Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided. The display device includes a substrate having a plurality of sub-pixels defined thereon, a plurality of anodes disposed in each of the plurality of sub-pixels on the substrate, an organic layer disposed on the plurality of anodes, a cathode disposed on the organic layer, and a bank between the anode and the organic layer disposed between light emitting regions of each of the plurality of sub-pixels and including a plurality of trenches, wherein the organic layer and the cathode are disposed in the bank and the plurality of trenches. As a result, the resistance of the organic layer flowing into the leakage current from the trench is increased, thereby enabling the leakage current transmitted to the adjacent sub-pixel and the color mixing due to the leakage current to be minimized.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0100786, filed on August 11, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a display device, and more specifically, to a display device capable of improving the color mixing of light emitted from multiple light-emitting devices. Background Technology

[0004] With the recent development towards the information age, the field of display devices that visually display electrical information signals has experienced rapid growth. Research continues in this area to develop various display devices with characteristics such as thinness, light weight, and low power consumption.

[0005] Among these display devices, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays are self-emissive, unlike liquid crystal displays (LCDs), they do not require a separate light source, thus allowing for lightweight and thin manufacturing. Furthermore, OLEDs are advantageous in terms of power consumption due to their low-voltage operation, and also offer superior color reproduction, response time, viewing angle, and contrast ratio (CR). Consequently, OLEDs are being researched as the next generation of displays. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One objective of this invention is to provide a display device that minimizes leakage current during driving.

[0007] Another objective of this invention is to provide a display device that minimizes light emission from some of the multiple light-emitting devices with a common layer due to leakage current.

[0008] Another objective of this invention is to provide a display device that can improve the image display quality at low grayscale levels.

[0009] The purpose of this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned purposes, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description other purposes not mentioned above.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a display device is provided. The display device includes: a substrate defining a plurality of sub-pixels; a plurality of anodes disposed in each of the plurality of sub-pixels on the substrate; an organic layer disposed on the plurality of anodes; a cathode disposed on the organic layer; and a dam between the anodes and the organic layer, the dam being disposed between light-emitting areas of each of the plurality of sub-pixels and including a plurality of trenches, wherein the organic layer and the cathode are disposed in the dam and the plurality of trenches. As a result, the resistance of the organic layer flowing with leakage current from the trenches increases, thereby minimizing leakage current transmitted to adjacent sub-pixels and color mixing caused by leakage current.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, a display device includes: a substrate having a plurality of sub-pixels disposed thereon, the plurality of sub-pixels including red sub-pixels, green sub-pixels, and blue sub-pixels; a plurality of light-emitting devices disposed on each of the plurality of sub-pixels and sharing a common layer and a cathode; a dam disposed between each of the plurality of light-emitting devices and below the cathode; and a plurality of trenches disposed in the dams and spaced apart from each other, wherein the resistance of the common layer and the cathode increases as they approach the plurality of trenches. As a result, by increasing the resistance of the common layer in the plurality of trenches, display anomalies, spots, etc., caused by luminescence of some of the plurality of light-emitting devices due to leakage current can be minimized.

[0012] Further details of the exemplary embodiments are included in the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0013] According to the present invention, leakage current through the common layer of the light-emitting device can be improved.

[0014] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the luminescence of undesirable light-emitting devices due to leakage current can be minimized, thereby improving color reproducibility.

[0015] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those illustrated above, and include many other effects in this application. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and other aspects, features, and other advantages of the invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic configuration diagram of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is an enlarged plan view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3A and Figure 3B It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken from line III-III';

[0020] Figure 4 This is an enlarged plan view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is an enlarged plan view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 This is an enlarged plan view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken from line VII-VII';

[0024] Figure 8 This is an enlarged plan view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 9 This is an enlarged plan view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 10 This is an enlarged plan view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 11 This is an enlarged plan view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 12 This is an enlarged plan view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 13 This is an enlarged plan view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 14 It is along Figure 13 A cross-sectional view taken from line XIV-XIV';

[0031] Figure 15 This is an enlarged plan view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 16 It is along Figure 15 A cross-sectional view taken from line XVI-XVI'. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving these advantages and features, are described below with reference to the appendix. Figure 1 The exemplary embodiments described in detail will become clear. However, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, but will be implemented in various forms. Exemplary embodiments are provided by way of example only to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the disclosure and scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0034] The shapes, dimensions, proportions, angles, quantities, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments of the invention are merely examples, and the invention is not limited thereto. Similar reference numerals generally denote similar elements throughout the application. Furthermore, in the following description of the invention, detailed explanations of known related technologies may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the subject matter of the invention. Terms such as “comprising,” “having,” and “including” as used herein are generally intended to allow for the addition of additional components, unless these terms are used in conjunction with the term “only.”

[0035] Even if not explicitly stated, the components are still interpreted as including the usual error range.

[0036] When using terms such as “on top of,” “above,” “below,” and “after” to describe the positional relationship between two parts, one or more parts may be placed between the two parts, unless these terms are used with the terms “immediately following” or “directly.”

[0037] When one element or layer is disposed "on" another element or layer, the element or layer may be disposed directly on the other element or layer or other elements or layers may be inserted between them.

[0038] Although the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from other components. Therefore, within the technical concept of this invention, the first component mentioned below can be a second component.

[0039] Throughout the application, the same reference numerals generally denote the same elements.

[0040] The dimensions and thicknesses of each component shown in the figures are shown for ease of description only, and the invention is not limited to the dimensions and thicknesses of the components shown in the figures.

[0041] The features of the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined or integrated with each other in part or in whole and can be interlocked and operated in various ways in a technical manner. Furthermore, the various embodiments can be implemented independently of each other or implemented in conjunction with each other.

[0042] Hereinafter, a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic configuration diagram of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For ease of description, Figure 1 Only the display panel PN, gate driver GD, data driver DD, and timing controller TC among the components of the display device 100 are illustrated.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 The display device 100 includes: a display panel PN comprising a plurality of sub-pixels SP, a gate driver GD and a data driver DD providing various signals to the display panel PN, and a timing controller TC for controlling the gate driver GD and the data driver DD.

[0045] The gate driver GD provides multiple scan signals SCAN to multiple scan lines SL based on multiple gate control signals GCS provided by the timing controller TC. Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a gate driver GD configured to be separated from one side of the display panel PN, but the gate driver GD can be configured using the in-panel gate GIP method, and the number and arrangement of the gate drivers GD are not limited to this.

[0046] The data driver DD converts the image data (RGB) input from the timing controller TC into a data signal (Vdata) using a reference gamma voltage, based on multiple data control signals (DCS) provided from the timing controller TC. Furthermore, the data driver DD can supply the converted data signal Vdata to multiple data lines DL.

[0047] The timing controller TC arranges the externally input image data (RGB) and provides the arranged image data (RGB) to the data driver DD. The timing controller TC can use an externally input synchronization signal SYNC, such as a dot clock signal, a data enable signal, and a horizontal / vertical synchronization signal, to generate the gate control signal GCS and the data control signal DCS. Furthermore, the timing controller TC can provide the generated gate control signal GCS and data control signal DCS to the gate driver GD and the data driver DD, respectively, to control the gate driver GD and the data driver DD.

[0048] The display panel PN is a component that displays images to the user and includes multiple sub-pixels SP. In the display panel PN, multiple scan lines SL and multiple data lines DL intersect each other, and each of the multiple sub-pixels SP is connected to both the scan lines SL and the data lines DL. Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, each of the multiple sub-pixels SP can be connected to a high-potential power line, a low-potential power line, an initialization signal line, a light emission control signal line, etc.

[0049] Each of the multiple sub-pixels SP is the smallest unit constituting the screen, and each of the multiple sub-pixels SP includes a light-emitting device and pixel circuitry for driving the light-emitting device. Each of the multiple sub-pixels SP can be divided into a light-emitting area corresponding to the light-emitting device and a non-light-emitting area outside the light-emitting area. The multiple light-emitting devices can be defined differently depending on the type of the display panel PN. For example, when the display panel PN is an organic light-emitting display panel, the light-emitting device can be an organic light-emitting device including an anode, an organic layer, and a cathode. Furthermore, quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs), including quantum dot QDs, can be used as light-emitting devices. In the following description, it will be assumed that the light-emitting device is an organic light-emitting device, but the type of light-emitting device is not limited to this.

[0050] A pixel circuit is a circuit used to control the driving of a light-emitting device. A pixel circuit may be configured to include, for example, multiple transistors and capacitors, but is not limited to these.

[0051] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 2 to 3B The sub-pixels SP of the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0052] Figure 2 This is an enlarged plan view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3A and Figure 3B It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from line III-III'. (Refer to...) Figure 2 and Figure 3A According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the display device 100 includes a substrate 110, a buffer layer 111, a gate insulating layer 112, an interlayer insulating layer 113, a passivation layer 114, a planarization layer 115, a dam 116, a driving transistor TR, a light-emitting device 120, a spacer 130, and a plurality of trenches 140. Figure 2 Only the anode 121 of the components of the light-emitting device 120 is shown in the diagram.

[0053] Reference Figure 2 Each subpixel SP is a separate unit that emits light, and each subpixel SP is equipped with a light-emitting device 120. The subpixels SP include a first subpixel SP1, a second subpixel SP2, and a third subpixel SP3 that emit light of different colors. For example, the first subpixel SP1 can be a blue subpixel, the second subpixel SP2 can be a green subpixel, and the third subpixel SP3 can be a red subpixel.

[0054] Multiple first sub-pixels SP1 and multiple third sub-pixels SP3 can be alternately set in the same column or the same row. For example, first sub-pixels SP1 and third sub-pixels SP3 can be alternately set in the same column and in the same row.

[0055] Multiple second sub-pixels SP2 are arranged in different columns and rows than the multiple first sub-pixels SP1 and multiple third sub-pixels SP3. For example, the multiple second sub-pixels SP2 can be arranged in one row, and the multiple first sub-pixels SP1 and multiple third sub-pixels SP3 can be alternately arranged in adjacent rows. The multiple second sub-pixels SP2 can be arranged in one column, and the multiple first sub-pixels SP1 and multiple third sub-pixels SP3 can be alternately arranged in adjacent columns. The multiple first sub-pixels SP1 and multiple second sub-pixels SP2 can face each other diagonally, and the multiple third sub-pixels SP3 and multiple second sub-pixels SP2 can also face each other diagonally. Therefore, the multiple sub-pixels SP can be arranged in a grid shape.

