Display device

Abstract

Disclosed is a display device capable of suppressing a rainbow mottle defect. The display device includes: a base substrate having a display region and a non-display region; a plurality of organic light emitting elements provided in the display region; an encapsulation layer provided so as to cover the plurality of organic light emitting elements; a mesh touch electrode provided on the encapsulation layer, wherein the touch electrode has a plurality of openings; a color filter layer provided on the touch electrode, wherein the color filter layer includes: a plurality of color filters arranged so as to respectively correspond to the plurality of openings of the touch electrode, and a black matrix provided so as to correspond to the touch electrode; and a planarization layer provided on the color filter layer, wherein the planarization layer includes a matrix resin, and inorganic nanotubes irregularly dispersed in the matrix resin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a display device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of display device technology, display devices utilizing various solutions have been developed, such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), organic light-emitting diode displays (OLEDs), and similar devices.

[0003] Mobile display devices such as smartphones and tablet PCs, display devices used in vehicles such as cars or airplanes, and commercial display devices used in outdoor events or public places may have reduced screen visibility due to external light reflection.

[0004] To address the visibility degradation caused by external light reflection, one proposed solution is to include a polarizing plate outside the substrate in the light-emitting direction within the display device. However, when a polarizing plate is used, some of the light generated from the light-emitting elements in the display device is blocked by the polarizing plate, resulting in brightness degradation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to address the visibility degradation caused by external light reflection without a polarizer. In one example, a display device has been proposed in which a color filter layer, including red, green, and blue color filters, is applied to the encapsulation layer covering the light-emitting element and is distinguished from each other by a black matrix.

[0006] In display devices with color filter layers, external light reflection can be reduced without the need for polarizers. However, a problem exists that rainbow mura defects may occur due to diffraction of external light caused by the color filter layer, diffraction of internally reflected light, and interference of internally reflected light.

[0007] Therefore, the inventors of this disclosure have invented a display device that can reduce the reflection of external light without a polarizing plate, while suppressing rainbow spot defects.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a display device that can suppress rainbow spot defects and external light reflection.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a display device that can reduce reflectivity without loss of transmittance while suppressing rainbow spot defects.

[0010] The inventive objectives according to this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above. Other inventive objectives and advantages not mentioned in this disclosure may be understood based on the following description and may be more clearly understood based on embodiments according to this disclosure. Furthermore, it will be readily understood that the inventive objectives and advantages according to this disclosure can be achieved using the means shown in the claims and combinations thereof.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a plurality of organic light-emitting elements disposed on a display area of ​​a substrate; a mesh touch electrode disposed on an encapsulation layer covering the plurality of organic light-emitting elements; and a color filter layer including a plurality of color filters disposed with openings respectively corresponding to the touch electrodes and a black matrix positioned corresponding to the touch electrodes.

[0012] A display device according to one embodiment of this disclosure further includes a planarization layer disposed on a color filter layer, the planarization layer being made of a matrix resin comprising inorganic nanotubes randomly dispersed therein. Therefore, rainbow spot defects can be suppressed.

[0013] A display device according to one embodiment of this disclosure further includes a plurality of planarization layers locally arranged to correspond to a plurality of color filters, wherein each planarization layer is made of a matrix resin comprising inorganic nanotubes randomly dispersed therein. Therefore, rainbow spot defects can be suppressed.

[0014] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a planarization layer is made from a matrix resin comprising inorganic nanotubes randomly dispersed therein, thereby suppressing rainbow spot defects.

[0015] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, reflectivity can be reduced without loss of transmittance.

[0016] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic plan view of a first substrate according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a plan view of an example of a touch sensing layer disposed on a first substrate according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 5 This is an enlarged plan view of a touch electrode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Cross-sectional views of I-I' and II-II'.

[0023] Figure 7 It is a plan view of a single pixel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 9 It is a planar view of a single pixel according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 10 The results of evaluating the rainbow spot defects in the comparative examples and embodiments are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The advantages and features of this disclosure, and the methods for achieving these advantages and features, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various different forms. Therefore, these embodiments are set forth only to complete this disclosure and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of this disclosure, which is limited only by the scope of the claims.

[0028] The shapes, dimensions, scales, angles, quantities, etc., disclosed in the accompanying drawings used to describe this disclosure are exemplary, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements herein. Furthermore, descriptions and details of known steps and elements have been omitted for the sake of simplicity. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description of this disclosure to provide a thorough understanding of it. However, it is to be understood that this disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of this disclosure.

[0029] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless otherwise clearly specified in the context. It should be further understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “comprise”, when used in this specification, designate the presence of the stated features, integrals, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, operations, elements, components, and / or portions thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as “…at least one of…” preceding a list of components may apply to the entire list of components or may not apply to the list or individual components. In the interpretation of numerical values, errors or tolerances may exist where they are not explicitly described.

[0030] In addition, it should be understood that when a first element or layer is referred to as existing "on" a second element or layer, the first element may be directly disposed on the second element or may be indirectly disposed on the second element using a third element or layer inserted between the first and second elements or layers. It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more elements or layers may exist therein. Furthermore, it should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, it may be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more elements or layers may exist therein.

