Electroluminescent display device

Abstract

An electroluminescent display device includes: a substrate on which a display area and a non-display area are defined; a plurality of sub-pixels disposed in the display area on the substrate and arranged along a first direction and a second direction; a light-emitting diode disposed in each of the plurality of sub-pixels and including a first electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode; a first partition disposed between adjacent sub-pixels arranged along the second direction and overlapping an edge of the first electrode; and a second partition disposed between adjacent sub-pixels arranged along the first direction and having an opening corresponding to a row of sub-pixels arranged along the second direction, wherein the opening includes a first portion corresponding to the display area and a second portion corresponding to the non-display area, and the width of the second portion is narrower than the width of the first portion.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2019 - 0162802, filed on December 9, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an electroluminescent display device, and more particularly, to an electroluminescent display device having a large size and high definition. Background art

[0004] As one of flat - panel display devices, an electroluminescent display device has a wide viewing angle due to self - emission compared to a liquid - crystal display device, and also has advantages of thin thickness, light weight, and low power consumption because it does not require a backlight unit.

[0005] In addition, the electroluminescent display device is driven by low - voltage direct current (DC) and has a fast response time. Further, the electroluminescent display device has strong resistance to external shocks and can be used in a wide temperature range because its components are solid, and in particular, the electroluminescent display device can be manufactured at low cost.

[0006] The electroluminescent display device includes a plurality of pixels, each pixel having red, green, and blue sub - pixels, and displays various color images by allowing the red, green, and blue sub - pixels to selectively emit light.

[0007] The red, green, and blue sub - pixels respectively have red, green, and blue light - emitting layers, and each light - emitting layer is formed by a vacuum thermal evaporation process in which a fine metal mask (FMM) is used to selectively deposit a light - emitting material.

[0008] However, the evaporation process increases the manufacturing cost due to the preparation of the mask, and has problems when applied to large - size and high - definition display devices due to mask manufacturing deviation, sagging, shadow effect, etc. Summary of the invention

[0009] Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to an electroluminescent display device that substantially eliminates one or more problems caused by the limitations and disadvantages of the prior art.

[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an electroluminescent display device having a large size and high definition.

[0011] Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the present disclosure. The objectives and other advantages of the present disclosure will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

[0012] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided an electroluminescent display device, which includes: a substrate on which a display area for displaying an image and a non-display area disposed outside the display area are defined; a plurality of sub-pixels disposed in the display area on the substrate and arranged along a first direction and a second direction; a light-emitting diode disposed in each of the plurality of sub-pixels and including a first electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode; a first partition disposed between adjacent sub-pixels arranged along the second direction and overlapping an edge of the first electrode; and a second partition disposed between adjacent sub-pixels arranged along the first direction and having an opening corresponding to a row of sub-pixels arranged along the second direction, wherein the opening includes a first part corresponding to the display area and a second part corresponding to the non-display area, and the width of the second part is narrower than the width of the first part.

[0013] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The present disclosure includes drawings for providing further understanding of the present disclosure. The drawings incorporated in and constituting a part of this specification illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the written description, are used to explain various principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0015] Figure 1 is a circuit diagram of a pixel area of an electroluminescent display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electroluminescent display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of an electroluminescent display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 4 corresponds to Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I';

[0019] Figure 5 corresponds to Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II';

[0020] Figure 6 is a plan view enlarged schematic diagram of an electroluminescent display device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 7 is a plan view enlarged schematic diagram of an electroluminescent display device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 8A and 8B is a plan view enlarged schematic diagram of an electroluminescent display device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 9A and 9B is a plan view enlarged schematic diagram of an electroluminescent display device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 10A and 10B is a plan view enlarged schematic diagram of an electroluminescent display device according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 11A and 11B is a plan view enlarged schematic diagram of an electroluminescent display device according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 12A and Figure 12B is a plan view enlarged schematic diagram of an electroluminescent display device according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed implementation manners

[0027] Now, reference will be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0028] An electroluminescent display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of pixels for displaying an image, and each pixel among the plurality of pixels includes red, green, and blue sub-pixels. A pixel region corresponding to each sub-pixel may have Figure 1 the structure shown.

[0029] Figure 1 is a circuit diagram of a pixel region of an electroluminescent display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] In Figure 1 an electroluminescent display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines that cross each other to define a plurality of pixel regions. In particular, in Figure 1In the example, the gate line GL and the data line DL cross each other to define the pixel region P. In each pixel region P, a switching thin film transistor Ts, a driving thin film transistor Td, a storage capacitor Cst, and a light emitting diode De are formed.

[0031] Specifically, the gate electrode of the switching thin film transistor Ts is connected to the gate line GL, and the source electrode of the switching thin film transistor Ts is connected to the data line DL. The gate electrode of the driving thin film transistor Td is connected to the drain electrode of the switching thin film transistor Ts, and the source electrode of the driving thin film transistor Td is connected to the high voltage source VDD. The anode of the light emitting diode De is connected to the drain electrode of the driving thin film transistor Td, and the cathode of the light emitting diode De is connected to the low voltage source VSS. The storage capacitor Cst is connected to the gate electrode and the drain electrode of the driving thin film transistor Td.

[0032] The electroluminescent display device is driven to display an image. For example, when the switching thin film transistor Ts is turned on by a gate signal applied through the gate line GL, a data signal from the data line DL is applied to the gate electrode of the driving thin film transistor Td and the electrode of the storage capacitor Cst through the switching thin film transistor Ts.

[0033] When the driving thin film transistor Td is turned on by the data signal, the current flowing through the light emitting diode De is controlled, thereby displaying an image. The light emitting diode De emits light due to the current supplied from the high voltage source VDD through the driving thin film transistor Td.

[0034] That is, the amount of current flowing through the light emitting diode De is proportional to the magnitude of the data signal, and the intensity of the light emitted by the light emitting diode De is proportional to the amount of current flowing through the light emitting diode De. Therefore, the pixel region P displays different gray levels according to the magnitude of the data signal. As a result, the electroluminescent display device displays an image.

[0035] In addition, when the switching thin film transistor Ts is turned off, the storage capacitor Cst holds the charge corresponding to the data signal in one frame. Therefore, even when the switching thin film transistor Ts is turned off, the storage capacitor Cst allows the amount of current flowing through the light emitting diode De to be constant, and the gray level displayed by the light emitting diode De is maintained until the next frame.

[0036] At the same time, in addition to the switching thin film transistor Ts, the driving thin film transistor Td, and the storage capacitor Cst, one or more thin film transistors and / or capacitors can be added in the pixel region P.

[0037] For example, in an electroluminescent display device, when a data signal is applied to the gate electrode of a driving thin film transistor Td, the driving thin film transistor Td conducts for a relatively long time, and a light emitting diode De emits light, thereby displaying a gray level. The driving thin film transistor Td may deteriorate due to the long-term application of the data signal. Therefore, the mobility and / or threshold voltage Vth of the driving thin film transistor Td change, such that the pixel region P of the electroluminescent display device displays different gray levels with respect to the same data signal. This results in uneven brightness, thereby degrading the image quality of the electroluminescent display device.