[0056] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates multiple first sub-pixels SP1 and multiple third sub-pixels SP3 arranged in the same column or row, and multiple second sub-pixels SP2 arranged in different columns and rows than the multiple first sub-pixels SP1 and multiple third sub-pixels SP3, but the arrangement of multiple sub-pixels SP is not limited to this.

[0057] Furthermore, although this article describes multiple sub-pixels SP including first sub-pixel SP1, second sub-pixel SP2 and third sub-pixel SP3, the arrangement, number and color combination of multiple sub-pixels SP can vary in various ways depending on the design and are not limited thereto.

[0058] Reference Figure 3A The substrate 110 is a supporting member for other components of the display device 100 and may be made of an insulating material. For example, the substrate 110 may be made of glass, resin, etc. In addition, the substrate 110 may be made of a polymer or a plastic such as polyimide (PI), or may be made of a flexible material.

[0059] A buffer layer 111 is disposed on the substrate 110. The buffer layer 111 can reduce the penetration of moisture or impurities through the substrate 110. The buffer layer 111 may be formed, for example, a single layer or multiple layers of silicon oxide (SiOx) or silicon nitride (SiNx), but is not limited thereto. However, the buffer layer 111 may be omitted depending on the type of substrate 110 or the type of transistor, but is not limited thereto.

[0060] The driving transistor TR is disposed on the buffer layer 111. The driving transistor TR includes an active layer ACT, a gate electrode GE, a source electrode SE, and a drain electrode DE.

[0061] An active layer ACT is disposed on buffer layer 111. The active layer ACT may be made of a semiconductor material such as oxide semiconductor, amorphous silicon, or polycrystalline silicon, but is not limited thereto. For example, when the active layer ACT is made of oxide semiconductor, the active layer ACT includes a channel region, a source region, and a drain region, and the source region and drain region may be conductive regions, but are not limited thereto.

[0062] A gate insulating layer 112 is disposed on the active layer ACT. The gate insulating layer 112 is an insulating layer used to insulate the active layer ACT and the gate electrode GE, and may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers of silicon oxide (SiOx) or silicon nitride (SiNx), but is not limited thereto.

[0063] The gate electrode GE is disposed on the gate insulating layer 112. The gate electrode GE may be made of a conductive material, such as, but not limited to, copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), or alloys thereof.

[0064] An interlayer insulating layer 113 is disposed on the gate electrode GE. Contact holes for connecting the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE to the active layer ACT are formed in the interlayer insulating layer 113. The interlayer insulating layer 113 may be formed, for example, a single layer or multiple layers of silicon oxide (SiOx) or silicon nitride (SiNx), but is not limited thereto.

[0065] The source electrode SE and drain electrode DE are disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 113. The source electrode SE and drain electrode DE, which are disposed separately from each other, are electrically connected to the active layer ACT. The source electrode SE and drain electrode DE may be made of conductive materials, such as, but not limited to, copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), or alloys thereof.

[0066] A passivation layer 114 is disposed on the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE. The passivation layer 114 is an insulating layer used to protect the components beneath it. The passivation layer 114 may be formed, for example, a single layer or multiple layers of silicon oxide (SiOx) or silicon nitride (SiNx), but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the passivation layer 114 may be omitted according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0067] Refer to together Figure 2 and Figure 3A A plurality of light-emitting devices 120 are disposed on the planarization layer 115, and the light-emitting devices 120 are located in each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP. The light-emitting device 120 includes an anode 121, an organic layer 122 and a cathode 123.

[0068] A planarization layer 115 is disposed on the passivation layer 114. The planarization layer 115 is an insulating layer that planarizes the upper part of the substrate 110. The planarization layer 115 may be made of organic materials, and may be formed, for example, by a single layer or multiple layers of polyimide or photoacryl, but is not limited thereto.

[0069] An anode 121 is disposed on the planarization layer 115. The anode 121 can be electrically connected to a transistor in the pixel circuit, for example, a driving transistor TR, and can receive a driving current. The anode 121 provides holes to the organic layer 122, and therefore the anode 121 can be made of a conductive material with a high work function. The anode 121 can be made of, for example, a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), but is not limited thereto.

[0070] Meanwhile, the display device 100 can be implemented using either a top-emitting or bottom-emitting method. In the top-emitting method, a reflective layer made of a metallic material with excellent reflectivity, such as aluminum (Al) or silver (Ag), can be added below the anode 121, so that light emitted from the organic layer 122 is reflected to the anode 121 and propagates upward, i.e., toward the cathode 123. On the other hand, when the display device 100 is a bottom-emitting method, the anode 121 can be formed solely of a transparent conductive material. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a top-emitting method.

[0071] A dam 116 is disposed on the anode 121 and the planarization layer 115. The dam 116 is an insulating layer disposed between the light-emitting areas of the plurality of sub-pixels SP to distinguish the plurality of sub-pixels SP. The dam 116 includes an opening 116a exposing a portion of the anode 121. The dam 116 may be an organic insulating material disposed to cover the edges or corners of the anode 121. The dam 116 may be made of, for example, polyimide, acrylic, or benzocyclobutene (BCB)-based resin, but is not limited thereto.

[0072] Spacers 130 are disposed on the embankment 116 between the light-emitting areas of multiple sub-pixels SP. Spacers 130 are disposed on the embankment 116 to maintain a predetermined distance between the fine metal mask (FMM) (the deposition mask used when forming the light-emitting device 120) and the substrate 110. Spacers 130 maintain the embankment 116 and anode 121 located below the spacers 130 at a predetermined distance from the deposition mask, thereby suppressing damage to the embankment 116 and anode 121 due to contact between the deposition mask and the embankment 116 and anode 121. In this case, the multiple spacers 130 can be formed in a form that narrows upwards, for example, in a tapered form, thereby minimizing the area in contact with the deposition mask.

[0073] An organic layer 122 is disposed on the anode 121, the embankment 116, the plurality of trenches 140, and the spacer 130. The organic layer 122 includes a light-emitting layer and a common layer. The light-emitting layer is the organic layer 122 used to emit light of a specific color, and different light-emitting layers can be disposed on the first sub-pixel SP1, the second sub-pixel SP2, and the third sub-pixel SP3, or the same light-emitting layer can be disposed on all the plurality of sub-pixels SP. For example, when different light-emitting layers are disposed on the plurality of sub-pixels SP, a blue light-emitting layer can be disposed on the first sub-pixel SP1, a green light-emitting layer can be disposed on the second sub-pixel SP2, and a red light-emitting layer can be disposed on the third sub-pixel SP3.

[0074] Furthermore, the emissive layers of multiple sub-pixels SP can be connected to each other to form a single layer on multiple sub-pixels SP. For example, the emissive layer can be disposed on all multiple sub-pixels SP, and the light from the emissive layer can be converted into light with various colors by separate light conversion layers, color filters, etc.

[0075] Furthermore, multiple light-emitting layers emitting light of the same color can be stacked on a single sub-pixel SP. For example, two blue light-emitting layers can be stacked on the first sub-pixel SP1, two green light-emitting layers on the second sub-pixel SP2, and two red light-emitting layers on the third sub-pixel SP3. In this case, charge generation layers CGL can be placed between the multiple light-emitting layers, thereby smoothly providing electrons or holes to each of the multiple light-emitting layers. That is, charge generation layers can be placed between two blue light-emitting layers, between two green light-emitting layers, and between two red light-emitting layers.

[0076] Furthermore, multiple light-emitting layers emitting different colors of light can be stacked on a single sub-pixel SP. For example, by stacking a blue light-emitting layer and a yellow-green light-emitting layer on all the multiple sub-pixels SP, white light can be achieved in all the multiple sub-pixels SP. In this case, a charge generation layer can be placed between the blue light-emitting layer and the yellow-green light-emitting layer.

[0077] The common layer is an organic layer 122 configured to improve the luminous efficiency of the light-emitting layer. The common layer can be formed as a single layer on all the multiple sub-pixels SP. That is, the common layers of the multiple sub-pixels SP are interconnected and can be formed integrally. The common layer may include the aforementioned charge generation layer, or hole injection layer, hole transport layer, electron transport layer, electron injection layer, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0078] A cathode 123 is disposed on the organic layer 122. The cathode 123 provides electrons to the organic layer 122 and can therefore be made of a conductive material with a low work function. The cathode 123 can be formed as a single layer on all the multiple sub-pixels SP. That is, the cathodes 123 of the multiple sub-pixels SP can be interconnected and integrally formed. The cathode 123 can be made, for example, of transparent conductive materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO) and indium zinc oxide (IZO), metal alloys such as MgAg, ytterbium (Yb) alloys, and may further include layers doped with metals, but is not limited thereto. Meanwhile, although not shown in the figure, the cathode 123 can be electrically connected to a low-potential power line to receive low-potential power signals.

[0079] A plurality of grooves 140 are provided in the embankment 116. The plurality of grooves 140 may be grooves formed in the embankment 116 between the light-emitting areas of the plurality of sub-pixels SP. However, the plurality of grooves 140 may extend from the embankment 116 to the planarization layer 115 located below the embankment 116, but are not limited thereto. In addition, besides the shape shown in the figure, the cross-sectional shape of the plurality of grooves 140 may be formed in various shapes, such as V-shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0080] The plurality of trenches 140 include a plurality of first trenches 141, a plurality of second trenches 142, a plurality of third trenches 143, and auxiliary trenches 144.

[0081] A plurality of first trenches 141 are configured to surround a plurality of first sub-pixels SP1 respectively. The plurality of first trenches 141 may be configured to correspond to the edge of each of the plurality of first sub-pixels SP1. The plurality of first trenches 141 may be configured to correspond to the edge of an anode 121 disposed in the plurality of first sub-pixels SP1.

[0082] For example, one of the plurality of first grooves 141 may be configured to correspond to the edge of the first sub-pixel SP1 in the upper, upper left and upper right portions of the first sub-pixel SP1. A first groove 141 may include a portion extending in the row direction to correspond to the upper portion of the first sub-pixel SP1, and portions extending in the diagonal and column directions to correspond to each of the upper left and upper right portions of the first sub-pixel SP1.

[0083] For example, another of the plurality of first trenches 141 may be configured to correspond to the edge of the first sub-pixel SP1 in the lower left portion of the first sub-pixel SP1. This other first trench 141 may include a portion extending along the column direction to correspond to the lower left portion of the first sub-pixel SP1.

[0084] For example, another of the plurality of first grooves 141 may be configured to correspond to the edge of the first sub-pixel SP1 in the lower right portion of the first sub-pixel SP1. This additional first groove 141 may include a portion extending along the column direction to correspond to the lower right portion of the first sub-pixel SP1.