[0031] Furthermore, as used herein, when a layer, membrane, region, plate, or similar object is disposed "on" or "on top of" another layer, membrane, region, plate, or similar object, the former may directly contact the latter, or another layer, membrane, region, plate, or similar object may be disposed between the former and the latter. As used herein, when a layer, membrane, region, plate, or similar object is directly disposed "on" or "on top of" another layer, membrane, region, plate, or similar object, the former may directly contact the latter, and another layer, membrane, region, plate, or similar object may not be disposed between the former and the latter. Furthermore, as used herein, when a layer, membrane, region, plate, or similar object is disposed "below" or "underneath" another layer, membrane, region, plate, or similar object, the former may directly contact the latter, or another layer, membrane, region, plate, or similar object may be disposed between the former and the latter. As used herein, when a layer, membrane, region, plate or similar is directly disposed "below" or "under" another layer, membrane, region, plate or similar, the former is in direct contact with the latter, and there is another layer, membrane, region, plate or similar not disposed between the former and the latter.

[0032] In descriptions of temporal relationships, such as those between two events that are preceded by "after," "following," or "before," another event may occur in between unless it is indicated that the event is "directly after," "directly following," or "directly before."

[0033] It should be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or section described below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0034] Features of the various embodiments of this disclosure can be combined in part or in whole with each other, and can be technically related to or operable on each other. These embodiments can be implemented independently of each other, or can be implemented together in an associated relationship.

[0035] Unless otherwise specified, 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 the inventive concept pertains. It should be further understood that terms defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of the relevant art, and shall not be given an idealized or overly formal interpretation unless expressly stated herein.

[0036] In the following, a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0037] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device 100 includes a display panel 110, a scan driver 120, a data driver 130, a timing controller 160, a host system 170, a touch driver 180, and a touch coordinate calculator 190.

[0038] In this disclosure, the display device is described by way of example as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display device. This disclosure is not limited thereto. The display device can be implemented as various flat panel display devices such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs).

[0039] Display panel 110 includes a display area for displaying images. The display area includes a plurality of pixels P. Data lines D1 to Dm (m is a positive integer of 2 or greater) and scan lines S1 to Sn (n is a positive integer of 2 or greater) are formed on display panel 110. Data lines D1 to Dm may intersect with scan lines S1 to Sn. Scan lines may be represented as gate lines. Pixels P may be formed in the area defined by the intersection of scan lines and data lines.

[0040] Each pixel P of the display panel 110 can be connected to one of the data lines D1 to Dm and one of the scan lines S1 to Sn.

[0041] Each pixel P of the display panel 110 may include: a drive transistor that adjusts the current between its drain and source according to a data voltage applied to its gate; a scan transistor that is turned on by a scan signal of a scan line to supply the data voltage of the data line to the gate of the drive transistor; an organic light-emitting diode that emits light according to the current between the drain and source of the drive transistor; and a capacitor for storing the voltage of the gate of the drive transistor. Therefore, each pixel P can emit light according to the current supplied to the organic light-emitting diode.

[0042] The scan driver 120 receives a scan control signal GCS from the timing controller 160. The scan driver 120 supplies scan signals to scan lines S1 to Sn according to the scan control signal GCS.

[0043] The scan driver 120 may be formed in a non-display area on one or both sides of the display area of ​​the display panel 110 in a GIP (gate in panel) scheme. Alternatively, the scan driver 120 may be manufactured as a driver chip that can be mounted on a flexible film that can be attached to a non-display area on one or both sides of the display area of ​​the display panel 110 using a TAB (tape auto-bonding) scheme.

[0044] Data driver 130 receives digital video data and data control signal DCS from timing controller 160. Data driver 130 converts the digital video data into analog positive / negative data voltages according to the data control signal DCS and supplies the converted voltages to the data lines. That is, the pixel to be supplied with data voltage is selected based on the scan signal of scan driver 120, and these data voltages are supplied to the selected pixel.

[0045] like Figure 1As shown, the data driver 130 may include multiple source driver ICs 131. Each of the multiple source driver ICs 131 can be mounted on the flexible film 140 using a COF (Chip-on-Foil) or COP (Chip-on-Plastic) method. The flexible film 140 can be attached to pads fabricated in a non-display area of ​​the display panel 110 using an anisotropic conductive film. Therefore, the multiple source driver ICs 131 can be individually connected to the pads.

[0046] Circuit board 150 may be attached to flexible film 140. Multiple circuits implemented as driver chips may be mounted on circuit board 150. For example, timing controller 160 may be mounted on circuit board 150. Circuit board 150 may be a printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board.

[0047] The timing controller 160 receives digital video data DATA and timing signals from the host system 170. The timing signals may include a vertical sync signal, a horizontal sync signal, a data enable signal, and a dot clock signal. The vertical sync signal defines a frame period. The horizontal sync signal defines a horizontal period required to supply data voltage to the pixels of a single horizontal line on the display panel 110. The data enable signal defines the period for inputting valid data. The dot clock signal is a signal that repeats in a predetermined short cycle.

[0048] The timing controller 160 is used to control the operating timing of the scan driver 120 and the data driver 130. For this purpose, the timing controller 160 can generate a data control signal DCS controlling the operating timing of the data driver 130 and a scan control signal GCS controlling the operating timing of the scan driver 120 based on timing signals. The timing controller 160 outputs the scan control signal GCS to the scan driver 120 and outputs digital video data DATA and the data control signal DCS to the data driver 130.

