Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided. The display device includes a substrate, a sub-pixel structure, a light-blocking member, and a reflective member. A display region including a sub-pixel region is defined on the substrate. The sub-pixel structure is disposed on the substrate in the sub-pixel region. The light-blocking member is disposed over the sub-pixel structure, and a first opening is defined in a portion of the light-blocking member that overlaps the sub-pixel structure. The reflective member is disposed between the light-blocking member and the sub-pixel structure, and in plan view, the reflective member surrounds the sub-pixel structure and the first opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments generally relate to display devices. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to display devices including reflective elements. Background Technology

[0002] Flat panel displays are widely used as replacements for cathode ray tube displays due to their lightweight and thin profile. Flat panel displays can include liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays.

[0003] Recently, display devices have been developed that remove polarization layers capable of reducing the reflection of light incident from the outside (e.g., external light). In such display devices, external light can be reflected from electrodes (e.g., anode electrodes, cathode electrodes, etc.) included in the display device. The display device may include light-blocking members and color filters (instead of polarization layers) to reduce the reflection of external light, and the reflection of external light can be reduced by increasing the area of ​​the light-blocking members. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a display device from which a polarizing layer that reduces the reflection of external light is removed, when the area of ​​the light-blocking member increases, the reflection of external light may be relatively reduced, while the aperture ratio and brightness of the light-emitting layer included in the display device may decrease, which may degrade the display quality of the display device.

[0005] Some embodiments provide a display device that includes a reflective element.

[0006] According to an embodiment, the display device includes a substrate, a subpixel structure, a light-blocking member, and a reflective member. In such an embodiment, a display area including the subpixel region is defined on the substrate. In such an embodiment, the subpixel structure is disposed in the subpixel region and on the substrate. In such an embodiment, the light-blocking member is disposed on the subpixel structure, and a first opening is defined in the portion of the light-blocking member overlapping the subpixel structure. In such an embodiment, the reflective member is disposed between the light-blocking member and the subpixel structure, and in a plan view, the reflective member surrounds the subpixel structure and the first opening.

[0007] In one embodiment, the reflective member may not overlap with the first opening in the thickness direction of the substrate.

[0008] In one embodiment, the display device may further include a support member disposed between the light-blocking member and the sub-pixel structure. In such an embodiment, the second opening may be defined in the support member to overlap with the first opening.

[0009] In one embodiment, the sidewall defining the second opening of the support member may contact the reflective member.

[0010] In one embodiment, the sidewall of the support member may be orthogonal to the top surface of the support member.

[0011] In an embodiment, the second opening may be larger than the first opening.

[0012] In an embodiment, the display device may further include an insulating layer covering the reflective and supporting members over the sub-pixel structure.

[0013] In one embodiment, the light-blocking component may contact the top surface of the insulating layer.

[0014] In one embodiment, the sub-pixel structure may include a lower electrode, a light-emitting layer disposed on the lower electrode, and an upper electrode disposed on the light-emitting layer, wherein the light-emitting layer can emit light. In such an embodiment, a portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting layer can be reflected by a reflective member.

[0015] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a pixel defining layer disposed on the lower electrode, wherein a third opening may be defined in the pixel defining layer to expose a portion of the top surface of the lower electrode.

[0016] In one embodiment, a virtual line extending along the sidewall of the third opening of the pixel-defining layer can pass through the support member.

[0017] In one embodiment, each of the light-blocking member and the pixel-defining layer may have an opaque color.

[0018] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a thin-film encapsulation structure disposed between the sub-pixel structure and the reflective member.

[0019] In an embodiment, the thin-film encapsulation structure may include a first inorganic thin-film encapsulation layer, an organic encapsulation layer disposed on the first inorganic thin-film encapsulation layer, and a second inorganic thin-film encapsulation layer disposed on the organic encapsulation layer.

[0020] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a touch sensing structure disposed between the thin-film encapsulation structure and the reflective member.

[0021] In one embodiment, the touch sensing structure may contact the top surface of the thin-film encapsulation structure.

[0022] In one embodiment, the display device may further include a color filter disposed on a light-blocking member, wherein the color filter may fill the first opening.

[0023] According to embodiments of the present invention, a display device may include a light-blocking member with a relatively large area to reduce the reflection of external light. In such embodiments, the display device includes a reflective member and a supporting member, such that a relatively large amount of light emitted from the sub-pixel structure can be emitted to the outside of the display device. Accordingly, in such embodiments, even when the display device includes a light-blocking member with a relatively large area, the brightness of the display device can be relatively increased, and the display quality of a display device without a polarization layer can be substantially improved.

[0024] In such an embodiment, the display device includes a pixel-defining layer with a relatively large cone angle, which allows the aperture ratio of the display device to be relatively increased. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The above and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings, which describe embodiments of the invention in a further detailed manner with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a plan view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 It is shown in Figure 1 A plan view of the pixel areas included in a display device;

[0028] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A plan view of the supporting and reflecting components in the pixel region;

[0029] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 A plan view of the reflective and light-blocking components in the pixel area;

[0030] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the display device taken by line I-I';

[0031] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 4 A graph showing the reflectance of an embodiment of the display device and the reflectance of a comparative example;

[0032] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 4 A graph showing the brightness of an embodiment of the display device and the brightness of a comparative example; and

[0033] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 4 A graph showing the brightness difference between an embodiment of the display device and a comparative example. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments are illustrated. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals throughout refer to the same elements.

[0035] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, the element may be directly on that other element, or there may be an intermediary element between the element and the other element. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there is no intermediary element.

[0036] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, areas, layers, and / or parts, these elements, components, areas, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, area, layer, or part from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings herein, “first element,” “first component,” “first area,” “first layer,” or “first part” discussed below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second area, second layer, or second part.

