

[0048] The display surface DP-IS may be parallel to a plane defined by the first and second direction axes DR1 and DR2. The display surface DP-IS may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. Pixels PX may be disposed in the display area DA but may not be disposed in the non-display area NDA. The non-display area NDA may be defined along a boundary of the display surface DP-IS. The display area DA may be surrounded by the non-display area NDA. Alternatively, in other exemplary embodiments, the non-display area NDA may be omitted or may be disposed adjacent to only one side of the display area DA.

[0049] The normal direction of the display surface DP-IS (e.g., the thickness direction of the display panel DP) can be represented by a third directional axis DR3. Hereinafter, the front surface (or top surface) and the rear surface (or bottom surface) of each of the layers or units can be defined by the third directional axis DR3. However, the first directional axis DR1, the second directional axis DR2, and the third directional axis DR3 used herein are merely exemplary. Hereinafter, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are defined as directions represented by the first directional axis DR1, the second directional axis DR2, and the third directional axis DR3, respectively, and are represented by the same reference numerals as the first directional axis DR1, the second directional axis DR2, and the third directional axis DR3, respectively.

[0050] The display panel DP according to the exemplary embodiment shown has a flat display surface DP-IS. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In other exemplary embodiments, the display panel DP may include a curved display surface or a three-dimensional (3D) display surface. The 3D display surface may include multiple display areas indicated by different directions.

[0051] Figure 2 A planar arrangement of the signal lines GL1 to GLn and DL1 to DLm and the pixels PX11 to PXnm is shown. The signal lines GL1 to GLn and DL1 to DLm may include a plurality of gate lines GL1 to GLn and a plurality of data lines DL1 to DLm.

[0052] Each of the pixels PX11 to PXnm may be connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of gate lines GL1 to GLn and a corresponding one of the plurality of data lines DL1 to DLm. Each of the pixels PX11 to PXnm may include a pixel driving circuit and a display element. In some exemplary embodiments, additional types of signal lines may be provided in the display panel DP depending on the configuration of the pixel driving circuit of each of the pixels PX11 to PXnm.

[0053] Figure 2The pixels PX11 to PXnm shown in the figure are exemplarily shown as being arranged in a matrix form. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In another exemplary embodiment, the pixels PX11 to PXnm may be arranged in a pentile form. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the pixels PX11 to PXnm may be arranged in a diamond form. The gate drive circuit GDC may be integrated in the display panel DP by an oxide silicon gate drive circuit (OSG) process or an amorphous silicon gate drive circuit (ASG) process.

[0054] Figure 3A is a plan view illustrating a display area DA of a display panel DP according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display area DA of a display panel DP according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3A Shows that when Figure 1B 2 , a plurality of pixel regions PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B are shown when viewed from the outer surface 200-OS of the second display substrate 200. Six pixel regions PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B included in two pixel rows PXL are exemplarily shown. Figure 3B Shown along Figure 3A A cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0055] Reference Figure 3A , Figure 3A The three pixel regions PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B shown in the figure may be repeatedly arranged throughout the display area DA. A peripheral region NPXA may be provided to surround each of the first pixel region PXA-R, the second pixel region PXA-G, and the third pixel region PXA-B. The peripheral region NPXA may define a boundary between the first pixel region PXA-R, the second pixel region PXA-G, and the third pixel region PXA-B, and may prevent a color mixing phenomenon between the first pixel region PXA-R, the second pixel region PXA-G, and the third pixel region PXA-B.

[0056] The first pixel region PXA-R, the second pixel region PXA-G, and the third pixel region PXA-B according to the exemplary embodiment shown are shown to have the same plane area (or size) as each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In some exemplary embodiments, at least two of the first pixel region PXA-R, the second pixel region PXA-G, and the third pixel region PXA-B may have different areas (or sizes) from each other. The first pixel region PXA-R, the second pixel region PXA-G, and the third pixel region PXA-B are exemplarily shown in a plan view as having a rectangular shape with rounded corners. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In some exemplary embodiments, when viewed in a plan view, each of the first pixel region PXA-R, the second pixel region PXA-G, and the third pixel region PXA-B may have a polygonal shape, such as a diamond shape or a pentagonal shape.