[0038] Accordingly, in order to compensate for changes in the mobility and / or threshold voltage of the driving thin film transistor Td, at least one sensing thin film transistor and / or capacitor for sensing voltage changes may be further added in the pixel region P. The sensing thin film transistor and / or capacitor may be connected to a reference line for applying a reference voltage and outputting a sensed voltage.

[0039] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electroluminescent display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which shows a pixel region.

[0040] In Figure 2 In the electroluminescent display device, a buffer layer 120 is formed on a substrate 110. The buffer layer 120 is substantially disposed on the entire surface of the substrate 110. The substrate 110 may be a glass substrate or a plastic substrate. For example, polyimide may be used as the plastic substrate, but is not limited thereto. The buffer layer 120 may be formed of an inorganic material, such as silicon oxide (SiO 2 ) or silicon nitride (SiNx), and may be a single layer or a multi-layer.

[0041] A patterned semiconductor layer 122 is formed on the buffer layer 120. The semiconductor layer 122 may be formed of an oxide semiconductor layer, and a light-shielding pattern may be further formed under the semiconductor layer 122. The light-shielding pattern may block light incident on the semiconductor layer 122 and may prevent the semiconductor layer 122 from deteriorating due to light. Alternatively, the semiconductor layer 122 may be formed of polysilicon, and both ends of the semiconductor layer 122 may be doped with impurities.

[0042] On the semiconductor layer 122, a gate insulating layer 130 of an insulating material is substantially formed above the entire surface of the substrate 110. The gate insulating layer 130 may be formed of an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO 2 ) or silicon nitride (SiNx). When the semiconductor layer 122 is made of an oxide semiconductor material, the gate insulating layer 130 may be formed of silicon oxide (SiO 2 )). Alternatively, when the semiconductor layer 122 is made of polysilicon, the gate insulating layer 130 may be formed of silicon oxide (SiO 2) or formed of silicon nitride (SiNx).

[0043] On the gate insulating layer 130 corresponding to the center of the semiconductor layer 122, a gate electrode 132 made of a conductive material such as metal is formed. In addition, a gate line and a first capacitor electrode may be formed on the gate insulating layer 130. The gate line extends in a first direction, and the first capacitor electrode is connected to the gate electrode 132.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the gate insulating layer 130 is formed over the entire surface of the substrate 110. However, the gate insulating layer 130 may be patterned to have the same shape as the gate electrode 132.

[0045] On the gate electrode 132, an interlayer insulating layer 140 made of an insulating material is formed substantially over the entire surface of the substrate 110. The interlayer insulating layer 140 may be formed of an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO 2 ) or silicon nitride (SiNx). Alternatively, the interlayer insulating layer 140 may be formed of an organic insulating material such as photoacrylic or benzocyclobutene.

[0046] The interlayer insulating layer 140 has a first contact hole 140a and a second contact hole 140b that expose the top surfaces of both ends of the semiconductor layer 122. The first contact hole 140a and the second contact hole 140b are provided on both sides of the gate electrode 132 and spaced apart from the gate electrode 132. The first contact hole 140a and the second contact hole 140b are also formed in the gate insulating layer 130. Alternatively, when the gate insulating layer 130 is patterned to have the same shape as the gate electrode 132, the first contact hole 140a and the second contact hole 140b are formed only in the interlayer insulating layer 140.

[0047] On the interlayer insulating layer 140, a source electrode 142 and a drain electrode 144 made of a conductive material such as metal are formed. In addition, a data line, a power line, and a second capacitor electrode may be further formed on the interlayer insulating layer 140.

[0048] The source electrode 142 and the drain electrode 144 are spaced apart from each other, the gate electrode 132 is located between the source electrode 142 and the drain electrode 144, and the source electrode 142 and the drain electrode 144 are respectively in contact with both ends of the semiconductor layer 122 through the first contact hole 140a and the second contact hole 140b. The data line extends in the second direction and intersects the gate line, thereby defining a pixel region. The power supply line for providing a high voltage is spaced apart from the data line. The second capacitor electrode is connected to the drain electrode 144. The second capacitor electrode overlaps with the first capacitor electrode, thereby forming a storage capacitor, and there is an interlayer insulating layer 140 as a dielectric between the second capacitor electrode and the first capacitor electrode. Alternatively, the first capacitor electrode may be connected to the drain electrode 144, and the second capacitor electrode may be connected to the gate electrode 132.

[0049] The semiconductor layer 122, the gate electrode 132, the source electrode 142, and the drain electrode 144 form a thin film transistor Tr. The thin film transistor Tr has a coplanar structure in which the gate electrode 132, the source electrode 142, and the drain electrode 144 are located on the same side with respect to the semiconductor layer 122.

[0050] Alternatively, the thin film transistor Tr may have an interleaved structure in which the gate electrode and the source electrode and the drain electrode are located on different sides with respect to the semiconductor layer. That is, the gate electrode may be disposed under the semiconductor layer, and the source electrode and the drain electrode may be disposed above the semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer may be formed of an oxide semiconductor or amorphous silicon.

[0051] The thin film transistor Tr corresponds to Figure 1 the driving thin film transistor Td, and a switching thin film transistor Ts having the same structure as the driving thin film transistor Tr may be further formed in the pixel region on the substrate 110. Figure 1 The gate electrode 132 of the driving thin film transistor Tr may be connected to the drain electrode of the switching thin film transistor, and the source electrode 142 of the driving thin film transistor Tr is connected to the power supply line. In addition, the gate electrode and the source electrode of the switching thin film transistor may be respectively connected to the gate line and the data line.

[0052] A sensing thin film transistor having the same structure as the driving thin film transistor Tr may be further formed in the pixel region on the substrate 110, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0053] On the source electrode 142 and the drain electrode 144, a covering layer 150 of an insulating material is formed substantially over the entire surface of the substrate 110. The covering layer 150 may be formed of an organic insulating material such as photoacrylic or benzocyclobutene. The covering layer 150 may have a flat top surface.

[0054] Meanwhile, such as silicon oxide (SiO 2) An insulating layer of an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO₂) or silicon nitride (SiNₓ) may be further formed under the cover layer 150, that is, formed between the thin film transistor Tr and the cover layer 150.

[0055] The cover layer 150 has a drain contact hole 150a exposing the drain electrode 144. The drain contact hole 150a may be spaced apart from the second contact hole 140b. Alternatively, the drain contact hole 150a may be disposed directly above the second contact hole 140b.

[0056] The first electrode 162 is formed on the cover layer 150 and is formed of a conductive material having a relatively high work function. The first electrode 162 is disposed in the pixel region and is in contact with the drain electrode 144 through the drain contact hole 150a. For example, the first electrode 162 may be formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), but is not limited thereto.

[0057] The electroluminescent display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a top-emitting type, in which light of the light emitting diode De is output in a direction opposite to the substrate 110. Therefore, the first electrode 162 may further include a reflective electrode or a reflective layer, which is formed of a metal material having a relatively high reflectivity under the transparent conductive material. For example, the reflective electrode or the reflective layer may be formed of an aluminum-palladium-copper (APC) alloy, silver (Ag), or aluminum (Al). The first electrode 162 may have a three-layer structure of ITO / APC / ITO, ITO / Ag / ITO, or ITO / Al / ITO, but is not limited thereto.

