Display device

Abstract

The display device can include a display panel including a light emitting element and an encapsulation layer covering the light emitting element; a color conversion panel overlapping the display panel and including a color conversion element; a columnar spacer disposed between the display panel and the color conversion panel; a filling layer surrounding at least a portion of the columnar spacer and filling a space between the display panel and the color conversion panel; and a buffer layer disposed between the columnar spacer and the encapsulation layer of the display panel and including silicon carbon oxide (SiO x C y ).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to display devices. More specifically, this invention relates to display devices including a color-changing panel. Background Technology

[0002] Display devices can be categorized based on their light emission method, including liquid crystal displays, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, plasma displays, and electrophoretic displays. Among these, OLED displays, with their excellent contrast ratio and response speed, and their ease of implementation in flexible display technology, have garnered significant attention as an ideal next-generation display device.

[0003] On the other hand, in order to realize a display device that reduces light loss and has a high color reproduction rate, a display device including a color conversion panel is being proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide a display device that prevents damage to the display panel.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a display device that prevents damage to the color-changing panel.

[0006] However, the purpose of this invention is not limited to the purpose described above, and various extensions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

[0007] To achieve the aforementioned objective of the present invention, the display device according to various embodiments may include: a display panel including a light-emitting element and an encapsulation layer covering the light-emitting element; a color-changing panel overlapping the display panel and including a color-changing element; a columnar spacer disposed between the display panel and the color-changing panel; a filling layer surrounding at least a portion of the columnar spacer and filling the space between the display panel and the color-changing panel; and a buffer layer disposed between the columnar spacer and the encapsulation layer of the display panel, and comprising silicon carbide (SiO2). x C y ).

[0008] In one embodiment, the encapsulation layer may include an inorganic encapsulation layer in contact with the buffer layer, wherein the elastic modulus of the buffer layer is smaller than that of the inorganic encapsulation layer.

[0009] In one embodiment, the hardness of the buffer layer may be less than the hardness of the inorganic encapsulation layer.

[0010] In one embodiment, the elastic modulus of the buffer layer may be below approximately 3.0 GPa.

[0011] In one embodiment, the hardness of the buffer layer may be below approximately 0.4 GPa.

[0012] In one embodiment, the thickness of the buffer layer may be greater than approximately 0.5 μm.

[0013] In one embodiment, the encapsulation layer may include an inorganic encapsulation layer in contact with the buffer layer, wherein the difference between the refractive index of the buffer layer and the refractive index of the inorganic encapsulation layer is less than 0.05.

[0014] In one embodiment, the refractive index of the buffer layer may be above about 1.5 and below about 1.9.

[0015] In one embodiment, the oxygen-to-silicon atomic ratio in the buffer layer may be greater than about 0.6 and less than about 0.63.

[0016] In one embodiment, the atomic ratio of carbon to silicon in the buffer layer may be greater than about 1.24 and less than about 1.30.

[0017] In one embodiment, wrinkles may be formed on the surface of the buffer layer that contacts the columnar gasket.

[0018] In one embodiment, the average width of the folds may be from about 0.01 μm to about 5 μm.

[0019] In one embodiment, the buffer layer may include: a first sub-buffer layer in contact with the encapsulation layer and having a first elastic coefficient; a second sub-buffer layer in contact with the columnar gasket and having a second elastic coefficient; and a third sub-buffer layer disposed between the first sub-buffer layer and the second sub-buffer layer and having a third elastic coefficient that is larger than the first elastic coefficient and the second elastic coefficient.

[0020] In one embodiment, the second elastic coefficient may be smaller than the first elastic coefficient.

[0021] In one embodiment, the columnar gasket may include a plurality of sub-columnar gaskets.

[0022] In one embodiment, the color-changing panel may further include a black matrix surrounding the color-changing element.

[0023] In one embodiment, the columnar pad may be disposed between the buffer layer and the black matrix.

[0024] In one embodiment, the columnar pad may be disposed between the color-changing element and the black matrix.

[0025] To achieve the other objectives of the present invention described above, the display device according to various embodiments may include: a display panel including a light-emitting element; a color-changing panel overlapping the display panel and including a color-changing element and a protective layer covering the color-changing element; a columnar spacer disposed between the display panel and the color-changing panel; a filling layer surrounding the columnar spacer and filling the space between the display panel and the color-changing panel; and a buffer layer disposed between the columnar spacer and the protective layer of the color-changing panel, and comprising silicon carbide (SiO2). x C y ).

[0026] In one embodiment, the protective layer may comprise silicon nitride (SiN). x ), silicon oxide (SiO) x ) and silicon nitride oxide (SiO) x N y At least one of them.