[0037] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, “a,” “the,” and “at least one” do not indicate a limitation on quantity and are intended to include both the singular and the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, “element” has the same meaning as “at least one element” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. “At least one” is not to be construed as limited to “a.” “Or” means “and / or.” As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” or “containing” and / or “having” specify the presence of the stated features, areas, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, areas, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0038] Furthermore, relative terms such as “below” or “bottom” and “above” or “top” are used herein to describe the relationship between one element and another, as shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, the related terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device. For example, if the device in one of the drawings is flipped, the element described as being “below” the other element will be oriented “above” the other element. Thus, depending on the specific orientation of the drawing, the term “below” can encompass both “below” and “above” orientations. Similarly, if the device in one of the drawings is flipped, the element described as being “below” or “under” the other element will be oriented “above” the other element. Thus, the term “below” or “under” can encompass both “above” and “below” orientations.

[0039] Given the measurements under discussion and the errors associated with a particular number of measurements (i.e., limitations of the measurement system), the terms “about” or “approximately” as used herein include the values ​​and mean within an acceptable range of deviation from that particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, “about” may mean within one or more standard deviations of the value, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, or ±5% of the value.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms such as those defined in common dictionaries shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the relevant field and in the context of this disclosure, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0041] The embodiments described herein are illustrated with cross-sectional views that are schematic representations of idealized embodiments. Thus, variations in the illustrated shapes due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are to be expected. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should not be construed as limited to the specific shapes of the areas shown herein, but will include, for example, deviations in shape due to manufacturing processes. For example, areas shown or described as flat may generally have rough and / or non-linear characteristics. Furthermore, sharp corners shown may be rounded. Therefore, the areas shown in the figures are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to show the precise shapes of the areas and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0042] In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a plan view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 It is shown in Figure 1A plan view of the pixel areas included in a display device.

[0044] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 An embodiment of the display device 100 may include a display area 10 in which an image is displayed and a peripheral area 20 in which no image is displayed. In one embodiment, for example, the peripheral area 20 may substantially surround the display area 10.

[0045] The display area 10 may include a plurality of pixel areas 30. The pixel areas 30 may be arranged in a first direction D1 parallel to the top surface of the display device 100 and a second direction D2 parallel to the top surface of the display device 100 and substantially orthogonal to the first direction D1. The direction orthogonal to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, or the top surface of the display device 100, may be the thickness direction of the substrate of the display device 100. In an embodiment, such as... Figure 2 As shown, one of the pixel regions 30 may include a first sub-pixel region 31, a second sub-pixel region 32, and a third sub-pixel region 33. In such an embodiment, each of the pixel regions 30 may include the first to third sub-pixel regions 31, 32, and 33.

[0046] First sub-pixel to third sub-pixel (e.g., Figure 5 The sub-pixel structures 200 can be respectively disposed in the first sub-pixel region to the third sub-pixel region 31, 32 and 33. In one embodiment, for example, the first sub-pixel can emit red light, the second sub-pixel can emit green light and the third sub-pixel can emit blue light. The display device 100 can display an image through the first sub-pixel to the third sub-pixel.

[0047] In the embodiments, as described above, a pixel region 30 may include three sub-pixel regions 31, 32, and 33, but is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, for example, a pixel region 30 may have at least one sub-pixel region, such as four sub-pixel regions.

[0048] In the embodiments, as described above, the first to third sub-pixel regions 31, 32, and 33 can be arranged in the first direction D1, but are not limited thereto. Alternatively, the arrangement of the first to third sub-pixel regions 31, 32, and 33 can be changed or modified in different ways.

[0049] In an embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, when viewed in a planar view, each of the display area 10, the peripheral area 20, and the first to third sub-pixel areas 31, 32, and 33 may have a rectangular shape, but is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, for example, when viewed in a planar view, each of the display area 10, the peripheral area 20, and the first to third sub-pixel areas 31, 32, and 33 may have a triangular shape, a rhombus shape, a polygonal shape, a circular shape, a track shape, or an elliptical shape.

[0050] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A plan view of the supporting and reflecting components in the pixel region, and Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 A plan view of the reflective and light-blocking components in the pixel area.

[0051] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 Embodiments of the display device 100 may include a lower electrode 290, a reflective member 490, and a light-blocking member 430, etc. In such embodiments, the lower electrode 290 may include a first lower electrode 291, a second lower electrode 292, and a third lower electrode 293.

[0052] The first lower electrode 291 can be disposed in the first sub-pixel region 31, the second lower electrode 292 can be disposed in the second sub-pixel region 32, and the third lower electrode 293 can be disposed in the third sub-pixel region 33. In such an embodiment, the first to third lower electrodes 291, 292, and 293 can correspond to the first to third sub-pixel regions 31, 32, and 33, respectively.

[0053] In an embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the support member 480 may be disposed on the first to third lower electrodes 291, 292 and 293. The support member 480 may have a plate shape in which a plurality of openings are defined.

[0054] In such an embodiment, the first to third openings 481, 482, and 483 may be defined by the support member 480. In one embodiment, for example, the first opening 481 may expose the first lower electrode 291 (or the first sub-pixel region 31), the second opening 482 may expose the second lower electrode 292 (or the second sub-pixel region 32), and the third opening 483 may expose the third lower electrode 293 (or the third sub-pixel region 33). In such an embodiment, when viewed in a plan view, the support member 480 may not overlap with the first to third lower electrodes 291, 292, and 293, respectively.