[0057] One of the first pixel region PXA-R, the second pixel region PXA-G, and the third pixel region PXA-B may provide third color light corresponding to the source light, another of the first pixel region PXA-R, the second pixel region PXA-G, and the third pixel region PXA-B may provide first color light different from the third color light, and the last of the first pixel region PXA-R, the second pixel region PXA-G, and the third pixel region PXA-B may provide second color light different from the third color light and the first color light. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the third pixel region PXA-B may provide third color light. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first pixel region PXA-R may provide red light, the second pixel region PXA-G may provide green light, and the third pixel region PXA-B may provide blue light.

[0058] Figure 3B A cross-sectional view corresponding to the driving transistor TD and the light emitting element OLED is shown. A gap GP may be formed between the upper display substrate 200 and the lower display substrate 100.

[0059] like Figure 3B As shown in , the lower display substrate 100 may include a first base substrate BS1, a circuit element layer DP-CL disposed on the first base substrate BS1, a display element layer DP-OLED disposed on the circuit element layer DP-CL, and an upper insulating layer TFL disposed on the display element layer DP-OLED.

[0060] The first base substrate BS1 may include a synthetic resin substrate or a glass substrate. The circuit element layer DP-CL may include at least one insulating layer and circuit elements. The circuit elements may include signal lines and pixel driver circuits. The circuit element layer DP-CL may be formed by forming insulating layers, semiconductor layers, and conductive layers by coating and / or deposition methods, and patterning the insulating layers, semiconductor layers, and conductive layers by photolithography.

[0061] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the circuit element layer DP-CL may include a buffer layer BFL, a first insulating layer 10, a second insulating layer 20, and a third insulating layer 30. For example, the buffer layer BFL, the first insulating layer 10, and the second insulating layer 20 may be inorganic layers, and the third insulating layer 30 may be an organic layer.

[0062] Figure 3B Schematically illustrating an arrangement relationship of an active region AD, a source electrode SD, a drain electrode DD, and a gate electrode GD of a driving transistor TD, the active region AD, the source electrode SD, and the drain electrode DD may be regions of a semiconductor pattern divided according to doping concentration or conductivity.

[0063] The display element layer DP-OLED may include a light-emitting element OLED. The light-emitting element OLED may generate the aforementioned source light. The light-emitting element OLED may include a first electrode AE, a second electrode CE, and an emission layer EML disposed between the first electrode AE and the second electrode CE. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the display element layer DP-OLED may include an organic light-emitting diode as the light-emitting element OLED. The display element layer DP-OLED may include a pixel-defining layer PDL. For example, the pixel-defining layer PDL may be an organic layer.

[0064] The first electrode AE may be disposed on the third insulating layer 30. The first electrode AE may be directly or indirectly connected to the driving transistor TD. Figure 3B The connection structure of the first electrode AE and the driving transistor TD is not shown in FIG. An opening OP may be defined in the pixel defining layer PDL. The opening OP of the pixel defining layer PDL may expose at least a portion of the first electrode AE.

[0065] The hole control layer HCL, the emission layer EML, and the electron control layer ECL may be commonly disposed in the second pixel region PXA-G and the peripheral region NPXA. The hole control layer HCL, the emission layer EML, and the electron control layer ECL may be commonly disposed in the first pixel region PXA-R, the second pixel region PXA-G, and the third pixel region PXA-B (see FIG. Figure 3A ).

[0066] The hole control layer HCL may include a hole transport layer and may also include a hole injection layer. For example, the emission layer EML may generate blue light. The blue light may have a wavelength of about 410 nm to about 480 nm. The emission spectrum of the blue light may have a maximum peak in the range of about 440 nm to about 460 nm. The electron control layer ECL may include an electron transport layer and may also include an electron injection layer. The emission layer EML may be commonly arranged in the first pixel region PXA-R, the second pixel region PXA-G, and the third pixel region PXA-B, or may be independently arranged in each of the first pixel region PXA-R, the second pixel region PXA-G, and the third pixel region PXA-B. When the emission layer EML is independently arranged, the emission layers EML of the first pixel region PXA-R, the second pixel region PXA-G, and the third pixel region PXA-B may be separated from each other. The second electrode CE may be arranged on the electron control layer ECL. The second electrode CE may be commonly disposed in the first pixel region PXA-R, the second pixel region PXA-G, and the third pixel region PXA-B.

