Display devices with narrow viewing angles

Abstract

A display device with a narrow viewing angle is disclosed. The display device may include: a device substrate including a first pixel region; a bank insulation layer on the device substrate, the bank insulation layer defining a first light-emitting region located in the first pixel region; a light-emitting device including a lower electrode, a light-emitting layer, and an upper electrode sequentially stacked on the first light-emitting region of the device substrate; a light-shielding pattern on the bank insulation layer, the light-shielding pattern including a first opening disposed above the light-emitting device; and a first pixel lens on the first opening of the light-shielding pattern, the first pixel lens having a larger horizontal width than the first light-emitting region, wherein the horizontal width of the first opening is proportional to the vertical distance between the light-emitting layer and the light-shielding pattern. Therefore, in the display device, the central brightness of the pixel region can be improved.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0116035, filed on September 10, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a display device having a narrow viewing angle by limiting the propagation direction of light from each pixel area. Background Art

[0003] Typically, electronic devices such as monitors, TVs, laptops, and digital cameras include a display device for displaying images. The display device may include multiple pixel regions. Each pixel region may emit light that displays a specific color. For example, a light-emitting device may be disposed in each pixel region. The light-emitting device may include a light-emitting layer disposed between two electrodes.

[0004] Display devices can reduce the viewing angle so that the image presented to the user is not visible to others nearby. For example, in a display device, a light control film (LCF) can be attached to the display panel used to display the image, thereby limiting the propagation direction of light emitted from each pixel area of ​​the display panel. However, the overall thickness of the display device increases, and the central brightness of each pixel area may be reduced due to the light control film. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a display device that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of reducing the viewing angle without affecting the central brightness of each pixel area.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of limiting the propagation direction of light emitted from each pixel area while minimizing an increase in the overall thickness.

[0008] Additional advantages, objects, and features of the present invention will be described in part in the following description, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following or may be learned from practice of the present invention. The objects and other advantages of the present invention may be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims as well as in the accompanying drawings.

[0009] To achieve these objects and other advantages, in accordance with the intent of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided a display device comprising: a device substrate including a first pixel area; a dam insulating layer on the device substrate, the dam insulating layer defining a first light-emitting region located in the first pixel area; a light-emitting device comprising a lower electrode, a light-emitting layer, and an upper electrode stacked in sequence on the first light-emitting region of the device substrate; a light-shielding pattern on the dam insulating layer, the light-shielding pattern comprising a first opening provided on the light-emitting device; and a first pixel lens on the first opening of the light-shielding pattern, the first pixel lens having a horizontal width larger than that of the first light-emitting region, wherein the horizontal width of the first opening is proportional to the vertical distance between the light-emitting layer and the light-shielding pattern.

[0010] The position of the light shielding pattern and the horizontal width of the first opening between the light emitting device and the first pixel lens may satisfy the following equation, wherein g1 is the vertical distance between the light emitting layer and the light shielding pattern, g2 is the vertical distance between the lower surface of the light shielding pattern and the first pixel lens, and P w is the horizontal width of the first pixel area, A w is the horizontal width of the first opening, B w is half of the horizontal width of the bank insulation layer in the first pixel region.

[0011] [Equation]

[0012]

[0013] The first pixel lens may have the same horizontal width as the first pixel region.

[0014] In the first pixel region, the bank insulating layer and the light emitting device may have symmetrical shapes with respect to a center of the first pixel region.

[0015] The horizontal width of the first opening may be at least 55% of the horizontal width of the first pixel region.

[0016] The horizontal width of the first light emitting area may be at least 40% of the horizontal width of the first pixel region.

[0017] A second pixel lens may be provided on a second pixel region of the device substrate adjacent to the first pixel region, and the embankment insulating layer may define a second light-emitting area in the second pixel region, wherein the light-shielding pattern may include a second opening, and the second opening is located between the second light-emitting area and the second pixel lens, wherein the lower electrode, the light-emitting layer and the upper electrode of the light-emitting device may extend between the second light-emitting area of ​​the device substrate and the second opening, wherein the embankment insulating layer located between the first light-emitting area and the second light-emitting area may be provided between the lower electrode and the light-emitting layer.

[0018] The horizontal width of the second opening may be the same as the horizontal width of the first opening.

[0019] The light shielding pattern may include metal.

[0020] The bank insulating layer and the light emitting device may be covered by an encapsulation structure, and a touch structure may be provided between the encapsulation structure and the first pixel lens, wherein the light shielding pattern may include the same material as a touch electrode of the touch structure.

[0021] In another embodiment, a display device is provided, comprising: a lower electrode on a device substrate; a dam insulating layer on the device substrate, the dam insulating layer covering one end and the other end of the lower electrode; a light-emitting layer, the light-emitting layer being located on a portion of the lower electrode exposed by the dam insulating layer; an upper electrode on the light-emitting layer; a pixel lens on the dam insulating layer and the upper electrode; and a shading pattern between the dam insulating layer and the pixel lens, wherein the shading pattern includes an opening between the upper electrode and the pixel lens, wherein a horizontal width of the opening is inversely proportional to a vertical distance between the light-shading pattern and the pixel lens.

[0022] A color filter may be disposed between the upper electrode and the pixel lens, and the color filter may fill the opening of the light shielding pattern.