[0055] Reflective members 490 may be disposed above the first to third lower electrodes 291, 292, and 293, respectively. In such an embodiment, the reflective members 490 may be disposed on the sidewalls of the support member 480 defining the first to third openings 481, 482, and 483 of the support member 480. In such an embodiment, the reflective members 490 may be in direct contact with the sidewalls. When viewed in a plan view, the reflective members 490 may surround the first to third lower electrodes 291, 292, and 293, respectively. In such an embodiment, the reflective members 490 may surround the first to third sub-pixel regions 31, 32, and 33, respectively.

[0056] In an embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, a light-blocking member 430 may be disposed on a reflective member 490. The light-blocking member 430 may have a plate shape in which a plurality of openings are defined. In such an embodiment, the first to third openings 621, 622, and 623 may be defined through the light-blocking member 430. In one embodiment, for example, the first opening 621 may expose a first lower electrode 291 (or a first sub-pixel region 31), the area of ​​the first opening 621 of the light-blocking member 430 may be smaller than the area of ​​the first opening 481 of the supporting member 480, and the first openings 621 and 481 may overlap each other. In such an embodiment, a second opening 622 may expose a second lower electrode 292 (or a second sub-pixel region 32), the area of ​​the second opening 622 of the light-blocking member 430 may be smaller than the area of ​​the second opening 482 of the supporting member 480, and the second openings 622 and 482 may overlap each other. In such an embodiment, the third opening 623 may expose the third lower electrode 293 (or the third sub-pixel region 33), the area of ​​the third opening 623 of the light-blocking member 430 may be smaller than the area of ​​the third opening 483 of the supporting member 480, and the third openings 623 and 483 may overlap each other. In an embodiment, when viewed in a plan view, the reflective member 490 may surround the first to third openings 621, 622, and 623, respectively. In such an embodiment, when viewed in a plan view or in the thickness direction of the display device 100, the reflective member 490 may overlap with the light-blocking member 430.

[0057] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the display device taken by line I-I'.

[0058] refer to Figure 5An embodiment of the display device 100 may include a substrate 110, a semiconductor element 250, a gate insulating layer 150, an interlayer insulating layer 190, a planarization layer 270, a sub-pixel structure 200, a pixel defining layer 310, a thin-film encapsulation structure 450, a touch sensing structure 400, a support member 480, a reflective member 490, an insulating layer 460, a light-blocking member 430, and a color filter 510, etc. In such an embodiment, the semiconductor element 250 may include an active layer 130, a gate electrode 170, a source electrode 210, and a drain electrode 230, and the sub-pixel structure 200 may include a lower electrode 290, a light-emitting layer 330, and an upper electrode 340. In such an embodiment, the thin-film encapsulation structure 450 may include a first inorganic thin-film encapsulation layer 451, an organic encapsulation layer 452, and a second inorganic thin-film encapsulation layer 453, and the color filter 510 may include a first color filter 511, a second color filter 512, and a third color filter 513.

[0059] In embodiments, substrate 110 may comprise a transparent or opaque material. Substrate 110 may be a flexible transparent resin substrate. In embodiments, for example, when substrate 110 is a transparent resin substrate, substrate 110 comprises a polyimide substrate. In such embodiments, the polyimide substrate may have a stacked structure including a first polyimide layer, a barrier film layer, and a second polyimide layer, etc. In alternative embodiments, substrate 110 may comprise at least one selected from quartz substrates, synthetic quartz substrates, calcium fluoride substrates, fluorine-doped (“F-doped”) quartz substrates, soda-lime glass substrates, and non-alkali glass substrates, etc.

[0060] In an embodiment, a buffer layer (not shown) may be disposed on the substrate 110. The buffer layer can prevent metal atoms or impurities from diffusing from the substrate 110 to the upper structure (e.g., semiconductor element 250, sub-pixel structure 200, etc.) and can control the heat transfer rate during the crystallization process for forming the active layer 130 to obtain a substantially uniform active layer 130. In an embodiment, the buffer layer can be used to improve the flatness of the surface of the substrate 110 in the case of surface non-uniformity. Depending on the type of substrate 110, at least two buffer layers may be provided on the substrate 110, or the buffer layers may be omitted. The buffer layer may comprise an organic insulating material or an inorganic insulating material.

[0061] The active layer 130 can be disposed in the pixel region 30 and on the substrate 110. The active layer 130 may include metal-oxide-semiconductor, inorganic semiconductor (e.g., amorphous silicon or polycrystalline silicon), or organic semiconductor. The active layer 130 may have a source region and a drain region.

[0062] A gate insulating layer 150 may be disposed on the substrate 110 and the active layer 130. In one embodiment, for example, the gate insulating layer 150 may substantially cover the active layer 130 on the substrate 110 and may have a substantially flat top surface without creating a stepped structure around the active layer 130. Alternatively, the gate insulating layer 150 may be disposed with a uniform thickness along the contour of the active layer 130 to cover the active layer 130 on the substrate 110. The gate insulating layer 150 may comprise at least one selected from silicon compounds and metal oxides, etc. In one embodiment, for example, the gate insulating layer 150 may comprise silicon oxide (SiO2) x ), silicon nitride (SiN) x ), silicon oxynitride (SiO) x N y ), silicon dioxide (SiO) x C y ), silicon carbonitride (SiC) x N y ), aluminum oxide (AlO) x ), aluminum nitride (AlN) x ), tantalum oxide (TaO) x ), Hafnium oxide (HfO) x Zirconium oxide (ZrO) x Titanium oxide (TiO) x At least one selected from combinations thereof. In embodiments, the gate insulating layer 150 may have a multilayer structure comprising multiple insulating layers. In one embodiment, for example, the insulating layers of the gate insulating layer 150 having a multilayer structure may have different thicknesses or may comprise different materials.