[0027] (Invention Effects)

[0028] The display device according to various embodiments of the present invention may include a buffer layer disposed between a columnar spacer and an encapsulation layer of the display panel or between a columnar spacer and a protective layer of a color-changing panel, and comprising silicon carbide (SiO2). x C y This prevents damage caused by the columnar gasket on the display panel or color conversion panel.

[0029] However, the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and various extensions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A sectional view of region A.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] (Symbol Explanation)

[0040] 100: Display panel; 120: Light-emitting element; 140: Encapsulation layer; 200, 4200, 5200, 6200: Color conversion panel; 230R, 230G, 230B: Color conversion element; 240, 4240, 5240: Black matrix; 250: Protective layer; 300, 3300, 4300, 5300, 6300, 7300: Columnar spacer; 400: Filler layer; 500, 1500, 2500, 7500: Buffer layer. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Hereinafter, the display device according to various embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar reference numerals are used for the same constituent elements in the drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing a display device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 An embodiment of the present invention relates to a display device 10, which may include a display panel 100, a color conversion panel 200, a filling layer 400, and a sealing portion 600.

[0044] The display panel 100 may provide light of a first color to the color conversion panel 200. In one embodiment, the first color may be blue.

[0045] The color conversion panel 200 may overlap with the display panel 100. The color conversion panel 200 may be disposed on the display panel 100. For light of the first color provided from the display panel 100, the color conversion panel 200 may convert it into light of a second color or a third color, or may allow it to pass through. In one embodiment, the second color may be red, and the third color may be green.

[0046] The filler layer 400 can fill the space between the display panel 100 and the color conversion panel 200. In the manufacturing process of the display device 10, after applying a filler material between the display panel 100 and the color conversion panel 200, pressure is applied to sandwich the filler material between the display panel 100 and the color conversion panel 200 to press them together, thereby forming a display device 10 including the display panel 100, the color conversion panel 200, and the filler layer 400 disposed therebetween.

[0047] A sealing portion 600 can be disposed between the side of the display panel 100 and the side of the color conversion panel 200. The sealing portion 600 can combine the side of the display panel 100 and the side of the color conversion panel 200, and seal the space between them. The sealing portion 600 can prevent impurities such as oxygen and moisture from penetrating from the outside of the display device 10 into its interior.

[0048] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A sectional view of region A.

[0049] Reference Figure 2 The display device 10 may include a display panel 100, a color conversion panel 200, a columnar pad 300, a filling layer 400, and a buffer layer 500.

[0050] The display panel 100 may include a transistor substrate 110, a light-emitting element 120, a pixel definition film 130, and an encapsulation layer 140.

[0051] The transistor substrate 110 may include a substrate and circuit elements disposed on the substrate. The circuit elements may include transistors, capacitors, etc. The circuit elements may include a semiconductor layer, a conductive layer formed on the substrate, and an insulating layer disposed between the semiconductor layer and the conductive layer. The circuit elements may transmit signals to the light-emitting element 120 for driving the light-emitting element 120. In one embodiment, the circuit elements may transmit a driving current to the light-emitting element 120.

[0052] The light-emitting element 120 can be disposed on the transistor substrate 110. The light-emitting element 120 may include a pixel electrode 121, a light-emitting layer 122, and a counter electrode 123.

[0053] Pixel electrode 121 may be disposed on transistor substrate 110. Pixel electrode 121 may be electrically connected to the circuit elements of transistor substrate 110.

[0054] A pixel definition film 130 that partially covers the pixel electrode 121 can be disposed on the transistor substrate 110. In one embodiment, the pixel definition film 130 may cover the peripheral portion of the pixel electrode 121 and expose the central portion of the pixel electrode 121.

[0055] The light-emitting layer 122 may be disposed on the central portion of the pixel electrode 121 exposed by the pixel definition film 130. In one embodiment, the light-emitting layer 122 may include an organic light-emitting material. The organic light-emitting material may include low-molecular-weight organic compounds or high-molecular-weight organic compounds. For example, low-molecular-weight organic compounds may include copper phthalocyanine, N,N'-diphenylbenzidine, tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline)alumi num, etc., while high-molecular-weight organic compounds may include poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), polyaniline, poly-phenylenevinylene, polyfluorene, etc.

[0056] The counter electrode 123 can be disposed on the light-emitting layer 122. The counter electrode 123 can be opposite to the pixel electrode 121, with the light-emitting layer 122 sandwiched between them. The counter electrode 123 can also be disposed on the pixel definition film 130.

[0057] Multiple light-emitting elements 120 can be disposed on the transistor substrate 110. Each light-emitting element 120 can be separated from each other by a pixel definition film 130. The pixel definition film 130 can surround each light-emitting element 120.