[0023] A touch electrode may be disposed between the bank insulating layer and the light shielding pattern, and the touch electrode may be spaced apart from the opening of the light shielding pattern.

[0024] The light shielding pattern may include an insulating material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention.

[0026] In the attached figure:

[0027] Figure 1is a diagram schematically illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 is a diagram partially showing a cross section of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Magnified view of the P region;

[0030] Figure 4 is a graph showing a relationship between a relative horizontal width of an opening and a central luminance efficiency of a pixel area based on a relative horizontal width of a light emitting area in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figures 5 to 9 is a diagram illustrating a 3D display device according to other embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings will provide a clearer understanding of the details related to the above-mentioned objectives, technical configurations, and operational effects of the embodiments of the present invention. The accompanying drawings illustrate some embodiments of the present invention. The embodiments of the present invention are provided herein to fully convey the technical spirit of the present invention to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present invention may be implemented in other forms and is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0033] In addition, throughout the specification, the same or very similar elements may be referred to by the same reference numerals, and in the drawings, the lengths and thicknesses of layers and regions may be exaggerated for ease of viewing. It will be understood that when a first element is referred to as being "on" a second element, although the first element may be disposed on the second element so as to be in contact with the second element, a third element may be interposed between the first and second elements.

[0034] Here, terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish any element from other elements. However, without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention, the first element and the second element may be named arbitrarily according to the convenience of those skilled in the art.

[0035] The terms used in the description of the present invention are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. For example, an element described in the singular may include multiple elements unless the context clearly states otherwise. In addition, in the description of the present invention, it will be further understood that the terms "comprise" and "include" indicate the presence of the mentioned features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or combinations.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0037] (Implementation Method)

[0038] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a diagram partially showing a cross section of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Magnified view of the P region.

[0039] Reference Figures 1 to 3 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a display device may include a display panel 100 and a lens assembly 200. The display panel 100 may realize an image provided to a user. For example, the display panel 100 may be controlled by a display driver 300. The display driver 300 may provide various signals required for realizing an image to the display panel 100. For example, the display driver 300 may include a data driver 310, a scan driver 320, and a timing controller 330.

[0040] The data driver 310 may apply data signals to the display panel 100. The scan driver 320 may apply scan signals to the display panel 100. The timing controller 330 may control the data driver 310 and the scan driver 320. For example, the data driver 310 may receive digital video data and source timing control signals from the timing controller 330, and the scan driver 320 may receive clock signals, reset clock signals, and start signals from the timing controller 330. The timing controller 330 may be electrically connected to the viewing position detection unit 400. The viewing position detection unit 400 may detect the user's position. For example, the timing controller 330 may change the signals applied to the data driver 310 and the scan driver 320 according to the user's position.

[0041] The display panel 100 may include a device substrate 110. The device substrate 110 may include an insulating material. For example, the device substrate 110 may include glass or plastic. The device substrate 110 may include a plurality of pixel areas PA. Each pixel area PA may include a light-emitting area EA and a non-light-emitting area NA. Light for displaying a specific color may be emitted from the light-emitting area EA of each pixel area PA. For example, a light-emitting device 130 may be provided on the light-emitting area EA of each pixel area PA. The light-emitting device 130 of each pixel area PA may include a lower electrode 131, a light-emitting layer 132, and an upper electrode 133 stacked sequentially on the corresponding light-emitting area EA on the device substrate 110.

[0042] The lower electrode 131 may include a conductive material. The lower electrode 131 may include a material having high reflectivity. For example, the lower electrode 131 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al) or silver (Ag). The lower electrode 131 may have a multilayer structure. For example, the lower electrode 131 may have a structure in which a reflective conductive layer formed of a metal is disposed between transparent conductive layers formed of a transparent conductive material such as ITO and IZO.

[0043] The light-emitting layer 132 may generate light having a brightness corresponding to the voltage difference between the lower electrode 131 and the upper electrode 133. For example, the light-emitting layer 132 may include an emitting material layer (EML) including a light-emitting material. The light-emitting material may include an organic material, an inorganic material, or a hybrid material. For example, the display panel 100 of the display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be an organic light-emitting display device including the light-emitting layer 132 formed of an organic material.

[0044] The upper electrode 133 may include a conductive material. The upper electrode 133 may include a material different from that of the lower electrode 131. For example, the upper electrode 133 may be a transparent electrode formed of a transparent conductive material such as ITO and IZO. Therefore, in the display panel 100 of the display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, light generated from the light emitting layer 132 may be emitted to the outside through the upper electrode 133.

[0045] A driving circuit for controlling the light-emitting device 130 may be provided in each pixel area PA. The driving circuit may generate a driving current corresponding to a data signal based on a scan signal. For example, the driving circuit may include at least one thin film transistor 120. The thin film transistor 120 may include a semiconductor pattern 121, a gate insulating layer 122, a gate 123, an interlayer insulating layer 124, a source electrode 125, and a drain electrode 126.

[0046] The semiconductor pattern 121 may include a semiconductor material. For example, the semiconductor pattern 121 may include amorphous silicon or polycrystalline silicon. The semiconductor pattern 121 may be an oxide semiconductor. For example, the semiconductor pattern 121 may include IGZO. The semiconductor pattern 121 may include a source region, a drain region, and a channel region. The channel region may be disposed between the source region and the drain region. The source region and the drain region may have a lower resistance than the channel region.