[0067] An upper insulating layer TFL may be disposed on the second electrode CE to protect the second electrode CE. The upper insulating layer TFL may include an organic material or an inorganic material. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper insulating layer TFL may have a multilayer structure in which inorganic layers and organic layers overlap. The upper insulating layer TFL may have a sealing structure or encapsulation structure of inorganic layer / organic layer / inorganic layer. The upper insulating layer TFL may further include a refractive index control layer for improving light output efficiency.

[0068] The lower display substrate 100 may include Figure 3A The first display element, the second display element, and the third display element corresponding to the first pixel region PXA-R, the second pixel region PXA-G, and the third pixel region PXA-B may have the same stacking structure and may have Figure 3B The stacked structure of the light-emitting element OLED is shown in FIG.

[0069] like Figure 3B As shown in FIG, the upper display substrate 200 may include a second base substrate BS2, a separation pattern BM, a color filter CF-G, and a color control layer CCF-G. The separation pattern BM, the color filter CF-G, and the color control layer CCF-G may be disposed on the bottom surface of the second base substrate BS2. In addition, the upper display substrate 200 may further include a plurality of encapsulation layers ENL1, ENL2, and ENL-G.

[0070] The second base substrate BS2 may include a synthetic resin substrate or a glass substrate. A separation pattern BM may be provided on the bottom surface of the second base substrate BS2. The separation pattern BM may be provided in the peripheral area NPXA. An opening BM-OP corresponding to each of the first pixel area PXA-R, the second pixel area PXA-G, and the third pixel area PXA-B may be defined in the separation pattern BM. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the second pixel area PXA-G may be defined to correspond to the opening BM-OP of the separation pattern BM.

[0071] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the separation pattern BM may be a pattern having a black color and may be a black matrix. The separation pattern BM may include a black colorant. The black colorant may include a black dye or a black pigment. The black colorant may include carbon black, a metal (e.g., chromium), or an oxide thereof.

[0072] The openings BM-OP formed in the separation pattern BM can be defined differently depending on the optical properties of the separation pattern BM. In the separation pattern BM that primarily blocks visible light of the entire wavelength band, as in the exemplary embodiment shown, the openings BM-OP can be defined to correspond to each of the first pixel region PXA-R, the second pixel region PXA-G, and the third pixel region PXA-B. Alternatively, a smaller number of openings BM-OP can be defined in the separation pattern BM that transmits light of a specific color (e.g., red, green, or blue light).

[0073] The color filter CF-G may be disposed on the bottom surface of the second base substrate BS2. The color filter CF-G may include a base resin and a dye and / or pigment dispersed in the base resin. The base resin may be a medium in which the dye and / or pigment is dispersed. The base resin may be formed from at least one of various resin composite materials, commonly referred to as an adhesive. The color filter CF-G may overlap with the second pixel area PXA-G. The edge region of the color filter CF-G may overlap with the peripheral area NPXA. A portion of the separation pattern BM may be disposed between the color filter CF-G and the bottom surface of the second base substrate BS2.

[0074] The first encapsulation layer ENL1 may be disposed under the color filter CF-G. The first encapsulation layer ENL1 may encapsulate the color filter CF-G. The first encapsulation layer ENL1 may be commonly disposed in the first pixel region PXA-R, the second pixel region PXA-G, and the third pixel region PXA-B.

[0075] The first encapsulation layer ENL1 may include an inorganic layer (hereinafter, also referred to as a first inorganic layer). The first encapsulation layer ENL1 may include silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride. The first encapsulation layer ENL1 may further include an organic layer providing a flat bottom surface.

