Color control member and display device including the same

Abstract

The present application provides a color control member and a display device including the same. The color control member includes a color control layer containing quantum dots and a color filter layer on the color control layer, wherein a low-refractive layer may be between the color control layer and the color filter layer. The low-refractive layer includes a base resin and multiple groups of hollow particles dispersed in the base resin, and each of the hollow particles in each group of the multiple groups of hollow particles may have a spherical shape. The multiple groups of hollow particles may have corresponding average diameters, and the ratio of two average diameters of the corresponding average diameters of the multiple groups of hollow particles is about 2:1 to about 60:1, and the low-refractive layer including the hollow particles can be formed by a continuous process at low temperature.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0068129, filed on Jun. 5, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure herein relates to a color control member and a display device including the same, and more particularly, to a color control member including a low-refractive layer and a display device including the same. Background Art

[0004] Various electronic devices have been developed to provide image information to multimedia devices such as televisions, portable phones, tablet computers, navigation devices, and game consoles. In particular, quantum dots have been introduced to improve display quality in electronic devices including liquid crystal display devices and organic electroluminescent display devices.

[0005] Furthermore, low-refractive layers have been introduced to enable electronic devices containing quantum dots to exhibit improved reflectivity characteristics. Typical low-refractive layers include pores derived from porogens and require high-pressure processes to form these pores. High temperatures may also be required during the process of forming these pores. Continuous processes performed at high temperatures can damage the display elements included in the electronic device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a color control member including a low-refractive layer that can be formed in a low-temperature process.

[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a display device including a low-refractive layer that can be formed in a continuous process at a low temperature.

[0008] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a color control member, which includes: a color control layer including quantum dots; a color filter layer on the color control layer; and a low-refractive layer between the color control layer and the color filter layer, wherein the low-refractive layer includes a base resin and a plurality of groups of hollow particles dispersed in the base resin and having respective average diameters different from each other, each of the hollow particles in each of the plurality of groups of hollow particles has a spherical shape, and a ratio of two average diameters of the respective average diameters of the plurality of groups of hollow particles is about 2:1 to about 60:1.

[0009] In an embodiment, the hollow particles may include: first hollow particles having an average diameter equal to or greater than about 46 nm and equal to or less than about 300 nm; and second hollow particles having an average diameter equal to or greater than about 12 nm and less than about 46 nm.

[0010] In an embodiment, the hollow particles may further include third hollow particles having a smaller average diameter than the first hollow particles, and a ratio of the average diameter of the first hollow particles to the average diameter of the third hollow particles may be about 8:1 to about 27:1.

[0011] In an embodiment, the hollow particles may further include third hollow particles having an average diameter greater than about 5 nm and less than about 12 nm and / or fourth hollow particles having an average diameter greater than about 0 nm and equal to or less than about 5 nm.

[0012] In an embodiment, the plurality of groups of hollow particles have corresponding average weights, and a ratio of two average weights of the corresponding average weights in the plurality of groups of hollow particles may be about 4:1 to about 400:1.

[0013] In an embodiment, the hollow particles may be included in an amount of about 10 wt % to about 50 wt % with respect to the total weight of the base resin and the hollow particles.

[0014] In an embodiment, the hollow particles may include first hollow particles and second hollow particles, the average diameter of the second hollow particles is smaller than the average diameter of the first hollow particles, and the ratio of the sum of the weights of the first hollow particles to the sum of the weights of the second hollow particles may be about 2:1 to about 20:1.

[0015] In an embodiment, the low-refractive layer may have a thickness of about 500 nm to about 3000 nm.

[0016] In an embodiment, the refractive index of the low-refractive layer may be about 1.1 to about 1.3.

[0017] In an embodiment, each of a difference in refractive index between the low refractive layer and the color control layer and a difference in refractive index between the low refractive layer and the color filter layer may be about 0.4 to about 0.7.

[0018] In an embodiment, the base resin may be a silicone resin.

[0019] In an embodiment, the hollow particles each include a core and a shell surrounding the core, and the shell may have a thickness of about 10 nm to about 30 nm.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a base substrate; a circuit layer on the base substrate; a light-emitting element layer on the circuit layer; an encapsulation layer on the light-emitting element layer; and a color control member on the encapsulation layer, wherein the color control member includes: a color control layer on the encapsulation layer and containing quantum dots, a color filter layer on the color control layer, and a low-refractive layer between the color filter layer and the color control layer, the low-refractive layer including a base resin and a plurality of groups of hollow particles dispersed in the base resin and having respective average diameters different from each other, each of the hollow particles in each of the plurality of groups of hollow particles having a spherical shape, and a ratio of two average diameters of the respective average diameters of the plurality of groups of hollow particles is from about 2:1 to about 60:1.

[0021] In an embodiment, the color control member may be directly on the encapsulation layer.

[0022] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a capping layer on the color filter layer and configured to define an upper surface of the display device.

[0023] In an embodiment, the low-refractive layer may be in direct contact with the color control layer and the color filter layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate example embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 is a view illustrating a display device according to an example embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 According to an example embodiment, Figure 1 The line I-I' intercepts and illustrates Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of a portion of the display device illustrated in FIG;

[0027] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a low-refractive layer according to an example embodiment;

[0028] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a low-refractive layer according to an example embodiment;

[0029] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a low-refractive layer according to an example embodiment;

[0030] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a hollow particle according to an example embodiment; and

[0031] Figure 7 According to an example embodiment, Figure 1 The line I-I' intercepts and illustrates Figure 1 sectional view of a portion of a display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present disclosure may be modified differently and appropriately and may have various suitable forms, and example embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in more detail in the specification. However, this does not limit the present disclosure to the example embodiments disclosed herein, and it should be understood that the present disclosure covers all suitable modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the conceptual and technical scope of the present disclosure. As used herein, the use of the term "may" when describing an embodiment of the present disclosure refers to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure."