[0058] In one embodiment, each light-emitting element 120 can emit blue light. The blue light emitted from each light-emitting element 120 can be provided to the color conversion panel 200.

[0059] The encapsulation layer 140 can be disposed on the light-emitting element 120. The encapsulation layer 140 can cover the light-emitting element 120 to protect the light-emitting element 120 from external oxygen, moisture, etc.

[0060] The encapsulation layer 140 may have a multilayer structure comprising at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer. The inorganic encapsulation layer and the organic encapsulation layer of the encapsulation layer 140 may be stacked alternately. The bottommost and topmost layers of the multilayer encapsulation layer 140 may each be inorganic encapsulation layers.

[0061] In one embodiment, the encapsulation layer 140 may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer 141, an organic encapsulation layer 142, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer 143. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the encapsulation layer 140 may also include at least three inorganic encapsulation layers and at least two organic encapsulation layers.

[0062] A first inorganic encapsulation layer 141 may be disposed on the counter electrode 123. The first inorganic encapsulation layer 141 may be formed along the contour of the upper surface of the counter electrode 123. The first inorganic encapsulation layer 141 may include silicon nitride (SiN). x ), silicon oxide (SiO) x ), silicon oxynitride (SiO) x N y )wait.

[0063] The organic encapsulation layer 142 can be disposed on the first inorganic encapsulation layer 141. The organic encapsulation layer 142 can have a flat upper surface.

[0064] A second inorganic encapsulation layer 143 may be disposed on the organic encapsulation layer 142. The second inorganic encapsulation layer 143 may be formed along the contour of the upper surface of the organic encapsulation layer 142. Thus, the second inorganic encapsulation layer 143 may have a flat upper surface. The second inorganic encapsulation layer 143 may include silicon nitride (SiN). x ), silicon oxide (SiO) x ), silicon oxynitride (SiO) x N y )wait.

[0065] The color conversion panel 200 may include a substrate 210, color filters (220R, 220G, 220B), color conversion elements (230R, 230G, 230B), and a black matrix 240.

[0066] Color conversion elements (230R, 230G, 230B) can be disposed between the display panel 100 and the substrate 210, and color filters (220R, 220G, 220B) can be disposed between the color conversion elements (230R, 230G, 230B) and the substrate 210. The color conversion elements (230R, 230G, 230B) can overlap with the light-emitting element 120.

[0067] Color filters (220R, 220G, 220B) allow only specific wavelengths of light to pass through while absorbing the remaining wavelengths. A color filter (220R, 220G, 220B) may include a first color filter 220R, a second color filter 220G, and a third color filter 220B. The first color filter 220R allows only red light to pass through, the second color filter 220G allows only green light to pass through, and the third color filter 220B allows only blue light to pass through. This improves the color purity of the color conversion panel 200.

[0068] The first color filter 220R absorbs green and blue light, the second color filter 220G absorbs blue and red light, and the third color filter 220B absorbs red and green light. Therefore, the color filters (220R, 220G, 220B) minimize external light reflection from the display device 10. The polarizing plate used to prevent external light reflection can be omitted from the display device 10, thereby reducing its thickness.

[0069] Color conversion elements (230R, 230G, 230B) can change the wavelength of incident light to generate light with other wavelengths or allow incident light to pass through. Color conversion elements (230R, 230G, 230B) may include a first color conversion element 230R, a second color conversion element 230G, and a third color conversion element 230B. For example, the first color conversion element 230R may change the wavelength of incident blue light to generate red light, the second color conversion element 230G may change the wavelength of incident blue light to generate green light, and the third color conversion element 230B may allow incident blue light to pass through. The first color conversion element 230R, the second color conversion element 230G, and the third color conversion element 230B may be spaced apart from each other.

[0070] The first color conversion element 230R and the second color conversion element 230G may each include a light emitter and a scatterer. In one embodiment, a quantum dot can be used as the light emitter. A quantum dot can absorb incident light and emit light with a wavelength different from the incident light. In other words, a quantum dot can be a wavelength-changing particle that alters the wavelength of light incident on it. Depending on the size of the quantum dot, the wavelength of the light converted by the quantum dot can vary. For example, the diameter of the quantum dot can be adjusted to make it emit light of various colors.

[0071] Quantum dots can have a structure comprising a core nanocrystal and a shell nanocrystal surrounding the core nanocrystal. Additionally, quantum dots can include organic ligands bonded to the shell nanocrystal. The shell nanocrystal can comprise multiple layers. The shell nanocrystal can be disposed on the surface of the core nanocrystal.