[0063] Gate electrode 170 may be disposed on gate insulating layer 150. In embodiments, gate electrode 170 may be disposed on the portion of gate insulating layer 150 below active layer 130 or may be configured to overlap with active layer 130. Gate electrode 170 may include at least one selected from metal, metal alloy, metal nitride, conductive metal oxide, transparent conductive material, and combinations thereof. In embodiments, gate electrode 170 may have a multilayer structure comprising multiple metal layers. In one embodiment, for example, the metal layers of gate electrode 170 having a multilayer structure may have different thicknesses or may comprise different materials.

[0064] An interlayer insulating layer 190 may be disposed on the gate insulating layer 150 and the gate electrode 170. In one embodiment, for example, the interlayer insulating layer 190 may substantially cover the gate electrode 170 on the gate insulating layer 150 and may have a substantially flat top surface without creating a stepped structure around the gate electrode 170. Alternatively, the interlayer insulating layer 190 may be disposed with a uniform thickness along the contour of the gate electrode 170 to cover the gate electrode 170 on the gate insulating layer 150. The interlayer insulating layer 190 may include at least one selected from silicon compounds and metal oxides, etc. In an embodiment, the interlayer insulating layer 190 may have a multilayer structure comprising multiple insulating layers. In one embodiment, for example, the insulating layers of the interlayer insulating layer 190 having a multilayer structure may have different thicknesses or may comprise different materials.

[0065] Source electrode 210 and drain electrode 230 may be disposed on interlayer insulating layer 190. Source electrode 210 may be connected to the source region of active layer 130 through contact holes defined through a first portion of gate insulating layer 150 and interlayer insulating layer 190 (e.g., formed by removing the first portion of gate insulating layer 150 and interlayer insulating layer 190), and drain electrode 230 may be connected to the drain region of active layer 130 through contact holes defined through a second portion of gate insulating layer 150 and interlayer insulating layer 190 (e.g., formed by removing the second portion of gate insulating layer 150 and interlayer insulating layer 190). Each of source electrode 210 and drain electrode 230 may include at least one selected from metal, metal alloy, metal nitride, conductive metal oxide, transparent conductive material, and combinations thereof. In embodiments, each of source electrode 210 and drain electrode 230 may have a multilayer structure comprising multiple metal layers. In one embodiment, for example, the metal layers of each of the source electrode 210 and drain electrode 230 having a multilayer structure may have different thicknesses or may include different materials.

[0066] In such an embodiment, as described above, a semiconductor element 250 comprising an active layer 130, a gate electrode 170, a source electrode 210, and a drain electrode 230 may be provided in the display device 100.

[0067] exist Figure 5 For ease of illustration and description, a transistor (e.g., semiconductor element 250) disposed in the second sub-pixel region 32 is shown, but the configuration of the invention is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, for example, the second sub-pixel region 32 and the display region 10 adjacent to the second sub-pixel region 32 may have a configuration including at least two transistors and at least one capacitor.

[0068] exist Figure 5For ease of illustration and description, a semiconductor element 250 with a top-gate structure is shown, but the configuration of the invention is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, for example, the semiconductor element 250 may have a bottom-gate structure and / or a dual-gate structure.

[0069] In an embodiment, planarization layer 270 may be disposed on interlayer insulating layer 190, source electrode 210, and drain electrode 230. In one embodiment, for example, planarization layer 270 may have a relatively thick thickness to adequately cover source electrode 210 and drain electrode 230 on interlayer insulating layer 190. In such an embodiment, planarization layer 270 may have a substantially flat top surface. In an embodiment, a planarization process may be additionally performed on planarization layer 270 to provide or form such a flat top surface of planarization layer 270. In an embodiment, contact holes may be defined through planarization layer 270 to expose the top surface of drain electrode 230. Planarization layer 270 may comprise an organic insulating material or an inorganic insulating material. In an embodiment, planarization layer 270 may comprise an organic insulating material.

[0070] The second lower electrode 292 can be disposed in the second sub-pixel region 32 on the planarization layer 270. The second lower electrode 292 can directly contact the drain electrode 230 through the contact holes of the planarization layer 270, and the second lower electrode 292 can be electrically connected to the semiconductor element 250. The second lower electrode 292 can include at least one selected from metal, metal alloy, metal nitride, conductive metal oxide, transparent conductive material, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the second lower electrode 292 can have a multilayer structure including multiple metal layers. In one embodiment, for example, the metal layers of the second lower electrode 292 with a multilayer structure can have different thicknesses or can include different materials.

[0071] A pixel defining layer 310 may be disposed on the planarization layer 270. In an embodiment, the pixel defining layer 310 may be disposed on a portion of the second lower electrode 292 and the planarization layer 270. The pixel defining layer 310 may cover two side portions of the second lower electrode 292, and an opening may be defined through the pixel defining layer 310 to expose a portion of the top surface of the second lower electrode 292. In such an embodiment, a line extending along the sidewall of the defined opening of the pixel defining layer 310 will be defined as a virtual line or imaginary line VL. In an embodiment, as... Figure 5 As shown, the virtual line VL can pass through the support member 480. In such an embodiment, the cone angle of the pixel defining layer 310 can be relatively large. In such an embodiment, the cone angle can be the angle formed between the sidewall and the top surface of the pixel defining layer 310.

[0072] In conventional display devices, the area of ​​the light-blocking member (rather than the polarizing layer) can be increased to reduce the reflection of external light. Accordingly, in such conventional display devices, the cone angle of the pixel-defining layer can be relatively small to reduce the absorption of light emitted from the light-emitting layer by the bottom surface of the light-blocking member.

[0073] In an embodiment of the invention, the reflective member 490 is disposed below the light blocking member 430, such that even when the cone angle of the pixel defining layer 310 is large, light (e.g., the second light L2 and the third light L3) guided to the bottom surface of the light blocking member 430 can be reflected, thereby allowing light to be emitted to the outside.