[0047] A gate insulating layer 122 may be disposed on the semiconductor pattern 121. The gate insulating layer 122 may extend beyond the semiconductor pattern 121. For example, one side of the semiconductor pattern 121 may be covered by the gate insulating layer 122. The gate insulating layer 122 of each pixel region PA may contact the gate insulating layer 122 of an adjacent pixel region PA. The gate insulating layer 122 may include an insulating material. For example, the gate insulating layer 122 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide and / or silicon nitride.

[0048] The gate 123 may be disposed on the gate insulating layer 122. For example, the gate 123 may be insulated from the semiconductor pattern 121 by the gate insulating layer 122. The gate 123 may overlap with the channel region of the semiconductor pattern 121. For example, the channel region of the semiconductor pattern 121 may have a conductivity corresponding to the voltage applied to the gate 123. The gate 123 may include a conductive material. For example, the gate 123 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), and tungsten (W).

[0049] An interlayer insulating layer 124 may be provided on the gate electrode 123. The interlayer insulating layer 124 may extend beyond the gate electrode 123 and the semiconductor pattern 121. For example, one side of the gate electrode 123 may be covered by the interlayer insulating layer 124. The interlayer insulating layer 124 of each pixel region PA may contact the interlayer insulating layer 124 of an adjacent pixel region PA. The interlayer insulating layer 124 may include an insulating material. For example, the interlayer insulating layer 124 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide.

[0050] The source electrode 125 may be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 124. For example, the source electrode 125 may be insulated from the gate electrode 123 by the interlayer insulating layer 124. The source electrode 125 may be electrically connected to the source region of the semiconductor pattern 121. For example, the gate insulating layer 122 and the interlayer insulating layer 124 may include a source contact hole that partially exposes the source region of the semiconductor pattern 121. The source electrode 125 may be in direct contact with the source region of the semiconductor pattern 121 within the source contact hole. For example, the source electrode 125 may include a portion overlapping the source region of the semiconductor pattern 121. The source electrode 125 may include a conductive material. For example, the source electrode 125 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), and tungsten (W). The source electrode 125 may include a material different from that of the gate electrode 123.

[0051] The drain electrode 126 may be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 124. For example, the drain electrode 126 may be insulated from the gate electrode 123 by the interlayer insulating layer 124. The drain electrode 126 may be electrically connected to the drain region of the semiconductor pattern 121. The drain electrode 126 may be separated from the source electrode 125. For example, the gate insulating layer 122 and the interlayer insulating layer 124 may include a drain contact hole that partially exposes the drain region of the semiconductor pattern 121. The drain electrode 126 may be in direct contact with the drain region of the semiconductor pattern 121 within the drain contact hole. For example, the drain electrode 126 may include a portion overlapping the drain region of the semiconductor pattern 121. The drain electrode 126 may include a conductive material. For example, the drain electrode 126 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), and tungsten (W). The drain electrode 126 may include the same material as the source electrode 125. For example, the drain electrode 126 may include a material different from that of the gate electrode 123.

[0052] The driving circuit of each pixel area PA may be arranged between the light-emitting device 130 of the corresponding pixel area PA and the device substrate 110. For example, the semiconductor pattern 121 of each driving circuit may be arranged adjacent to the device substrate 110. A buffer layer 111 may be arranged between the driving circuit of each pixel area PA and the device substrate 110. The buffer layer 111 may prevent contamination caused by the device substrate 110 during the process of forming the driving circuit of each pixel area PA. For example, the upper surface of the device substrate 110 facing the light-emitting device 130 of each pixel area PA may be completely covered by the buffer layer 111. The buffer layer 111 may include an insulating material. For example, the buffer layer 111 may include an inorganic material such as silicon oxide and / or silicon nitride. The buffer layer 111 may have a multilayer structure.

[0053] The lower passivation layer 112 may be disposed between the light-emitting device 130 and the driving circuit in each pixel area PA. The lower passivation layer 112 may prevent damage to the driving circuit due to external impact and moisture. For example, the driving circuit in each pixel area PA may be completely covered by the lower passivation layer 112. The lower passivation layer 112 may extend beyond each driving circuit. For example, the lower passivation layer 112 on each pixel area PA may contact the lower passivation layer 112 on an adjacent pixel area PA. The lower passivation layer 112 may include an insulating material. For example, the lower passivation layer 112 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide.

[0054] A coating layer 113 may be provided between the light emitting device 130 of each pixel area PA and the lower passivation layer 112. The coating layer 113 may eliminate a thickness difference caused by the driving circuit of each pixel area PA. For example, the upper surface of the coating layer 113 facing the light emitting device 130 of each pixel area PA may be a flat surface. The coating layer on each pixel area PA may contact the coating layer on the adjacent pixel area PA. The coating layer 113 may include an insulating material. The coating layer 113 may include a material different from that of the lower passivation layer 112. For example, the coating layer 113 may include an organic insulating material.

[0055] The light-emitting device 130 of each pixel area PA can be electrically connected to the driving circuit of the corresponding pixel area PA. For example, the coating layer 113 may include an electrode contact hole that partially exposes the drain electrode 126 of each pixel area PA. The lower electrode 131 of each pixel area PA can directly contact the drain electrode 126 of the corresponding pixel area PA through one of the electrode contact holes. For example, the lower electrode 131 of each pixel area PA may include a portion that overlaps with the drain electrode 126 of the corresponding pixel area PA.