[0033] Throughout the specification, it will be understood that when an element (or region, layer, portion, etc.) is referred to as being “on,” “connected” or “coupled” to another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or a third intervening element or layer may be present.

[0034] The same reference numerals refer to the same elements. In addition, in the drawings, the thickness, ratio, and size of elements may be exaggerated in order to effectively illustrate and describe the technical contents.

[0035] The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0036] It will be understood that although terms such as first and second are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from other components. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a first component. Singular forms may include plural forms unless otherwise explicitly indicated or limited in the context. As used herein, the term "about" and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than degree, and are intended to illustrate the inherent deviations of measurements or calculated values ​​that a person of ordinary skill in the art would recognize.

[0037] In addition, terms such as "below," "below," "above," and "upper" may be used to describe the relationship (e.g., spatial relationship) between features illustrated in the drawings. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless so defined herein.

[0038] It will be further understood that the terms "including" and "having" indicate the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof when used in this specification, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. In addition, any numerical range described herein is intended to include all subranges of the same numerical precision contained within the range. For example, the range of "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all subranges between the minimum value 1.0 and the maximum value 10.0 (and including endpoint values), that is, a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit described herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit described in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification (including claims) to explicitly state any subrange contained within the range explicitly described herein.

[0039] Hereinafter, a color control member and a display device including the same will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 A display device DD according to example embodiments is explained. Figure 2 Explained along the Figure 1 The line I-I' intercepts Figure 1 a portion of the display device DD, and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a display device DD according to example embodiments. Figures 3 to 5 The low-refractive layers LR, LR-a, and LR-b according to example embodiments are explained. Figure 6 2 are views illustrating hollow particles HP according to example embodiments.

[0041] Figure 1 The portable electronic device is described as an example of a display device DD. However, the display device DD is not limited thereto. For example, the display device DD can be utilized (e.g., used) for large electronic devices such as televisions, monitors, or external billboards, or for small or medium-sized electronic devices such as personal computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants, car navigation units, game consoles, smartphones, tablets, and cameras. Furthermore, these are presented merely as example embodiments and can be applied to other electronic devices without departing from the present disclosure.

[0042] refer to Figure 1The display device DD can provide (e.g., emit, display, etc.) an image IM through the display surface IS. The display surface IS includes a display area DA on which the image IM is displayed, and a non-display area NDA adjacent to the display area DA. The non-display area NDA is an area in which no image is displayed.

[0043] The display area DA may have a rectangular shape. The non-display area NDA may surround (e.g., partially or completely surround) the display area DA. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the shapes of the display area DA and the non-display area NDA may be relatively appropriately designed. In some embodiments, the non-display area NDA does not exist on the front surface of the display device DD. In some embodiments, the display surface IS does not include the non-display area NDA.

[0044] Figure 2 Explained along the Figure 1 The line I-I' intercepts and illustrates Figure 1 sectional view of a portion of a display device DD. The display device DD of the example embodiment may include a first base substrate BS1, a light emitting element layer LED, an encapsulation layer TFE and a color control member CCM laminated in sequence. The color control member CCM of the example embodiment may include a color filter layer CF, a color control layer CL and a low refractive layer LR disposed between the color filter layer CF and the color control layer CL. According to the example embodiment, the low refractive layer LR may include (for example, be) a base resin BP and a plurality of hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3 and HP-4 dispersed in the base resin BP. The hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3 and HP-4 may each have a spherical shape and may have different average diameters from each other. The average particle diameter (or the average diameter of the particles) may be, for example, a median diameter (D50) measured using, for example, a laser diffraction particle diameter distribution meter. Reference will be made to Figures 3 to 6 The low-refractive layer LR is described in more detail.

[0045] refer to Figure 2 The display device DD of the example embodiment may include: a first base substrate BS1; a light-emitting element layer LED disposed on the first base substrate BS1; an encapsulation layer TFE disposed on the light-emitting element layer LED; a color control layer CL disposed on the encapsulation layer TFE; a low-refractive layer LR disposed on the color control layer CL; and a color filter layer CF disposed on the low-refractive layer LR. Furthermore, the display device DD of the example embodiment may include a circuit layer DP-CL disposed on the first base substrate BS1; and a second base substrate BS2 disposed on the color control layer CL.

[0046] The first base substrate BS1 and the second base substrate BS2 can each independently be a polymer substrate, a plastic substrate, a glass plate or substrate, or a quartz substrate, etc. In some embodiments, the first base substrate BS1 can include (e.g., be) the same material as the second base substrate BS2. In some embodiments, the first base substrate BS1 can include (e.g., be) a material different from that of the second base substrate BS2. The first base substrate BS1 and the second base substrate BS2 can be transparent substrates. The first base substrate BS1 and the second base substrate BS2 can each be suitably rigid. The first base substrate BS1 and the second base substrate BS2 can each be suitably flexible. Figure 2 The display device DD is illustrated as including the first and second base substrates BS1 and BS2, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in some embodiments, at least one of (eg, selected from) the first and second base substrates BS1 and BS2 may be omitted from the display device DD.