[0049] The host system 170 can be implemented as a navigation system, set-top box, DVD player, Blu-ray player, personal computer (PC), home theater system, broadcast receiver, and telephone system. The host system 170 includes a SoC (System-on-Chip) with a built-in scaler to convert digital video data DATA of the input image into a format suitable for display on the display panel 110. The host system 170 transmits the digital video data DATA and timing signals to the timing controller 160.

[0050] In addition to data lines D1 to Dm and scan lines S1 to Sn, a first touch electrode and a second touch electrode may be formed on the display panel 110. The first touch electrode may intersect with the second touch electrode. The first touch electrode may be connected to a first touch driver 181 via first touch lines T1 to Tj (j is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2). The second touch electrode may be connected to a second touch driver 182 via second touch lines R1 to Ri (i is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2). A touch sensor may be formed at each intersection between the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode. In embodiments of this disclosure, a touch sensor based on mutual capacitance is illustrated by way of example. This disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0051] The touch driver 180 supplies drive pulses to the first touch electrode via the first touch lines T1 to Tj, and senses charge changes in each touch sensor via the second touch lines R1 to Rj. (Refer to...) Figure 2 The example illustrates a scenario where the first touch lines T1 to Tj are represented as Tx lines for supplying drive pulses, and the second touch lines R1 to Rj are represented as Rx lines for sensing charge changes in each touch sensor. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0052] Touch driver 180 includes a first touch driver 181, a second touch driver 182, and a touch controller 183. The first touch driver 181, the second touch driver 182, and the touch controller 183 can be integrated into a single ROIC (Readout IC).

[0053] The first touch driver 181 selects a first touch line under the control of the touch controller 183 and supplies drive pulses to the selected first touch line. For example, the first touch line 181 can sequentially supply drive pulses to the first touch lines T1 to Tj.

[0054] The second touch driver 182, under the control of the touch controller 183, connects to the second touch line and receives charge changes from the touch sensor via the selected second touch line. The second touch driver 182 samples the charge changes from the touch sensor received via the second touch lines R1 to Rj and converts the sampled charge changes into Touch Raw Data (TRD) as digital data.

[0055] The touch controller 183 can generate a Tx setting signal to set the first touch line when a drive pulse is output from the first touch driver 181, and can generate an Rx setting signal to set the second touch line when the second touch driver 182 receives a touch sensor voltage. Furthermore, the touch controller 183 generates timing control signals to control the operating timing of the first touch driver 181 and the second touch driver 182.

[0056] Touch coordinate calculator 190 receives raw touch data (TRD) from touch driver 180. Touch coordinate calculator 190 calculates touch coordinates according to touch coordinate calculation method and outputs touch coordinate data (HIDxy), including information about touch coordinates, to host system 170.

[0057] A touch coordinate calculator 190 can be implemented using an MCU (Microcontroller Unit). The host system 170 analyzes the touch coordinate data HIDxy input from the touch coordinate calculator 190 and executes an application linked to the coordinates already touched by the user. Based on the executed application, the host system 170 transmits digital video data DATA and timing signals to the timing controller 160.

[0058] The touch driver 180 may be included in the source driver IC 131 or manufactured as a separate driver chip, which may then be mounted on the circuit board 150. Furthermore, the touch coordinate calculator 190 may be manufactured as a driver chip mounted on the circuit board 150.

[0059] The display panel 110 includes a first substrate 111, a second substrate 112, and a thin film transistor layer, an organic light-emitting element layer, an encapsulation layer, a touch sensing layer, a color filter layer, and a planarization layer disposed between the first substrate 111 and the second substrate 112.

[0060] The first substrate 111 may be a glass substrate or a plastic substrate.

[0061] A thin-film transistor layer may be formed on the first substrate 111. The thin-film transistor layer may include scan lines, data lines, and thin-film transistors. Each thin-film transistor includes a gate, a semiconductor layer, a source, and a drain. When a scan driver is formed in a GIP (Gate In-Panel) scheme, the scan driver may be formed together with the thin-film transistor layer.

[0062] The light-emitting element layer can be formed on the thin-film transistor layer. In this disclosure, examples are described where the light-emitting element layer is embodied as an organic light-emitting element layer using an organic light-emitting element. This disclosure is not limited thereto. The organic light-emitting element layer includes a first electrode, an organic light-emitting layer, a second electrode, and a dam.

[0063] Each organic light-emitting layer may include a hole transport layer, a light-emitting layer, and an electron transport layer. In this case, when a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, holes and electrons move to the light-emitting layer via the hole transport layer and the electron transport layer, respectively, and combine with each other in the light-emitting layer to emit light. Since pixels are arranged in the region where the organic light-emitting element layer is formed, the region where the organic light-emitting element layer is formed can be defined as the display region, and the surrounding region can be defined as the non-display region.

[0064] An encapsulation layer is formed on the organic light-emitting element layer. The encapsulation layer is used to prevent oxygen or moisture from penetrating into the organic light-emitting element layer. The encapsulation layer may include at least one organic encapsulation film.