[0085] A plurality of second trenches 142 are configured to surround a plurality of second sub-pixels SP2 respectively. The plurality of second trenches 142 may be configured corresponding to the edge of each of the plurality of second sub-pixels SP2. The plurality of second trenches 142 may be configured along the edge of the anode 121 disposed in the plurality of second sub-pixels SP2.

[0086] For example, one of the plurality of second trenches 142 may be disposed along the edge of the second sub-pixel SP2 in the upper left portion of the second sub-pixel SP2. A second trench 142 may include a portion extending in the column direction to correspond to the upper left portion of the second sub-pixel SP2.

[0087] For example, another of the plurality of second trenches 142 may be configured to correspond to a portion of the lower part and the lower left edge of the second sub-pixel SP2. This other second trench 142 may include portions extending in a diagonal direction to correspond to a portion of the lower part and the lower left edge of the second sub-pixel SP2.

[0088] For example, in some of the multiple second sub-pixels SP2, a second groove 142 corresponding to the upper right part of the second sub-pixel SP2 and a second groove 142 corresponding to a portion of the lower part and the lower right part of the second sub-pixel SP2 can be provided.

[0089] For example, a second groove 142 corresponding to a portion of the lower part and the right part of the second sub-pixel SP2 may be provided in some other second sub-pixels among a plurality of second sub-pixels SP2.

[0090] A plurality of third trenches 143 are configured to surround a plurality of third sub-pixels SP3 respectively. The plurality of third trenches 143 may be configured corresponding to the edge of each of the plurality of third sub-pixels SP3. The plurality of third trenches 143 may be configured along the edge of the anode 121 disposed in the plurality of third sub-pixels SP3.

[0091] For example, one of the plurality of third grooves 143 may be disposed along the edges of the third sub-pixel SP3 in the upper, upper left, and upper right portions of the third sub-pixel SP3. A third groove 143 may include a portion extending in the row direction to correspond to the upper portion of the third sub-pixel SP3, and portions extending in the diagonal and column directions to correspond to each of the upper left and upper right portions of the third sub-pixel SP3.

[0092] For example, another of the plurality of third trenches 143 may be configured to correspond to the edge of the third sub-pixel SP3 in the lower left portion of the third sub-pixel SP3. This other third trench 143 may include a portion extending in the column direction and a portion extending in the diagonal direction to correspond to the lower left portion of the third sub-pixel SP3.

[0093] For example, another of the plurality of third grooves 143 may be configured to correspond to the edge of the third sub-pixel SP3 in the lower right portion of the third sub-pixel SP3. This additional third groove 143 may include a portion extending in a diagonal direction to correspond to the lower right portion of the third sub-pixel SP3.

[0094] In this configuration, at least some of the trenches among the plurality of first trenches 141, the plurality of second trenches 142, and the plurality of third trenches 143 surrounding each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP can be connected to each other. For example, the first trench 141 located at the lower left of the first sub-pixel SP1 can be integrally formed with the second trench 142 surrounding the lower left of the second sub-pixel SP2 located at the lower left of the first sub-pixel SP1. For example, the third trench 143 located at the lower right of the third sub-pixel SP3 can be integrally formed with the second trench 142 surrounding the lower right of the second sub-pixel SP2 located at the lower right of the third sub-pixel SP3. However, the arrangement and connection relationships of the plurality of first trenches 141, the plurality of second trenches 142, and the plurality of third trenches 143 can be designed in various ways and are not limited thereto.

[0095] Multiple auxiliary trenches 144 are disposed between the light-emitting areas of multiple sub-pixels SP. The multiple auxiliary trenches 144 can be disposed in any of the multiple first trenches 141, multiple second trenches 142, and multiple third trenches 143. The multiple auxiliary trenches 144 can be integrally formed with any one of the multiple first trenches 141, multiple second trenches 142, and multiple third trenches 143.

[0096] For example, an auxiliary groove 144 may extend from the end of the second groove 142 corresponding to the left and lower portions of the second sub-pixel SP2 toward the lower side of the second sub-pixel SP2. The auxiliary groove 144 extending from the end of the second groove 142 toward the lower side of the second sub-pixel SP2 may be disposed between a first sub-pixel SP1 and a third sub-pixel SP3 disposed adjacent to each other in the same row. That is, an auxiliary groove 144 may be disposed between a first groove 141 and a third groove 143 that are adjacent to each other.

[0097] For example, another auxiliary trench 144 may extend from the end of the second trench 142 corresponding to the right and lower portions of the second sub-pixel SP2 toward the lower side of the second sub-pixel SP2, and may be disposed between the first sub-pixel SP1 and the third sub-pixel SP3, which are disposed adjacent to each other in the same row. Another auxiliary trench 144 may be disposed between the first trench 141 and the third trench 143, which are adjacent to each other. Therefore, two auxiliary trenches 144, together with the first trench 141 and the third trench 143, can be disposed between the first sub-pixel SP1 and the third sub-pixel SP3, which are adjacent to each other. Therefore, a maximum number of trenches 140 can be disposed between the first sub-pixel SP1 and the third sub-pixel SP3.

[0098] Simultaneously, multiple open areas OP, which are separated from each other, are provided in the multiple trenches 140. The multiple open areas OP are the areas between the multiple first trenches 141, the multiple second trenches 142, and the multiple third trenches 143, and are areas where only the embankment 116 is provided without the multiple trenches 140. In this case, the size (or area) of the multiple open areas OP can be different from each other. The multiple open areas OP can reduce the resistance of the cathode 123, making it possible to apply a uniform voltage to the entire cathode 123 provided on the front surface of the substrate 110. Specifically, as the cathode 123 approaches the multiple trenches 140, the resistance of the cathode 123 can increase. The cathode 123 is provided along the multiple trenches 140, thereby increasing the length of the cathode 123 and making it difficult to form a uniform thickness within the multiple trenches 140. Therefore, due to the multiple trenches 140, the resistance of the cathode 123 can increase. When the resistance of the cathode 123 increases, it becomes difficult to apply a uniform voltage to the entire cathode 123. Therefore, by forming multiple open regions OP in which only the dam 116 is provided, the resistance of the cathode 123 can be reduced and voltage can be easily transmitted to the entire cathode 123.

[0099] For example, an opening region OP can be provided between each of the three first grooves 141 surrounding a first sub-pixel SP1. The opening regions OP can be provided on the left, right, and bottom portions of the first sub-pixel SP1. In this case, the size of the opening region OP corresponding to the bottom portion of the first sub-pixel SP1 can be larger than the sizes of the opening regions OP corresponding to the left and right portions of the first sub-pixel SP1.

[0100] For example, an opening region OP can be provided between each of the four second grooves 142 surrounding a second sub-pixel SP2, wherein a first sub-pixel SP1 is provided at the upper right of the second sub-pixel SP2. An opening region OP can be provided at the upper, lower, left, and right portions of a second sub-pixel SP2.

[0101] In this case, among the multiple opening regions OP, the size of the opening region OP corresponding to the upper part of the second sub-pixel SP2 can be the largest, and the size of the opening regions OP corresponding to the left and right parts of the second sub-pixel SP2 can be the smallest.

[0102] For example, an opening region OP can be provided between each of the three second grooves 142 surrounding another second sub-pixel SP2, with a third sub-pixel SP3 located at the upper right of this other second sub-pixel SP2. The opening regions OP can be provided at the top, bottom, and left of the other second sub-pixel SP2. In this case, among the multiple opening regions OP, the size of the opening region OP corresponding to the top of the second sub-pixel SP2 can be the largest, and the size of the opening region OP corresponding to the left of the second sub-pixel SP2 can be the smallest.

[0103] For example, an opening region OP can be provided between each of the three third grooves 143 surrounding a third sub-pixel SP3. The opening regions OP can be provided on the left, right, and bottom portions of a third sub-pixel SP3. In this case, the size of the opening region OP corresponding to the bottom portion of the third sub-pixel SP3 can be larger than the sizes of the opening regions OP corresponding to the left and right portions of the third sub-pixel SP3.

[0104] Meanwhile, among the multiple opening regions OP, the opening region OP corresponding to the left and right portions of the first sub-pixel SP1 can face the auxiliary groove 144. Furthermore, each of the multiple opening regions OP corresponding to the left and right portions of the third sub-pixel SP3 can face the auxiliary groove 144.

[0105] The depth of each of the plurality of trenches 140 may be the same as or greater than the thickness of the embankment 116. For example, refer to Figure 3A When the depth of each of the plurality of trenches 140 is the same as the thickness of the embankment 116, the top surface of the planarization layer 115 located below the embankment 116 can be exposed in the plurality of trenches 140. In this case, the plurality of trenches 140 can be correspondingly arranged with each of the plurality of anodes 121 and can be configured not to overlap with the anodes 121. When the plurality of trenches 140 overlap with the plurality of anodes 121, the plurality of anodes 121 covered by the embankment 116 can be partially exposed from the embankment 116. In this case, the anodes 121 exposed from the embankment 116 can partially contact the light-emitting layer and / or cathode 123 formed on the front surface of the substrate 110, and thus can emit light from a location other than the light-emitting area of ​​the plurality of sub-pixels SP. Therefore, the plurality of trenches 140 can be formed along the edge of each of the plurality of anodes 121, so that light is emitted only from the light-emitting area of ​​each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP, and each of the plurality of trenches 140 can be formed not to overlap with the plurality of anodes 121.

[0106] For example, such as Figure 3BAs shown, when the depth of each of the plurality of trenches 140 is greater than the thickness of the embankment 116, the plurality of trenches 140 extend from the embankment 116 to the planarization layer 115 located below the embankment 116, and a portion of the planarization layer 115 is exposed in the plurality of trenches 140. In this case, since the plurality of trenches 140 do not overlap with the plurality of anodes 121, even though the plurality of trenches 140 extend from the embankment 116 to the planarization layer 115, the plurality of anodes covered by the embankment 116 are not partially exposed in the plurality of trenches 140. Therefore, when the plurality of trenches 140 and the plurality of anodes 121 do not overlap with each other, the depth of each of the plurality of trenches 140 can be designed in various ways, but is not limited to these.