[0072] Quantum dots can include at least one of group II compound semiconductors, group III compound semiconductors, group IV compound semiconductors, group V compound semiconductors, and group VI compound semiconductors. For example, quantum dots can be selected from group II-VI compounds, group III-V compounds, group IV-VI compounds, group IV elements, group IV compounds, and combinations thereof.

[0073] The first color conversion element 230R may include a red light emitter that emits red light, and the second color conversion element 230G may include a green light emitter that emits green light. For example, the red light emitter can absorb blue light to generate red light, and the green light emitter can absorb blue light to generate green light.

[0074] The scatterer can scatter light incident on the first color conversion element 230R and the second color conversion element 230G, thereby improving the light conversion efficiency of the first color conversion element 230R and the second color conversion element 230G and minimizing viewing angle-based color deviation. The scatterer may include at least one of TiO2, SiO2, and ZnO. In one embodiment, the first color conversion element 230R and the second color conversion element 230G may include the same scatterer. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the first color conversion element 230R and the second color conversion element 230G may include different scatterers.

[0075] The third color conversion element 230B may include a scatterer. The scatterer can scatter light incident on the third color conversion element 230B to increase the amount of light emitted from the third color conversion element 230B and minimize viewing angle-based color deviation. The scatterer may include at least one of TiO2, SiO2, and ZnO. In one embodiment, the third color conversion element 230B may include the same scatterer as the first color conversion element 230R and the second color conversion element 230G. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the third color conversion element 230B may also include a scatterer different from that of the first color conversion element 230R and the second color conversion element 230G.

[0076] The black matrix 240 can be configured between the color transformation elements (230R, 230G, 230B). In other words, the color transformation elements (230R, 230G, 230B) can be separated from each other by the black matrix 240. The black matrix 240 can overlap with the pixel definition film 130.

[0077] The black matrix 240 blocks incident light. It prevents color mixing between different colors of light emitted from the various color conversion elements (230R, 230G, 230B). The black matrix 240 may include carbon black and chromium oxide (CrO2).x )wait.

[0078] A columnar spacer 300 can be disposed between the display panel 100 and the color conversion panel 200. The columnar spacer 300 can maintain a constant distance between the display panel 100 and the color conversion panel 200. When the distance between the display panel 100 and the color conversion panel 200 is uneven across the entire surface of the display device 10, the brightness of the light emitted from the display device 10 may be uneven across the entire surface of the display device 10. By distributing the columnar spacer 300 between the display panel 100 and the color conversion panel 200, the distance between the display panel 100 and the color conversion panel 200 can be made uniform across the entire surface of the display device 10, and the brightness of the light emitted from the display device 10 can be made uniform across the entire surface of the display device 10.

[0079] The columnar spacer 300 can be disposed between the buffer layer 500 (described later) and the black matrix 240 of the color conversion panel 200. In this case, the columnar spacer 300 can be formed on the black matrix 240 during the manufacturing process of the color conversion panel 200.

[0080] In one embodiment, the columnar pad 300 may have a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. For example, the columnar pad 300 may have a trapezoidal shape in cross-section that decreases in width in the direction from the color conversion panel 200 toward the display panel 100.

[0081] The filler layer 400 may surround the columnar gasket 300 and fill the space between the display panel 100 and the color conversion panel 200. In one embodiment, the filler layer 400 may have a viscosity of about 10 cps to about 9000 cps and a refractive index of about 1.5 or higher.

[0082] After applying a filler material between the display panel 100 and the color-changing panel 200 with the columnar spacer 300, pressure is applied to press the display panel 100 and the color-changing panel 200 together, sandwiching the filler material between them. This allows the display panel 100 and the color-changing panel 200 to maintain a certain distance through the columnar spacer 300, thus forming a display device 10 with a filler layer 400 between them. In this case, the columnar spacer 300 may contact the encapsulation layer 140 of the display panel 100. Due to the columnar spacer 300, the second inorganic encapsulation layer 143 of the encapsulation layer 140 may be punctured, potentially causing puncture defects in the encapsulation layer 140 of the display panel 100. When puncture defects occur in the encapsulation layer 140 of the display panel 100, the encapsulation characteristics of the encapsulation layer 140 may be reduced. To prevent damage to the encapsulation layer 140 of the display panel 100, a buffer layer 500 can be provided between the columnar gasket 300 and the display panel 100.

[0083] A buffer layer 500 may be disposed between the columnar spacer 300 and the encapsulation layer 140 of the display panel 100. The buffer layer 500 may include silicon carbide (SiO2). x C y The buffer layer 500 can act as a buffer component to block or absorb the impact on the encapsulation layer 140 of the display panel 100 caused by the columnar gasket 300.