[0074] The pixel defining layer 310 may include an organic insulating material or an inorganic insulating material, or may be formed of an organic insulating material or an inorganic insulating material. In an embodiment, the pixel defining layer 310 may include an organic insulating material. In one embodiment, for example, the pixel defining layer 310 may include at least one selected from photoresist, polyacrylic resin, polyimide resin, polyamide resin, siloxane resin, acrylic resin, and epoxy resin. In an embodiment, the display device 100 does not include a polarizing layer, and the pixel defining layer 310 may have a substantially opaque color to reduce the reflection of external light. In one embodiment, for example, the pixel defining layer 310 may further include a light-blocking material to absorb light. The light-blocking material may include at least one selected from carbon black, titanium oxynitride, titanium black, phenylene black, aniline black, anthocyanin black, nigrosine acid black, and black resin.

[0075] The light-emitting layer 330 may be disposed in the second sub-pixel region 32, on the second lower electrode 292. In an embodiment, the light-emitting layer 330 may be disposed on the second lower electrode 292 exposed by an opening in the pixel defining layer 310. In an embodiment, the light-emitting layer 330 may be formed using at least one material selected from light-emitting materials for emitting different colors of light (i.e., red, green, blue, etc.) based on the type of sub-pixel. Alternatively, the light-emitting layer 330 may be formed by stacking multiple light-emitting materials for generating different colors of light such as red, green, and blue to emit white light as a whole.

[0076] The upper electrode 340 may be disposed on the pixel defining layer 310 and the light-emitting layer 330. In an embodiment, the upper electrode 340 may be disposed over the entire substrate 110. The upper electrode 340 may include at least one selected from metals, metal alloys, metal nitrides, conductive metal oxides, transparent conductive materials, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the upper electrode 340 may have a multilayer structure comprising multiple metal layers. In one embodiment, for example, the metal layers of the multilayer upper electrode 340 may have different thicknesses or may comprise different materials.

[0077] In the embodiments described above, a sub-pixel structure 200 (e.g., a second sub-pixel structure) including a lower electrode 290 (e.g., a second lower electrode 292), a light-emitting layer 330 (e.g., a light-emitting layer configured to emit green light), and an upper electrode 340 can be provided in the display device 100.

[0078] In such an embodiment, as described above with reference to subpixel structure 200, a first lower electrode 291 and a light-emitting layer 330 (e.g., a light-emitting layer configured to emit red light) may be disposed in the first subpixel region 31, and a third lower electrode 293 and a light-emitting layer 330 (e.g., a light-emitting layer configured to emit blue light) may be disposed in the third subpixel region 33. In such an embodiment, an upper electrode 340 may be continuously provided in the first subpixel region through the third subpixel regions 31, 32, and 33.

[0079] A first inorganic thin-film encapsulation layer 451 may be disposed on the upper electrode 340. The first inorganic thin-film encapsulation layer 451 may be disposed along the contour of the upper electrode 340 with a uniform thickness to cover the upper electrode 340. The first inorganic thin-film encapsulation layer 451 can prevent the sub-pixel structure 200 from deteriorating due to the penetration of moisture and oxygen, etc. In addition, the first inorganic thin-film encapsulation layer 451 can perform the function of protecting the sub-pixel structure 200 from external impacts. The first inorganic thin-film encapsulation layer 451 may include a flexible inorganic insulating material.

[0080] An organic encapsulation layer 452 may be disposed on the first inorganic thin-film encapsulation layer 451. The organic encapsulation layer 452 can improve the flatness of the display device 100 and, together with the first inorganic thin-film encapsulation layer 451, can protect the sub-pixel structure 200. The organic encapsulation layer 452 may include a flexible organic material.

[0081] A second inorganic thin-film encapsulation layer 453 may be disposed on the organic encapsulation layer 452. The second inorganic thin-film encapsulation layer 453 may be disposed along the contour of the organic encapsulation layer 452 with a uniform thickness to cover the organic encapsulation layer 452. The second inorganic thin-film encapsulation layer 453, together with the first inorganic thin-film encapsulation layer 451, may prevent the sub-pixel structure 200 from deteriorating due to the penetration of moisture and oxygen. Furthermore, the second inorganic thin-film encapsulation layer 453, together with the first inorganic thin-film encapsulation layer 451 and the organic encapsulation layer 452, may perform the function of protecting the sub-pixel structure 200 from external impacts. The second inorganic thin-film encapsulation layer 453 may include a flexible inorganic insulating material.

[0082] In the embodiments, as described above, a thin-film encapsulation structure 450 comprising a first inorganic thin-film encapsulation layer 451, an organic encapsulation layer 452, and a second inorganic thin-film encapsulation layer 453 can be provided in the display device 100.

[0083] In alternative embodiments, the thin-film encapsulation structure 450 may have a five-layer structure in which three inorganic thin-film encapsulation layers and two organic encapsulation layers are stacked on top of each other, or a seven-layer structure in which four inorganic thin-film encapsulation layers and three organic encapsulation layers are stacked on top of each other.

[0084] A touch sensing structure 400 may be disposed on a thin-film encapsulation structure 450. In one embodiment, the touch sensing structure 400 may be disposed between the thin-film encapsulation structure 450 and the reflective member 490, and may be in direct contact with the top surface of the thin-film encapsulation structure 450. In one embodiment, for example, the touch sensing structure 400 may be substantially transparent, and light emitted from the sub-pixel structure 200 may pass through the touch sensing structure 400. In one embodiment, the touch sensing structure 400 may include touch sensing electrodes. The touch sensing structure 400 may sense a part of a user's body or an object located above the top surface of the display device 100 via the touch sensing electrodes. In an alternative embodiment, the touch sensing structure 400 may include a proximity sensor configured to detect proximity relative to a user or object located above the top surface of the display device 100.