[0058] A partition of an insulating material is formed on the first electrode 162. The partition may include a hydrophilic first partition 172 and a hydrophobic second partition 174.

[0059] Specifically, the first partition 172 overlaps and covers the edge of the first electrode 162 and exposes the central portion of the first electrode 162. The first partition 172 may be formed of a hydrophilic material, for example, an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO₂) or silicon nitride (SiNₓ). Alternatively, the first partition 172 may be formed of polyimide. 2 ) or silicon nitride (SiNₓ). Alternatively, the first partition 172 may be formed of polyimide.

[0060] The second partition 174 is formed on the first partition 172. At this time, at least the upper surface of the second partition 174 is hydrophobic, and the side surface of the second partition 174 may be hydrophobic or hydrophilic.

[0061] The second partition dike 174 has a width narrower than that of the first partition dike 172, is disposed on the first partition dike 172, and exposes the edge of the first partition dike 172. The thickness of the second partition dike 174 may be greater than the thickness of the first partition dike 172. The second partition dike 174 may overlap with the edge of the first electrode 162. Alternatively, the second partition dike 174 may be spaced apart from the first electrode 162 without overlap.

[0062] The second partition dike 174 may be formed of an organic insulating material having hydrophobicity. Alternatively, the second partition dike 174 may be formed of an organic insulating material having hydrophilicity and may be subjected to a hydrophobic treatment.

[0063] Meanwhile, on other edges of the first electrode 162 (not shown), only the first partition dike 172 may be provided. Additionally, even if Figure 2 the first partition dike 172 and the second partition dike 174 are formed on the edge of the first electrode 162, the first partition dike 172 may be omitted, and only the second partition dike 174 may overlap and cover the edge of the first electrode 162.

[0064] In Figure 2 the first partition dike 172 and the second partition dike 174 are formed of different materials respectively. However, the hydrophilic first partition dike 172 and the hydrophobic second partition dike 174 may be formed of the same material and may be formed integrally. For example, after an organic material layer having a hydrophobic upper surface is formed substantially above the entire surface of the substrate 110, the organic material layer may be exposed using a halftone mask including a light-transmitting portion, a light-blocking portion, and a semi-transmitting portion, and the organic material layer may be patterned to form the first partition dike 172 and the second partition dike 174 having different widths and thicknesses.

[0065] In addition, the drain contact hole 150a is spaced apart from the first partition dike 172 and the second partition dike 174, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the drain contact hole 150a may be provided directly below the first partition dike 172 and the second partition dike 174.

[0066] Next, a light-emitting layer 180 is formed on the first electrode 162 exposed by the first partition dike 172 and the second partition dike 174.

[0067] The light-emitting layer 180 may include a first charge assisting layer, a light-emitting material layer, and a second charge assisting layer sequentially located above the first electrode 162. The light-emitting material layer may be formed of any one of red, green, and blue light-emitting materials, but is not limited thereto. The light-emitting material may be an organic light-emitting material such as a phosphorescent compound or a fluorescent compound, or may be an inorganic light-emitting material such as a quantum dot.

[0068] The first charge assisting layer may be a hole assisting layer, and the hole assisting layer may include at least one of a hole injection layer (HIL) and a hole transport layer (HTL). In addition, the second charge assisting layer may be an electron assisting layer, and the electron assisting layer may include at least one of an electron injection layer (EIL) and an electron transport layer (ETL). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0069] The light emitting layer 180 is formed by a solution process. Accordingly, the process can be simplified, and a display device having a large size and a high resolution can be provided. A spin coating method, an inkjet printing method, or a screen printing method may be used as the solution process, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0070] When drying the solution, the drying rate of the solvent in the region adjacent to the second partition 174 is different from that in other regions. That is, the drying rate of the solvent in the region adjacent to the second partition 174 is faster than that in other regions. Accordingly, in the region adjacent to the second partition 174, the height of the light emitting layer 180 may increase as it gets closer to the second partition 174.

[0071] Meanwhile, between the layers of the light emitting layer 180, the electron assisting layer may be formed by a thermal evaporation process. At this time, the electron assisting layer may be substantially formed above the entire surface of the substrate 110.

[0072] On the light emitting layer 180, a second electrode 190 made of a conductive material having a relatively low work function is substantially formed above the entire surface of the substrate 110. The second electrode 190 may be formed of aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), or an alloy thereof. The second electrode 190 has a relatively thin thickness such that light from the light emitting layer 180 can pass through. Alternatively, the second electrode 190 may be formed of a transparent conductive material, such as indium gallium oxide (IGO), but is not limited thereto.

[0073] The first electrode 162, the light emitting layer 180, and the second electrode 190 constitute a light emitting diode De. The first electrode 162 may be used as an anode, and the second electrode 190 may be used as a cathode, but is not limited thereto.

[0074] As described above, the electroluminescent display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a top emission type, in which light from the light emitting layer 180 of the light emitting diode De is output in a direction opposite to the substrate 110, that is, output to the outside through the second electrode 190. The top emission type display device may have a wider light emitting area than a bottom emission type display device of the same size, thereby increasing the brightness and reducing the power consumption.

[0075] The light-emitting diode De in each pixel region may have an element thickness for realizing a microcavity effect corresponding to the wavelength of the emitted light, thereby improving the light-emitting efficiency. Here, the element thickness may be defined as the distance between the first electrode 162 and the second electrode 190, but is not limited thereto.

[0076] In addition, on the second electrode 190, a protective layer and / or an encapsulation layer may be formed substantially above the entire surface of the substrate 110 to block moisture or oxygen introduced from the outside, thereby protecting the light-emitting diode De.

[0077] As described above, in the electroluminescent display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, some light-emitting layers 180 are formed by a solution process, and a fine metal mask is omitted, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost, and a large-size and high-definition display device can be realized.

[0078] On the other hand, when the light-emitting layer 180 is formed by a solution process, the solution is dropped into each sub-pixel of a plurality of sub-pixels at the same time, and for this purpose, different nozzles are used for each sub-pixel. However, due to the deviation of the dropping amount of the nozzle, the thickness of the thin film formed in each sub-pixel changes. Therefore, in the present disclosure, the light-emitting layers 180 of the same-color sub-pixels are connected to each other and thus formed as a single body. Accordingly, the deviation of the dropping amount of the nozzle is minimized, and the thickness of the light-emitting layer 180 formed in each sub-pixel can be uniform.

[0079] Reference will be made to Figure 3 describe the structure of the electroluminescent display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of an electroluminescent display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which mainly shows a dam structure.

[0081] In Figure 3 the electroluminescent display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a display area DA for displaying an image and a non-display area NDA provided outside the display area DA. Here, the non-display area NDA is shown as being provided on the upper side and the lower side of the display area DA, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the non-display area NDA may be provided on the left side and the right side of the display area DA.