[0065] A touch sensing layer is formed on the encapsulation layer. The touch sensing layer includes a first touch electrode and a second touch electrode for sensing a user's touch. The touch sensing layer may include bridge electrodes that electrically connect the first touch electrodes to each other or that electrically connect the second touch electrodes to each other.

[0066] A filter layer, including red, green, and blue filters, is formed on the touch sensing layer.

[0067] A planarization layer, comprising inorganic nanotubes randomly dispersed therein, is formed on the color filter layer.

[0068] The second substrate 112 may be a plastic film, a glass substrate, or a protective encapsulation film. In some cases, the second substrate 112 may be omitted.

[0069] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 3 to 7 A display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail.

[0070] The first substrate 111 may be named a base substrate, and may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA.

[0071] As described above, the first substrate 111 may be embodied as a glass substrate or as a plastic substrate made of a flexible polyimide material.

[0072] The non-display area NDA may include pad areas PA with pads PAD and dam DAM. In this case, the dam DAM may include multiple dams. Furthermore, separate dams may be formed individually in different layers.

[0073] A thin-film transistor layer and an organic light-emitting element layer are formed in the display area DA of the first substrate 111.

[0074] The thin-film transistor layer includes a thin-film transistor 210, a gate insulating layer 220, an interlayer insulating layer 230, a protective layer 240, and a first planarization layer 250.

[0075] A buffer layer may be formed on one surface of the first substrate 111. The buffer layer is formed on one surface of the first substrate 111 to protect the thin-film transistor 210 and the organic light-emitting element 260 from moisture that permeates through the first substrate 111, which is susceptible to moisture penetration. One surface of the first substrate 111 may be the surface facing the second substrate 112. The buffer layer may be composed of multiple inorganic layers stacked alternately. For example, the buffer layer may be composed of a silicon oxide film (SiO2). x Silicon nitride film (SiN) xA multilayer structure consisting of alternating stacks of at least one inorganic film in SiON.

[0076] Thin-film transistor 210 is formed on a buffer layer. Thin-film transistor 210 includes an active layer 211, a gate 212, a source 213, and a drain 214. In this disclosure, the thin-film transistor 210 is illustrated as a top-gate type with the gate 212 located above the active layer 211. This disclosure is not limited to this. Thin-film transistor 210 can be a bottom-gate type or a dual-gate type.

[0077] The active layer 211 is formed on the buffer layer. The active layer 211 may be made of an oxide semiconductor material such as IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide), but is not limited to it. The active layer 211 may be made of low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) or amorphous silicon (a-Si).

[0078] A light-blocking layer can be formed between the buffer layer and the active layer 211 to prevent external light from incident on the active layer 211.

[0079] On the active layer 211, a gate insulating layer 220 may be formed to insulate the active layer 211 and the gate 212 from each other. In this disclosure, it is illustrated that the gate insulating layer 220 is formed over the entire first substrate 111. This disclosure is not limited thereto. The gate insulating layer 220 may be formed only below the gate 212. The gate insulating layer 220 may be composed of an inorganic material layer, such as a silicon oxide film (SiO2). x Silicon nitride film (SiN) x Or multiple layers thereof.

[0080] Gate 212 and gate lines may be formed on gate insulating layer 220. Gate 212 and gate lines may each be composed of a single layer or multiple layers and are made of one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), niobium (Nd) and copper (Cu) or an alloy thereof.

[0081] An interlayer insulating layer 230 may be formed on the gate 212 and the gate line. The interlayer insulating layer 230 may be composed of an inorganic film, such as a silicon oxide film (SiO2). x Silicon nitride film (SiN) x Or multiple layers thereof.

[0082] Source 213, drain 214, and data lines may be formed on interlayer insulating layer 230. Source 213 and drain 214 may each be connected to active layer 211 via a contact hole extending through gate insulating layer 220 and interlayer insulating layer 230. Source 213, drain 214, and data lines may each be composed of a single layer or multiple layers, made of one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), niobium (Nd), and copper (Cu), or an alloy thereof.

[0083] A protective layer 240, which insulates the thin-film transistor 210, can be formed on the source 213, drain 214, and data lines. The protective layer 240 can be composed of an inorganic film, such as silicon oxide (SiO2) film. x Silicon nitride film (SiN) x Or multiple layers thereof.

[0084] On the protective layer 240, a first planarization layer 250 may be formed to planarize the steps caused by the thin-film transistor 210. The first planarization layer 250 may be composed of an organic film made of acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin or polyimide resin.

[0085] An organic light-emitting element layer is formed on the thin-film transistor layer. The organic light-emitting element layer includes an organic light-emitting element 260 and a embankment layer 270.

[0086] That is, multiple light-emitting elements are arranged in the display area DA. In this disclosure, the case where the light-emitting elements are embodied as organic light-emitting elements is described by way of example. This disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0087] An organic light-emitting element 260 and a embankment layer 270 are formed on a first planarization layer 250. The organic light-emitting element 260 includes a first electrode 261, an organic light-emitting layer 262, and a second electrode 263. The first electrode 261 can act as an anode, and the second electrode 263 can act as a cathode.