[0076] A color control layer CCF-G may be provided on the bottom surface of the first encapsulation layer ENL1 to correspond to the color filter CF-G. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the color control layer CCF-G may absorb source light generated from the light-emitting element OLED and then may generate light having a color different from that of the source light. The color control layer CCF-G may transmit and scatter a portion of the source light incident thereon.

[0077] The color control layer CCF-G may include a base resin and quantum dots mixed with the base resin (or dispersed in the base resin). In the exemplary embodiment shown, the color control layer CCF-G may be defined as a quantum dot layer. The base resin may be a medium in which quantum dots are dispersed. The base resin may be formed from at least one of various resin composite materials commonly referred to as adhesives. However, the present inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, a medium capable of dispersing quantum dots may be used as the base resin, regardless of its name, additional functions, and / or constituent materials. In some exemplary embodiments, the base resin may be a polymer resin. For example, the base resin may be an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, a silicone resin, or an epoxy resin. The base resin may be a transparent resin.

[0078] Quantum dots can be particles configured to convert the wavelength of incident light. Each of the quantum dots can be a material having a crystal structure having a size of several nanometers and can be composed of hundreds to thousands of atoms. Quantum dots can exhibit a quantum confinement effect, in which the energy band gap is increased due to their small size. When light of a wavelength corresponding to an energy greater than the energy band gap is incident on the quantum dot, the quantum dot can be excited by absorbing the light and can then transition to a ground state while emitting light of a specific wavelength. The energy of the emitted light can correspond to the energy band gap. The luminescence characteristics of the quantum dot caused by the quantum confinement effect can be adjusted by adjusting the size and / or composition of the quantum dot.

[0079] The quantum dots may be formed from Group II-VI compounds, Group III-V compounds, Group IV-VI compounds, Group IV elements, Group IV compounds, or any combination thereof.

[0080] The II-VI compound may be selected from the group consisting of: a binary compound selected from the group consisting of CdSe, CdTe, ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, ZnO, HgS, HgSe, HgTe, MgSe, MgS, and any mixture thereof; a binary compound selected from the group consisting of AgInS, CdSeS, CdSeTe, CdSTe, ZnSeS, ZnSeTe, ZnSTe, HgSeS, HgSeTe, HgSTe, CdZnS, CdZnSe, CdZnT e, CdHgS, CdHgSe, CdHgTe, HgZnS, HgZnSe, HgZnTe, MgZnSe, MgZnS and any mixture thereof; and a ternary compound selected from the group consisting of HgZnTeS, CdZnSeS, CdZnSeTe, CdZnSTe, CdHgSeS, CdHgSeTe, CdHgSTe, HgZnSeS, HgZnSeTe, HgZnSTe and any mixture thereof.

[0081] The III-V compound can be selected from the group consisting of: a binary compound selected from the group consisting of GaN, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, AlN, AlP, AlAs, AlSb, InN, InP, InAs, InSb and any mixture thereof; a ternary compound selected from the group consisting of GaNPs, GaNAs, GaNSb, GaPAs, GaPSb, AlNPs, AlNAs, AlNSb, AlPAs, AlPSb, InNPs, InNAs, InNSb, InPAs, InPSb and any mixture thereof; and a quaternary compound selected from the group consisting of GaAlNPs, GaAlNAs, GaAlNSb, GaAlPAs, GaAlPSb, GaInNPs, GaInNAs, GaInNSb, GaInPAs, GaInPSb, InAlNPs, InAlNAs, InAlNSb, InAlPAs, InAlPSb and any mixture thereof. The IV-VI compound may be selected from the group consisting of: a binary compound selected from the group consisting of SnS, SnSe, SnTe, PbS, PbSe, PbTe, and any mixture thereof; a ternary compound selected from the group consisting of SnSeS, SnSeTe, SnSTe, PbSeS, PbSeTe, PbSTe, SnPbS, SnPbSe, SnPbTe, and any mixture thereof; and a quaternary compound selected from the group consisting of SnPbSSe, SnPbSeTe, SnPbSTe, and any mixture thereof. The Group IV element may be selected from the group consisting of Si, Ge, and mixtures thereof. The Group IV compound may be a binary compound selected from the group consisting of SiC, SiGe, and mixtures thereof.