[0082] In the display area DA, red sub-pixels R, green sub-pixels G, and blue sub-pixels B are provided. The red sub-pixels R, green sub-pixels G, and blue sub-pixels B are arranged in sequence along a first direction, and sub-pixels R, G, and B of the same color are arranged along a second direction. For example, the R, G, and B sub-pixels are arranged in sequence and repeated along the first direction (e.g., the horizontal direction), and the rows of R sub-pixels, G sub-pixels, and B sub-pixels are arranged in sequence and repeated along the second direction (e.g., the vertical direction). Here, the red sub-pixels R, green sub-pixels G, and blue sub-pixels B are shown as each having a rectangular shape, but are not limited thereto. The red sub-pixels R, green sub-pixels G, and blue sub-pixels B can each have various shapes, such as a rectangle with rounded corners, an ellipse, etc.

[0083] The hydrophilic first dam 172 is provided between adjacent sub-pixels R, G, and B of the same color and between adjacent sub-pixels R, G, and B of different colors. Alternatively, the first dam 172 can be omitted between adjacent sub-pixels R, G, and B of different colors. That is, the first dam 172 can be formed between adjacent sub-pixels R, G, and B arranged along the second direction and can extend along the first direction.

[0084] In addition, the first dam 172 is also provided in the non-display area NDA and can be formed to surround all sub-pixels R, G, and B.

[0085] The hydrophobic second dam 174 is provided on the first dam 172. In the display area DA, the second dam 174 has openings 176 corresponding to the rows of sub-pixels of the same color and is provided between adjacent sub-pixels R, G, and B of different colors. Therefore, the openings 176 extend in the second direction, and the length of the openings 176 in the second direction is greater than the length (i.e., width) of the openings 176 in the first direction. That is, the openings 176 have short sides parallel to the first direction and long sides parallel to the second direction. At this time, between adjacent sub-pixels R, G, and B of different colors, the second dam 174 can have a width narrower than that of the first dam 172.

[0086] In addition, the second dam 174 is also provided in the non-display area NDA, and the openings 176 of the second dam 174 extend into the non-display area NDA. Here, the openings 176 have different widths in the display area DA and the non-display area NDA, which will be described in detail later.

[0087] Meanwhile, although not shown in the figures, a plurality of dummy sub-pixels may be provided in the non-display area NDA, and the opening 176 of the second partition 174 may be formed to correspond to the dummy sub-pixels. At this time, one or more dummy sub-pixels may be provided on each side of the upper and lower sides of each sub-pixel row. Except for the connection structure, the dummy sub-pixels may have the same configuration as the red sub-pixel R, the green sub-pixel G, and the blue sub-pixel B. Alternatively, the dummy sub-pixels may have a configuration different from that of the red sub-pixel R, the green sub-pixel G, and the blue sub-pixel B.

[0088] Reference will be made Figure 4 and Figure 5 to describe the cross-sectional structure of an electroluminescent display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' corresponding to Figure 3 and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' corresponding to Figure 3 .

[0090] As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, a display area DA and a non-display area NDA are defined on a substrate 110, and a plurality of pixel areas P corresponding to the red sub-pixel R, the green sub-pixel G, and the blue sub-pixel B are defined in the display area DA. A buffer layer 120 is formed substantially over the entire surface of the substrate 110, and the buffer layer 120 is provided in the display area DA and the non-display area NDA.

[0091] A thin film transistor Tr is formed on the buffer layer 120 in each pixel area P. On the thin film transistor Tr, a cover layer 150 is formed substantially over the entire surface of the substrate 110, and the cover layer 150 is provided in the display area DA and the non-display area NDA. Then, a first electrode 162 is formed on the cover layer 150 in each pixel area P.

[0092] Here, the thin film transistor Tr may have the Figure 2 configuration shown, but is not limited thereto. In addition, although not shown in the figures, a gate insulating layer and an interlayer insulating layer may be further formed between the buffer layer 120 and the cover layer 150, and an inorganic insulating layer may be further formed between the thin film transistor Tr and the cover layer 150.

[0093] In each pixel area P, the cover layer 150 has a drain contact hole 150a exposing a part (i.e., the drain electrode) of the thin film transistor Tr. The first electrode 162 contacts the drain electrode of the thin film transistor Tr through the drain contact hole 150a.

[0094] On the other hand, when dummy sub-pixels are provided in the non-display area NDA, dummy thin-film transistors having the same structure as the thin-film transistors Tr in the pixel area P can be formed between the buffer layer 120 and the cover layer 150 in each dummy sub-pixel, and dummy electrodes can be formed on the cover layer 150 in each dummy sub-pixel. Here, the cover layer 150 does not have a drain contact hole exposing the dummy thin-film transistors in the dummy sub-pixels, so the dummy electrodes are not connected to the dummy thin-film transistors in the dummy sub-pixels.

[0095] However, the structure of the dummy sub-pixels is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the dummy thin-film transistors and the dummy electrodes can be omitted.

[0096] A hydrophilic first partition 172 is formed on the first electrode 162. The first partition 172 overlaps and covers the edge of the first electrode 162. The first partition 172 is formed between adjacent same-color sub-pixels R, G, and B and between adjacent different-color sub-pixels R, G, and B. Alternatively, the first partition 172 can be omitted between adjacent different-color sub-pixels R, G, and B, and the first partition 172 is only provided between adjacent same-color sub-pixels R, G, and B.

[0097] In addition, the first partition 172 can be formed substantially above the entire non-display area NDA. Alternatively, the first partition 172 can be removed in the non-display area NDA.

[0098] Meanwhile, when dummy sub-pixels are provided in the non-display area NDA, the first partition 172 can overlap and cover the edge of the dummy electrode and expose the central portion of the dummy electrode.

[0099] The first partition 172 can be formed of a hydrophilic material, for example, an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO 2 ) or silicon nitride (SiNx). Alternatively, the first partition 172 can be formed of polyimide.

[0100] A hydrophobic second partition 174 is formed on the first partition 172. The second partition 174 has a thickness thicker than that of the first partition 172. The second partition 174 is only formed between adjacent different-color sub-pixels R, G, and B and not between adjacent same-color sub-pixels R, G, and B. Between adjacent different-color sub-pixels R, G, and B, the width of the second partition 174 is narrower than the width of the first partition 172.

[0101] The second partition 174 has openings 176 corresponding to the rows of the same-color sub-pixels, and the first electrodes 162 of the rows of the same-color sub-pixels and the first partition 172 between adjacent first electrodes 162 are exposed through the openings 176. In addition, the openings 176 extend into the non-display area NDA.

[0102] Here, when the first partition wall 172 is omitted between adjacent different-color sub-pixels R, G, and B, the second partition wall 174 contacts and overlaps Figure 4 the edge of each first electrode 162, and covers Figure 4 the edge of each first electrode 162.

[0103] The second partition wall 174 may be formed of a hydrophobic organic insulating material. Alternatively, the second partition wall 174 may be formed of a hydrophilic organic insulating material and may be subjected to a hydrophobic treatment.

[0104] The first partition wall 172 and the second partition wall 174 may be formed of the same material and integrally formed. At this time, the first partition wall 172 and the second partition wall 174 may be formed by a halftone mask process.

[0105] In each pixel region P, a light-emitting layer 180 is formed on the first electrode 162 exposed through the opening 176 of the second partition wall 174. Here, a red light-emitting layer is formed in the red sub-pixel R, a green light-emitting layer is formed in the green sub-pixel G, and a blue light-emitting layer is formed in the blue sub-pixel B.