[0056] The light-emitting device 130 of each pixel area PA can be independently controlled. For example, the lower electrode 131 of each pixel area PA can be insulated from the lower electrode 131 of an adjacent pixel area PA. The lower electrode 131 of each pixel area PA can be separated from the lower electrode 131 of an adjacent pixel area PA. The bank insulating layer 114 can be provided on the coating layer 113. For example, the interval between adjacent lower electrodes 131 can be filled by the bank insulating layer 114. The bank insulating layer 114 can include an insulating material. For example, the bank insulating layer 114 can include an organic insulating material. The bank insulating layer 114 can include a material different from the coating layer 113.

[0057] The embankment insulating layer 114 may cover one end and the other end of the lower electrode 131 in each pixel area PA. The light-emitting layer 132 and the upper electrode 133 of each pixel area PA may be stacked in sequence on the portion of the corresponding lower electrode 131 exposed by the embankment insulating layer 114. For example, the embankment insulating layer 114 may define the light-emitting area EA in each pixel area PA. The non-light-emitting area NA of each pixel area PA may overlap with the embankment insulating layer 114. The light-emitting area EA may be disposed between the two non-light-emitting areas NA in each pixel area PA. The light-emitting device 130 and the embankment insulating layer 114 in each pixel area PA may have a shape that is symmetrical about the center of the corresponding pixel area PA. For example, the horizontal width of the embankment insulating layer 114 covering one end of the lower electrode 131 in each pixel area PA may be the same as the horizontal width of the embankment insulating layer 114 covering the other end of the lower electrode 131 in the corresponding pixel area PA.

[0058] The light emitted from the light emitting area EA of each pixel area PA may display a different color from the light emitted from the light emitting area EA of an adjacent pixel area PA. For example, the light emitting layer 132 of each pixel area PA may include a different material from the light emitting layer 132 of an adjacent pixel area PA. The light emitting layer 132 of each pixel area PA may be separated from the light emitting layer 132 of an adjacent pixel area PA. For example, both ends of each light emitting layer 132 may be disposed on the bank insulating layer 114 in the corresponding pixel area PA.

[0059] The voltage applied to the upper electrode 133 of each pixel area PA may be the same as the voltage applied to the upper electrode 133 of the adjacent pixel area PA. For example, the upper electrode 133 of each pixel area PA may be electrically connected to the upper electrode 133 of the adjacent pixel area PA. The upper electrode 133 of each pixel area PA may include the same material as the upper electrode 133 of the adjacent pixel area PA. For example, the upper electrode 133 of each pixel area PA may be in direct contact with the upper electrode 133 of the adjacent pixel area PA.

[0060] The encapsulation structure 140 may be provided on the bank insulating layer 114 and the light-emitting device 130 of each pixel area PA. The encapsulation structure 140 may prevent the light-emitting device 130 from being damaged due to external impact and moisture. For example, the surface of each light-emitting device 130 opposite to the device substrate 110 may be completely covered by the encapsulation structure 140. The encapsulation structure 140 may extend along the upper surface of the device substrate 110. For example, the encapsulation substrate 140 on each pixel area PA may contact the encapsulation structure 140 on the adjacent pixel area PA. The encapsulation structure 140 may have a multi-layer structure. For example, the encapsulation structure 140 may include a first encapsulation layer 141, a second encapsulation layer 142, and a third encapsulation layer 143 sequentially stacked on the upper electrode 133 of each light-emitting device 130. The first encapsulation layer 141, the second encapsulation layer 142, and the third encapsulation layer 143 may include insulating materials. The second encapsulation layer 142 may include a material different from the first encapsulation layer 141 and the third encapsulation layer 143. For example, the first encapsulation layer 141 and the third encapsulation layer 143 may include an inorganic insulating material, and the second encapsulation layer 142 may include an organic insulating material. Therefore, in the display panel 100 of the display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, damage to the light-emitting device 130 due to external impact and moisture can be effectively prevented. The second encapsulation layer 142 can eliminate the thickness difference caused by the light-emitting device 130 in each pixel area PA. For example, the upper surface of the encapsulation structure 140 opposite the device substrate 110 can be a flat surface.

[0061] The lens assembly 200 may be disposed on the display panel 100. The lens assembly 200 may be disposed on the path of light emitted from the display panel 100. For example, the lens assembly 200 may be disposed on the encapsulation structure 140. The lens assembly 200 may include a plurality of pixel lenses 210. The lower surface of each pixel lens 210 facing the display panel 100 may be a flat surface. The surface of each pixel lens 210 opposite to the display panel 100 may have a semicircular shape. The pixel lenses 210 may be arranged side by side. For example, the lens assembly 200 may include a lenticular lens. Each pixel area PA of the display panel 100 may overlap with one of the pixel lenses 210. Therefore, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the light emitted from each pixel area PA can be provided to the user through one of the pixel lenses 210. Therefore, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the central brightness of each pixel area PA can be increased.