[0088] The first electrode 261 may be formed on the first planarization layer 260. The first electrode 261 is connected to the source 213 of the thin-film transistor 210 via a contact hole extending through the protective layer 240 and the first planarization layer 250. The first electrode 261 may be made of a metallic material with high reflectivity. For example, the first electrode 261 may be composed of a stacked structure of aluminum and titanium (Ti / Al / Ti), a stacked structure of aluminum and ITO (ITO / Al / ITO), an APC alloy, or a stacked structure of APC alloy and ITO (ITO / APC / ITO). Here, APC alloy refers to an alloy of silver (Ag), palladium (Pd), and copper (Cu).

[0089] A embankment layer 270 may be formed on the first planarization layer 250 to cover the edge of the first electrode 261, thereby dividing sub-pixels. That is, the embankment layer 270 acts as a pixel-defining film defining the sub-pixels. Specifically, the embankment layer 270 may have multiple openings OA. The openings OA may correspond to the light-emitting regions EA of the organic light-emitting element 260.

[0090] The embankment layer 270 may be composed of an organic membrane, which is made of acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin or polyimide resin.

[0091] An organic light-emitting layer 262 is formed on the first electrode 261 and the embankment layer 270. The organic light-emitting layer 262 may include a hole transport layer, at least one light-emitting layer, and an electron transport layer. In this case, when a voltage is applied between the first electrode 261 and the second electrode 263, holes and electrons move to the light-emitting layer via the hole transport layer and the electron transport layer, respectively, and then combine with each other in the light-emitting layer to emit light.

[0092] The organic light-emitting layer 262 can be embodied as a white light-emitting layer that emits white light. The organic light-emitting layer 262 can be formed to cover the first electrode 261 and the embankment layer 270. A color filter layer 370, including a red color filter, a green color filter, and a blue color filter, can be formed on the organic light-emitting element 260, so that the display device 100 can realize various colors.

[0093] The second electrode 263 is formed on the organic light-emitting layer 262. When the display device 100 has a top-emitting structure, the second electrode 263 may be made of a transparent conductive material (TCO) such as ITO or IZO that is transmissive to light, or a semi-transmissive conductive material such as magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), or an alloy of magnesium (Mg) and silver (Ag).

[0094] An encapsulation layer 280 is formed on the organic light-emitting element layer, and the encapsulation layer 280 extends to the display area DA and the non-display area NDA of the first substrate 111 to cover multiple light-emitting elements.

[0095] The encapsulation layer 280 is used to prevent oxygen or moisture from penetrating into the organic light-emitting layer 262 and the second electrode 263. For this purpose, the encapsulation layer 280 may include at least one inorganic film and at least one organic film. For example, the encapsulation layer 280 may include a first inorganic encapsulation film 281, an organic encapsulation film 282, and a second inorganic encapsulation film 283.

[0096] A first inorganic encapsulation film 281 may be disposed on the second electrode 263. The first inorganic encapsulation film 281 may be formed to cover the second electrode 263. An organic encapsulation film 282 may be disposed on the first inorganic encapsulation film 281. The organic encapsulation film 282 may be formed to have sufficient thickness to prevent foreign particles from penetrating the first inorganic encapsulation film 281 and intruding into the organic light-emitting layer 262 and the second electrode 263. A second inorganic encapsulation film 283 may be disposed on the organic encapsulation film 282. The second inorganic encapsulation film 283 may be formed to cover the organic encapsulation film 282.

[0097] The first inorganic encapsulation film 281 and the second inorganic encapsulation film 283 may each be made of silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, zirconium nitride, titanium nitride, hafnium nitride, tantalum nitride, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide or titanium oxide.

[0098] The organic encapsulation film 282 may include acrylic resin or epoxy resin.

[0099] The display device 100 may include a dam DAM disposed in the non-display area NDA in the form of a closed curve surrounding the organic encapsulation film 282. The dam DAM is formed around the outer edge of the display area NDA to block the flow of the organic encapsulation film 282 constituting the encapsulation layer 280. Therefore, the dam DAM prevents the organic encapsulation film 282 from being exposed to the outside of the display device 100 or from intruding into the pad area PA.

[0100] The dam DAM may include a single dam. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. When multiple dam DAMs are formed, the flow of the organic encapsulation film 282 can be blocked more effectively. In this disclosure, as Figure 6 As shown, two dams (DAM) are formed. This disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0101] The dam DAM can be formed simultaneously with the first leveling layer 250 or the embankment layer 270, and can be made of a material such as the material of the first leveling layer 250 or the embankment layer 270.

[0102] The second inorganic encapsulation film 283 can be formed as a covering dam DAM.

[0103] A touch sensing layer is formed on the encapsulation layer 280. The touch sensing layer may include a touch electrode 320 having a first touch electrode TE and a second touch electrode RE, a bridge electrode BE, a touch buffer layer 311, and an insulating layer 313.

[0104] First, a touch buffer layer 311 may be formed on the encapsulation layer 280 in the display area DA and the non-display area NDA, and the touch buffer layer 311 may be formed to expose the pads PAD in the non-display area NDA. The touch buffer layer 311 may be formed as a cover dam DAM.

[0105] The touch buffer layer 311 prevents foreign substances such as chemical solutions (such as developing solutions or etching solutions used in the manufacturing process of touch electrodes formed on the touch buffer layer 311) or external moisture from penetrating into the organic light-emitting element 260, which includes organic materials.