[0106] In addition, between adjacent same-color sub-pixels R, G, and B, a light-emitting layer 180 is also formed on the first partition wall 172 exposed through the opening 176 of the second partition wall 174. That is, in Figure 5 among them, between adjacent green sub-pixels G, a green light-emitting layer 180 is also formed on the first partition wall 172 exposed through the opening 176 of the second partition wall 174. At this time, the light-emitting layer 180 on the first partition wall 172 is connected to the light-emitting layer 180 on the first electrode 162 in each adjacent pixel region P, thereby forming an integral body.

[0107] At the same time, as described above, the opening 176 of the second partition wall 174 extends into the non-display area NDA. Therefore, a light-emitting layer 180 is also formed in the non-display area NDA. The light-emitting layer 180 in the non-display area NDA is connected to the light-emitting layer 180 in the pixel region P of the display area DA, thereby forming an integral body. At this time, the opening 176 of the second partition wall 174 exposes the first partition wall 172 in the non-display area NDA, and a light-emitting layer 180 is formed on the first partition wall 172 in the non-display area NDA.

[0108] Alternatively, the first partition wall 172 may be removed in the non-display area NDA. In this case, the opening 176 of the second partition wall 174 may expose the cover layer 150 in the non-display area NDA, and a light-emitting layer 180 may be formed on the cover layer 150 in the non-display area NDA.

[0109] The light-emitting layer 180 is formed through a solution process. Here, the solutions dropped onto respective pixel regions P corresponding to sub-pixels of the same color (e.g., a row of green sub-pixels) through different nozzles are connected to each other, and the light-emitting layer 180 is formed by drying the solutions. Accordingly, the deviation in the dropping amount between the nozzles is minimized, and the thickness of the light-emitting layer 180 formed in each pixel region P can be uniform.

[0110] At this time, since the width of the opening 176 of the second partition 174 in the non-display area NDA is narrower than that in the display area DA, the solution dropped into the opening 176 can be prevented from concentrating on the center of the display area DA due to capillary action.

[0111] Next, a second electrode 190 is formed on the light-emitting layer 180 and the second partition 174. Here, the second electrode 190 is also formed on the top surface and side surfaces of the second partition 174 and is in contact with the top surface and side surfaces of the second partition 174.

[0112] The first electrode 162, the light-emitting layer 180, and the second electrode 190 constitute a light-emitting diode De.

[0113] As described above, in the electroluminescent display device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the light-emitting layers 180 of sub-pixels R, G, and B of the same color are connected to each other and formed as a single body, thereby minimizing the deviation in the dropping amount between the nozzles and uniformly forming the thickness of the light-emitting layers 180 of sub-pixels R, G, and B. Accordingly, color unevenness (mura) can be prevented, thereby preventing a degradation in the image quality of the display device.

[0114] In addition, the width of the opening 176 of the second partition 174 corresponding to the non-display area NDA is configured to be narrower than the width of the opening 176 of the second partition 174 corresponding to the display area DA. Accordingly, due to capillary action, the solution dropped into the opening 176 can be prevented from concentrating on the center of the display area DA, thereby preventing a problem in which the light-emitting layer 180 is not formed in the pixel regions P provided at both ends of the row of sub-pixels of the same color.

[0115] The configuration of the opening according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0116] Figure 6 is an enlarged plan view of an electroluminescent display device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, which shows Figure 3 the region A1 of.

[0117] In Figure 6 a display area DA and a non-display area NDA are defined, and a hydrophilic first partition 172 is formed to surround each sub-pixel B of the display area DA. Alternatively, the first partition 172 may be provided only on the upper and lower sides of each sub-pixel B.

[0118] In addition, a first partition 172 is formed substantially over the entire non-display area NDA. Alternatively, the first partition 172 may be removed in the non-display area NDA.

[0119] A hydrophobic second partition 174 is formed on the first partition 172. The second partition 174 has openings 176 corresponding to the same-color sub-pixel rows.

[0120] The openings 176 include a first portion 176a disposed in the display area DA and a second portion 176b disposed in the non-display area NDA.

[0121] The first portion 176a has a first width w1 in a first direction, and the second portion 176b has a second width w2 in the first direction. The second width w2 is narrower than the first width w1.

[0122] In addition, each sub-pixel B has a first length l1 in a second direction, and the second portion 176b of the opening 176 has a second length l2 in the second direction. The second length l2 is longer than the first length l1. Here, the second length l2 may be 10 times or less of the first length l1, and advantageously, the second length l2 may be 5 times or more and 10 times or less of the first length l1.

[0123] For example, the second width w2 may be less than 55 μm, and the second length l2 may be 1 mm or more. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0124] As described above, in the electroluminescent display device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, since the second width w2 of the second portion 176b of the opening 176 is narrower than the first width w1 of the first portion 176a, due to capillary action, the solution dropped into the opening 176 can be prevented from concentrating at the center of the display area DA.

[0125] Meanwhile, the second portion 176b of the opening 176 may include at least one uneven pattern on its side surface, thereby further preventing the solution dropped into the opening 176 from concentrating at the center of the display area DA.

[0126] Reference will be made to Figures 7 to 11B The structure of the opening including the uneven pattern according to other embodiments will be described in detail. Here, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same components will be shortened or omitted.

[0127] Figure 7 is a plan enlarged schematic view of an electroluminescent display device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] In Figure 7In [description], the second partition bank 174 has openings 176 corresponding to the same-color sub-pixel rows, and the openings 176 include a first portion 176a corresponding to the display area DA and a second portion 176b corresponding to the non-display area NDA.

[0129] The second portion 176b has a narrower width than the first portion 176a. Therefore, due to capillary action, the solution dropped into the openings 176 can be prevented from concentrating at the center of the display area DA.

[0130] Meanwhile, the second portion 176b has a first uneven pattern 176c and a second uneven pattern 176d at each of a first side surface and a second side surface facing each other in the first direction. The first uneven pattern 176c is disposed between the first portion 176a and the second uneven pattern 176d and is connected to the first portion 176a and the second uneven pattern 176d. In addition, the second portion 176b includes a portion without an uneven pattern, and the second uneven pattern 176d is disposed between the portion without an uneven pattern and the first uneven pattern 176c.

[0131] The width of the first uneven pattern 176c is wider than the width of the second uneven pattern 176d. Therefore, the width of the second portion 176b decreases as it moves away from the first portion 176a.

[0132] In addition, the length of the second uneven pattern 176d may be longer than the length of the first uneven pattern 176c and shorter than the portion without an uneven pattern, but is not limited thereto.

[0133] Compared with the first embodiment, since the first uneven pattern 176c and the second uneven pattern 176d increase the contact area between the solution and the second partition bank 174, the adhesion force and the frictional force between the solution and the second partition bank 174 increase. Therefore, the solution dropped into the openings 176 can be further prevented from concentrating at the center of the display area DA.

[0134] Figure 8A and Figure 8B are enlarged plan views of an electroluminescent display device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0135] In Figure 8A and Figure 8B In [description], the second partition bank 174 has openings 176 corresponding to the same-color sub-pixel rows, and the openings 176 include a first portion 176a corresponding to the display area DA and a second portion 176b corresponding to the non-display area NDA.