[0062] The lens assembly 200 may include a lens cover layer 220 covering the pixel lens 210. The lens cover layer 220 may prevent the pixel array 210 from being damaged due to external impact and moisture. For example, the surface of each pixel lens 210 having a semicircular shape may be completely covered by the lens cover layer 220. The lens cover layer 220 may eliminate the thickness difference caused by the pixel lens 210. For example, the surface of the lens cover layer 220 opposite to the display panel 100 may be a flat surface. The lens cover layer 220 may include an insulating material. The lens cover layer 220 may have a refractive index different from that of the pixel lens 210. For example, the refractive index of the lens cover layer 220 may be less than the refractive index of each pixel lens 210. Therefore, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the light emitted from each pixel area PA of the display panel 100 can be effectively converged by the lens assembly 200.

[0063] A viewing angle control element 500 may be disposed between the display panel 100 and the lens assembly 200. The viewing angle control element 500 may limit the propagation direction of light emitted from each pixel area PA of the display panel 100. For example, the viewing angle control element 500 may include a light-shielding pattern 510 located between the bank insulation layer 114 of the display panel 100 and the lens assembly 200. The light-shielding pattern 510 may include a material capable of blocking light. For example, the light-shielding pattern 510 may include a material capable of absorbing light, such as black dye. The light-shielding pattern 510 may include an opening 510h located between the light-emitting device 130 of the display panel 100 and the lens assembly 200. Therefore, in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, light emitted from each pixel area PA of the display panel 100 may pass through one of the openings 510h of the light-shielding pattern 510 and be incident on the pixel lens 210 that overlaps the corresponding pixel area PA. In other words, in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the viewing angle may be limited by the light-shielding pattern 510. Therefore, in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the image provided to the user is not recognized by others nearby. In one embodiment, the shading pattern 510 may include another opening 510h located between adjacent light-emitting areas defined by the embankment insulating layer 114 in the adjacent pixel area PA and the adjacent pixel lens, wherein the lower electrode 131, the light-emitting layer 132 and the upper electrode 133 of the light-emitting device 130 on one light-emitting area may extend between the adjacent light-emitting area of ​​the device substrate 110 and the other opening 510h, and the embankment insulating layer 114 located between the adjacent light-emitting areas may be arranged between the lower electrode 131 and the light-emitting layer 132.

[0064] The viewing angle control element 500 may include a pattern cover layer 520 located on the light shielding pattern 510. The pattern cover layer 520 may prevent damage to the light shielding pattern 510 due to external impact. The light shielding pattern 510 may be completely covered by the pattern cover layer 520. The pattern cover layer 520 may eliminate the thickness difference caused by the light shielding pattern 510. For example, the opening 510h in each pixel area PA may be filled with the pattern cover layer 520. The upper surface of the pattern cover layer 520 facing the lens assembly 200 may be a flat surface. The pattern cover layer 520 may include an insulating material. For example, the pattern cover layer 520 may include silicon oxide. The pattern cover layer 520 may include a material with high transmittance. Therefore, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the brightness reduction of each pixel area PA caused by the viewing angle control element 500 can be minimized.

[0065] The space between the display panel 100 and the lens assembly 200 may be completely filled by the viewing angle control element 500. For example, the light shielding pattern 510 and the pattern cover layer 520 may be in direct contact with the encapsulation structure 140 of the display panel 100, and the pixel lens 210 of the lens assembly 200 may be in direct contact with the pattern cover layer 520 of the viewing angle control element 500. That is, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, no air gap is formed between the display panel 100 and the lens assembly 200. The pattern cover layer 520 may have a refractive index between the encapsulation structure 140 and the pixel lens 210. For example, the pattern cover layer 520 may have the same refractive index as the third encapsulation layer 143. Therefore, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, light loss caused by the rapid change in refractive index between the display panel 100 and the lens assembly 200 can be minimized.

[0066] The viewing angle control element 500 can be formed using the same process as that used to form the light-emitting device 130 and the driving circuit of the display panel 100. For example, the method of forming the viewing angle control element 500 may include the following steps: forming a light-shielding layer by depositing a light-shielding material on the encapsulation structure 140; patterning the light-shielding layer by performing an etching process using a mask pattern to form a light-shielding pattern 510; and forming a pattern cover layer 520 by depositing an insulating material on the light-shielding pattern 510. Therefore, in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, defects caused by alignment errors between each pixel area PA of the display panel 100 and the light-shielding pattern 510 can be minimized. That is, in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, brightness deviation of the pixel area PA can be prevented. Therefore, in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, process efficiency can be improved.

[0067] Light passing through each opening 510h of the light-shielding pattern 510 can be provided to the user through the pixel lens 210 located on the corresponding pixel area PA of the display panel 100. Each pixel lens 210 can have the same horizontal width as the corresponding pixel area PA of the display panel 100. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the amount of light provided to the user through each pixel lens 210 can be maximized. In other words, in the display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the amount of light in each pixel area PA can be maximized. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the central brightness of each pixel area PA can be increased.

[0068] Light propagating from each pixel area PA of the display panel 100 to the pixel lens 210 on the adjacent pixel area PA may be blocked by the light shielding pattern 510. For example, the incident angle θ of the light L propagating from one end of each light emitting area EA to one end of the corresponding pixel lens 210 may satisfy the following equation 1. Here, g1 is the vertical distance between the light emitting layer 132 and the light shielding pattern 510, g2 is the vertical distance between the lower surface of the light shielding pattern 510 and the pixel lens 210, and B w It is half the horizontal width of the bank insulation layer 114 in each pixel area PA.