[0106] A bridge electrode BE is formed on the touch buffer layer 311. The bridge electrode BE is formed in the display area DA. The first touch electrodes TE formed on the insulating layer 313 can be electrically connected to each other via the bridge electrode BE.

[0107] To prevent the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE from short-circuiting each other in the area where they intersect, such as Figure 4The first touch electrodes TE, which are adjacent to each other in the first direction (y-axis direction), can be electrically connected to each other via a bridge electrode BE. The bridge electrode BE can be disposed in a layer different from the layer in which the first touch electrodes TE and the second touch electrode RE are formed. The bridge electrode BE can be connected to the adjacent first touch electrodes TE via a contact hole CH. The bridge electrode BE can intersect with the second touch electrode RE.

[0108] In this configuration, the contact holes CH can extend through the insulating layer 313. The bridge electrode BE can be disposed below the insulating layer 313 and exposed by the two contact holes CH. Therefore, the bridge electrode BE can be connected to the two adjacent first touch electrodes TE.

[0109] An insulating layer 313 may be formed on the touch buffer layer 311 to cover the bridge electrode BE, thereby insulating the bridge electrode BE and the second touch electrode RE from each other. Further, the insulating layer 313 may be disposed between the bridge electrodes BE to insulate them from each other.

[0110] The insulating layer 313 may extend not only to the display area DA, but also to the non-display area NDA. The insulating layer 313 may be formed to cover the dam DAM, thereby reducing the steps caused by the dam DAM.

[0111] Multiple touch electrodes 320 in a mesh-like pattern are formed on the insulating layer 313. The touch electrodes 320 include a first touch electrode TE and a second touch electrode RE.

[0112] A first touch electrode TE and a second touch electrode RE are formed in the display area DA. The first touch electrodes TE can be connected to each other in a first direction (y-axis direction), and the second touch electrodes RE can be connected to each other in a second direction (x-axis direction). Here, the first direction (y-axis direction) can be parallel to the scan lines S1 to Sn, and the second direction (x-axis direction) can be parallel to the data lines D1 to Dm. Alternatively, the first direction (y-axis direction) can be parallel to the data lines D1 to Dm, and the second direction (x-axis direction) can be parallel to the scan lines S1 to Sn.

[0113] Each of the first touch electrodes TE connected to each other in the first direction (y-axis direction) is electrically insulated from the first touch electrode TE adjacent to it in the second direction (x-axis direction). Each of the second touch electrodes RE connected to each other in the second direction (x-axis direction) is electrically insulated from the second touch electrode RE adjacent to it in the first direction (y-axis direction).

[0114] For this reason, the mutual capacitance of the corresponding touch sensor can be generated in the cross region between the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE.

[0115] For example, such as Figure 5As shown, the touch electrode 320 may have a mesh to have openings.

[0116] The touch electrode 320 can be formed into a mesh, so that the organic light-emitting element 260 can correspond to the opening of the touch electrode 320, thereby improving the light-emitting efficiency.

[0117] The touch electrode 320 can be positioned to correspond to the embankment layer 270. The embankment layer 270 can have multiple openings as described above. These openings correspond to the light-emitting area EA of the organic light-emitting element 260. Therefore, the openings of the touch electrode 320 can be arranged to correspond to the openings of the embankment layer 270.

[0118] Therefore, the touch electrode 320 can be disposed along the embankment layer 270 to correspond to the embankment layer 270. Since the touch electrode 320 can be positioned to correspond to the embankment layer 270, the opening of the touch electrode 320 can also be arranged to correspond to the light-emitting area EA, so that the opening of the touch electrode 320 overlaps with the light-emitting area EA. Therefore, the reduction in luminous efficiency can be minimized.

[0119] In one example, the touch pad PAD may be located in the non-display area NDA. Touch routing wires 330 for electrically connecting the touch pad PAD and the touch electrode 320 to each other may be formed on the insulating layer 313.

[0120] In this configuration, the touch pad PAD can be made of the same material on the same layer as the gate 212. The touch routing wire 330 can be made of the same material on the same layer as the touch electrode 320.

[0121] A color buffer layer 350 is formed on the insulating layer 313, covering the touch electrode 320 and the touch routing wire 330.

[0122] Further, a color filter layer 370 is formed on the color buffer layer 350. The color filter layer 370 includes a red color filter RF, a green color filter GF, a blue color filter BF, and a black matrix BM separating the red color filter RF, green color filter GF, and blue color filter BF. The black matrix BM may have multiple openings. The red color filter RF, green color filter GF, and blue color filter BF may each be disposed in multiple openings. In one embodiment of this disclosure, a pixel P may have one red sub-pixel, two green sub-pixels, and one blue sub-pixel. Therefore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, a red color filter RF, two green color filters GF, and a blue color filter BF may be disposed in each pixel P.

[0123] The red color filter RF, green color filter GF, and blue color filter BF can be arranged to correspond to the openings of the touch electrode 320 and the light-emitting area EA of the organic light-emitting element 260, respectively. The black matrix BM can be positioned to correspond to the touch electrode 320 and the embankment layer 270. The width of the black matrix BM can be smaller than the width of the embankment layer 270. Therefore, the size of each opening of the black matrix BM can be larger than the size of each opening of the embankment layer 270. The black matrix BM can extend to the non-display area NDA to cover the touch routing wire 330.