[0136] The second portion 176b has a narrower width than the first portion 176a. Therefore, due to capillary action, the solution dropped into the openings 176 can be prevented from concentrating at the center of the display area DA.

[0137] Meanwhile, the second part 176b has a plurality of uneven patterns 176e at each of a first side surface and a second side surface that face each other in a first direction. Each uneven pattern 176e may be a protrusion having a rectangular shape.

[0138] As Figure 8A shown, the uneven patterns 176e may be symmetrically arranged on the first side surface and the second side surface of the second part 176b. Alternatively, as Figure 8B shown, the uneven patterns 176e may be asymmetrically arranged on the first side surface and the second side surface of the second part 176B. That is, the uneven patterns 176e on the first side surface of the second part 176b may alternate with the uneven patterns 176e on the second side surface of the second part 176b.

[0139] The uneven patterns 176e may have the same size and the same spacing distance. Alternatively, at least one of the size and the spacing distance of the uneven patterns 176e may vary as it moves away from the first part 176a. For example, the size of the uneven pattern 176e may increase as it moves away from the first part 176a, and the distance between the uneven patterns 176e may decrease as it moves away from the first part 176a.

[0140] Compared with the first embodiment, the uneven patterns 176e increase the contact area between the solution and the second dam 174, thereby increasing the adhesion and friction force between the solution and the second dam 174. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent the solution dripping into the opening 176 from concentrating at the center of the display area DA.

[0141] Meanwhile, a third part 176f may be further provided between the first part 176a and the second part 176b of the opening 176. The third part 176f has a width that decreases from the first part 176a to the second part 176b. That is, the width of the third part 176f adjacent to the first part 176a is wider than the width of the third part 176f adjacent to the second part 176b. The third part 176f can prevent the problem of reduced wettability of the solution to the second dam 174 due to a sudden change in the width between the first part 176a and the second part 176b.

[0142] Here, it is shown that the corners of the uneven patterns 176e are angular. However, the corners of the uneven patterns 176e may be rounded or curved, in which case, the wettability of the solution to the second dam 174 can be further improved.

[0143] Figure 9A and Figure 9B are enlarged plan views of an electroluminescent display device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0144] In Figure 9A and Figure 9B the second partition dike 174 has openings 176 corresponding to the same-color subpixel rows, and the openings 176 include a first part 176a corresponding to the display area DA and a second part 176b corresponding to the non-display area NDA.

[0145] The second part 176b has a narrower width than the first part 176a. Therefore, due to capillary action, the solution dropped into the openings 176 can be prevented from concentrating at the center of the display area DA.

[0146] Meanwhile, the second part 176b has a plurality of uneven patterns 176g at each of a first side and a second side facing each other in the first direction. Each uneven pattern 176g may be a protrusion having a triangular shape.

[0147] As Figure 9A shown, the uneven patterns 176g may be symmetrically arranged on the first side and the second side of the second part 176b. Alternatively, as Figure 9B shown, the uneven patterns 176g may be asymmetrically arranged on the first side and the second side of the second part 176b. That is, the uneven patterns 176g on the first side of the second part 176b may be alternated with the uneven patterns 176g on the second side of the second part 176b.

[0148] The uneven patterns 176g may have the same size and the same spacing distance. Alternatively, at least one of the size and the spacing distance of the uneven patterns 176g may vary as it moves away from the first part 176a. For example, the size of the uneven patterns 176g may increase as it moves away from the first part 176a, and the distance between the uneven patterns 176g may decrease as it moves away from the first part 176a.

[0149] Compared with the first embodiment, the uneven patterns 176g increase the contact area between the solution and the second partition dike 174, thereby increasing the adhesion force and the frictional force between the solution and the second partition dike 174. Therefore, the solution dropped into the openings 176 can be further prevented from concentrating at the center of the display area DA.

[0150] At this time, since the uneven pattern 176g having a triangular shape has a vertex angle less than 90 degrees, the wettability of the solution to the second partition dike 174 can be improved compared with the uneven pattern 176e having an angular rectangular shape in the third embodiment.

[0151] Meanwhile, a third portion 176f may be further provided between the first portion 176a and the second portion 176b of the opening 176. The third portion 176f has a width that decreases from the first portion 176a to the second portion 176b. That is, the width of the third portion 176f adjacent to the first portion 176a is wider than the width of the third portion 176f adjacent to the second portion 176b. The third portion 176f can prevent the problem of reduced wettability of the solution to the second dam 174 due to a sudden change between the widths of the first portion 176a and the second portion 176b.

[0152] Here, it is shown that the corners of the uneven pattern 176g are angular. However, the corners of the uneven pattern 176g may be rounded or curved, and in this case, the wettability of the solution to the second dam 174 can be further improved.

[0153] Figure 10A and Figure 10B are enlarged plan views of an electroluminescent display device according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0154] In Figure 10A and Figure 10B the second dam 174 has openings 176 corresponding to the same color sub-pixel rows, and the openings 176 include a first portion 176a corresponding to the display area DA and a second portion 176b corresponding to the non-display area NDA.

[0155] The second portion 176b has a narrower width than the first portion 176a. Therefore, due to capillary action, the solution dropped in the opening 176 can be prevented from concentrating at the center of the display area DA.

[0156] Meanwhile, the second portion 176b has a plurality of uneven patterns 176h at each of a first side surface and a second side surface that face each other in the first direction. Each uneven pattern 176h may be a protrusion having a semi-circular shape.

[0157] As Figure 10A shown, the uneven patterns 176h may be symmetrically disposed on the first side surface and the second side surface of the second portion 176b. Alternatively, as Figure 10B shown, the uneven patterns 176h may be asymmetrically disposed on the first side surface and the second side surface of the second portion 176b. That is, the uneven patterns 176h on the first side surface of the second portion 176b may alternate with the uneven patterns 176h on the second side surface of the second portion 176b.

[0158] The uneven pattern 176h may have the same size and the same spacing distance. Alternatively, at least one of the size and the spacing distance of the uneven pattern 176h may vary as it moves away from the first portion 176a. For example, the size of the uneven pattern 176h may increase as it moves away from the first portion 176a, and the distance between the uneven patterns 176h may decrease as it moves away from the first portion 176a.

[0159] Compared with the first embodiment, the uneven pattern 176h increases the contact area between the solution and the second dam 174, thereby increasing the adhesion force and the frictional force between the solution and the second dam 174. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent the solution dropped in the opening 176 from concentrating at the center of the display area DA.

[0160] At this time, since the uneven pattern 176h having a semi-circular shape is configured as an arc or curved, the wettability of the solution to the second dam 174 can be improved compared with the uneven pattern 176e having an angular rectangular shape in the third embodiment.

[0161] Meanwhile, a third portion 176f may be further provided between the first portion 176a and the second portion 176b of the opening 176. The third portion 176f has a width that decreases from the first portion 176a to the second portion 176b. That is, the width of the third portion 176f adjacent to the first portion 176a is wider than the width of the third portion 176f adjacent to the second portion 176b. The third portion 176f can prevent the problem of reduced wettability of the solution to the second dam 174 due to a sudden change between the widths of the first portion 176a and the second portion 176b.