[0069] Equation 1

[0070]

[0071] Since the horizontal width of each pixel region PA is equal to the sum of the horizontal width of the light shielding pattern 510 and the horizontal width of the opening 510h in the corresponding pixel region PA, the following equations 2 and 3 can be derived. w is the horizontal width of the pixel area PA, A w is the horizontal width of the opening 510h.

[0072] Equation 2

[0073] 2g2tanθ+A w =P w

[0074] Equation 3

[0075]

[0076] Since the following equations 4 to 6 can be derived using equations 1 to 3, the position of the light-shielding pattern 510 between the light-emitting device 130 and the pixel lens 210 in each pixel area PA can be determined by the horizontal width of the opening 510h. For example, in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the horizontal width of the opening 510h in each pixel area PA may be proportional (directly proportional) to the vertical distance between the light-emitting layer 132 and the light-shielding pattern 510 in the corresponding pixel area PA. Furthermore, in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the horizontal width of the opening 510h in each pixel area PA may be inversely proportional to the vertical distance between the light-shielding pattern 510 (specifically, the lower surface of the light-shielding pattern 510) and the pixel lens 210 in the corresponding pixel area PA.

[0077] Equation 4

[0078]

[0079] Equation 5

[0080]

[0081] Equation 6

[0082]

[0083] Therefore, the display device according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a light-emitting device 130, a light-shielding pattern 510, and a pixel lens 210 sequentially stacked on each pixel area PA of the device substrate 110, wherein the light-shielding pattern 510 may include an opening 510h located between the light-emitting device 130 and the pixel lens 210, wherein the opening 510h may have a corresponding horizontal width according to the vertical distance between the light-emitting layer 132 of the light-emitting device 130 and the light-shielding pattern 510 and / or the vertical distance between the lower surface of the light-shielding pattern 510 and the pixel lens 210. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the central brightness of each pixel area PA can be improved. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the image quality provided to the user can be improved.

[0084] A side of the light shielding pattern 510 facing the opening 510h in each pixel area PA may have the same angle as the incident angle θ of the light L propagating from one end of the corresponding emission area EA to one end of the corresponding pixel lens 210. Therefore, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, light propagating from each pixel area PA to the pixel lens 210 on the adjacent pixel area PA can be effectively blocked by the light shielding pattern 510.

[0085] Figure 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the relative horizontal width of the opening 510h and the center luminance efficiency of the pixel area PA based on the relative horizontal width of the emission area EA in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, the relative horizontal width of the emission area EA and the relative horizontal width of the opening 510h can be derived relative to the horizontal width of the corresponding pixel area PA.

[0086] Reference Figure 4 , when the horizontal width of the opening 510h in each pixel area PA is at least 55% of the horizontal width of the corresponding pixel area PA, it can be seen that the center brightness efficiency of the pixel area PA is maximized regardless of the relative horizontal width of the emission area EA in the corresponding pixel area PA. Therefore, the display device according to the embodiment of the present invention can maximize the center brightness of each pixel area PA by forming the opening 510h of each pixel area PA to have a horizontal width of 55% or more relative to the corresponding pixel area PA. In addition, referring to Figure 4When the horizontal width of each emission area EA is at least 40% of the horizontal width of the corresponding pixel area PA, the center luminance efficiency of the pixel areas PA can be substantially the same. Therefore, the display device according to an embodiment of the present invention can prevent luminance deviation of the pixel areas PA by forming the emission area EA of each pixel area PA to have a horizontal width of 40% or more relative to the corresponding pixel area PA.

[0087] The display device according to the above embodiment of the present invention is described as follows: the light emitted from each light emitting device 130 is provided to the user via the encapsulation structure 140, the pattern cover layer 520, the pixel lens 210, and the lens cover layer 220. However, the display device according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a color filter located on the path of the light emitted from each light emitting device 130. For example, the display device according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a color filter 515 that fills the opening 510h of the light shielding pattern 510, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown. Each color filter 515 can change the color displayed by the light emitted from the corresponding pixel area PA. The light-emitting layer 132 on each pixel area PA can emit light showing the same color as the light emitted from the light-emitting layer on the adjacent pixel area PA. For example, the light-emitting layer 132 on each pixel area PA may include the same material as the light-emitting layer 132 on the adjacent pixel area PA. The light-emitting layer 132 on each pixel area PA may contact the light-emitting layer 132 on the adjacent pixel area PA. The horizontal width of each color filter 515 may be greater than the horizontal width of the opening 510h on the corresponding pixel area PA. For example, both ends of each color filter 5151 may be set on the light-shielding pattern 510. Therefore, in the display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the formation process of the display panel 100, which includes relatively many steps, can be simplified. Therefore, in the display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the process efficiency can be improved.