[0084] The buffer layer 500 can be formed on the encapsulation layer 140 of the display panel 100 before the display panel 100 and the color conversion panel 200 are bonded. In one embodiment, the buffer layer 500 can be formed by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). For example, the buffer layer 500 can be formed at a temperature below about 100°C. To form the buffer layer 500 comprising silicon carbide, hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) can be used as the deposition source. The dissociation gas for hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) can be, for example, N2O, O2, etc.

[0085] To block or absorb impacts caused by the columnar gasket 300, the buffer layer 500 may have a relatively small modulus. In one embodiment, the modulus of the buffer layer 500 may be less than the modulus of the inorganic encapsulation layer of the encapsulation layer 140 that contacts the buffer layer 500. For example, the modulus of the buffer layer 500 may be less than the modulus of the second inorganic encapsulation layer 143 of the encapsulation layer 140.

[0086] In one embodiment, the elastic modulus of the buffer layer 500 may be less than about 3.0 GPa. If the elastic modulus of the buffer layer 500 is greater than about 3.0 GPa, the buffer layer 500 may not be able to adequately block or absorb the impact caused by the columnar gasket 300, and therefore, puncture damage caused by the columnar gasket 300 may occur in the encapsulation layer 140 of the display panel 100.

[0087] In one embodiment, the hardness of the buffer layer 500 may be less than the hardness of the inorganic encapsulation layer of the encapsulation layer 140 that contacts the buffer layer 500. For example, the hardness of the buffer layer 500 may be less than the hardness of the second inorganic encapsulation layer 143 of the encapsulation layer 140.

[0088] In one embodiment, the hardness of the buffer layer 500 may be less than about 0.4 GPa. If the hardness of the buffer layer 500 is greater than about 0.4 GPa, the buffer layer 500 may not be able to adequately block or absorb the impact caused by the columnar gasket 300, and therefore, puncture damage caused by the columnar gasket 300 may occur in the encapsulation layer 140 of the display panel 100.

[0089] In one embodiment, the thickness TH of the buffer layer 500 may be greater than approximately 0.5 μm. When the thickness TH of the buffer layer 500 is less than approximately 0.5 μm, the buffer layer 500 may not be able to adequately block or absorb the impact caused by the columnar gasket 300, and therefore, puncture damage caused by the columnar gasket 300 may occur in the encapsulation layer 140 of the display panel 100.

[0090] In one embodiment, the atomic ratio of oxygen to silicon in the buffer layer 500 may be approximately 0.6 or higher and approximately 0.63 or lower. Additionally, the atomic ratio of carbon to silicon in the buffer layer 500 may be approximately 1.24 or higher and approximately 1.30 or lower. By having both the aforementioned ranges for the atomic ratio of oxygen to silicon and the atomic ratio of carbon to silicon in the buffer layer 500, a buffer layer 500 with an elastic modulus of approximately 3.0 GPa or lower and a hardness of approximately 0.4 GPa or lower can be formed. Therefore, the buffer layer 500 can prevent damage to the encapsulation layer 140 of the display panel 100 caused by the columnar gasket 300.

[0091] In one embodiment, the difference between the refractive index of the buffer layer 500 and the refractive index of the inorganic encapsulation layer of the encapsulation layer 140 in contact with the buffer layer 500 can be approximately less than 0.05. For example, the difference between the refractive index of the buffer layer 500 and the refractive index of the second inorganic encapsulation layer 143 of the encapsulation layer 140 can be approximately less than 0.05. The buffer layer 500 can be disposed on the encapsulation layer 140 covering the light-emitting element 120, thereby allowing light of the first color emitted from the light-emitting element 120 to pass through the encapsulation layer 140 and the buffer layer 500. Since the difference between the refractive index of the buffer layer 500 and the refractive index of the inorganic encapsulation layer of the encapsulation layer 140 in contact with the buffer layer 500 is approximately less than 0.05, the refraction of the first color light between the buffer layer 500 and the inorganic encapsulation layer of the encapsulation layer 140 in contact with the buffer layer 500 can be minimized, thereby substantially preventing or minimizing the reduction in the transmittance of the first color light caused by the buffer layer 500. In one embodiment, the refractive index of the buffer layer 500 may be above about 1.5 and below about 1.9.

[0092] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device 11 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Reference Figure 3 Other embodiments of the display device 11 may include a display panel 100, a color conversion panel 200, a columnar pad 300, a filling layer 400, and a buffer layer 1500. (See also...) Figure 3 The described display device 11, except for the structure of the upper surface 1510 of the buffer layer 1500, can be substantially the same as the reference. Figure 2 The display device 10 described is the same as or similar to the one described. Therefore, the description of the repeated configuration is omitted.