[0047] The circuit layer DP-CL may be disposed on the first base substrate BS1. The circuit layer DP-CL may include a plurality of transistors. Each transistor may include a control electrode, an input electrode, and an output electrode. For example, the circuit layer DP-CL may include a switching transistor and a driving transistor for driving the plurality of light-emitting elements LED-1, LED-2, and LED-3.

[0048] The light emitting element layer LED may be disposed on the circuit layer DP-CL. The light emitting element layer LED may include first to third light emitting elements LED-1, LED-2, and LED-3. Each of the first to third light emitting elements LED-1, LED-2, and LED-3 may include sequentially laminated first electrodes EL1-1, EL1-2, and EL1-3, a hole transport region HTR, a light emitting layer EML, an electron transport region ETR, and a second electrode EL2. The light emitting layer EML may include or generate (e.g., emit) blue light. The light emitting element layer LED may emit blue light. The light emitting layer EML may generate light in a wavelength range of approximately 410-480 nm. As used herein, the term nm may refer to a number equal to 10 -9 meters away.

[0049] A pixel defining film PDL may be defined in the light emitting element layer LED. For example, the pixel defining film PDL may be formed to include (e.g., be) a polyacrylate resin and / or a polyimide resin. In some embodiments, the pixel defining film PDL may be formed of an inorganic material. For example, the pixel defining film PDL may be formed to include (e.g., be) a silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxide (SiO x ) and / or silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y) etc. In the light-emitting element layer LED, the light-emitting elements LED-1, LED-2, and LED-3 may be divided by a pixel-defining film PDL. For example, the light-emitting elements LED-1, LED-2, and LED-3 (or the first electrodes EL1-1, EL1-2, and EL1-3) may be separated from each other by the pixel-defining film PDL. For example, the pixel-defining film PDL may have a plurality of openings to expose the light-emitting elements LED-1, LED-2, and LED-3 (or the first electrodes EL1-1, EL1-2, and EL1-3).

[0050] The encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the light emitting element layer LED and may seal the light emitting element layer LED. The encapsulation layer TFE may be used to protect the light emitting element layer LED from water and / or oxygen and may protect the light emitting element layer LED from foreign matter (such as particles). Figure 2 The encapsulation layer TFE is described as including an organic layer OL and an inorganic layer IL, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the encapsulation layer may have a structure in which organic layers and inorganic layers are alternately laminated. For example, the encapsulation layer may have a structure in which an inorganic layer, an organic layer, and an inorganic layer are sequentially laminated.

[0051] The color control member CCM and the second base substrate BS2 may be disposed on the encapsulation layer TFE. The color control member CCM may include a color filter layer CF, a color control layer CL disposed below the color filter layer CF, and a low-refractive layer LR disposed between the color filter layer CF and the color control layer CL. An overcoat layer OC may be disposed between the encapsulation layer TFE and the color control layer CL. The overcoat layer OC may be a planarization layer and / or a buffer layer.

[0052] The color filter layer CF may include first to third color filter parts CF-1, CF-2, and CF-3, and a light shielding member BM. The first to third color filter parts CF-1, CF-2, and CF-3 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the direction in which the first direction axis DR1 extends. The light shielding member BM may be provided between the color filter parts CF-1, CF-2, and CF-3.

[0053] The first to third color filter components CF-1, CF-2, and CF-3 may be arranged to correspond to the first to third color control components CL-1, CL-2, and CL-3 included in the color control layer CL, which will be described in more detail later. The first color filter component CF-1 may be arranged to correspond to the first color control component CL-1 and may transmit a first light (e.g., light of a first color). The second color filter component CF-2 may be arranged to correspond to the second color control component CL-2 and may transmit a second light (e.g., light of a second color) different from the first light. The third color filter component CF-3 may be arranged to correspond to the third color control component CL-3 and may transmit a third light (e.g., light of a third color) different from the first and second lights. The first color filter component CF-1 may transmit light within a wavelength range of approximately 500-570 nm. The second color filter component CF-2 may transmit light within a wavelength range of approximately 410-480 nm. The third color filter component CF-3 may transmit light within a wavelength range of approximately 625-675 nm. For example, the first light may be green light, the second light may be blue light, and the third light may be red light. The first color filter component CF-1 may transmit green light and block blue light and red light. The second color filter component CF-2 may transmit blue light and block green light and red light. The third color filter component CF-3 may transmit red light and block green light and blue light.

[0054] The light shielding part BM may include a first light shielding pattern BM1 and a second light shielding pattern BM2. The light shielding part BM may be formed to include (for example, be) an organic light shielding material containing (for example, be) a black pigment and / or dye, and / or an inorganic light shielding material. In addition, the light shielding part BM may be formed to include (for example, be) an organic light shielding material containing (for example, be) a blue pigment and / or dye, and / or an inorganic light shielding material. For example, the first light shielding pattern BM1 may be formed of a light shielding material including (for example, be) a black pigment and / or dye, and the second light shielding pattern BM2 may be formed of a light shielding material including (for example, be) a blue pigment and / or dye. The second light shielding pattern BM2 may include (for example, be) the same material as the second color filter part CF-2 arranged below the second light shielding pattern BM2. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the second light shielding pattern BM2 may be omitted.