[0107] Simultaneously, the common layer of multiple light-emitting devices 120 is formed as a single layer on multiple sub-pixels SP. In this case, since the light-emitting devices 120 of multiple sub-pixels SP are formed in a structure sharing a common layer, when the light-emitting device 120 of a specific sub-pixel SP emits light, current flows to the light-emitting devices 120 of adjacent sub-pixels SP, i.e., current leakage occurs. In this case, due to leakage current, unwanted light-emitting devices 120 of other sub-pixels SP will emit light, resulting in color mixing among multiple sub-pixels SP and increased power consumption. Furthermore, due to leakage current, color anomalies, spots, etc., can be visually detected, and the display quality will degrade. For example, when only the first sub-pixel SP1 of the multiple sub-pixels SP emits light, some of the current provided to drive the light-emitting device 120 of the first sub-pixel SP1 will leak through the common layer to the adjacent second sub-pixels SP2 and third sub-pixels SP3.

[0108] Furthermore, for each of the multiple sub-pixels SP, the separately disposed light-emitting layers have different turn-on voltages. For example, the turn-on voltage for driving the first sub-pixel SP1, on which a blue light-emitting layer is disposed, can be the highest, and the turn-on voltage for driving the third sub-pixel SP3, on which a red light-emitting layer is disposed, can be the lowest. Moreover, since there is less barrier to current flowing to the second sub-pixel SP2 or the third sub-pixel SP3, which has a lower turn-on voltage than the first sub-pixel SP1 with the highest turn-on voltage, current leaking through the common layer easily flows from the first sub-pixel SP1 with the higher turn-on voltage to the second sub-pixel SP2 and the third sub-pixel SP3 with the lower turn-on voltage, and when the first sub-pixel SP1 is driven, both the second sub-pixel SP2 and the third sub-pixel SP3 with the lower turn-on voltage can emit light.

[0109] In particular, because the light emitted from the driven sub-pixel SP is less bright during low grayscale driving, light emitted from adjacent sub-pixels SP is more easily detected. That is, color anomalies and spot defects due to leakage current are more easily detected during low grayscale driving, resulting in a severe degradation in display quality. Furthermore, when displaying low grayscale white light, the third sub-pixel SP3, which has the lowest turn-on voltage, emits light first through the common layer, causing a reddish tint to appear in the white light instead of pure white light.

[0110] Therefore, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of trenches 140 are provided to minimize the leakage current through the common layer of the light-emitting devices 120. First, since the organic layers 122 and cathodes 123 of the plurality of light-emitting devices 120 are provided on the embankment 116 where the plurality of trenches 140 are formed, the organic layers 122 and cathodes 123 are also provided within the plurality of trenches 140. Since the organic layers 122 and cathodes 123 are deposited along the plurality of trenches 140, the length of the path for leakage current flow can be increased. That is, the common layer of the organic layers 122, which serves as the path for leakage current flow, is formed along the plurality of trenches 140 and the embankment 116, thereby increasing the length of the common layer and the length of the path for leakage current flow. Therefore, the length of the organic layers 122, which serves as the path for leakage current flow, is increased due to the plurality of trenches 140, thereby increasing the resistance of the organic layers 122 (common layer) and reducing the leakage current flowing to the light-emitting devices 120 of adjacent sub-pixels SP.

[0111] In the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the number of multiple trenches 140 disposed between the multiple sub-pixels SP can be designed in various ways, taking into account the turn-on voltages of the multiple sub-pixels SP. For example, since leakage current most easily flows from the first sub-pixel SP1, which has the highest turn-on voltage, to the third sub-pixel SP3, which has the lowest turn-on voltage, the third sub-pixel SP3 will also light up when only the first sub-pixel SP1 emits light. Therefore, a maximum number of trenches 140 can be disposed between the first sub-pixel SP1 and the third sub-pixel SP3, which have the largest turn-on voltage difference. Furthermore, the number of trenches 140 disposed between the second sub-pixel SP2 and the third sub-pixel SP3, which have a relatively small turn-on voltage difference, can be less than the number of trenches 140 disposed between the first sub-pixel SP1 and the third sub-pixel SP3. For example, a first trench 141, a third trench 143, and two auxiliary trenches 144 can be disposed between the first sub-pixel SP1 and the third sub-pixel SP3, which are adjacent to each other in the same row, and a second trench 142 can be disposed between the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2, or no trench 140 can be disposed. Therefore, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, various designs can be made for the number and arrangement of the plurality of trenches 140, taking into account the respective turn-on voltages of the plurality of sub-pixels SP. As an example, the number of trenches disposed between adjacent blue and red sub-pixels may be different from the number of trenches disposed between adjacent green sub-pixels. As another example, the number of trenches disposed between adjacent blue and red sub-pixels may be different from the number of trenches disposed between adjacent blue sub-pixels.

[0112] In a display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of trenches 140 are spaced apart from each other to form a plurality of open regions OP provided only with embankments 116, thereby reducing the resistance of the cathode 123. Cathodes 123 of a plurality of light-emitting devices 120 may be provided on the embankments 116 where the plurality of trenches 140 are formed. The length of the cathode 123 formed along the shape of the plurality of trenches 140 may increase due to the plurality of trenches 140, and the thickness of the cathode 123 may decrease, thereby increasing the resistance of the cathode. As the cathode approaches the plurality of trenches 140, the resistance of the cathode 123 may increase, and when the resistance of the cathode 123 increases near the plurality of trenches 140, it may be difficult to apply a uniform voltage to the entire cathode 123 and brightness deviation may occur. Therefore, by separating the plurality of trenches 140 from each other to form a plurality of open regions OP, a path for voltage transmission to the entire cathode 123 can be ensured. Therefore, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of opening regions OP can be provided, thereby applying a uniform voltage to the entire cathode 123 and reducing the brightness deviation of light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting devices 120 respectively.

[0113] In the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the sizes of multiple opening regions OP can be configured differently to take into account the influence of leakage current. Since the turn-on voltage difference between the multiple sub-pixels SP increases, more leakage current flows, and the desired light-emitting device 120 emits light. To reduce the leakage current flowing to adjacent sub-pixels SP, multiple trenches 140 can be provided between the light-emitting areas of the multiple sub-pixels SP. However, since the cathode 123 exhibits brightness deviation due to increased resistance as it approaches the multiple trenches 140, multiple opening regions OP are provided together. The opening regions OP are paths to apply a uniform voltage to the cathode 123, thereby reducing the resistance of the cathode 123 while reducing leakage current. In this case, the sizes of the multiple opening regions OP are configured to be smaller in regions where relatively large leakage current flows to reduce leakage current flow, and larger in regions where relatively small leakage current flows to reduce the resistance of the cathode 123. For example, since the plurality of second sub-pixels SP2 adjacent to each other in the column direction are less affected by leakage current than the plurality of third sub-pixels SP3, the opening region OP on the upper side of the second sub-pixel SP2 is configured to be larger than the opening regions OP on the left and right sides of the second sub-pixel SP2, thereby forming a path for uniformly transmitting voltage to the entire cathode 123. Therefore, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, various designs can be made to the size of the plurality of opening regions OP taking into account the leakage current caused by the turn-on voltage of the plurality of sub-pixels SP.

[0114] In a display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, by providing auxiliary trenches 144 facing multiple open regions OP, leakage current flowing to adjacent sub-pixels SP can be reduced. The multiple open regions OP are regions in which the multiple trenches 140 are not provided, and the resistance of the cathode 123 can be reduced, thereby applying a uniform voltage to the entire cathode 123. However, in the multiple open regions OP, the resistance of the common layer that serves as the path for leakage current is also reduced, so leakage current may easily be transmitted to other sub-pixels SP through the multiple open regions OP. Therefore, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in order to suppress the transmission of leakage current flowing along the multiple open regions OP to adjacent sub-pixels SP, auxiliary trenches 144 can be further provided corresponding to the multiple open regions OP. The auxiliary trenches 144 can be provided between each of the multiple first trenches 141, multiple second trenches 142, and multiple third trenches 143, and thus can face the open regions OP of the multiple first trenches 141, multiple second trenches 142, and multiple third trenches 143. Therefore, the leakage current flowing through the multiple opening regions OP to adjacent sub-pixels SP can be suppressed by the auxiliary channel 144. Thus, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, multiple auxiliary channels 144 can be provided corresponding to the multiple opening regions OP, thereby suppressing the flow of leakage current that may cause color abnormalities, spots, etc., thereby improving display quality.

[0115] Figure 4 This is an enlarged plan view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is an enlarged plan view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 Display device 400 and Figure 5 Display device 500 and Figures 1 to 3A The only difference between the display device 100 and the other device is the number of grooves 440 and 540. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Other components of the display device and Figures 1 to 3A Those are basically the same, so repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0116] Reference Figure 4One end of the plurality of auxiliary trenches 444 can be connected to different trenches 441, 442, and 443. Each end of the plurality of auxiliary trenches 444 can be connected to any one of the plurality of first trenches 441, the plurality of second trenches 442, and the plurality of third trenches 443. For example, some of the auxiliary trenches 444 may have one end connected to the plurality of second trenches 442, and the other end connected to the plurality of third trenches 443 and the plurality of second trenches 442. Some of the auxiliary trenches 444 may have one end connected to the second trench 442 corresponding to the right side of a second sub-pixel SP2, and may be connected to the third trench 443 corresponding to the left side of a third sub-pixel SP3 disposed on the lower right side of this second sub-pixel SP2.

[0117] For example, some other auxiliary trenches in the plurality of auxiliary trenches 444 may have one end connected to one of the plurality of second trenches 442, and the other end connected to one of the plurality of first trenches 441 and the plurality of second trenches 442. Specifically, some other auxiliary trenches in the auxiliary trenches 444 may have one end connected to a second trench 442 corresponding to the left side of a second sub-pixel SP2, and may be connected to a second trench 442 corresponding to the left side of another second sub-pixel SP2 disposed below this second sub-pixel SP2. In this case, the second trench 442 connected to the other end of the auxiliary trench 444 may be integrally formed with the first trench 441 surrounding the adjacent first sub-pixel SP1. Therefore, the other end of some other auxiliary trenches in the auxiliary trenches 444 may be connected to the integrally formed first trench 441 and second trench 442.

[0118] In this configuration, the voltage of the cathode 123 can be easily transmitted through the area between the opening regions OP on the upper and lower sides of the second sub-pixel SP2 and the auxiliary trench 444. That is, a path for easily transmitting the voltage of the cathode 123 through the second sub-pixel SP2 can be ensured, thereby reducing brightness deviation.