[0094] Wrinkles may be formed on the surface of the buffer layer 1500 that contacts the columnar gasket 300. In one embodiment, the upper surface 1510 of the buffer layer 1500 may contact the columnar gasket 300, and wrinkles may be formed on the upper surface 1510 of the buffer layer 1500. By forming wrinkles on the surface of the buffer layer 1500 that contacts the columnar gasket 300, the cushioning characteristics of the buffer layer 1500 relative to the columnar gasket 300 can be improved.

[0095] In one embodiment, the average width WT of the folds formed on the upper surface 1510 of the buffer layer 1500 can be from about 0.01 μm to about 5 μm. Here, the average width WT of the folds can represent the average value of the maximum width of the protruding portions in a cross-sectional shape of folds that alternately form protruding and recessed portions; in other words, it can represent the average value of the distance between the lowest point of a recessed portion and the lowest point of its adjacent recessed portion. When the average width WT of the folds is less than about 0.01 μm, the transmittance of the buffer layer 1500 may be reduced; when the average width WT of the folds is greater than about 5 μm, the buffering properties of the buffer layer 1500 due to the folds may not be substantially improved.

[0096] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device 12 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Reference Figure 4 Other embodiments of the display device 12 may include a display panel 100, a color conversion panel 200, a columnar pad 300, a filling layer 400, and a buffer layer 2500. See also... Figure 4 The described display device 12, except for the structure of the buffer layer 2500, is substantially the same as the reference. Figure 2 The display device 10 described is the same as or similar to the one described. Therefore, the description of the repeated configuration is omitted.

[0098] The buffer layer 2500 may have a multilayer structure including multiple sub-buffer layers. In one embodiment, the buffer layer 2500 may include a first sub-buffer layer 2510 in contact with the encapsulation layer 140 of the display panel 100, a second sub-buffer layer 2520 in contact with the columnar pad 300, and a third sub-buffer layer 2530 disposed between the first sub-buffer layer 2510 and the second sub-buffer layer 2520. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the buffer layer 2500 may also include two or more sub-buffer layers.

[0099] It is possible that the first sub-buffer layer 2510 has a first elastic coefficient, the second sub-buffer layer 2520 has a second elastic coefficient, and the third sub-buffer layer 2530 has a third elastic coefficient.

[0100] In one embodiment, the third elastic coefficient of the third sub-buffer layer 2530 can be greater than the first elastic coefficient of the first sub-buffer layer 2510 and the second elastic coefficient of the second sub-buffer layer 2520. For example, the first elastic coefficient can be approximately less than 1.5 GPa, the second elastic coefficient can be approximately less than 1.0 GPa, and the third elastic coefficient can be approximately greater than 2.0 GPa. Since the first elastic coefficient of the first sub-buffer layer 2510 and the second elastic coefficient of the second sub-buffer layer 2520 are relatively small, the first sub-buffer layer 2510, which contacts the encapsulation layer 140 of the display panel 100, can function as a buffer component for the encapsulation layer 140 of the display panel 100, and the second sub-buffer layer 2520, which contacts the columnar pad 300, can function as a buffer component for the columnar pad 300. Furthermore, since the third elastic coefficient of the third sub-buffer layer 2530 is relatively large, the third sub-buffer layer 2530 disposed between the first sub-buffer layer 2510 and the second sub-buffer layer 2520 can maintain the shape of the buffer layer 2500.

[0101] In one embodiment, the second elastic coefficient of the second sub-buffer layer 2520 may be less than the first elastic coefficient of the first sub-buffer layer 2510. During the bonding process of the display panel 100 and the color-changing panel 200 with the columnar pad 300, since the pressure caused by the columnar pad 300 is greater than the pressure caused by the display panel 100, the second elastic coefficient of the second sub-buffer layer 2520 in contact with the columnar pad 300 may be less than the first elastic coefficient of the first sub-buffer layer 2510 in contact with the encapsulation layer 140 of the display panel 100.

[0102] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device 13 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] Reference Figure 5 Other embodiments of the display device 13 may include a display panel 100, a color conversion panel 200, a columnar pad 3300, a filling layer 400, and a buffer layer 500. (See also...) Figure 5 The described display device 13, except for the structure of the columnar gasket 3300, is substantially the same as the reference. Figure 2 The display device 10 described is the same as or similar to the one described. Therefore, the description of the repeated configuration is omitted.

[0104] The columnar gasket 3300 may include a plurality of sub-columnar gaskets. Each of the sub-columnar gaskets may be arranged adjacent to each other. In one embodiment, the columnar gasket 3300 may include a first sub-columnar gasket 3310 and a second sub-columnar gasket 3320 adjacent to the first sub-columnar gasket 3310. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the columnar gasket 3300 may also include three or more sub-columnar gaskets.