[0085] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5A support member 480 may be disposed on the touch sensing structure 400. In such an embodiment, the touch sensing structure 400 may be disposed between the light blocking member 430 and the sub-pixel structure 200, and the support member 480 may not overlap with the second sub-pixel region 32 (or the first sub-pixel region 31 and the third sub-pixel region 33). Light emitted from the sub-pixel structure 200 disposed in the second sub-pixel region 32 may be emitted to the outside through the second opening 482 of the support member 480. The second opening 482 of the support member 480 may be larger than the second opening 622 of the light blocking member 430. The support member 480 may be used to support the reflective member 490. In an embodiment, the sidewall defining the second opening 482 of the support member 480 may be orthogonal to the top surface of the support member 480.

[0086] The support member 480 may include an organic insulating material or an inorganic insulating material. In an embodiment, the support member 480 may include at least one organic insulating material selected from photoresist, acrolein, polyacrylaldehyde, polyimide, polyamide, epoxy resin, acrylate monomer, phenylacetylene, diamine, dianhydride, siloxane, polysiloxane, silane, parylene, olefin polymers (polyethylene or polypropylene), polyethylene terephthalate, and fluorine. In an embodiment, the support member 480 may include a resin comprising the at least one organic insulating material as a base material.

[0087] A reflective member 490 may be disposed on the sidewall of the support member 480. In an embodiment, the reflective member 490 may be disposed between the light-blocking member 430 and the sub-pixel structure 200 disposed in the second sub-pixel region 32. The reflective member 490 may not overlap with the second opening 622 (or the first opening 621 and the third opening 623) in the direction from the substrate 110 to the light-blocking member 430 or in the thickness direction of the substrate 110. In such an embodiment, the light emitted from the sub-pixel structure 200 disposed in the second sub-pixel region 32 may include a first light L1, a second light L2, and a third light L3. In one embodiment, for example, the first light L1 may be light emitted in a direction substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the second lower electrode 292. The first light L1 may pass through the second opening 482 and the second opening 622 of the support member 480 to be emitted to the outside. In such an embodiment, each of the second light L2 and the third light L3 may be light emitted from the top surface of the second lower electrode 292 at a predetermined angle. Each of the second light L2 and the third light L3 can be reflected from the reflective member 490 to pass through the second opening 482 and the second opening 622 of the support member 480 and be emitted to the outside. In one embodiment, for example, the surface of the reflective member 490 that reflects the second light L2 and the third light L3 can be defined as a first side surface of the reflective member 490, and the surface of the reflective member 490 that contacts the support member 480 can be defined as a second side surface of the reflective member 490. In such an embodiment, the first side surface and the second side surface can face each other.

[0088] In this embodiment, as described above, the reflective member 490 can reflect the second light L2 and the third light L3 that can be incident on the bottom surface of the light-blocking member 430, allowing a relatively large amount of light to be emitted to the outside. In such an embodiment, if the display device 100 does not include the reflective member 490 and the support member 480, the second light L2 and the third light L3 can be absorbed into the bottom surface of the light-blocking member 430. In this case, the brightness of the display device 100 may be reduced, and the display quality of the display device 100 may be degraded.

[0089] The reflective component 490 may include at least one selected from metals, metal alloys, metal nitrides, conductive metal oxides, and transparent conductive materials. In one embodiment, for example, the reflective component 490 may include gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), palladium (Pd), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), lithium (Li), chromium (Cr), tantalum (Ta), tungsten (W), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), scandium (Sc), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), aluminum-containing alloys, and aluminum nitride (AlN). x ), alloys containing silver, tungsten nitride (WN) x), alloys containing copper, alloys containing molybdenum, titanium nitride (TiN) x ), Chromium nitride (CrN) x ), Tantalum nitride (TaN) x ), SrRuO x O y ), zinc oxide (ZnO) x Indium tin oxide (ITO), tin oxide (SnO) x Indium oxide (InO) x Gallium oxide (GaO) x At least one of the following: indium zinc oxide (IZO) and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the reflective member 490 may have a multilayer structure comprising multiple metal layers.

[0090] An insulating layer 460 may be disposed on the touch sensing structure 400 and the support member 480. In an embodiment, the insulating layer 460 may cover the reflective member 490 and the support member 480 located above the sub-pixel structure 200 disposed in the second sub-pixel region 32. In one embodiment, for example, the insulating layer 460 may sufficiently cover the support member 480 and the reflective member 490 on the touch sensing structure 400 and may have a substantially flat top surface without creating a stepped structure around the support member 480 and the reflective member 490. Alternatively, the insulating layer 460 may be disposed with a uniform thickness along the contours of the support member 480 and the reflective member 490 to cover the support member 480 and the reflective member 490 on the touch sensing structure 400. The insulating layer 460 may include organic insulating materials or inorganic insulating materials, etc. In an embodiment, the insulating layer 460 may include organic insulating materials.

[0091] A light-blocking member 430 may be disposed on an insulating layer 460. In an embodiment, the light-blocking member 430 may be disposed above a sub-pixel structure 200 disposed in a second sub-pixel region 32, and a second opening 622 (or a first opening 621 and a third opening 623) may be defined in the portion of the light-blocking member 430 that overlaps with the sub-pixel structure 200. The light-blocking member 430 may be in direct contact with the top surface of the insulating layer 460. The light-blocking member 430 may block (e.g., absorb) external light incident from the outside into the interior of the display device 100. In an embodiment, the display device 100 does not include a polarizing layer, the area of ​​the second opening 622 may be relatively small, and the length of the light-blocking member 430 in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2 may be relatively long to reduce the reflection of external light. The light-blocking member 430 may have a substantially opaque color. In one embodiment, for example, the light-blocking member 430 may further include a light-blocking material to absorb light. Light-blocking materials may include at least one selected from carbon black, titanium oxynitride, titanium black, phenylene black, aniline black, anthocyanin black, niger aniline black, and black resin.