[0055] The color control layer CL may be disposed below the color filter layer CF. The color control layer CL may include first to third color control components CL-1, CL-2, and CL-3. At least one of the first to third color control components CL-1, CL-2, and CL-3 (e.g., selected from these) may include quantum dots QD-G and / or QD-R. The quantum dots QD-G and QD-R may convert the wavelength of light emitted from the light-emitting element layer LED. The first color control component CL-1 may include green quantum dots QD-G and may convert blue light into green light. The second color control component CL-2 may transmit blue light. The second color control component CL-2 may be formed of a transparent resin, or may further include (e.g., be) a blue pigment or dye. In some embodiments, the second color control component CL-2 does not include quantum dots. The third color control component CL-3 may include red quantum dots QD-R and may convert blue light into red light.

[0056] The quantum dots QD-G and QD-R may be semiconductor nanocrystals selected from Group II-VI compounds, Group III-VI compounds, Group III-V compounds, Group IV-VI compounds, Group IV elements, Group IV compounds, Group I-III-VI compounds, and combinations thereof.

[0057] The II-VI compound may be selected from the group consisting of: a binary compound selected from the group consisting of CdSe, CdTe, ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, ZnO, HgS, HgSe, HgTe, MgSe, MgS, and mixtures thereof; a binary compound selected from the group consisting of CdSeS, CdSeTe, CsSTe, ZnSeS, ZnSeTe, ZnSTe, HgSeS, HgSeTe, HgSTe, CdZnS, CdZnSe, CdZnTe, CdS a ternary compound selected from the group consisting of CdHgS, CdHgSe, CdHgTe, HgZnS, HgZnSe, HgZnTe, MgZnSe, MgZnS, and mixtures thereof; and a quaternary compound selected from the group consisting of HgZnTeS, CdZnSeS, CdZnSeTe, CdZnSTe, CdHgSeS, CdHgSeTe, CdHgSTe, HgZnSeS, HgZnSeTe, HgZnSTe, and mixtures thereof.

[0058] The Group III-VI compounds may include binary compounds, such as In2S3 and / or In2Se3; ternary compounds, such as InGaS3 and / or InGaSe3; or combinations thereof.

[0059] The Group I-III-VI compound may be selected from a ternary compound selected from the group consisting of AgInS2, CuInS2, AgGaS2, CuGaS2 and mixtures thereof, or may be selected from a quaternary compound such as AgInGaS2 and / or CuInGaS2.

[0060] The III-V compound can be selected from the group consisting of: a binary compound selected from the group consisting of GaN, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, AlN, AlP, AlAs, AlSb, InN, InP, InAs, InSb, and mixtures thereof; a ternary compound selected from the group consisting of GaNPs, GaNAs, GaNSb, GaPAs, GaPSb, AlNPs, AlNAs, AlNSb, AlPAs, AlPSb, InGaP, InNPs, InNAs, InNSb, InPAs, InPSb, and mixtures thereof; and a quaternary compound selected from the group consisting of GaAlNPs, GaAlNAs, GaAlNSb, GaAlPAs, GaAlPSb, GaInNPs, GaInNAs, GaInNSb, GaInPAs, GaInPSb, InAlNPs, InAlNAs, InAlNSb, InAlPAs, InAlPSb, and mixtures thereof. The III-V compound can further include a Group II metal. For example, InZnP or the like can be selected as the III-II-V compound.

[0061] The Group IV-VI compound may be selected from the group consisting of: a binary compound selected from the group consisting of SnS, SnSe, SnTe, PbS, PbSe, PbTe, and mixtures thereof; a ternary compound selected from the group consisting of SnSeS, SnSeTe, SnSTe, PbSeS, PbSeTe, PbSTe, SnPbS, SnPbSe, SnPbTe, and mixtures thereof; and a quaternary compound selected from the group consisting of SnPbSSe, SnPbSeTe, SnPbSTe, and mixtures thereof. The Group IV element may be selected from the group consisting of Si, Ge, and mixtures thereof. The Group IV compound may be a binary compound selected from the group consisting of SiC, SiGe, and mixtures thereof.

[0062] Two-element compounds, three-element compounds or four-element compounds can be present in the particle with uniform concentration, or can be divided into states in which the concentration distribution is partially different and can be present in the same particle. In addition, quantum dots can have a core / shell structure in which a single quantum dot surrounds another quantum dot. The interface between the core and the shell can have a concentration gradient so that the closer to its center, the lower the concentration of the element present in the shell. For example, the concentration gradient of the element present in the shell can be present at the interface between the shell and the core, so that the concentration of the element present in the shell decreases along the direction toward the center of the shell and / or core.

[0063] Examples of the shells of the quantum dots QD-G and QD-R may include metal and / or non-metal oxides (eg, metal oxides and / or non-metal oxides), semiconductor compounds, or combinations thereof, and the like.

[0064] For example, the oxides of metals and / or non-metals may include binary compounds such as SiO2, Al2O3, TiO2, ZnO, MnO, Mn2O3, Mn3O4, CuO, FeO, Fe2O3, Fe3O4, CoO, Co3O4 and / or NiO; and / or ternary compounds such as MgAl2O4, CoFe2O4, NiFe2O4 and / or CoMn2O4, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0065] The semiconductor compound may include, for example, CdS, CdSe, CdTe, ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, ZnSeS, ZnTeS, GaAs, GaP, GaSb, HgS, HgSe, HgTe, InAs, InP, InGaP, InSb, AlAs, AlP, or AlSb, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0066] A protective film PF may be provided on the second base substrate BS2. The protective film PF may protect the display surface IS of the display device DD and may be used to reduce reflection caused by the difference in refractive index between the second base substrate BS2 and air. In the display device DD of the exemplary embodiment, the protective film PF may be omitted, and another member for protecting the display surface IS may be provided.