[0124] A second planarization layer 400 is formed on the color filter layer 370 to remove the steps caused by the color filter. The second planarization layer 400 may include a matrix resin and inorganic nanotubes 410 randomly dispersed within the matrix resin. That is, the second planarization layer 400 may be made of a matrix resin containing inorganic nanotubes 410 randomly dispersed therein. The second planarization layer 400 covers the color filter layer 370 above the entire display area DA. The second planarization layer 400 extends into the non-display area NDA to cover the touch routing conductors 330. The second planarization layer 400 may cover the black matrix BM on the touch routing conductors 330.

[0125] The matrix resin can be made from a photosensitive resin, such as a photosensitive acrylic resin. The matrix resin can be produced from a composition comprising an acrylate / ester monomer having an epoxy group, an oxime ester photoinitiator, and a solvent. Solvents may include isopropanol (IPA), acetone, toluene, benzene, chloroform, N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (PGMEA).

[0126] The inorganic nanotubes 410 may include silicon oxide nanotubes or silicon nanotubes. The diameter of the inorganic nanotubes 410 may be in the range of 1 nm to 100 nm. The length of the inorganic nanotubes 410 may be in the range of 200 nm to 1 μm.

[0127] The second planarization layer 400 may have a thickness of several μm, such as 2 μm. In this case, when the length of the inorganic nanotube 410 exceeds 1 μm, the nanotube may protrude upwards beyond the surface of the second planarization layer 400, thus failing to achieve a planar surface. When the length of the inorganic nanotube 410 is less than 200 nm, there is no suppression effect on rainbow spot defects.

[0128] Inorganic nanotubes 410 can be included in an amount from 1% to 30% by weight based on the total weight of the second planarization layer 400. When the content of inorganic nanotubes 410 in the second planarization layer 400 is less than 1% by weight, there is no suppression effect on rainbow spot defects. When the content of inorganic nanotubes 410 in the second planarization layer 400 is greater than 50% by weight, the transmittance of the second planarization layer 400 may decrease, and it may not be suitable for display devices. When the content of inorganic nanotubes 410 in the second planarization layer 400 is in the range of 1% to 50% by weight, rainbow spot defects can be suppressed. However, when the content of inorganic nanotubes 410 in the second planarization layer 400 is greater than 30% by weight, haze increases. Therefore, in order to suppress rainbow spots without increasing haze as a negative effect, inorganic nanotubes 410 can be included in an amount from 1% to 30% by weight based on the total weight of the second planarization layer 400.

[0129] Table 1 below shows the transmittance %, reflectance % and rainbow spot defects according to the comparative example and the embodiment. The structure of the comparative example is: it does not include the planarization layer made of a matrix resin comprising inorganic nanotubes randomly dispersed therein, as in the embodiment of this disclosure.

[0130] Table 1

[0131] Transmittance % Reflectivity % Rainbow spots Comparative example 94 8.6 powerful Implementation 97 4.9 weak

[0132] Compared to the comparative example, in the embodiment, the reflectivity is reduced without reducing the transmittance, and the rainbow spot defect is suppressed.

[0133] Reference Figure 10 It can be confirmed that, compared with the comparative example, the rainbow spots were suppressed in the implementation method. Figure 10 (a) shows the evaluation of the rainbow spots in the comparative example. Figure 10 (b) shows the evaluation of the rainbow spots in the implementation.

[0134] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a second planarization layer 400 comprising randomly dispersed inorganic nanotubes 410 therein may be formed on the color filter layer 370. Therefore, rainbow spot defects caused by diffraction and reflection of external light due to the color filter, and by diffraction and interference of internal reflected light due to the color filter, can be suppressed.

[0135] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 It is a planar view of a single pixel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0136] In the following text, the above will be omitted. Figure 6The description of the display device according to one embodiment of this disclosure is identical to the description of the same content. Instead, the differences will be discussed primarily. The omitted descriptions may refer to descriptions based on the above. Figure 6 The content of the display device according to one embodiment of this disclosure is exactly the same.

[0137] A display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of second planarization layers 400' partially arranged to correspond to a plurality of color filters (i.e., a red color filter RF, a green color filter GF, and a blue color filter BF).

[0138] Multiple second planarization layers 400' can be configured to completely and separately cover multiple color filters, namely, a red color filter RF, a green color filter GF, and a blue color filter BF. The size of each of the multiple second planarization layers 400' can be larger than the size of each of the multiple color filters (i.e., each red color filter RF, each green color filter GF, and each blue color filter BF).

[0139] Multiple second leveling layers 400' can be arranged to correspond to multiple openings in the embankment layer 270. The size of each of the multiple second leveling layers 400' can be larger than the size of each of the multiple openings in the embankment layer 270.

[0140] The embodiments of this disclosure may be described below.