[0092] First to third color filters 511, 512, and 513 may be disposed on insulating layer 460 and light-blocking member 430. First color filter 511 may be red, second color filter 512 may be green, and third color filter 513 may be blue. In one embodiment, for example, second color filter 512 may be disposed on the portion of light-blocking member 430 adjacent to second sub-pixel region 32, while filling the second opening 622 of light-blocking member 430. In such an embodiment, first color filter 511 may be disposed on the portion of light-blocking member 430 adjacent to first sub-pixel region 31, while filling the first opening 621 of light-blocking member 430. In such an embodiment, third color filter 513 may be disposed on the portion of light-blocking member 430 adjacent to third sub-pixel region 33, while filling the third opening 623 of light-blocking member 430. Each of the first to third color filters 511, 512, and 513 may include photosensitive resin and color photoresist. In an embodiment, as described above, a color filter 510, including first to third color filters 511, 512 and 513, may be provided in the display device 100.

[0093] In the embodiments described above, a display device 100 may be provided, including a substrate 110, a semiconductor element 250, a gate insulating layer 150, an interlayer insulating layer 190, a planarization layer 270, a sub-pixel structure 200, a pixel defining layer 310, a thin film encapsulation structure 450, a touch sensing structure 400, a support member 480, a reflective member 490, an insulating layer 460, a light blocking member 430, and a color filter 510.

[0094] In conventional display devices that remove the polarization layer, the device may include a light-blocking member and a color filter (instead of a polarization layer) to reduce the reflection of external light, and this reflection can be further reduced by increasing the area of ​​the light-blocking member. However, in such conventional display devices where the area of ​​the light-blocking member is increased, the reflection of external light may be relatively reduced, while the aperture ratio and brightness of the light-emitting layer included in the display device may decrease, potentially degrading the display quality of the conventional display device.

[0095] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display device 100 may include a light-blocking member 430 with a relatively large area to reduce the reflection of external light. In such an embodiment, the display device 100 includes a reflective member 490 and a support member 480 as described above, such that a relatively large amount of light emitted from the sub-pixel structure 200 can be emitted to the outside of the display device 100. Accordingly, even when the display device 100 includes a light-blocking member 430 with a relatively large area, the brightness of the display device 100 can be relatively increased, and the display quality of the display device 100 without a polarization layer can be relatively improved.

[0096] In such an embodiment, the display device 100 includes a pixel defining layer 310 with a relatively large cone angle as described above, which allows the aperture ratio of the display device 100 to be relatively increased.

[0097] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 4 A graph showing the reflectance of an embodiment of the display device and the reflectance of a comparative example.

[0098] The following section describes an experimental example of reflectivity evaluation based on the area ratio of the openings in the light-blocking component.

[0099] The display device according to the comparative example (e.g., which does not include the reflective member 490 and the support member 480) is formed as having a structure in which the area of ​​the opening of the light blocking member based on the total area of ​​the light blocking member is approximately 49.2%.

[0100] In the experimental example, the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention (each of the display devices 100 includes a reflective member 490 and a support member 480) is configured to have a structure in which the areas of the openings of the light-blocking members 430, based on the total area of ​​the light-blocking members 430, are approximately 44.4%, approximately 40.5%, approximately 36.7%, and approximately 33.1%, respectively. In the display device 100 according to the embodiment, as the area of ​​the openings decreases, the light-blocking members 430 can have a relatively large area.

[0101] The reflectivity is measured by the top-radiated light from the display device according to the comparative example and the display device 100 according to the embodiment. As a result of the measurement, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the reflectivity of the display device according to the comparative example (e.g., a structure in which the area of ​​the opening of the light-blocking member based on the total area of ​​the light-blocking member is approximately 49.2%) was measured to be approximately 9%, and the reflectivity of the display device 100 according to the embodiment (e.g., a structure in which the areas of the openings of the light-blocking member 430 based on the total area of ​​the light-blocking member 430 are approximately 44.4%, approximately 40.5%, approximately 36.7%, and approximately 33.1%) was measured to be approximately 8.2%, approximately 7.7%, approximately 7.3%, and approximately 6.95%, respectively. Figure 6 As shown, the reflectivity of the display device 100 gradually decreases as the area of ​​the opening decreases.

[0102] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 4 A graph showing the brightness of an embodiment of the display device and the brightness of a comparative example.

[0103] The following section describes an experimental example of brightness evaluation based on the area ratio of the openings of the light-blocking component.

[0104] The display device according to the comparative example (e.g., which does not include the reflective member 490 and the support member 480) is formed as having a structure in which the area of ​​the opening of the light blocking member based on the total area of ​​the light blocking member is approximately 49.2%.

[0105] In the experimental example, the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention (each of the display devices 100 includes a reflective member 490 and a support member 480) is configured to have a structure in which the areas of the openings of the light-blocking members 430, based on the total area of ​​the light-blocking members 430, are approximately 44.4%, approximately 40.5%, approximately 36.7%, and approximately 33.1%, respectively. In the display device 100 according to the embodiment, as the area of ​​the openings decreases, the light-blocking members 430 can have a relatively large area.