[0067] According to example embodiments, the low-refractive layer LR may be disposed between the color control layer CL and the color filter layer CF. Figures 3 to 5 The low-refractive layers LR, LR-a, and LR-b according to example embodiments are explained. Figures 3 to 5 Other exemplary embodiments of the low-refractive layers LR, LR-a, and LR-b are explained.

[0068] Figures 3 to 5 The average diameters of the hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3, and HP-4 explained in may be different from each other. Figure 3 The low-refractive layer LR including three hollow particles HP-1, HP-2 and HP-3 is explained, and Figure 4 The low-refractive layer LR-a including four types of hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3, and HP-4 is explained. Figure 5 The low-refractive layer LR-b is described as including two types of hollow particles, HP-1 and HP-3. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the low-refractive layer may include five or more types of hollow particles having mutually different average diameters. The number of hollow particles mentioned above is used to divide and describe hollow particles that can be classified as having mutually different average diameters. For example, the hollow particles may include two or more groups of hollow particles, and the hollow particles in each group of the two or more groups of hollow particles may have a corresponding average diameter, and the corresponding average diameters of the two or more groups may be different from each other. The hollow particles may include any suitable number of particle groups. In this specification, the first to fourth hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3, and HP-4 are described as hollow particles having mutually different average diameters. For example, the first hollow particle HP-1 may include a hollow particle having a first average diameter; the second hollow particle HP-2 may include a hollow particle having a second average diameter different from the first average diameter; the third hollow particle HP-3 may include a hollow particle having a third average diameter different from the first average diameter and the second average diameter; and the fourth hollow particle HP-4 may include a hollow particle having a fourth average diameter different from each of the first average diameter, the second average diameter, and the third average diameter.

[0069] refer to Figures 3 to 5 The low-refractive layers LR, LR-a, and LR-b may each include (e.g., be) a base resin BP and hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3, and / or HP-4. The hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3, and HP-4 may each be dispersed in the base resin BP.

[0070] The base resin BP may include (e.g., be) an organic material that can be cured at low temperatures. The base resin BP may be cured at a temperature of about 90° C. (90 degrees Celsius) to about 120° C. For example, the base resin BP may be a silicone resin. However, this is an example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0071] The hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3, and HP-4 dispersed in the base resin BP may have different sizes. The first hollow particle HP-1, the second hollow particle HP-2, the third hollow particle HP-3, and the fourth hollow particle HP-4 may have different sizes. The hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3, and HP-4 may each have a spherical shape. The hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3, and HP-4 may each have a different average diameter.

[0072] refer to Figure 6 , the hollow particles HP may each include a core CO and a shell SH. The core CO of the hollow particle may be filled with air. The shell SH of the hollow particle HP may surround the core CO. The thickness T2 of the shell SH may be about 10 nm to about 30 nm. The hollow particles may be any one of a plurality of hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3, and HP-4. In some embodiments, the hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3, and HP-4 may include a core CO and a shell SH. The thickness of the shell SH of each of the hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3, and HP-4 may be the same. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the thickness of the shell SH of each of the hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3, and HP-4 may be different from each other.

[0073] The low-refractive layers LR, LR-a and LR-b are arranged between the color control layer CL and the color filter layer CF, and include (for example, are) a base resin BP and a plurality of hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3 and HP-4 dispersed in the base resin BP. The low-refractive layers LR, LR-a and LR-b can reflect (for example, totally reflect) a portion of the blue light emitted in the direction toward the color filter layer CF (for example, on the third directional axis DR3) in the color control layer CL, and make the light incident on the color control layer CL again. For example, a portion of the light (for example, blue light) emitted by the color control layer CL toward the color filter layer CF can be reflected back toward the color control layer CL by the low-refractive layers LR, LR-a and LR-b. The blue light can be emitted from the above-mentioned light-emitting element layer LED (in Figure 2A portion of the blue light may be incident on the first color control component CL-1 or the third color control component CL-3 included in the color control layer CL. For example, a portion of the light (e.g., blue light) emitted from each of the first color control component CL-1 and the third color control component CL-3 may be reflected back from the low-refractive layers LR, LR-a, and LR-b toward the first color control component CL-1 and the third color control component CL-3, respectively, to be incident on the first color control component CL-1 and the third color control component CL-3. As described above, the first color control component CL-1 may change (e.g., convert) the re-incident blue light into green light, and the third color control component CL-3 may change (e.g., convert) the re-incident blue light into red light. The light efficiency of the display device DD may be improved by such light recycling.

[0074] Reference again Figure 3 , the low-refractive layer LR of the embodiment may include first hollow particles HP-1, second hollow particles HP-2, and third hollow particles HP-3. Figure 4 It is explained that the low-refractive layer LR-a includes the first hollow particles HP-1, the second hollow particles HP-2, the third hollow particles HP-3, and the fourth hollow particles HP-4. In addition, Figure 5 The low-refractive layer LR-b including the first hollow particles HP-1 and the third hollow particles HP-3 is explained. Figure 3 , Figure 4 It is explained that the low-refractive layer LR-a further includes fourth hollow particles HP-4. Figure 3 , Figure 5 Although the low-refractive layer LR-b does not include the second hollow particles HP-2, it does include the first hollow particles HP-1 and the third hollow particles HP-3. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in some embodiments, the low-refractive layer may include the second hollow particles HP-2, the third hollow particles HP-3, and the fourth hollow particles HP-4. In some embodiments, the low-refractive layer may include the first hollow particles HP-1 and the second hollow particles HP-2. In some embodiments, the low-refractive layer may include the first hollow particles HP1, the second hollow particles HP-2, the third hollow particles HP-3, and the fourth hollow particles HP-4.