[0119] Reference Figure 5 An auxiliary groove 544 can be provided between first sub-pixels SP1 and third sub-pixels SP3 that are adjacent to each other in the same row. Furthermore, one end of the auxiliary groove 544 can be connected to a second groove 542 surrounding the upper and lower portions of each second sub-pixel SP2 that is adjacent to each other in the same column. For example, one end of the auxiliary groove 544 can be connected to the midpoint of a second groove 542 surrounding the lower, lower left, and lower right portions of a second sub-pixel SP2. Additionally, the auxiliary groove 544 can extend in the column direction, so that its other end can be connected to the midpoint of another second groove 542 surrounding the upper, upper left, and upper right portions of another second sub-pixel SP2.

[0120] In the display devices 400 and 500 according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, one end and the other end of the auxiliary trenches 444 and 544 may be respectively connected to one end and the other end of any one of a plurality of first trenches 441 and 541, a plurality of second trenches 442 and 542, and a plurality of third trenches 443 and 543 adjacent to each other, thereby reducing leakage current flowing between the plurality of sub-pixels SP. For example, in Figure 4 In the display device 400, one end and the other end of the auxiliary trench 444 can be connected to a second trench 442 that is adjacent to each other in the same column, or the other end of the auxiliary trench 444 can be connected to a first trench 441 or a third trench 443 adjacent to the auxiliary trench 444. For example, Figure 5 In the display device 500, an auxiliary trench 544 extends in the column direction between first sub-pixels SP1 and third sub-pixels SP3 that are adjacent to each other in the same row, thereby blocking leakage current from flowing from the first sub-pixel SP1 to the third sub-pixel SP3. Furthermore, the auxiliary trench 544 is connected between second trenches 542 that are adjacent to each other in the same column, thereby reducing leakage current flowing through the space between the second sub-pixels SP2. Therefore, in the display devices 400 and 500 according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, auxiliary trenches 444 and 544 can be connected between a plurality of first trenches 441 and 541, a plurality of second trenches 442 and 542, and a plurality of third trenches 443 and 543, thereby reducing leakage current flowing to adjacent sub-pixels SP.

[0121] Figure 6 This is an enlarged plan view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view taken from line VII-VII'. Figure 6 and Figure 7 Display device 600 and Figures 1 to 3A The only difference between the display device 100 and the display device 100 is the number of grooves 640; the other components are basically the same, so their repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0122] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 Each of the plurality of trenches 640 has a depth less than the thickness of the embankment 116. The planarization layer 115 located beneath the embankment 116 may not be exposed in the plurality of trenches 640. In this case, the plurality of trenches 640 may be configured to overlap with a portion of the anode 121 covered by the embankment 116.

[0123] Reference Figure 6A plurality of first trenches 641 are provided in the embankment 116 surrounding each of the plurality of first sub-pixels SP1. One of the plurality of first trenches 641 may be configured to surround the lower, lower left and lower right portions of the first sub-pixel SP1. In this case, one first trench 641 may be configured to overlap with a portion of the anode 121 of the first sub-pixel SP1.

[0124] A plurality of second trenches 642 are provided in the embankment 116 surrounding each of the plurality of second sub-pixels SP2. One of the plurality of second trenches 642 may be configured to surround the upper, upper left, and upper right portions of the second sub-pixel SP2. In this case, one second trench 642 may be configured to overlap with a portion of the anode 121 of the second sub-pixel SP2.

[0125] A plurality of third trenches 643 are provided in the embankment 116 surrounding each of the plurality of third sub-pixels SP3. One of the plurality of third trenches 643 may be configured to surround a portion of the lower side and the lower left portion of the third sub-pixel SP3, that is, the corner of the lower left portion of the third sub-pixel SP3. In this case, one third trench 643 may be configured to overlap with a portion of the anode 121 of the third sub-pixel SP3.

[0126] In a display device 600 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the depth of each of the plurality of trenches 640 is formed to be less than the thickness of the embankment 116, thereby allowing the plurality of trenches 640 to be designed in various ways without being limited by the shape and arrangement of the anode 121. Even if the plurality of trenches 640 are arranged to overlap with a portion of the anode 121 covered by the embankment 116, the anode 121 will not be exposed in the plurality of trenches 640 because the depth of each of the plurality of trenches 640 is less than the thickness of the embankment 116. Therefore, even if the plurality of trenches 640 overlap with the anode 121, the organic layer 122 and the cathode 123 formed on the front surface of the substrate 110 can only contact the anode 121 at the opening 116a of the embankment 116, and can emit light only in the plurality of sub-pixels SP. Therefore, by adjusting the depth of the plurality of trenches 640, the arrangement of the plurality of trenches 640 can be designed in various ways regardless of the arrangement of the anode 121.

[0127] Figure 8 This is an enlarged plan view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 Display device 800 and Figure 6 and Figure 7 The only difference between the display device 600 and the other display device 600 is the number of grooves 840. The other components are basically the same, so repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0128] Reference Figure 8Multiple auxiliary grooves 844 are further provided between multiple sub-pixels SP. For example, two auxiliary grooves 844 may be provided between first sub-pixels SP1 and third sub-pixels SP3 that are adjacent to each other in the same column. For example, multiple auxiliary grooves 844 may be provided along the row direction between first sub-pixels SP1 and third sub-pixels SP3 that are adjacent to each other in the same column and between second sub-pixels SP2 that are adjacent to each other in the same row. In addition, the multiple auxiliary grooves 844 may be provided in the remaining areas between first sub-pixels SP1 and third sub-pixels SP3, excluding the area where the spacer 130 is provided.

[0129] At least some of the auxiliary trenches 844 may be configured to be separated from the plurality of first trenches 841, the plurality of second trenches 842, and the plurality of third trenches 843. Some of the auxiliary trenches 844 may be configured in an island shape. The separation of the auxiliary trenches 844 from the plurality of first trenches 841, the plurality of second trenches 842, and the plurality of third trenches 843 ensures a path for easy voltage transmission to the entire cathode 123. For example, a uniform voltage may be applied to the entire cathode 123 along the auxiliary trenches 844 configured to be separated from the opening regions OP of the left and right sides of the second sub-pixel SP2.

[0130] In a display device 800 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of auxiliary trenches 844 are provided in the blank space between the first sub-pixel SP1 and the third sub-pixel SP3 and between the second sub-pixel SP2, thereby applying a uniform voltage to the entire cathode 123 while minimizing leakage current. A plurality of auxiliary trenches 844 are further provided in the regions between the first sub-pixel SP1 and the third sub-pixel SP3 and between the second sub-pixels SP2, excluding the region where the spacer 130 is provided. The plurality of auxiliary trenches 844 are provided in the row direction between the first sub-pixel SP1 and the third sub-pixel SP3 having the maximum turn-on voltage difference, thereby minimizing the leakage current flowing from the first sub-pixel SP1 to the third sub-pixel SP3 when the first sub-pixel and the third sub-pixel are arranged in the same column. Furthermore, the plurality of auxiliary trenches 844 can be separated from each of the plurality of first trenches 841, the plurality of second trenches 842, and the plurality of third trenches 843, thereby forming an opening region and a region in which the resistance of the cathode 123 is relatively low, thereby allowing a uniform voltage to be applied to the entire cathode 123 together with the opening regions OP corresponding to the left and right portions of the second sub-pixel SP2. Therefore, in a display device 800 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of island-shaped auxiliary trenches 844 extending in the row direction can be provided between first sub-pixels SP1 and third sub-pixels SP3 that are adjacent to each other in the column direction, thereby applying a uniform voltage to the entire cathode 123 while minimizing leakage current.

[0131] Figure 9 This is an enlarged plan view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 Display device 900 and Figure 6 and Figure 7 The only difference between the display device 600 and the other display device 600 is the number of grooves 940. The other components are basically the same, so repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0132] Reference Figure 9 The plurality of third trenches 943 can be configured to surround the upper and lower portions of each of the plurality of third sub-pixels SP3. Specifically, with Figure 6 and Figure 7 Compared to the 600 display device, in Figure 9 In the display device 900, the plurality of third trenches 943 surrounding a third sub-pixel SP3 may include third trenches 943 covering the upper, upper left, and upper right portions of the third sub-pixel SP3; and third trenches 943 covering the lower, lower left, and lower right portions of the third sub-pixel SP3. Therefore, a plurality of opening regions OP may be provided only on the left and right portions of each of the plurality of third sub-pixels SP3.

[0133] In a display device 900 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the opening region OP of each of a plurality of third sub-pixels SP3 having the lowest turn-on voltage can be minimized to minimize leakage current flowing to the plurality of third sub-pixels SP3. The plurality of third sub-pixels SP3 having the lowest turn-on voltage can emit light relatively easily due to leakage current. For example, when only the first sub-pixel SP1 emits light, the third sub-pixel SP3 having the lowest turn-on voltage will emit light first due to leakage current. Therefore, by minimizing the spacing between the plurality of third trenches 943 surrounding each third sub-pixel SP3 most susceptible to leakage current, i.e., minimizing the size of the opening region OP, the effect of leakage current on the plurality of third sub-pixels SP3 can be minimized.

[0134] Figure 10 This is an enlarged plan view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 Display device 1000 and Figure 9 The only difference between the display device 900 and the display device 900 is the number of grooves 1040. The other components are basically the same, so repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0135] Reference Figure 10 The size of the opening region OP corresponding to the left and right portions of each of the plurality of second sub-pixels SP2 can be minimized. Specifically, with Figure 9 Compared to the display device 900, in Figure 10In the display device 1000, the spacing of the plurality of second grooves 1042 on the left and right sides of each of the plurality of second sub-pixels SP2 is configured to be narrow, thereby reducing the size of the opening region OP.

[0136] In a display device 1000 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the opening region OP of each of the plurality of second sub-pixels SP2 can be minimized to minimize leakage current flowing to the plurality of second sub-pixels SP2. The plurality of second sub-pixels SP2 having a lower turn-on voltage than the plurality of first sub-pixels SP1 may emit light due to leakage current. For example, when only the first sub-pixels SP1 emit light, the second sub-pixels SP2 having a lower turn-on voltage than the first sub-pixels SP1 may emit light due to leakage current. Therefore, by narrowing the spacing between the plurality of second trenches 1042 surrounding each second sub-pixel SP2, the size of the opening region OP can be minimized, and the undesirable emitting light by the plurality of second sub-pixels SP2 due to leakage current can be minimized.

[0137] Figure 11 This is an enlarged plan view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 Display device 1100 and Figure 6 and Figure 7 The only difference between the display device 600 and the display device 600 is the number of grooves 1140. The other components are basically the same, so repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0138] Reference Figure 11 An opening region OP is set on the left and right sides of multiple first sub-pixels SP1. An opening region OP is also set on the left and right sides of multiple third sub-pixels SP3.