[0106] The brightness of light emitted to the outside is measured by driving the display device according to the comparative example and the display device 100 according to the embodiment. As a result of the measurement, such as... Figure 7As shown, the brightness of the display device according to the comparative example (e.g., a structure in which the area of ​​the opening of the light-blocking member based on the total area of ​​the light-blocking member is approximately 49.2%) was measured to be approximately 652.9, and the brightness of the display device 100 according to the embodiment (e.g., a structure in which the area of ​​the opening of the light-blocking member 430 based on the total area of ​​the light-blocking member 430 is approximately 44.4%, approximately 40.5%, approximately 36.7%, and approximately 33.1%) was measured to be approximately 674.2, approximately 670.8, approximately 658.5, and approximately 650.1, respectively. Accordingly, it is shown that even when the display device 100 according to the embodiment includes a light-blocking member 430 with a relatively large area to reduce the reflection of external light, since the display device 100 includes a reflective member 490 and a support member 480, a relatively large amount of light emitted from the sub-pixel structure 200 can still be emitted to the outside of the display device 100. In embodiments of the present invention, even when the display device 100 includes a light-blocking member 430 with a relatively large area, the brightness of the display device 100 can be relatively increased, and the display quality of the display device 100 without a polarization layer can be relatively improved.

[0107] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 4 A graph showing the brightness difference between an embodiment of the display device and a comparative example.

[0108] The following section describes an experimental example of evaluating the brightness difference based on the area ratio of the openings of the light-blocking component.

[0109] The display device according to the comparative example (e.g., which does not include the reflective member 490 and the support member 480) is formed as having a structure in which the area of ​​the opening of the light blocking member based on the total area of ​​the light blocking member is approximately 49.2%.

[0110] In the experimental example, the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention (each of the display devices 100 includes a reflective member 490 and a support member 480) is configured to have a structure in which the areas of the openings of the light-blocking members 430, based on the total area of ​​the light-blocking members 430, are approximately 49.2%, approximately 44.4%, approximately 40.5%, and approximately 36.7%, respectively. In the display device 100 according to the embodiment, as the area of ​​the openings decreases, the light-blocking members 430 can have a relatively large area.

[0111] The brightness difference (e.g., white angle dependence (“WAD”) of light emitted to the outside is measured by driving the display device according to the comparative example and the display device 100 according to the embodiment. Here, WAD refers to color distortion at a side viewing angle. Additionally, Figure 8 The "cover glass" can be located in the uppermost part of the display device 100, and the cover glass can be connected with... Figure 8 Contact with "air". Furthermore, Figure 8 The "0°", "+45°", "-45°", "+60°", and "-60°" can be the angles of light emitted from the cover glass. For example, Figure 8 The left-hand scheme can already show the brightness difference of light emitted at 0° and 45°, and Figure 8 The right-hand scheme can already show the brightness difference of light emitted at 0° and 60°. As a measurement result, such as... Figure 8 As shown, when the display device according to the comparative example (hereinafter, the comparative example) is compared with the display device 100 according to the embodiment (hereinafter, the example), it is shown that the WAD of the comparative example and the WAD of the example (particularly when the area of ​​the opening of the light-blocking member 430 based on the total area of ​​the light-blocking member 430 is approximately 44.4% or approximately 40.5%) are at similar levels. Accordingly, in the embodiment of the display device 100 including the reflective member 490 and the support member 480, the WAD can be maintained at a normal level.

[0112] For example, embodiments of the present invention can be applied to various electronic devices including display devices, such as vehicle display devices, shipboard display devices, airborne display devices, portable communication devices, display devices for display or for information transmission, and medical display devices.

[0113] This invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the inventive concept to those skilled in the art.

[0114] Although the invention has been specifically shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A substrate, including a display area comprising sub-pixel regions, is defined on the substrate; A sub-pixel structure is disposed in the sub-pixel region on the substrate; A light-blocking member is disposed on the sub-pixel structure, wherein a first opening is defined in the portion of the light-blocking member that overlaps with the sub-pixel structure; as well as A support member is disposed between the light-blocking member and the sub-pixel structure, wherein a second opening is defined in the support member to overlap with the first opening. A reflective member is disposed between the light-blocking member and the sub-pixel structure, wherein, in a plan view, the reflective member surrounds the sub-pixel structure and the first opening. The sidewall of the supporting member that defines the second opening is in contact with the reflective member.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The reflective member does not overlap with the first opening in the thickness direction of the substrate.

3. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sidewall of the support member is orthogonal to the top surface of the support member.

4. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second opening is larger than the first opening.

5. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: An insulating layer covers the reflective member and the supporting member above the sub-pixel structure. The light-blocking component is in contact with the top surface of the insulating layer.

6. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sub-pixel structure includes: Lower electrode; A light-emitting layer is disposed on the lower electrode, wherein the light-emitting layer emits light; and The upper electrode is disposed on the light-emitting layer. A portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting layer is reflected from the reflective member.

7. The display device according to claim 6, further comprising: A pixel defining layer is disposed on the lower electrode, wherein a third opening is defined in the pixel defining layer to expose a portion of the top surface of the lower electrode.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, A virtual line extending along the sidewall defining the third opening of the pixel-defining layer passes through the support member.

9. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, Each of the light-blocking component and the pixel-defining layer has an opaque color.

10. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A thin-film encapsulation structure is disposed between the sub-pixel structure and the reflective member.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein, The thin-film encapsulation structure includes: First inorganic thin-film encapsulation layer; An organic encapsulation layer is disposed on the first inorganic thin-film encapsulation layer; and A second inorganic thin-film encapsulation layer is disposed on the organic encapsulation layer.

12. The display device according to claim 10, further comprising: A touch-sensing structure is disposed between the thin-film encapsulation structure and the reflective member. The touch sensing structure is in contact with the top surface of the thin-film encapsulation structure.

13. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A color filter is disposed on the light-blocking member, wherein the color filter fills the first opening.

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