[0075] The thickness T1 of the low-refractive layer LR may be from about 500 nm to about 3000 nm. The hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3, and HP-4 may be included in an amount of from about 10 wt% (10 percent by weight) to about 50 wt% based on the total weight of the low-refractive layer LR. The hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3, and HP-4 may be included in an amount of from about 10 wt% to about 50 wt% relative to the total weight of the base resin BP and the hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3, and HP-4. When the hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3, and HP-4 are included in an amount of less than about 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the base resin BP and the hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3, and HP-4, the above-mentioned light recycling may not occur. Furthermore, when the hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3, and HP-4 are included in an amount greater than 50 wt% relative to the total weight of the base resin BP and the hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3, and HP-4, the strength of the low-refractive layer LR may be degraded. In some embodiments, the hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3, and HP-4 may be included in an amount of about 40 wt% to about 50 wt%. However, this is an example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the ratio of the sum of the weights of the first hollow particles HP-1 to the sum of the weights of the second hollow particles HP-2 may be from about 2:1 to about 20:1. In some embodiments, the sum of the weights of the first hollow particles HP-1 may be 2 times or more and 20 times or less the sum of the weights of the second hollow particles HP-2.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the refractive index of the low-refractive layer LR may be about 1.1 to about 1.3. In some embodiments, the refractive index of the low-refractive layer LR may be about 1.2 to about 1.3. The refractive index of the low-refractive layer LR may be lower than both the refractive index of the color filter layer CF and the refractive index of the color control layer CL. The difference between the refractive index of the low-refractive layer LR and the refractive index of the color filter layer CF may be about 0.4 to about 0.7. The difference between the refractive index of the low-refractive layer LR and the refractive index of the color control layer CL may be about 0.4 to about 0.7. The refractive index of the color filter layer CF may be about 1.7 to about 1.8. The refractive index of the color control layer CL may be about 1.7 to about 1.8.

[0077] It can be shown that the more hollow particles included in the low-refractive layer LR, the smaller the refractive index of the low-refractive layer LR is than the refractive index of the color filter layer CF and the refractive index of the color control layer CL. For example, when the number of hollow particles included in the low-refractive layer LR increases, the refractive index of the low-refractive layer LR can decrease. In the low-refractive layer LR, hollow particles with relatively small sizes are filled between hollow particles with relatively large sizes, and the smaller the area in which the hollow particles are not dispersed, the lower the refractive index may be. For example, when the average spacing between the hollow particles decreases, the refractive index of the low-refractive layer LR can decrease.