[0162] Figure 11A and Figure 11B are enlarged plan views of an electroluminescent display device according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0163] In Figure 11A and Figure 11B the second dam 174 has openings 176 corresponding to the same color sub-pixel rows, and the openings 176 include a first portion 176a corresponding to the display area DA and a second portion 176b corresponding to the non-display area NDA.

[0164] The second portion 176b has a narrower width than the first portion 176a. Therefore, due to capillary action, it is possible to prevent the solution dropped in the opening 176 from concentrating at the center of the display area DA.

[0165] Meanwhile, the second part 176b has a plurality of uneven patterns 176i at each of a first side surface and a second side surface that face each other along the first direction. Each uneven pattern 176i may be a recessed portion having a triangular shape.

[0166] As Figure 11A shown, the uneven patterns 176i may be symmetrically arranged on the first side surface and the second side surface of the second part 176b. Alternatively, as Figure 11B shown, the uneven patterns 176i may be asymmetrically arranged on the first side surface and the second side surface of the second part 176b. That is, the uneven patterns 176i on the first side surface of the second part 176b may alternate with the uneven patterns 176i on the second side surface of the second part 176b.

[0167] The uneven patterns 176i may have the same size and the same spacing distance. Alternatively, at least one of the size and the spacing distance of the uneven patterns 176i may vary as it moves away from the first part 176a. For example, the size of the uneven pattern 176i may increase as it moves away from the first part 176a, and the distance between the uneven patterns 176i may decrease as it moves away from the first part 176a.

[0168] Compared with the first embodiment, the uneven patterns 176i increase the contact area between the solution and the second dam 174, thereby increasing the adhesion force and the frictional force between the solution and the second dam 174. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent the solution dropped in the opening 176 from concentrating at the center of the display area DA.

[0169] Meanwhile, although not shown in the figure, a third part may be further provided between the first part 176a and the second part 176b of the opening 176. The third part may have a width that decreases from the first part 176a to the second part 176b. That is, the width of the third part adjacent to the first part 176a may be wider than the width of the third part adjacent to the second part 176b. The third part can prevent the problem of reduced wettability of the solution to the second dam 174 due to a sudden change in the width between the first part 176a and the second part 176b.

[0170] Here, it is shown that the corners of the uneven patterns 176i are angular. However, the corners of the uneven patterns 176i may be rounded or curved. In this case, the wettability of the solution to the second dam 174 can be further improved.

[0171] Meanwhile, red, green, and blue light-emitting diodes formed of light-emitting materials having different properties are respectively disposed in red, green, and blue sub-pixels. Therefore, the red, green, and blue light-emitting diodes have different lifetimes and efficiencies, and the lifetime of the electroluminescent display device is reduced due to the lifetime differences of the light-emitting diodes.

[0172] Therefore, in the present disclosure, by differentiating the sizes of the red, green, and blue sub-pixels, the lifetimes and efficiencies of the light-emitting diodes disposed in the respective sub-pixels can be optimized, thereby solving the problem of the reduced lifetime of the electroluminescent display device and thus increasing the lifetime of the electroluminescent display device. To this end, reference will be made to Figure 12A and Figure 12B to describe an electroluminescent display device according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0173] Figure 12A and Figure 12B are enlarged plan views of an electroluminescent display device according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. The electroluminescent display device of the seventh embodiment has the same configuration as the above-described embodiments except for the sizes of the sub-pixels and the second portions of the openings. Components identical to those of the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the identical components will be abbreviated or omitted.

[0174] As Figure 12A and Figure 12B shown, the red sub-pixel R, the green sub-pixel G, and the blue sub-pixel B are sequentially disposed in the display area DA in a first direction. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the sub-pixels R, G, and B of the same color are disposed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0175] Here, the red sub-pixel R, the green sub-pixel G, and the blue sub-pixel B have different sizes. The sizes of the red sub-pixel R, the green sub-pixel G, and the blue sub-pixel B are determined by considering the lifetimes of the light-emitting diodes disposed in the respective sub-pixels. For example, the size of the green sub-pixel G may be larger than the size of the red sub-pixel R and smaller than the size of the blue sub-pixel B. At this time, the red sub-pixel R, the green sub-pixel G, and the blue sub-pixel B may have the same length in the second direction and different widths in the first direction. The width of the green sub-pixel G may be larger than the width of the red sub-pixel R and smaller than the width of the blue sub-pixel B. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0176] The red sub-pixel R, the green sub-pixel G, and the blue sub-pixel B may be defined by a first partition 172 and a second partition 174.

[0177] Specifically, the first partition 172 is provided between adjacent sub-pixels R, G, and B of the same color and between adjacent sub-pixels R, G, and B of different colors. The first partition 172 can surround each sub-pixel R, G, and B.

[0178] Alternatively, the first partition 172 can be omitted between adjacent sub-pixels R, G, and B of different colors. That is, the first partition 172 can be formed only between adjacent sub-pixels R, G, and B arranged in the second direction and can extend in the first direction.

[0179] In addition, the first partition 172 is formed in the non-display area NDA. Alternatively, the first partition 172 can be removed in the non-display area NDA.

[0180] Next, a second partition 174 is formed on the first partition 172. The second partition 174 has openings 176 corresponding to rows of sub-pixels of the same color and is provided between adjacent sub-pixels R, G, and B arranged in the first direction.

[0181] Here, the openings 176 include a first opening 1761, a second opening 1762, and a third opening 1763 corresponding to the red sub-pixel R, the green sub-pixel G, and the blue sub-pixel B, respectively.

[0182] The first opening 1761, the second opening 1762, and the third opening 1763 extend into the non-display area NDA. Therefore, each of the first opening 1761, the second opening 1762, and the third opening 1763 includes a first portion 176a corresponding to the display area DA and a second portion 176b corresponding to the non-display area NDA.

[0183] The second portion 176b of each of the first opening 1761, the second opening 1762, and the third opening 1763 has a narrower width than the first portion 176a. Therefore, due to capillary action, it is possible to prevent the solution dripping into each of the first opening 1761, the second opening 1762, and the third opening 1763 from concentrating in the center of the display area DA.

[0184] The first portions 176a of the first opening 1761, the second opening 1762, and the third opening 1763 have different widths. At this time, the second portions 176b of the first opening 1761, the second opening 1762, and the third opening 1763 can have the same width. Alternatively, the second portions 176b of the first opening 1761, the second opening 1762, and the third opening 1763 can have different widths. For example, the width of the second portion 176b of the second opening 1762 can be wider than the width of the second portion 176b of the first opening 1761 and narrower than the width of the second portion 176b of the third opening 1763.

[0185] Meanwhile, the second portions 176b of the first opening 1761, the second opening 1762, and the third opening 1763 may have different configurations.

[0186] For example, as Figure 12A shown, the second portions 176b of the first opening 1761, the second opening 1762, and the third opening 1763 may have the same length, and the second portions 176b of the second opening 1762 and the third opening 1763 may each have an uneven pattern 176e at each of a first side surface and a second side surface that face each other along a first direction. The uneven pattern 176e of the second opening 1762 may be alternately arranged with the uneven pattern 176e of the third opening 1763.