[0082] In these cases, the binary, ternary, or quaternary compound can be present in a substantially uniform concentration within the quantum dot. Alternatively, the concentration of the binary, ternary, or quaternary compound in one portion of the quantum dot can be different from the concentration of the binary, ternary, or quaternary compound in another portion of the quantum dot.

[0083] Each quantum dot may have a core-shell structure comprising a core and a shell surrounding the core. Alternatively, the quantum dot may have a core / shell structure in which one quantum dot surrounds another quantum dot. The interface between the core and the shell may have a concentration gradient, wherein the concentration of the element present in the shell gradually decreases toward the center.

[0084] Quantum dots may be nanometer-sized particles. Each quantum dot may have a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of an emission wavelength spectrum of about 45 nm or less, specifically about 40 nm or less, and more specifically about 30 nm or less, and may improve color purity and / or color reproducibility within this range. In addition, light emitted by the quantum dots may be emitted in all directions, and thus, a wide viewing angle may be improved or achieved.

[0085] In addition, the shape of each quantum dot can be a general shape known in the art, but the shape of each quantum dot is not limited to a specific shape. For example, each quantum dot can have a spherical shape, a pyramid shape, a multi-arm shape, a cubic nanoparticle shape, a nanotube shape, a nanowire shape, a nanofiber shape, or a nanoplate particle shape. The color of light emitted from the quantum dot can be controlled according to the particle size of the quantum dot, and therefore, the quantum dot can emit one of various emission colors of light, such as red, green, or blue.

[0086] An encapsulation inorganic layer ENL-G covering the color control layer CCF-G may be provided on the bottom surface of the first encapsulation layer ENL1. The encapsulation inorganic layer ENL-G may prevent moisture from penetrating into the color control layer CCF-G. The encapsulation inorganic layer ENL-G may include silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride.

[0087] The encapsulation inorganic layer ENL-G and the first encapsulation layer ENL1 may encapsulate the color control layer CCF-G. The encapsulation inorganic layer ENL-G may contact the first encapsulation layer ENL1. The encapsulation inorganic layer ENL-G may encapsulate a specific color control layer CCF-G and may contact the side surfaces of adjacent color control layers CCF-R and CCF-B. The color control layers CCF-R and CCF-B may be arranged to correspond to the color filters CF-R and CF-B, respectively.

[0088] The second encapsulation layer ENL2 may be disposed below the color control layers CCF-R, CCF-G, and CCF-B. The second encapsulation layer ENL2 may encapsulate the color control layers CCF-R, CCF-G, and CCF-B. The second encapsulation layer ENL2 may be commonly disposed in the first pixel region PXA-R, the second pixel region PXA-G, and the third pixel region PXA-B.

[0089] The second encapsulation layer ENL2 may include an inorganic layer in contact with the encapsulation inorganic layer ENL-G. The inorganic layer may include silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride. The second encapsulation layer ENL2 may also include an organic layer disposed on the inorganic layer (hereinafter, also referred to as the second inorganic layer). The organic layer may provide a flat bottom surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the first encapsulation layer ENL1 may include silicon oxide, and the second encapsulation layer ENL2 may include silicon nitride.

[0090] Figure 4 is a plan view illustrating an upper display substrate 200 corresponding to a display area DA according to an exemplary embodiment. Figures 5 to 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an upper display substrate 200 corresponding to a display area DA according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 A sectional view taken along line II-II'. Figure 4 , the edges of the first color filter CF-R, the second color filter CF-G and the third color filter CF-B and the edges of the first color control layer CCF-R, the second color control layer CCF-G and the third color control layer CCF-B (hereinafter, also referred to as the red control layer CCF-R, the green control layer CCF-G and the blue control layer CCF-B) are shown as corresponding to the first pixel area PXA-R, the second pixel area PXA-G and the third pixel area PXA-B.