[0078] The diameter (or average diameter) of the first hollow particle HP-1 may be larger than the diameter (or average diameter) of the second hollow particles HP-2 to the fourth hollow particles HP-4. The diameter of the first hollow particle HP-1 may be larger than the diameter of the second hollow particle HP-2, the diameter of the third hollow particle HP-3, and the diameter of the fourth hollow particle HP-4. The diameter of the second hollow particle HP-2 may be larger than the diameter of the third hollow particle HP-3 and the diameter of the fourth hollow particle HP-4. The diameter of the third hollow particle HP-3 may be larger than the diameter of the fourth hollow particle HP-4. The diameter of the first hollow particle HP-1 may be the largest, and the second hollow particle HP-2, the third hollow particle HP-3, and the fourth hollow particle HP-4 may have smaller diameters in this order.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the average diameter DI of the hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3 and HP-4 is Figure 6 ) may be about 2:1 to about 60:1. For example, the ratio of the average diameter of the first hollow particle HP-1 to the average diameter of any one of the second hollow particles HP-2, the third hollow particles HP-3, and the fourth hollow particles HP-4 may be about 2:1 to about 60:1; the ratio of the average diameter of the second hollow particles HP-2 to the average diameter of any one of the third hollow particles HP-3 and the fourth hollow particles HP-4 may be about 2:1 to about 60:1; and the ratio of the average diameter of the third hollow particles HP-3 to the average diameter of the fourth hollow particles HP-4 may be about 2:1 to about 60:1. In some embodiments, the ratio of the diameters DI of the hollow particles may be about 2:1. The ratio of the diameters DI of the hollow particles may be about 60:1. The ratio of the diameters DI of the hollow particles may be about 5:2. However, this is an example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0080] The average diameter of the first hollow particles HP-1 may be between about 46 nm and about 300 nm. The average diameter of the second hollow particles HP-2 may be equal to or greater than about 12 nm and less than about 46 nm. The average diameter of the second hollow particles HP-2 may be greater than about 11.5 nm and equal to or less than about 45.5 nm. The average diameter of the third hollow particles HP-3 may be greater than about 5 nm and less than about 12 nm. The average diameter of the third hollow particles HP-3 may be greater than about 5 nm and equal to or less than about 11.5 nm. The average diameter of the fourth hollow particles HP-4 may be greater than about 0 nm and equal to or less than about 5 nm. For example, the diameter (or average diameter) of the first hollow particles HP-1 may be about 100 nm, the diameter (or average diameter) of the second hollow particles HP-2 may be about 41 nm, the diameter (or average diameter) of the third hollow particles HP-3 may be about 10 nm, and the diameter (or average diameter) of the fourth hollow particles HP-4 may be about 5 nm. In some embodiments, the diameter of the first hollow particle HP-1 may be about 70 nm, the diameter of the second hollow particle HP-2 may be about 45 nm, the diameter of the third hollow particle HP-3 may be about 10 nm, and the diameter of the fourth hollow particle HP-4 may be about 5 nm. However, this is an example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0081] The ratio of the average diameter of the first hollow particles HP-1 to the average diameter of the third hollow particles HP-3 may be about 8:1 to about 27:1. For example, the ratio of the diameter (or average diameter) of the first hollow particles HP-1 to the diameter (or average diameter) of the third hollow particles HP-3 may be about 8:1. The ratio of the diameter (or average diameter) of the first hollow particles HP-1 to the diameter (or average diameter) of the third hollow particles HP-3 may be about 27:1. However, this is an example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0082] According to embodiments, the ratio of the average weight of the hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3, and HP-4 may be from about 4:1 to about 400:1. For example, the ratio of the average weight of the first hollow particle HP-1 to the average weight of any one of the second hollow particle HP-2, the third hollow particle HP-3, and the fourth hollow particle HP-4 may be from about 4:1 to about 400:1; the ratio of the average weight of the second hollow particle HP-2 to the average weight of any one of the third hollow particle HP-3 and the fourth hollow particle HP-4 may be from about 4:1 to about 400:1; and the ratio of the average weight of the third hollow particle HP-3 to the average weight of the fourth hollow particle HP-4 may be from about 4:1 to about 400:1. For example, the ratio of the weight of the third hollow particle HP-3 to the weight of the fourth hollow particle HP-4 may be from about 4:1. The ratio of the weight of the first hollow particle HP-1 to the weight of the fourth hollow particle HP-4 may be from about 400:1. However, this is an example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0083] The low-refractive layers LR, LR-a, and LR-b of the embodiment can be formed using a low-temperature process. The low-refractive layers LR, LR-a, and LR-b can be formed using a process performed at a temperature of approximately 90-120°C. In the display device DD according to the embodiment, the low-refractive layers LR, LR-a, and LR-b can be formed in a continuous process, where the first base substrate BS1, circuit layer DP-CL, light-emitting element layer LED, encapsulation layer TFE, and color control layer CL are sequentially laminated. In related art, a low-refractive layer can be formed comprising a base resin and a porogen dispersed in the base resin. Low-refractive layers comprising a porogen require a high-temperature process to render the porogen porous. A porous porogen can be formed using a high-temperature process of at least approximately 180°C. However, when forming the low-refractive layer using a continuous process, there is a limitation in that components disposed beneath the low-refractive layer may be damaged. For example, the light-emitting element layer LED, which comprises organic materials, can be damaged by high temperatures. According to example embodiments of the present disclosure, the low-refractive layers LR, LR-a, and LR-b may include a plurality of hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3, and HP-4 having different sizes from one another, instead of a porogen. The pores formed by the porous porogen may be replaced by the cores CO of the hollow particles HP-1, HP-2, HP-3, and HP-4. In some embodiments, the low-refractive layers LR, LR-a, and LR-b do not include a porogen and may be formed at a low temperature of approximately 90-120°C. Therefore, the low-refractive layers LR, LR-a, and LR-b included in the display device DD of the embodiment may be formed through a continuous process at a low temperature of approximately 90-120°C.

[0084] Figure 7 It is along Figure 1 The line I-I' intercepts and illustrates Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a display device DD, and is a view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 2 to 6 The components described are described and redundant descriptions are not repeated.

[0085] Figure 7 The display device DD-a is explained as not including the second base substrate BS2, which is different from Figure 2 Display device DD. In display devices DD and DD-a, the order in which the color control layer CL and the color filter layer CF are disposed may differ depending on whether the second base substrate BS2 is included. For example, the order in which the color control layer CL and the color filter layer CF are disposed may depend on whether the display device DD includes the second base substrate BS2. In the display device DD of the embodiment, the color filter layer CF may be disposed on the color control layer CL relative to the extension direction of the third directional axis DR3. In some embodiments, in the display device DD, the color filter layer CF may be disposed below the color control layer CL relative to the extension direction of the third directional axis DR3.

[0086] The display device DD-a of the example embodiment may include a first base substrate BS1, a circuit layer DP-CL, a light-emitting element layer LED, an encapsulation layer TFE, and a color control member CCM, which are sequentially laminated. The color control member CCM of the example embodiment may include a color control layer CL, a color filter layer CF, and a low-refractive layer LR disposed between the color control layer CL and the color filter layer CF. The color control member CCM may be disposed directly on the encapsulation layer TFE in the display device DD-a of the example embodiment. The color control layer CL included in the color control member CCM may be formed by directly coating the encapsulation layer TFE in the display device DD-a of the example embodiment.

[0087] The color control layer CL may include a first color control part CL-1, a second color control part CL-2, and a third color control part CL-3 spaced apart in one direction. The first color control part CL-1, the second color control part CL-2, and the third color control part CL-3 may be spaced apart relative to the extending direction of the first direction axis DR1. The light shielding member BM may be disposed between adjacent color control parts CL-1, CL-2, and CL-3. The light shielding member BM may be disposed between the first color control part CL-1 and the second color control part CL-2, between the second color control part CL-2 and the third color control part CL-3, and between the third color control part CL-3 and the first color control part CL-1. For example, the light shielding member BM may separate the color control parts CL-1, CL-2, and CL-3 in a plan view (e.g., along the first direction axis DR1).