[0088] The display device according to the above embodiment of the present invention is described as follows: the bank insulating layer 114 can define only one emission area EA in each pixel area PA. However, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the bank insulating layer 114 can define a plurality of emission areas EA in each pixel area PA. For example, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, each pixel area PA may include three sub-pixel areas SP, such as Figure 6As shown. A single light-emitting device 130 may be provided in each pixel area PA. For example, in each pixel area PA, the lower electrode 131, the light-emitting layer 132, and the upper electrode 133 of the light-emitting device 130 may respectively include portions overlapping with the light-emitting area of ​​each sub-pixel area SP. The light-emitting area of ​​each sub-pixel area SP may be separated from the light-emitting area of ​​the adjacent sub-pixel area SP in each pixel area PA. For example, the embankment insulating layer 114 between adjacent sub-pixel areas SP may be provided between the lower substrate 131 and the light-emitting layer 132 of the light-emitting device 130. The light-shielding pattern 510 may be provided on the embankment insulating layer 114 between adjacent sub-pixel areas SP. The light-shielding pattern 510 may include an opening over the light-emitting area of ​​each sub-pixel area SP. The horizontal width of the opening over the light-emitting area of ​​each sub-pixel area SP may be at least 55% of the horizontal width of the corresponding sub-pixel area SP. The horizontal width of the light-emitting area in each sub-pixel area SP may be at least 40% of the horizontal width of the corresponding sub-pixel area SP. Therefore, in the display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, each pixel area PA of the display panel 100 can be divided into various shapes. Therefore, in the display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the degree of freedom regarding the structure of the display panel 100 can be improved.

[0089] In a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the horizontal width of each sub-pixel region SP may be the same as the horizontal width of an adjacent sub-pixel region SP. For example, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the opening of the light-shielding pattern 510 in each pixel region PA of the display panel may have the same horizontal width. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, in each pixel region PA, the sub-pixel region SP and the opening of the light-shielding pattern 510 may have different horizontal widths from each other. The light-emitting area of ​​each sub-pixel region SP may have a horizontal width of 40% or more relative to the corresponding sub-pixel region SP. Reference Figure 4 When the horizontal width of the light-emitting area is at least 40% of the horizontal width of the corresponding pixel area PA, it can be seen that the center luminance efficiency of the pixel area PA does not differ significantly. In other words, in the display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the center luminance efficiency of each sub-pixel area SP does not differ significantly. Therefore, in the display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the degree of freedom regarding the configuration of each sub-pixel area SP can be improved.

[0090] The display device according to the above embodiment of the present invention is described as follows: the light shielding pattern 510 can be in direct contact with the encapsulation structure 140 of the display panel 100. However, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, various layers for performing specific functions can be stacked between the display panel 100 and the viewing angle control element 500. For example, the display device according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a touch structure 700 located between the display panel 100 and the viewing angle control element 500, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 The touch structure 700 may include a first touch component 710 and a second touch component 720 .

[0091] The first touch assembly 710 may include first touch electrodes 711 arranged side by side in a first direction and first bridge electrodes 712 connecting the first touch electrodes 711 in the first direction. The second touch assembly 720 may include second touch electrodes 721 arranged side by side in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and second bridge electrodes 722 connecting the second touch electrodes 721 in the second direction. The second touch electrodes 721 may be provided on the same layer as the first touch electrodes 711. Each second bridge electrode 722 may intersect one of the bridge electrodes 712. For example, the touch structure 700 may include a touch insulation layer 730 covering the second bridge electrodes 722, and the first touch electrodes 711, the second touch electrodes 721, and the first bridge electrode 712 may be provided on the touch insulation layer 730. The second bridge electrode 722 may include a different material than the first touch electrodes 711, the second touch electrodes 721, and the first bridge electrode 712. The touch insulation layer 730 may include a touch contact hole that partially exposes each second bridge electrode 722. Each second touch electrode 721 may be electrically connected to a corresponding second bridge electrode 722 through one of the touch contact holes.

[0092] The first touch electrode 711, the first bridge electrode 712, the second touch electrode 721, and the second bridge electrode 722 may include a conductive material. For example, the first touch electrode 711, the first bridge electrode 712, the second touch electrode 721, and the second bridge electrode 722 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), and tungsten (W). The first touch electrode 711, the first bridge electrode 712, the second touch electrode 721, and the second bridge electrode 722 may be separated from each pixel region of the display panel or from the opening of the light shielding pattern 510. For example, the first touch electrode 711, the first bridge electrode 712, the second touch electrode 721, and the second bridge electrode 722 may overlap the light shielding pattern 510. The first touch electrode 711, the first bridge electrode 712, the second touch electrode 721, and the second bridge electrode 722 may be disposed between the bank insulation layer and the light shielding pattern 510. Therefore, in the display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, a decrease in brightness due to the touch structure 700 can be prevented. Furthermore, in the display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the light shielding pattern 510 can prevent reflection of external light due to the touch structure 700. That is, in the display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the light shielding pattern 510 prevents the touch structure 700 from being recognized by the user. For example, in the display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the light shielding pattern 510 can function as a black matrix. Therefore, in the display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the quality of the image perceived by the user can be improved.

[0093] The touch structure 700 may include a touch cover layer 740 located on the first touch electrode 711, the first bridge electrode 712, the second touch electrode 721, and the second bridge electrode 722. Figure 9 As shown. The touch cover layer 740 can prevent damage to the touch structure 700 due to external impact. The touch cover layer 740 can eliminate the thickness difference caused by the first touch electrode 711, the first bridging electrode 712, the second touch electrode 721, and the second bridging electrode 722. For example, the upper surface of the touch cover layer 740 facing the viewing angle control element 500 can be a flat surface. The light shielding pattern 510 and the pattern cover layer 520 can be in direct contact with the touch cover layer 740. Therefore, in the display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the degree of freedom regarding the composition of the display panel 100 can be improved.