[0091] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG, the first color filter CF-R, the second color filter CF-G, and the third color filter CF-B may be arranged to correspond to the first pixel region PXA-R, the second pixel region PXA-G, and the third pixel region PXA-B, respectively. The first color filter CF-R, the second color filter CF-G, and the third color filter CF-B may include pigments and / or dyes that absorb light having different wavelength bands. The first color filter CF-R may be a red filter, the second color filter CF-G may be a green filter, and the third color filter CF-B may be a blue filter.

[0092] The first color filter CF-R, the second color filter CF-G, and the third color filter CF-B can reduce the reflectivity of external light. Each of the first color filter CF-R, the second color filter CF-G, and the third color filter CF-B can transmit light of a specific wavelength band and block light outside the corresponding wavelength band. Each of the first color filter CF-R, the second color filter CF-G, and the third color filter CF-B can absorb light outside the corresponding wavelength band.

[0093] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the first color control layer CCF-R, the second color control layer CCF-G, and the third color control layer CCF-B can be arranged to correspond to the first pixel area PXA-R, the second pixel area PXA-G, and the third pixel area PXA-B, respectively. The first color control layer CCF-R can absorb blue light to generate red light, and the second color control layer CCF-G can absorb blue light to generate green light. Specifically, the first color control layer CCF-R and the second color control layer CCF-G may include quantum dots different from each other. The third color control layer CCF-B may transmit blue light. The first color control layer CCF-R, the second color control layer CCF-G, and the third color control layer CCF-B may also include scattering particles. The scattering particles may be titanium oxide (TiO2) or silicon dioxide-based nanoparticles.

[0094] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The encapsulation inorganic layer ENL-G may be provided to correspond to a portion of the first color control layer CCF-R, the second color control layer CCF-G, and the third color control layer CCF-B. The encapsulation inorganic layer ENL-G may be provided to selectively encapsulate the color control layer having a large change over time among the first color control layer CCF-R, the second color control layer CCF-G, and the third color control layer CCF-B.

[0095] The first, second, and third color control layers CCF-R, CCF-G, and CCF-B can have different compositions and, therefore, exhibit different variations over time. Because the encapsulating inorganic layer ENL-G covers a specific color control layer that exhibits relatively large variations over time, this variation over time can be reduced. This minimizes the temporal deviation of primary colors and improves display quality.

[0096] Color-control layers with relatively large changes over time can be determined by the physical properties of quantum dots. A color-control layer with quantum dots that are susceptible to moisture can exhibit rapid changes over time. This can result in a reduction in the brightness of a particular color of light.

[0097] Table 1 below shows the measurement results of temporal changes of the red control layer CCF-R, the green control layer CCF-G, and the blue control layer CCF-B. The temporal changes were obtained by measuring the color change of the reflected light according to the specular component exclusion (SCE) method.

[0098] [Table 1]

[0099]

[0100]

[0101] Large deviations in the propagation of reflected light can indicate large changes over time. According to Table 1, the green control layer CCF-G has the largest change over time.

[0102] In addition, the color control layer with a relatively large time-varying color can be determined by the weight ratio of quantum dots. The color control layer CCF-R, CCF-G, or CCF-B may include a base resin and quantum dots, and the weight ratio (wt %) of the quantum dots in the color control layers CCF-R, CCF-G, and CCF-B may be different from each other.

[0103] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the weight percentage of the second quantum dots in the second color control layer CCF-G may be greater than the weight percentage of the first quantum dots in the first color control layer CCF-R. The third color control layer CCF-B may include the lowest weight percentage of quantum dots or may include no quantum dots.

[0104] In example embodiments, the number of quantum dots per volume in the second color control layer CCF-G encapsulated by the encapsulating inorganic layer ENL-G may be greater than the number of quantum dots per volume in the other color control layers CCF-R and CCF-B.

[0105] Reference Figure 6 , the display panel DP may include a first partition pattern BM-1 and a second partition pattern BM-2. The first partition pattern BM-1 may include Figure 5 The third color filter CF-B is made of substantially the same material. Therefore, the first separation pattern BM-1 can also be defined as a color pattern. The second separation pattern BM-2 can include Figure 5 The separation patterns BM are made of substantially the same material.