[0187] In addition, each of the second opening 1762 and the third opening 1763 may further include a third portion 176f between the first portion 176a and the second portion 176b. The third portion 176f has a width that decreases from the first portion 176a to the second portion 176b. That is, the width of the third portion 176f adjacent to the first portion 176a is wider than the width of the third portion 176f adjacent to the second portion 176b.

[0188] Alternatively, as Figure 12B shown, the second portions 176b of the first opening 1761 and the second opening 1762 may have a length shorter than that of the second portion 176b of the third opening 1763, and the second portions 176b of the second opening 1762 and the third opening 1763 may each have an uneven pattern 176e at each of a first side surface and a second side surface that face each other along a first direction. The uneven pattern 176e of the second opening 1762 is alternately arranged with some of the uneven patterns 176e of the third opening 1763.

[0189] At this time, some of the other uneven patterns 176e of the third opening 1763 may have a length larger than that of the uneven pattern 176e of the second opening 1762 and some of the uneven patterns 176e of the third opening 1763.

[0190] Compared with the first embodiment, the uneven patterns 176e of the second opening 1762 and the third opening 1763 increase the contact area between the solution and the second dam 174, thereby increasing the adhesion and friction between the solution and the second dam 174. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent the solution dropped in each of the second opening 1762 and the third opening 1763 from concentrating at the center of the display area DA. Here, in the first opening 1761 whose width is narrower than that of the second opening 1762 and the third opening 1763, the solution less concentrates at the center of the display area DA, and the first opening 1761 does not have an uneven pattern. However, the first opening 1761 may have an uneven pattern as required according to the situation.

[0191] Meanwhile, in Figure 12B the third opening 1763, other uneven patterns 176e of the third opening 1763 can be connected to the uneven patterns of the adjacent third opening. Therefore, in the second part 176b of the third opening 1763, in addition to the capillary action and the increased adhesion force, the saturation of the solution can also be increased, so that it is possible to prevent more effectively the solution dropped in the third opening 1763 from concentrating at the center of the display area DA.

[0192] In addition, each of the second opening 1762 and the third opening 1763 may further include a third part 176f between the first part 176a and the second part 176b. The third part 176f has a width that decreases from the first part 176a to the second part 176b. That is, the width of the third part 176f adjacent to the first part 176a is wider than the width of the third part 176f adjacent to the second part 176b. The third part 176f can prevent the problem of reduced wettability of the solution to the second partition 174 caused by the sudden change between the widths of the first part 176a and the second part 176b.

[0193] In the present disclosure, by forming the light-emitting layer of each sub-pixel by means of a solution process, a fine metal mask can be omitted, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost, and a display device with a large size and high definition can be realized.

[0194] In addition, the light-emitting layers of the same-color sub-pixels are connected to each other and formed as a single body, thereby minimizing the deviation of the dropping amount between the nozzles and uniformly forming the thickness of the light-emitting layer of the sub-pixels. Therefore, the occurrence of mura is prevented, thereby preventing the reduction of the image quality of the display device.

[0195] Furthermore, the opening of the hydrophobic partition is configured to have a narrower width in the non-display area than in the display area, which can prevent the solution dropped in the opening from concentrating at the center of the display area, so that the problem that the light-emitting layer is not formed at the edge of the display area can be prevented.

[0196] In addition, the opening of the hydrophobic partition has at least one uneven pattern in the non-display area, increasing the contact area between the solution and the hydrophobic partition in the non-display area, thereby increasing the adhesion force and the frictional force between the solution and the hydrophobic partition. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent the solution dropped in the opening from concentrating at the center of the display area.

[0197] In addition, the red, green, and blue sub-pixels are configured to have different sizes, and the lifetimes of the red, green, and blue sub-pixels can be consistent. At this time, differently configuring the openings of the hydrophobic dams corresponding to the red, green, and blue sub-pixels can prevent the solutions corresponding to the rows of the red, green, and blue sub-pixels from being differently concentrated at the center of the display area due to different sizes.

[0198] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the device of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the embodiments. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to cover modifications and variations of the present invention as long as they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electroluminescent display device, comprising: a substrate on which a display area for displaying an image and a non-display area disposed outside the display area are defined; a plurality of sub-pixels disposed in the display area on the substrate and arranged along a first direction and a second direction; a light-emitting diode disposed in each of the plurality of sub-pixels and including a first electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode; a first partition disposed between adjacent sub-pixels arranged along the second direction and overlapping an edge of the first electrode; and a second partition disposed between adjacent sub-pixels arranged along the first direction and having an opening corresponding to a row of sub-pixels arranged along the second direction, wherein the opening includes a first portion corresponding to the display area and a second portion corresponding to the non-display area, and a width of the second portion is narrower than a width of the first portion, wherein the opening includes a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening corresponding to a first sub-pixel row, a second sub-pixel row, and a third sub-pixel row, respectively, and each sub-pixel row includes sub-pixels arranged along the second direction, wherein, along the first direction, a width of the second sub-pixel row is greater than a width of the first sub-pixel row and less than a width of the third sub-pixel row, wherein second portions of the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening have different shapes, wherein second portions of the second opening and the third opening have an uneven pattern, and the uneven pattern of the second portion of the second opening and the uneven pattern of the second portion of the third opening are alternately arranged.

2. The electroluminescent display device according to claim 1, wherein, the second portion includes at least one uneven pattern at each of a first side surface and a second side surface facing each other along the first direction.

3. The electroluminescent display device according to claim 2, wherein, the uneven patterns at the first side surface and the second side surface are symmetrically or asymmetrically arranged.

4. The electroluminescent display device according to claim 2, wherein, the uneven pattern has a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, or a semi-circular shape.

5. The electroluminescent display device according to claim 2, wherein, the uneven pattern is curved.

6. The electroluminescent display device according to claim 2, wherein, the opening further includes a third portion between the first portion and the second portion.

7. The electroluminescent display device according to claim 6, wherein, a width of the third portion decreases from the first portion to the second portion.

8. The electroluminescent display device according to claim 1, wherein, a length of the second portions of the first opening and the second opening is shorter than a length of the second portion of the third opening.

9. The electroluminescent display device according to claim 1, wherein, the first partition has hydrophilicity, and the second partition has hydrophobicity.

10. The electroluminescent display device according to claim 1, wherein, the first partition and the second partition are formed integrally.

11. The electroluminescent display device according to claim 1, wherein, the first partition is formed between adjacent sub-pixels arranged along the first direction.

12. The electroluminescent display device according to claim 1, wherein, the light-emitting layer is formed on the first electrode of the sub-pixels arranged along the second direction and on the first partition between the sub-pixels adjacent along the second direction, so as to be formed integrally.

13. The electroluminescent display device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one thin-film transistor between the substrate and the first electrode, and the first electrode is connected to the at least one thin-film transistor.

14. The electroluminescent display device according to claim 1, wherein, the first length of the second part of the opening along the second direction is longer than the second length of each sub-pixel along the second direction.

15. The electroluminescent display device according to claim 14, wherein, the first length is 5 times or more and 10 times or less of the second length.

Images