[0094] The display device according to the above embodiment of the present invention is described as follows: the light shielding pattern 510 may include an insulating material. However, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the light shielding pattern 510 may include metal. For example, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the viewing angle control element 500 may include a touch electrode 721 and bridge electrodes 712 and 722, such as Figure 9 As shown. A portion of each touch electrode 721 can block light from each pixel region from propagating to the pixel lens 210 on the adjacent pixel region. For example, a portion of the touch electrode 721 can function as a light shielding pattern. That is, a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a light shielding pattern formed of the same material as the touch electrode 721. Therefore, in the display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the process of forming the light shielding pattern can be simplified. Therefore, in the display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, process efficiency can be improved.

[0095] As a result, a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a light-emitting device, a light-shielding pattern, and a pixel lens stacked sequentially on a pixel region of a device substrate, wherein the light-shielding pattern may include an opening located between the light-emitting device and the pixel lens, wherein the horizontal width of the opening may be determined by the position of the light-shielding pattern between the light-emitting device and the pixel lens. Therefore, in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the propagation direction of light emitted from each pixel region may be limited by the light-shielding pattern, and the central brightness of each pixel region may be increased by the pixel lens. Therefore, in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, image quality may be improved.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: a device substrate including a first pixel region; a bank insulating layer on the device substrate, the bank insulating layer defining a first light emitting region located in the first pixel area; a light-emitting device comprising a lower electrode, a light-emitting layer, and an upper electrode sequentially stacked on a first light-emitting region of the device substrate; a light shielding pattern on the bank insulating layer, the light shielding pattern including a first opening disposed on the light emitting device; as well as a first pixel lens on the first opening of the light shielding pattern, wherein the first pixel lens has a horizontal width greater than that of the first light emitting area; wherein the horizontal width of the first opening is proportional to the vertical distance between the light emitting layer and the light shielding pattern, The position of the light shielding pattern and the horizontal width of the first opening satisfy the following equation, wherein g1 is the vertical distance between the light emitting layer and the light shielding pattern, g2 is the vertical distance between the lower surface of the light shielding pattern and the first pixel lens, and P w is the horizontal width of the first pixel area, A w is the horizontal width of the first opening, B w is half the horizontal width of the bank insulating layer in the first pixel region, [Equation] 2 . The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the first pixel lens has the same horizontal width as the first pixel region. 3 . The display device according to claim 1 , wherein in the first pixel region, the bank insulating layer and the light emitting device have shapes symmetrical about a center of the first pixel region. 4 . The display device according to claim 1 , wherein a horizontal width of the first opening is at least 55% of a horizontal width of the first pixel region. 5 . The display device of claim 1 , wherein a horizontal width of the first light emitting area is at least 40% of a horizontal width of the first pixel region.

6. The display device according to claim 1 , further comprising a second pixel lens located on a second pixel region of the device substrate disposed adjacent to the first pixel region. wherein the light shielding pattern includes a second opening, the second opening being located between a second light emitting region defined by the bank insulating layer in the second pixel region and the second pixel lens; wherein the lower electrode, the light emitting layer and the upper electrode of the light emitting device extend between the second light emitting region of the device substrate and the second opening, The bank insulation layer located between the first light emitting area and the second light emitting area is arranged between the lower electrode and the light emitting layer. 7 . The display device according to claim 6 , wherein a horizontal width of the second opening is the same as a horizontal width of the first opening. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the light-shielding pattern comprises metal.

9. The display device according to claim 8, further comprising: an encapsulation structure covering the bank insulating layer and the light emitting device; as well as a touch structure between the encapsulation structure and the first pixel lens, The light shielding pattern and the touch electrodes of the touch structure are made of the same material.

10. A display device comprising: a lower electrode on the device substrate; a bank insulating layer on the device substrate, wherein the bank insulating layer covers one end and the other end of the lower electrode; a light-emitting layer, the light-emitting layer being located on a portion of the lower electrode exposed by the bank insulating layer; an upper electrode on the light-emitting layer; a pixel lens on the bank insulating layer and the upper electrode; as well as a light shielding pattern between the bank insulating layer and the pixel lens, wherein the light shielding pattern includes an opening between the upper electrode and the pixel lens, wherein the horizontal width of the opening is inversely proportional to the vertical distance between the light shielding pattern and the pixel lens, The position of the light shielding pattern and the horizontal width of the opening satisfy the following equation, wherein g1 is the vertical distance between the light emitting layer and the light shielding pattern, g2 is the vertical distance between the lower surface of the light shielding pattern and the pixel lens, and P w is the horizontal width of the pixel area, A w is the horizontal width of the opening, B w is half the horizontal width of the bank insulating layer, [Equation] 11 . The display device of claim 10 , further comprising a color filter filling an opening between the upper electrode and the pixel lens. 12 . The display device of claim 10 , further comprising a touch electrode between the bank insulating layer and the light shielding pattern, the touch electrode being spaced apart from the opening. The display device according to claim 12 , wherein the light-shielding pattern comprises an insulating material.

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