[0105] In one embodiment, the first sub-columnar pad 3310 and the second sub-columnar pad 3320 may each have a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. For example, the first sub-columnar pad 3310 and the second sub-columnar pad 3320 may each have a trapezoidal shape in cross-section that decreases in width in the direction from the color conversion panel 200 toward the display panel 100.

[0106] Since the columnar gasket 3300 includes multiple sub-columnar gaskets, the pressure applied from the columnar gasket 3300 to the buffer layer 500 can be dispersed. In addition, the contact area between the columnar gasket 3300 and the buffer layer 500 can be reduced, thus reducing the pressure applied from the columnar gasket 3300 to the buffer layer 500.

[0107] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device 14 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Reference Figure 6 Other embodiments of the display device 14 may include a display panel 100, a color conversion panel 4200, a columnar pad 4300, a filling layer 400, and a buffer layer 500. (See also...) Figure 6 The display device 14 described herein, except for the position of the columnar gasket 4300, is substantially compatible with the reference. Figure 2 The display device 10 described is the same as or similar to the one described. Therefore, the description of the repeated configuration is omitted.

[0109] The columnar spacer 4300 can be disposed between the color-changing elements (230R, 230G, 230B) and the black matrix (4240) of the color-changing panel 4200. The columnar spacer 4300 can be surrounded by the color-changing elements (230R, 230G, 230B) and the black matrix (4240) in a planar plane, and can be disposed between the substrate 210 and the buffer layer 500 of the color-changing panel 4200. In this case, the columnar spacer 4300 can be formed on the substrate 210 during the manufacturing process of the color-changing panel 4200.

[0110] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device 15 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Reference Figure 7 Other embodiments of the display device 15 may include a display panel 100, a color conversion panel 5200, a columnar pad 5300, a filling layer 400, and a buffer layer 500. (See also...) Figure 7 The display device 15 described herein, except for the position of the columnar gasket 5300, is substantially compatible with the reference. Figure 2 The display device 10 described is the same as or similar to the one described. Therefore, the description of the repeated configuration is omitted.

[0112] In one embodiment, the black matrix 5240 may be configured at one of the following positions: between the first color changing element 230R and the second color changing element 230G; between the second color changing element 230G and the third color changing element 230B; and between the third color changing element 230B and the first color changing element 230R. The columnar pad 5300 may be configured at the remaining position among the following positions: between the first color changing element 230R and the second color changing element 230G; between the second color changing element 230G and the third color changing element 230B; and between the third color changing element 230B and the first color changing element 230R. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the black matrix 5240 may also be configured at two of the following positions: between the first color changing element 230R and the second color changing element 230G, between the second color changing element 230G and the third color changing element 230B, and between the third color changing element 230B and the first color changing element 230R. The columnar gasket 5300 may be configured at the remaining positions: between the first color changing element 230R and the second color changing element 230G, between the second color changing element 230G and the third color changing element 230B, and between the third color changing element 230B and the first color changing element 230R.

[0113] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device 16 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Reference Figure 8 Other embodiments of the display device 16 may include a display panel 100, a color conversion panel 6200, a columnar pad 6300, a filling layer 400, and a buffer layer 500. (See also...) Figure 8 The display device 16 described herein, except for the position of the columnar gasket 6300, is substantially compatible with the reference. Figure 2 The display device 10 described is the same as or similar to the one described. Therefore, the description of the repeated configuration is omitted.

[0115] The columnar spacer 6300 can be disposed between the color conversion elements (230R, 230G, 230B) and overlaps with the pixel definition film 130. In one embodiment, the color conversion panel 6200 may not include a black matrix, and the columnar spacer 6300 can replace the black matrix. In this case, the columnar spacer 6300 can block light incident on it. For example, the columnar spacer 6300 may include carbon black, chromium oxide (CrO2), etc. x )wait.

[0116] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device 17 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] Reference Figure 9 Other embodiments of the display device 17 may include a display panel 100, a color conversion panel 200, a columnar pad 7300, a filling layer 400, and a buffer layer 7500. (See also...) Figure 9 The display device 17 described herein, except for the positions of the columnar gasket 7300 and the buffer layer 7500, is substantially the same as the reference. Figure 2 The display device 10 described is the same as or similar to the one described. Therefore, the description of the repeated configuration is omitted.

[0118] The color conversion panel 200 may further include a protective layer 250. The protective layer 250 may cover the color conversion elements (230R, 230G, 230B) and the black matrix 240. In one embodiment, the protective layer 250 may include silicon nitride (SiN). x ), silicon oxide (SiO) x ) and silicon oxynitride (SiO) x N y At least one of the following.