[0139] A plurality of auxiliary trenches 1144 extending from a plurality of second trenches 1142 in the column direction are provided between a plurality of first sub-pixels SP1 and a plurality of third sub-pixels SP3 that are adjacent to each other in the row direction. An opening region OP is provided in each of the plurality of auxiliary trenches 1144 between the plurality of first sub-pixels SP1 and a plurality of third sub-pixels SP3 that are adjacent to each other in the row direction.

[0140] Among the opening regions OP among the multiple auxiliary grooves 1144, the opening region OP adjacent to the right side of the first sub-pixel SP1 can be alternately arranged with the opening region OP corresponding to the right side of the first sub-pixel SP1. For example, the opening region OP of the auxiliary groove 1144 most adjacent to the right side of the first sub-pixel SP1 can be arranged to be closer to the lower side in the column direction than the opening region OP of the right side of the first sub-pixel SP1. That is, the opening region OP of the right side of the first sub-pixel SP1 and the opening region OP of the auxiliary groove 1144 most adjacent to the opening region OP of the right side of the first sub-pixel SP1 can not be arranged on the same line in the row direction, but can be alternately arranged.

[0141] Among the opening regions OP among the multiple auxiliary grooves 1144, the opening region OP adjacent to the left of the third sub-pixel SP3 can be alternately arranged with the opening region OP corresponding to the left of the third sub-pixel SP3. For example, the opening region OP of the auxiliary groove 1144 most adjacent to the left of the third sub-pixel SP3 can be arranged to be closer to the upper side in the column direction than the opening region OP of the left of the third sub-pixel SP3. That is, the opening region OP of the auxiliary groove 1144 most adjacent to the opening region OP of the left of the third sub-pixel SP3 and the opening region OP of the left of the third sub-pixel SP3 can not be arranged on the same line in the row direction, but can be alternately arranged.

[0142] In this case, the opening regions OP of adjacent auxiliary trenches 1144 can also be alternately arranged. For example, in a pair of auxiliary trenches 1144 located between the right side of the first sub-pixel SP1 and the left side of the third sub-pixel SP3, the opening region OP of the auxiliary trench 1144 adjacent to the right side of the first sub-pixel SP1 can be adjacent to the lower side in the column direction, and the opening region OP of the auxiliary trench 1144 adjacent to the left side of the third sub-pixel SP3 can be adjacent to the upper side in the column direction. Therefore, the opening regions OP of adjacent auxiliary trenches 1144 can also be alternately arranged instead of being on the same line.

[0143] In a display device 1100 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of adjacent opening regions OP can be alternately arranged to minimize leakage current. The opening region OP of the auxiliary trench 1144 adjacent to the right side of the first sub-pixel SP1 can be arranged closer to the lower part of the first sub-pixel SP1, thus alternating with the opening region OP of the right side of the first sub-pixel SP1. Furthermore, the opening region OP of the auxiliary trench 1144 adjacent to the left side of the third sub-pixel SP3 can be arranged closer to the upper part of the third sub-pixel SP3, thus alternating with the opening region OP of the left side of the third sub-pixel SP3. Therefore, by alternately arranging each adjacent opening region OP, the leakage current flowing between the first sub-pixel SP1 and the third sub-pixel SP3 can be minimized, and color anomalies and display quality degradation caused by leakage current can be minimized.

[0144] Figure 12 This is an enlarged plan view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 Display device 1200 and Figure 11 The only difference between the display device 1100 and the display device 1100 is the number of grooves 1240. The other components are basically the same, so their repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0145] Reference Figure 12 A first groove 1241 can be set around the upper, right, lower, upper left, and lower left portions of each of the plurality of first sub-pixels SP1. Therefore, an opening region OP can be set only on the left side of each of the plurality of first sub-pixels SP1.

[0146] Multiple second grooves 1242 can be provided around each of the four corners of each of the multiple second sub-pixels SP2. Therefore, opening regions OP can be provided at the top, bottom, left and right parts of the second sub-pixels SP2 respectively.

[0147] A third groove 1243 can be set around the upper, left, lower, upper right, and lower right portions of each of the plurality of third sub-pixels SP3. Therefore, an opening region OP can be set only on the right side of each of the plurality of third sub-pixels SP3.

[0148] An opening region OP can be formed in only some of the auxiliary trenches among the plurality of trenches 1240 disposed between a first sub-pixel SP1 and a third sub-pixel SP3 that are adjacent to each other in the same row. For example, each of the plurality of auxiliary trenches 1244 disposed to the right of the first sub-pixel SP1 can be separated from each other to form an opening region OP. Therefore, each of the plurality of auxiliary trenches 1244 disposed to the left of the first sub-pixel SP1 can be connected to each other, and thus may not form an opening region OP.

[0149] In a display device 1200 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, leakage current transmitted to adjacent sub-pixels SP can be minimized by minimizing a plurality of open regions OP. A plurality of trenches 1240 surrounding each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP can be separated from each other to minimize the open open regions OP. For example, by providing only one first trench 1241 surrounding a first sub-pixel SP1, an open region OP can be formed only on the left side of the first sub-pixel SP1, and by providing only one third trench 1243 surrounding a third sub-pixel SP3, an open region OP can be formed only on the right side of the third sub-pixel SP3. Furthermore, open regions OP can be formed in only some of the auxiliary trenches 1244 provided between the plurality of first sub-pixels SP1 and the plurality of third sub-pixels SP3. Therefore, when the open regions OP in the plurality of trenches 1240 are minimized and only some of the sub-pixels SP emit light, undesirable light emission of the sub-pixels SP due to leakage current flowing to adjacent sub-pixels SP can be minimized. Therefore, in a display device 1200 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the opening regions OP of the plurality of trenches 1240 being opened apart from each other are arranged in a minimal manner, thereby improving spots or color abnormalities caused by leakage current.

[0150] Figure 13 This is an enlarged plan view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 It is along Figure 13 A cross-sectional view taken from line XIV-XIV'. Figure 13 and Figure 14 Display device 1300 and Figures 1 to 3A The difference of the display device 100 lies in the multiple sub-pixels SP and multiple grooves 1340, while the other components are basically the same, so their repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0151] Reference Figure 13 The multiple sub-pixels SP include multiple first sub-pixels SP1, multiple second sub-pixels SP2, and multiple third sub-pixels SP3.

[0152] Multiple first sub-pixels SP1 can be arranged in multiple columns. Multiple first sub-pixels SP1 can be arranged in the same column. Multiple second sub-pixels SP2 and multiple third sub-pixels SP3 can be arranged between each of the multiple columns in which multiple first sub-pixels SP1 are arranged. For example, multiple first sub-pixels SP1 can be arranged in one column, and multiple second sub-pixels SP2 and multiple third sub-pixels SP3 can be arranged in adjacent columns. Furthermore, multiple second sub-pixels SP2 and multiple third sub-pixels SP3 can be alternately arranged in the same column.

[0153] The multiple trenches 1340 include multiple first trenches 1341, multiple second trenches 1342 and multiple third trenches 1343.

[0154] A plurality of first trenches 1341 are configured to surround a plurality of first sub-pixels SP1 respectively. The plurality of first trenches 1341 may be configured corresponding to the edge of each of the plurality of first sub-pixels SP1. The plurality of first trenches 1341 may be configured along the edge of the anode 121 disposed in the plurality of first sub-pixels SP1.

[0155] For example, one of the plurality of first trenches 1341 may be configured to correspond to the upper left portion of the first sub-pixel SP1. A first trench 1341 may include a portion extending along the column direction to correspond to the upper left portion of the first sub-pixel SP1.

[0156] For example, another first trench 1341 of a plurality of first trenches 1341 may be configured to correspond to the lower left portion of the first sub-pixel SP1. The other first trench 1341 may include a portion extending along the column direction to correspond to the lower left portion of the first sub-pixel SP1.

[0157] For example, another first trench 1341 of the plurality of first trenches 1341 may be respectively configured to correspond to the upper right and lower right portions of the first sub-pixel SP1. Another first trench 1341 may include portions extending along the column direction to correspond to the upper right and lower right portions of the first sub-pixel SP1 respectively.

[0158] A plurality of second trenches 1342 are configured to surround each of a plurality of second sub-pixels SP2. The plurality of second trenches 1342 may be configured corresponding to the edge of each of the plurality of second sub-pixels SP2. The plurality of second trenches 1342 may be configured along the edge of the anode 121 disposed in the plurality of second sub-pixels SP2.

[0159] For example, one of the plurality of second trenches 1342 may be configured to correspond to the upper left portion of the second sub-pixel SP2 and a portion of the upper side of the second sub-pixel SP2 adjacent to the left portion. This second trench 1342 may include portions extending along the column direction and the row direction to correspond to the left and upper portions of the second sub-pixel SP2, respectively.

[0160] For example, another second trench 1342 of the plurality of second trenches 1342 may be configured to correspond to the lower left portion of the second sub-pixel SP2 and a portion of the lower portion of the second sub-pixel SP2 adjacent to the left portion. Another second trench 1342 may include portions extending along the column direction and the row direction to correspond to the left and lower portions of the second sub-pixel SP2, respectively.

[0161] For example, another second trench 1342 of a plurality of second trenches 1342 may be configured to correspond to the right portion of the second sub-pixel SP2 and a portion of the upper portion of the second sub-pixel SP2 adjacent to the right portion. Another second trench 1342 may include portions extending along the column direction and the row direction to correspond to the right and upper portions of the second sub-pixel SP2, respectively.

[0162] A plurality of third trenches 1343 are configured to surround each of a plurality of third sub-pixels SP3. The plurality of third trenches 1343 may be configured corresponding to the edge of each of the plurality of third sub-pixels SP3. The plurality of third trenches 1343 may be configured along the edge of the anode 121 disposed in the plurality of third sub-pixels SP3.

[0163] For example, one of the plurality of third grooves 1343 may be configured to correspond to the lower left portion of the third sub-pixel SP3 and a portion of the lower portion of the third sub-pixel SP3 adjacent to the left portion. This third groove 1343 may include portions extending in the column direction and in the row direction to correspond to the left and lower portions of the third sub-pixel SP3, respectively.

[0164] For example, another third trench 1343 of a plurality of third trenches 1343 may be configured to correspond to a portion of the upper part of the third sub-pixel SP3. Another third trench 1343 may include a portion extending along the row direction to correspond to the upper part of the third sub-pixel SP3.