[0106] The first separation pattern BM-1 may be formed directly on the bottom surface of the second base substrate BS2. An opening BM1-OP corresponding to each of the first pixel region PXA-R and the second pixel region PXA-G may be defined in the first separation pattern BM-1. The first separation pattern BM-1 and the third color filter CF-B may form a single body. In some exemplary embodiments, the stacking order of the first separation pattern BM-1 and the second separation pattern BM-2 may be varied.

[0107] The second separation pattern BM-2 may be provided on the bottom surface of the first separation pattern BM-1. An opening BM2-OP corresponding to each of the first pixel region PXA-R, the second pixel region PXA-G, and the third pixel region PXA-B may be defined in the second separation pattern BM-2. The opening BM2-OP of the second separation pattern BM-2 corresponding to the first pixel region PXA-R and the second pixel region PXA-G may have an area (or size) larger than the area (or size) of the opening BM1-OP of the first separation pattern BM-1 corresponding to the first pixel region PXA-R and the second pixel region PXA-G. One of the openings BM2-OP of the second separation pattern BM-2 may define the third pixel region PXA-B.

[0108] Reference Figure 7 The encapsulated inorganic layer ENL-G can increase the efficiency of light output from the second pixel area PXA-G. Second color light converted by the quantum dots of the second color control layer CCF-G can be radiated from the quantum dots. The radiated light can be totally reflected by the encapsulated inorganic layer ENL-G. The light radiated from the quantum dots can be reflected by the encapsulated inorganic layer ENL-G and then output to the outside through the opening BM1-OP. The encapsulated inorganic layer ENL-G can prevent light radiated from the second color control layer CCF-G from leaking into the other color control layers CCF-R and CCF-B.

[0109] The opening BM1-OP corresponding to the second pixel area PXA-G may be defined by the inner edge BM1-E of the first partition pattern BM-1. A distance D1 between the inner edge BM1-E and the encapsulating inorganic layer ENL-G on a reference line parallel to the bottom surface of the second base substrate BS2 (e.g., on the first direction axis DR1 of FIG. 1 ) may be approximately 12 micrometers or less. Figure 5 In an exemplary embodiment, the distance D1 may be measured based on the inner edge of the partition pattern BM. Light reflected from the encapsulation inorganic layer ENL-G may improve light output efficiency and, therefore, may compensate for brightness reduction due to temporal variation.

[0110] Figure 8 is a plan view illustrating an upper display substrate 200 corresponding to a display area DA according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an upper display substrate 200 corresponding to a display area DA according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III'.

[0111] Figure 8 and Figure 9 The upper display substrate 200 (see FIG. 1 ) including the separation pattern BM is shown, and the upper display substrate 200 may further include a column separation pattern (or third separation pattern) BM3. The column separation pattern BM3 may divide the pixel columns PLC.

[0112] According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the first color control layer CCF-R, the second color control layer CCF-G, and the third color control layer CCF-B may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. The second encapsulation layer ENL2 may be in contact with the first encapsulation layer ENL1. The first color control layer CCF-R and the third color control layer CCF-B may be encapsulated by the second encapsulation layer ENL2, and the second color control layer CCF-G may be doubly encapsulated by the encapsulation inorganic layer ENL-G and the second encapsulation layer ENL2.

[0113] A slit SLT may be defined between the first color control layer CCF-R, the second color control layer CCF-G, and the third color control layer CCF-B. A portion of the second encapsulation layer ENL2 may be disposed within the slit SLT. A column separation pattern BM3 may be disposed on a portion of the second encapsulation layer ENL2 corresponding to the slit SLT. The column separation pattern BM3 may include a black colorant. In some exemplary embodiments, the column separation pattern BM3 may be omitted.

[0114] According to exemplary embodiments, the encapsulating inorganic layer can cover a specific color control layer that has a relatively large change over time. This can reduce the change of the specific color control layer over time. In this way, the deviation of the primary colors over time can be minimized to improve display quality.