[0119] The protective layer 250 can prevent damage to the color conversion elements (230R, 230G, 230B) caused by processes after the formation of the color conversion elements (230R, 230G, 230B). For example, in processes after the formation of the color conversion elements (230R, 230G, 230B), the light emitter and diffuser included in the color conversion elements (230R, 230G, 230B) may be damaged, but the protective layer 250 can prevent damage to the light emitter and diffuser.

[0120] The columnar spacer 7300 can be disposed between the encapsulation layer 140 and the buffer layer 7500 of the display panel 100. In this case, the columnar spacer 7300 can be formed on the encapsulation layer 140 during the manufacturing process of the display panel 100.

[0121] In one embodiment, the columnar pad 7300 may have a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. For example, the columnar pad 7300 may have a trapezoidal shape in cross-section that increases in width in the direction from the color conversion panel 200 toward the display panel 100.

[0122] After applying a filler material between the display panel 100, which has columnar gaskets 7300, and the color-changing panel 200, pressure is applied to press the display panel 100 and the color-changing panel 200 together, sandwiching the filler material between them. This maintains a certain distance between the display panel 100 and the color-changing panel 200 through the columnar gaskets 7300, thus forming a display device 17 with a filler layer 400 between them. In this case, the columnar gaskets 7300 may come into contact with the protective layer 250 of the color-changing panel 200, potentially causing puncture damage to the protective layer 250. To prevent this puncture damage to the protective layer 250 of the color-changing panel 200, a buffer layer 7500 can be disposed between the columnar gaskets 7300 and the color-changing panel 200.

[0123] A buffer layer 7500 can be disposed between the columnar gasket 7300 and the protective layer 250 of the color-changing panel 200. The buffer layer 7500 may include silicon oxide (SiO2). x C y The buffer layer 7500 can act as a buffer component to block or absorb the impact from the columnar gasket 7300 on the protective layer 250 of the color-changing panel 200.

[0124] The buffer layer 7500 can be formed on the protective layer 250 of the color conversion panel 200 before the display panel 100 and the color conversion panel 200 are combined.

[0125] (Industry availability)

[0126] The display devices described in the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be applied to display devices included in computers, laptops, mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, PMPs, PDAs, MP3 players, etc.

[0127] The display devices relating to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments described are illustrative, and those skilled in the art can make modifications or alterations without departing from the scope of the technical concept described in the claims.

Claims

1. A display device, which is an organic light-emitting display device, comprising: The display panel includes light-emitting elements and an encapsulation layer covering the light-emitting elements; A color conversion panel, overlapping the display panel and including color conversion elements; A columnar spacer is disposed between the display panel and the color conversion panel; A filling layer that surrounds at least a portion of the columnar spacer and fills the space between the display panel and the color conversion panel; and A buffer layer, disposed between the columnar spacer and the encapsulation layer of the display panel, and comprising silicon carbide. The buffer layer is in contact with the columnar pad and the encapsulation layer of the display panel.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The encapsulation layer includes an inorganic encapsulation layer that contacts the buffer layer. The elastic coefficient of the buffer layer is less than that of the inorganic encapsulation layer.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The hardness of the buffer layer is less than that of the inorganic encapsulation layer.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic modulus of the buffer layer is below 3.0 GPa.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The hardness of the buffer layer is below 0.4 GPa.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the buffer layer is greater than 0.5 μm.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The encapsulation layer includes an inorganic encapsulation layer that contacts the buffer layer. The difference between the refractive index of the buffer layer and the refractive index of the inorganic encapsulation layer is less than 0.

05.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The refractive index of the buffer layer is above 1.5 and below 1.

9.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The oxygen-to-silicon atomic ratio in the buffer layer is above 0.6 and below 0.

63.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The atomic ratio of carbon to silicon in the buffer layer is above 1.24 and below 1.

30.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The surface of the buffer layer that contacts the columnar gasket has wrinkles.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, The average width of the folds is 0.01 μm to 5 μm.

13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The buffer layer includes: The first sub-buffer layer is in contact with the encapsulation layer and has a first elastic coefficient; The second sub-buffer layer, in contact with the columnar gasket and having a second elastic modulus; and A third sub-buffer layer is disposed between the first sub-buffer layer and the second sub-buffer layer, and has a third elastic coefficient that is larger than the first elastic coefficient and the second elastic coefficient.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein, The second elastic coefficient is less than the first elastic coefficient.

15. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The columnar gasket includes multiple sub-columnar gaskets.

16. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The color conversion panel also includes a black matrix surrounding the color conversion element.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein, The columnar pad is disposed between the buffer layer and the black matrix.

18. The display device according to claim 16, wherein, The columnar pad is disposed between the color-changing element and the black matrix.

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