[0088] The color filter layer CF may include a first color filter component CF-1, a second color filter component CF-2, and a third color filter component CF-3. The light shielding component BM may be formed of the same material as the second color filter component CF-2. The light shielding component BM may include (e.g., be) a blue pigment and / or dye. The first color filter component CF-1 and the third color filter component CF-3 may be yellow filters. However, this is an example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0089] According to example embodiments, the low-refractive layer LR may be disposed between the color control layer CL and the color filter layer CF. The low-refractive layer LR may be disposed directly on the color control layer CL. The color filter layer CF may be disposed directly on the low-refractive layer LR. The color control layer CL, the low-refractive layer LR, and the color filter layer CF may be sequentially laminated on the encapsulation layer TFE. The color control layer CL, the low-refractive layer LR, and the color filter layer CF may be formed by a continuous process. The low-refractive layer LR may be disposed while filling the gap between the color control layer CL and the color filter layer CF. In addition, the display device DD-a may include a capping layer AF. The capping layer AF may be disposed on the color filter layer CF, and the capping layer AF may define the upper surface of the display device DD-a. The capping layer AF may be an anti-reflection layer. In some embodiments, the capping layer AF may be an outer coating layer and / or a planarization layer. The capping layer AF may protect the upper surface of the display device DD-a. However, this is an example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0090] When a color control layer is formed in a display device including two base substrates, the color control layer is formed on any one of the two base substrates. For example, when the display device includes two base substrates, the color control layer can be formed on any one of the two base substrates. Different from this, in a display device including a single base substrate, the color control layer is formed by a continuous process in the single base substrate. For example, when the display device includes only one base substrate, the color control layer can be formed by a continuous process on the one base substrate. In the case of a continuous process on a single base substrate, a low-temperature process is required to prevent or reduce damage to functional layers (such as a light-emitting element layer and a color control layer provided on a single base substrate). The low-refractive layer included in the display device of the embodiment may include hollow particles of various suitable sizes instead of a porogen, and may be formed by a parallel or continuous process.

[0091] The color control member of an embodiment may include a low-refractive layer disposed between the color control layer and the color filter layer. The low-refractive layer may include (for example, be) a base resin and a plurality of hollow particles dispersed in the base resin. The hollow particles have a spherical shape, and the low-refractive layer may include a plurality of hollow particles having a relatively large diameter and a plurality of hollow particles having a relatively small diameter. The low-refractive layer of an embodiment includes hollow particles having different sizes from each other rather than a porogen that forms pores, and may exhibit a lower refractive index than the color filter layer and the color control layer. In some embodiments, the low-refractive layer of an embodiment does not include a porogen that requires a high-temperature process, and may be formed by a continuous process at a low temperature.

[0092] The display device of an embodiment may include a base substrate, a circuit layer provided on the base substrate, a light emitting element layer provided on the circuit layer, an encapsulation layer provided on the light emitting element layer, and a color control member provided on the encapsulation layer.

[0093] Example embodiments may provide a color control member including hollow particles having various suitable sizes.

[0094] Example embodiments may provide a display device including a color control member that includes hollow particles having various suitable sizes and that may be formed through a continuous process at a low temperature.

[0095] Above, example embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, but those skilled in the art and those with common knowledge in the relevant technical fields should understand that the example embodiments disclosed herein may be variously and appropriately modified and / or changed without departing from the concept and technical scope and category of the present disclosure.

[0096] Therefore, the true technical scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to what is described in the specification but should be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A color control member comprising: a color control layer including quantum dots; a color filter layer on the color control layer; as well as a low refractive layer between the color control layer and the color filter layer, in: The low-refractive layer includes a base resin and a plurality of groups of hollow particles dispersed in the base resin and having respective average diameters different from each other; and each of the hollow particles of each of the plurality of groups of hollow particles has a spherical shape, and a ratio of two average diameters of the corresponding average diameters of the plurality of groups of hollow particles is 2:1 to 60:1, wherein the hollow particles include: first hollow particles having an average diameter of 46 nm or more and 300 nm or less; and second hollow particles having an average diameter of 12 nm or more and 46 nm or less, and The hollow particles further include third hollow particles and / or fourth hollow particles, the third hollow particles have an average diameter greater than 5 nm and less than 12 nm, and the fourth hollow particles have an average diameter greater than 0 nm and equal to or less than 5 nm.

2. The color control member according to claim 1, wherein: The hollow particles further include the third hollow particles, and A ratio of the average diameter of the first hollow particles to the average diameter of the third hollow particles is 8:1 to 27:

1.

3. The color control member according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of groups of hollow particles have corresponding average weights, and wherein a ratio of two average weights of the respective average weights of the plurality of groups of hollow particles is from 4:1 to 400:

1.

4. The color control member according to claim 1, wherein The hollow particles are included in an amount of 10 wt % to 50 wt % with respect to the total weight of the base resin and the hollow particles.

5. The color control member according to claim 4, wherein: The ratio of the sum of the weights of the first hollow particles to the sum of the weights of the second hollow particles is 2:1 to 20:

1.

6. The color control member according to claim 1, wherein Each of a difference in refractive index between the low-refractive layer and the color control layer and a difference in refractive index between the low-refractive layer and the color filter layer is 0.4 to 0.

7.

7. The color control member according to claim 1, wherein Each of the hollow particles includes a core and a shell surrounding the core, and the shell has a thickness of 10 nm to 30 nm.

8. A display device comprising: base substrate; a circuit layer on the base substrate; a light emitting element layer on the circuit layer; an encapsulation layer on the light-emitting element layer; as well as A color control member is on the encapsulation layer and is a color control member according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images