[0165] For example, one of the plurality of third trenches 1343 may be configured to correspond to the right portion of the third sub-pixel SP3, and a portion of the upper and lower portions of the third sub-pixel SP3 adjacent to the right portion. Another third trench 1343 may include portions extending in the column direction to correspond to the right portion of the third sub-pixel SP3 and portions extending in the row direction to correspond to the upper and lower portions of the third sub-pixel SP3.

[0166] Simultaneously, at least some of the multiple first trenches 1341, multiple second trenches 1342, and multiple third trenches 1343 can be connected to each other. For example, the first trench 1341 located at the lower left of the first sub-pixel SP1, the second trench 1342 located at the right of the second sub-pixel SP2, and the third trench 1343 located at the right of the third sub-pixel SP3 can be integrally formed. For example, the first trench 1341 located at the upper right of the first sub-pixel SP1 and the third trench 1343 located at a portion of the upper part of the third sub-pixel SP3 can be integrally formed. For example, the first trench 1341 located at the lower right of the first sub-pixel SP1, the second trench 1342 located at a portion of the upper part and the upper left of the second sub-pixel SP2, and the third trench 1343 located at a portion of the lower part and the lower left of the third sub-pixel SP3 can be integrally formed.

[0167] Each of the plurality of trenches 1340 has a plurality of opening regions OP that are spaced apart from each other. The plurality of opening regions OP are the regions between the plurality of first trenches 1341, the plurality of second trenches 1342, and the plurality of third trenches 1343, and may contain only the embankment 116. The plurality of opening regions OP can reduce the resistance of the cathode 123, so that a uniform voltage can be applied to the entire cathode 123 disposed on the front surface of the substrate 110. Specifically, as the cathode 123 approaches the plurality of trenches 1340, the resistance of the cathode 123 can increase, and when the resistance of the cathode 123 increases, it may be difficult to apply a uniform voltage to the entire cathode 123. Therefore, by forming a plurality of opening regions OP in which only the embankment 116 is provided, the resistance of the cathode 123 can be reduced and voltage can be easily transmitted to the entire cathode 123.

[0168] For example, multiple opening regions OP can be provided corresponding to the entire upper part, the entire lower part, a portion of the left part, and a portion of the right part of each of the multiple first sub-pixels SP1. In this case, even if the opening regions OP are formed in the entire upper and lower parts of each of the multiple first sub-pixels SP1, no problems due to leakage current will occur because the multiple first sub-pixels SP1 are arranged in the same column.

[0169] For example, multiple opening regions OP can be set corresponding to a portion of the upper part, a portion of the left part, and a portion of the lower part of each of multiple second sub-pixels SP2. For example, multiple opening regions OP can be set corresponding to a portion of the upper side, a portion of the left side, and a portion of the lower side of each of multiple third sub-pixels SP3.

[0170] Reference Figure 14 The depth of each of the plurality of trenches 1340 may be the same as the thickness of the embankment 116. The top surface of the planarization layer 115 located below the embankment 116 may be exposed in the plurality of trenches 1340. In this case, the plurality of trenches 1340 may be arranged in the shape of the plurality of anodes 121 and may not overlap with the plurality of anodes 121. When the plurality of trenches 1340 overlap with the plurality of anodes 121, the plurality of anodes 121 covered by the embankment 116 may be partially exposed from the embankment 116, and a portion of the exposed anodes 121 may contact the light-emitting layer and cathode 123 formed on the front surface of the substrate 110, thereby emitting light from a location other than the light-emitting areas of the plurality of sub-pixels SP. Therefore, the plurality of trenches 1340 may be formed along the edge of each of the plurality of anodes 121 while being formed without overlapping with the plurality of anodes 121.

[0171] at the same time, Figure 14The diagram illustrates that the depth of each of the multiple trenches 1340 is the same as the thickness of the embankment 116, but the depth of each of the multiple trenches 1340 can be formed to be greater than the thickness of the embankment 116. Since the multiple trenches 1340 do not overlap with the multiple anodes 121, even if the multiple trenches 1340 extend from the embankment 116 to the planarization layer 115 located below the embankment 116, the anodes covered by the embankment 116 will not be partially exposed in the multiple trenches 1340. Therefore, when the multiple trenches 1340 and the multiple anodes 121 do not overlap, the depth of the multiple trenches 1340 can be designed in various ways, and is not limited to this.

[0172] In a display device 1300 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of trenches 1340 can be designed in various ways corresponding to the design of a plurality of sub-pixels SP. A plurality of first sub-pixels SP1 among the plurality of sub-pixels SP can be disposed in a plurality of columns. A plurality of second sub-pixels SP2 among the plurality of sub-pixels SP can be disposed between each column in which a plurality of first sub-pixels SP1 are disposed. A plurality of third sub-pixels SP3 can be disposed in the column in which a plurality of second sub-pixels SP2 are disposed, and the plurality of second sub-pixels SP2 and the plurality of third sub-pixels SP3 can be alternately disposed in the same column. In this case, each of the plurality of trenches 1340 can be designed according to the arrangement and shape of the plurality of sub-pixels SP. For example, a plurality of first trenches 1341 can be disposed along the edge of each of the plurality of first sub-pixels SP1, a plurality of second trenches 1342 can be disposed along the edge of each of the plurality of second sub-pixels SP2, and a plurality of third trenches 1343 can be disposed along the edge of each of the plurality of third sub-pixels SP3. Furthermore, taking into account the spacing between the plurality of sub-pixels SP, at least some of the trenches 1340 can be connected to each other and integrally formed. Therefore, in the display device 1300 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the design of the plurality of trenches 1340 can be easily changed to correspond to the design of the plurality of sub-pixels SP, and the leakage current flowing to adjacent sub-pixels SP can be reduced, thereby improving the display quality.

[0173] Figure 15 This is an enlarged plan view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 It is along Figure 15 A cross-sectional view taken from line XVI-XVI'. Figure 15 and Figure 16 Display device 1500 and Figure 13 and Figure 14 The difference of the display device 1300 is the multiple grooves 1540, the other components are basically the same, so repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0174] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 16The depth of each of the plurality of trenches 1540 may be less than the thickness of the embankment 116. The planarization layer 115 located beneath the embankment 116 may not be exposed in the plurality of trenches 1540. In this case, even if the plurality of trenches 1540 overlap with a portion of the anode 121, the anode 121 will not be exposed from the embankment 116, thus blocking light emission from areas other than the light-emitting areas of the plurality of sub-pixels SP. Therefore, the plurality of trenches 1540 are not limited by the shape and arrangement of the anode 121 and can be designed in various ways.

[0175] Reference Figure 15 The plurality of trenches 1540 surrounding each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP may overlap with a portion of the anode 121 of the plurality of sub-pixels SP. For example, the first trench 1541 corresponding to the left portion of the first sub-pixel SP1 may partially overlap with the anode 121 of the first sub-pixel SP1. The second trench 1542 corresponding to the lower portion of the second sub-pixel SP2 may partially overlap with the anode 121 of the second sub-pixel SP2.

[0176] In addition, the plurality of trenches 1540 further include a plurality of auxiliary trenches 1544 extending from any one of the plurality of first trenches 1541, a plurality of second trenches 1542 and a plurality of third trenches 1543.

[0177] For example, one of the plurality of auxiliary trenches 1544 may extend toward the adjacent first sub-pixel SP1 from the end of the first trench 1541 corresponding to the left and right portions of each of the plurality of first sub-pixels SP1. Furthermore, the auxiliary trench 1544 extending from the right portion of the first trench 1541 may also connect to the first trench 1541 corresponding to the right portion of the adjacent first sub-pixel SP1. That is, the first trenches 1541 corresponding to each of the different first sub-pixels SP1 can be connected to each other via the auxiliary trenches 1544.

[0178] For example, another of the plurality of auxiliary trenches 1544 may extend from the second trench 1542 corresponding to the lower portion of each of the plurality of second sub-pixels SP2 toward the adjacent third sub-pixel SP3. Furthermore, the auxiliary trench 1544 extending from the second trench 1542 toward the adjacent third sub-pixel SP3 may also be connected to the third trench 1543 corresponding to the upper portion of the third sub-pixel SP3. The second trenches 1542 and the third trenches 1543 may be connected to each other via the auxiliary trenches 1544.

[0179] In a display device 1500 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the depth of each of the plurality of trenches 1540 is formed to be less than the thickness of the embankment 116, thereby allowing the plurality of trenches 1540 to be designed in various ways without being limited by the shape and arrangement of the anode 121. When the depth of each of the plurality of trenches 1540 is less than the thickness of the embankment 116, even if the plurality of trenches 1540 overlap with the anode 121, the anode 121 will not be exposed in areas other than the opening 116a of the embankment 116, and light can be emitted only from the light-emitting areas of the plurality of sub-pixels SP. Therefore, the plurality of trenches 1540 can be arranged along the shape of the anode 121, but can be arranged to partially overlap with the anode 121. The plurality of trenches 1540 can be arranged in the areas overlapping with the anode 121, and more trenches 1540 can be arranged in the areas between the plurality of sub-pixels SP. Therefore, the depth of each of the plurality of trenches 1540 can be formed to be less than the thickness of the embankment 116, thereby improving the design freedom of the plurality of trenches 1540.

[0180] This invention can improve leakage current through the common layer of multiple light-emitting devices.

[0181] The present invention can improve color reproduction by suppressing unwanted light emission from light-emitting devices when driving a display device.

[0182] This invention improves display quality by minimizing the visual recognition of spots or color anomalies when displaying low grayscale images.

[0183] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may also be described as follows:

[0184] According to one aspect of the present invention, a display device is provided. The display device includes: a substrate defining a plurality of sub-pixels; a plurality of anodes disposed in each of the plurality of sub-pixels on the substrate. The display device further includes an organic layer disposed on the plurality of anodes. The display device further includes a cathode disposed on the organic layer. The display device further includes a dam between the anodes and the organic layer, the dam being disposed between light-emitting regions of each of the plurality of sub-pixels and including a plurality of trenches. The organic layer and the cathode are disposed in the dam and the plurality of trenches.

[0185] The organic layer may include a light-emitting layer and a common layer disposed on the plurality of sub-pixels, and the resistance of the common layer increases as the common layer approaches the plurality of trenches.

[0186] The depth of each of the plurality of trenches may be the same as the thickness of the embankment, and the plurality of trenches may not overlap with the anode.

[0187] The depth of each of the plurality of trenches may be less than the thickness of the embankment, and at least one of the plurality of trenches may partially overlap with the anode.