[0115] The encapsulating inorganic layer can completely reflect the light generated from the color control layer, and thus, the light output efficiency of a specific color light can be improved. In this way, the brightness difference between the primary colors can be minimized.

[0116] Although certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. Therefore, the inventive concept is not limited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the appended claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. Display panel, including: a lower display substrate comprising a light emitting element configured to generate source light; as well as an upper display substrate, comprising a first pixel region, a second pixel region, a third pixel region, and a peripheral region adjacent to the first pixel region, the second pixel region, and the third pixel region, Wherein, the upper display substrate comprises: base substrate; a first partition pattern disposed on the bottom surface of the base substrate, overlapping the peripheral area, and having a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening corresponding to the first pixel area, the second pixel area, and the third pixel area, respectively; a first color filter, a second color filter, and a third color filter disposed on the bottom surface of the base substrate and overlapping the first pixel region, the second pixel region, and the third pixel region, respectively; a first color control layer, a second color control layer, and a third color control layer, respectively disposed on the first color filter, the second color filter, and the third color filter; and An encapsulating inorganic layer covers the second color control layer and exposes at least one of the first color control layer and the third color control layer. 2 . The display panel of claim 1 , further comprising a first inorganic layer disposed on the bottom surface of the base substrate, the first separation pattern, and the first, second, and third color filters.

3. The display panel according to claim 2, wherein: The encapsulating inorganic layer contacts the first inorganic layer, and the second color control layer is encapsulated by the first inorganic layer and the encapsulating inorganic layer.

4. The display panel according to claim 2, wherein: The first color control layer and the third color control layer are in contact with the encapsulating inorganic layer.

5. The display panel according to claim 2, further comprising a second inorganic layer disposed on the first color control layer, the third color control layer and the encapsulation inorganic layer, in, The second inorganic layer is in contact with the encapsulating inorganic layer.

6. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein: The source light is a third color light; the first color control layer being configured to convert the third color light into first color light, the second color control layer being configured to convert the third color light into second color light, and the third color control layer being configured to transmit the third color light; as well as The first color filter is configured to transmit the first color light, the second color filter is configured to transmit the second color light, and the third color filter is configured to transmit the third color light.

7. The display panel according to claim 6, wherein: The first color control layer includes a base resin and first quantum dots mixed with the base resin, and the second color control layer includes a base resin and second quantum dots mixed with the base resin of the second color control layer; and A weight percentage of the second quantum dots in the second color control layer is greater than a weight percentage of the first quantum dots in the first color control layer.

8. The display panel according to claim 6, wherein: The first color control layer includes a base resin and first quantum dots mixed with the base resin, and the second color control layer includes a base resin and second quantum dots mixed with the base resin of the second color control layer; and The number of the second quantum dots per volume in the second color control layer is greater than the number of the first quantum dots per volume in the first color control layer.

9. The display panel according to claim 6, wherein: The first separation pattern includes a black colorant.

10. The display panel according to claim 6 further includes a second partition pattern arranged on the bottom surface of the base substrate, the second partition pattern overlaps the first partition pattern and has at least a fourth opening and a fifth opening corresponding to the first pixel area and the second pixel area, respectively.

11. The display panel according to claim 10, wherein: The second partition pattern is configured to transmit the third color light, and the second partition pattern and the third color filter form a single body shape.

12. The display panel according to claim 11, wherein: The second separation pattern is closer to the base substrate than the first separation pattern.

13. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein: The first color control layer, the second color control layer, and the third color control layer are spaced apart from each other in the peripheral region. 14 . The display panel of claim 13 , further comprising a third separation pattern disposed between the first color control layer, the second color control layer, and the third color control layer in the peripheral area.

15. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein: The light emitting elements include a first light emitting element, a second light emitting element, and a third light emitting element that are respectively arranged to correspond to the first pixel region, the second pixel region, and the third pixel region; and The emission layers of the first light emitting element, the second light emitting element, and the third light emitting element are formed in a single body shape.

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