[0188] The plurality of sub-pixels may include a first sub-pixel, a second sub-pixel, and a third sub-pixel. The first sub-pixel among the plurality of sub-pixels may have the highest turn-on voltage, and the third sub-pixel among the plurality of sub-pixels may have the lowest turn-on voltage.

[0189] The number of grooves set between adjacent first and third sub-pixels can be different from the number of grooves set between adjacent second and third sub-pixels.

[0190] The plurality of trenches may include: a plurality of first trenches, each first trench corresponding to the edge of each first sub-pixel; a plurality of second trenches, each second trench corresponding to the edge of each second sub-pixel; and a plurality of third trenches, each third trench corresponding to the edge of each third sub-pixel.

[0191] The plurality of trenches may further include a plurality of auxiliary trenches extending from one of the plurality of first trenches, the plurality of second trenches, and the plurality of third trenches toward each of the plurality of sub-pixels.

[0192] The plurality of trenches may further include a plurality of auxiliary trenches, which are separated from the plurality of first trenches, the plurality of second trenches and the plurality of third trenches and are disposed between the light-emitting areas of each of the plurality of sub-pixels.

[0193] The plurality of trenches may further include a plurality of opening regions, in which each of the plurality of trenches is opened apart from each other, and some of the opening regions may be alternately arranged with other opening regions in the plurality of opening regions, wherein the other opening regions are adjacent to the opening regions. The other opening regions in the plurality of opening regions may face some of the trenches.

[0194] The display device may further include: a spacer disposed on the embankment between the light-emitting areas of the plurality of sub-pixels, wherein the spacer is separated from the plurality of trenches.

[0195] According to another aspect of the present invention, a display device is provided. The display device includes: a substrate having a plurality of sub-pixels disposed thereon, the plurality of sub-pixels including red sub-pixels, green sub-pixels, and blue sub-pixels; a plurality of light-emitting devices disposed on each of the plurality of sub-pixels and sharing a common layer and a cathode; a dam portion disposed between each of the plurality of light-emitting devices and below the cathode; and a plurality of trenches disposed in the dam portion and spaced apart from each other, wherein the resistance of the common layer and the cathode increases as they approach the plurality of trenches.

[0196] The plurality of trenches may include: a plurality of first trenches disposed along the edge of each blue sub-pixel and spaced apart from each other; a plurality of second trenches disposed along the edge of each green sub-pixel and spaced apart from each other; a plurality of third trenches disposed along the edge of each red sub-pixel and spaced apart from each other; and a plurality of opening regions, the plurality of opening regions being regions between the plurality of first trenches spaced apart from each other, regions between the plurality of second trenches spaced apart from each other, and regions between the plurality of third trenches spaced apart from each other.

[0197] Among the plurality of opening regions, some opening regions corresponding to the blue sub-pixel may be alternated with other opening regions corresponding to the red sub-pixel.

[0198] The plurality of trenches may further include a plurality of auxiliary trenches disposed between the light-emitting areas of each of the plurality of sub-pixels, and at least some of the plurality of auxiliary trenches may extend from the plurality of second trenches and be configured to correspond to the opening regions between the plurality of first trenches.

[0199] The blue sub-pixels and the red sub-pixels can be alternately arranged in the same row, and the green sub-pixels can be arranged in different rows and different columns than the blue sub-pixels. The number of grooves arranged between adjacent blue and red sub-pixels can be different from the number of grooves arranged between adjacent green sub-pixels.

[0200] The blue sub-pixel can be arranged in multiple columns, and the green sub-pixel and the red sub-pixel can be arranged in columns between each of the multiple columns in which the blue sub-pixel is arranged. The green sub-pixel and the red sub-pixel can be arranged alternately in the same column, and the number of grooves arranged between adjacent blue sub-pixels and red sub-pixels in the multiple grooves can be different from the number of grooves arranged between adjacent blue sub-pixels in the multiple grooves.

[0201] The display device may further include: a spacer disposed between the embankment and the common layer and separated from the plurality of trenches.

[0202] Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be implemented in many different forms without departing from the technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present invention. The scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited thereto. Therefore, it should be understood that the above exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects and do not limit the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted based on the appended claims, and all technical concepts within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A substrate, on which a plurality of sub-pixels are defined; Multiple anodes, wherein the anodes are disposed in each of the multiple sub-pixels on the substrate; An organic layer disposed on the plurality of anodes; A cathode disposed on the organic layer; and A dam is located between the anode and the organic layer, the dam being disposed between the light-emitting areas of each of the plurality of sub-pixels and including a plurality of trenches. The organic layer and the cathode are disposed in the embankment and the plurality of trenches, and The plurality of trenches are arranged in a maximum number of sub-pixels with the largest on-state voltage difference.

2. The display device according to claim 1, The organic layer includes a light-emitting layer and a common layer disposed on the plurality of sub-pixels, and As the common layer approaches the plurality of trenches, the resistance of the common layer increases.

3. The display device according to claim 1, The depth of each of the plurality of trenches is the same as the thickness of the embankment, and The plurality of trenches do not overlap with the anode.

4. The display device according to claim 1, The depth of each of the plurality of trenches is less than the thickness of the embankment, and At least one of the plurality of trenches partially overlaps with the anode.

5. The display device according to claim 1, The plurality of sub-pixels includes a first sub-pixel, a second sub-pixel, and a third sub-pixel, and The first sub-pixel among the plurality of sub-pixels has the highest turn-on voltage, and the third sub-pixel among the plurality of sub-pixels has the lowest turn-on voltage.

6. The display device according to claim 5, The number of grooves set between adjacent first and third sub-pixels is different from the number of grooves set between adjacent second and third sub-pixels.

7. The display device according to claim 5, The plurality of trenches include: Multiple first grooves are provided, with each first groove corresponding to the edge of each first sub-pixel; Multiple second trenches are provided, each second trench corresponding to the edge of a second sub-pixel; and Multiple third trenches are provided, each corresponding to the edge of a third sub-pixel.

8. The display device according to claim 7, The plurality of trenches further include a plurality of auxiliary trenches extending from one of the plurality of first trenches, the plurality of second trenches, and the plurality of third trenches toward each of the plurality of sub-pixels.

9. The display device according to claim 7, The plurality of trenches further includes a plurality of auxiliary trenches, which are separated from the plurality of first trenches, the plurality of second trenches and the plurality of third trenches and are disposed between the light-emitting areas of each of the plurality of sub-pixels.

10. The display device according to claim 1, The plurality of trenches further includes a plurality of opening regions, wherein each of the plurality of trenches is opened separately from each other, and Some of the multiple opening regions are alternately arranged with other opening regions in the multiple opening regions, wherein some of the other opening regions are adjacent to some of the opening regions.

11. The display device according to claim 10, Some of the other opening regions in the plurality of opening regions face some of the grooves in the plurality of grooves.

12. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: Spacers are disposed on the embankment between the light-emitting areas of the plurality of sub-pixels, and The spacer is separated from the plurality of trenches.

13. The display device according to claim 6, wherein the number of grooves disposed between adjacent second sub-pixels and third sub-pixels is less than the number of grooves disposed between adjacent first sub-pixels and third sub-pixels.

14. The display device of claim 7, wherein at least some of the plurality of first trenches, the plurality of second trenches, and the plurality of third trenches are connected to each other.

15. The display device of claim 10, wherein the dimensions of the plurality of opening regions are different from each other.

16. The display device according to claim 15, The plurality of sub-pixels includes a first sub-pixel, a second sub-pixel, and a third sub-pixel, and The upper opening region of the second sub-pixel is configured to be larger than the opening regions on the left and right sides of the second sub-pixel.

17. A display device, comprising: A substrate having a plurality of sub-pixels disposed thereon, the plurality of sub-pixels including red sub-pixels, green sub-pixels and blue sub-pixels; Multiple light-emitting devices are disposed on each of the multiple sub-pixels and share a common layer and a cathode; A dam is disposed between each of the plurality of light-emitting devices and below the cathode; and Multiple trenches are arranged in the embankment and separated from each other. As the common layer and the cathode approach the plurality of trenches, the resistance of the common layer and the cathode increases, and The plurality of trenches are arranged in a maximum number of sub-pixels with the largest on-state voltage difference.

18. The display device according to claim 17, The plurality of trenches include: Multiple first trenches are set along the edge of each blue subpixel and separated from each other; Multiple second trenches are set along the edge of each green subpixel and separated from each other; Multiple third trenches are set along the edge of each red subpixel and separated from each other; and Multiple opening regions, the multiple opening regions being regions between the multiple first trenches that are separated from each other, regions between the multiple second trenches that are separated from each other, and regions between the multiple third trenches that are separated from each other.

19. The display device according to claim 18, Among the plurality of opening regions, some opening regions corresponding to the blue sub-pixel are alternately arranged with other opening regions corresponding to the red sub-pixel.

20. The display device according to claim 18, The plurality of trenches further includes a plurality of auxiliary trenches disposed between the light-emitting areas of each of the plurality of sub-pixels, and At least some of the plurality of auxiliary trenches extend from the plurality of second trenches and are configured to correspond to the opening regions between the plurality of first trenches.

21. The display device according to claim 17, The blue sub-pixels and red sub-pixels are alternately arranged in the same row, and the green sub-pixels are arranged in a different row and a different column than the blue sub-pixels. The number of grooves among the plurality of grooves located between adjacent blue and red sub-pixels is different from the number of grooves among the plurality of grooves located between adjacent green sub-pixels.

22. The display device according to claim 17, The blue sub-pixels are arranged in multiple columns, and the green and red sub-pixels are arranged in columns between each of the columns containing the blue sub-pixels, with the green and red sub-pixels alternating within the same column. The number of grooves among the plurality of grooves located between adjacent blue and red sub-pixels is different from the number of grooves among the plurality of grooves located between adjacent blue sub-pixels.

23. The display device according to claim 17, further comprising: A spacer is disposed between the embankment and the common layer and separated from the plurality of trenches.

24. The display device according to claim 18, wherein the opening region is a region having only the embankment and not the trench.

25. The display device of claim 17, wherein the plurality of light-emitting devices comprises a plurality of anodes disposed in each of a plurality of sub-pixels on the substrate, wherein the depth of each of the plurality of trenches is greater than or equal to the thickness of the embankment, and the trenches do not overlap with the anodes.

26. The display device of claim 17, wherein the number of grooves disposed between adjacent green sub-pixels and red sub-pixels is less than the number of grooves disposed between adjacent blue sub-pixels and red sub-pixels.

27. The display device of claim 18, wherein at least some of the plurality of first trenches, the plurality of second trenches, and the plurality of third trenches are connected to each other.

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