[0141] A first aspect of this disclosure provides a display device, comprising: a substrate having a display area and a non-display area; a plurality of organic light-emitting elements disposed in the display area; an encapsulation layer disposed covering the plurality of organic light-emitting elements; a mesh-like touch electrode disposed on the encapsulation layer, wherein the touch electrode has a plurality of openings; a color filter layer disposed on the touch electrode, wherein the color filter layer comprises: a plurality of color filters arranged to correspond to the plurality of openings of the touch electrode respectively; and a black matrix disposed to correspond to the touch electrode; and a planarization layer disposed on the color filter layer, wherein the planarization layer comprises a matrix resin and inorganic nanotubes randomly dispersed in the matrix resin.

[0142] In one implementation of the first aspect, the inorganic nanotubes include silica nanotubes or silicon nanotubes.

[0143] In one implementation of the first aspect, the inorganic nanotube has a length in the range of 200 nm to 1 μm.

[0144] In one implementation of the first aspect, the inorganic nanotube has a diameter in the range of 1 nm to 100 nm.

[0145] In one implementation of the first aspect, the inorganic nanotubes are included in an amount of 1% to 30% by weight relative to the total weight of the planarization layer.

[0146] In one implementation of the first aspect, the matrix resin includes a photosensitive resin.

[0147] In one implementation of the first aspect, the display device further includes: a touch pad disposed in the non-display area; and a touch routing wire disposed on the encapsulation layer for electrically connecting the touch pad and the touch electrode to each other, wherein the planarization layer extends into the non-display area and covers the touch routing wire.

[0148] In one implementation of the first aspect, the planarization layer includes a plurality of planarization layers locally arranged to correspond to the plurality of color filters respectively.

[0149] In one implementation of the first aspect, the plurality of planarization layers are arranged to cover the plurality of color filters respectively.

[0150] In one implementation of the first aspect, the display device further includes a embankment layer disposed beneath the encapsulation layer, wherein the embankment layer has a plurality of openings, wherein the touch electrodes are positioned corresponding to the embankment layer, and wherein the plurality of planarization layers are arranged to respectively correspond to the plurality of openings of the embankment layer.

[0151] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a display device, comprising: a substrate having a display area and a non-display area; a embankment layer disposed in the display area, wherein the embankment layer has a plurality of openings; a plurality of organic light-emitting elements disposed in the plurality of openings of the embankment layer; an encapsulation layer disposed to cover the plurality of organic light-emitting elements; a color filter layer disposed on the encapsulation layer, wherein the color filter layer comprises: a plurality of color filters arranged to correspond to the plurality of openings of the embankment layer; and a black matrix disposed to correspond to the embankment layer; and a planarization layer disposed on the color filter layer, wherein the planarization layer comprises a matrix resin and inorganic nanotubes randomly dispersed in the matrix resin.

[0152] In one implementation of the second aspect, the inorganic nanotubes include silica nanotubes or silicon nanotubes.

[0153] In one implementation of the second aspect, the inorganic nanotube has a length in the range of 200 nm to 1 μm.

[0154] In one implementation of the second aspect, the inorganic nanotube has a diameter in the range of 1 nm to 100 nm.

[0155] In one implementation of the second aspect, the inorganic nanotubes are included in an amount of 1% to 30% by weight relative to the total weight of the planarization layer.

[0156] In one implementation of the second aspect, the matrix resin includes a photosensitive resin.

[0157] In one implementation of the second aspect, the display device further includes: a mesh-like touch electrode disposed in the display area and between the encapsulation layer and the color filter layer; a touch pad disposed in the non-display area; and touch routing wires disposed on the encapsulation layer for electrically connecting the touch pads and the touch electrode to each other, wherein the planarization layer extends into the non-display area and covers the touch routing wires.

[0158] In one implementation of the second aspect, the planarization layer includes a plurality of planarization layers locally arranged to correspond to the plurality of color filters respectively.

[0159] In one implementation of the second aspect, the plurality of planarization layers are arranged to cover the plurality of color filters respectively.

[0160] In one implementation of the second aspect, the plurality of planarization layers are respectively arranged as a plurality of openings in the embankment layer.

[0161] Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, this disclosure is not necessarily limited to these embodiments. This disclosure can be implemented in various modified forms without departing from the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure are not intended to limit the technical concept of this disclosure, but rather to describe it. The scope of the technical concept of this disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative and non-limiting in all respects. The scope of protection of this disclosure should be interpreted by the claims, and all technical concepts within the scope of this disclosure should be interpreted as including within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A substrate having a display area and a non-display area; Multiple organic light-emitting elements are disposed in the display area; An encapsulation layer is configured to cover the plurality of organic light-emitting elements; A mesh-like touch electrode is disposed on the encapsulation layer, wherein the touch electrode has multiple openings; A color filter layer disposed on the touch electrode, wherein the color filter layer includes: a plurality of color filters arranged to correspond to a plurality of openings of the touch electrode; and a black matrix disposed to correspond to the touch electrode; and A planarization layer disposed on the color filter layer, wherein the planarization layer comprises a matrix resin and inorganic nanotubes randomly dispersed in the matrix resin. The inorganic nanotubes described herein have a length ranging from 200 nm to 1 μm. The inorganic nanotubes are included in an amount of 1% to 50% by weight relative to the total weight of the planarization layer.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the inorganic nanotubes include silicon oxide nanotubes or silicon nanotubes.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the inorganic nanotube has a diameter in the range of 1 nm to 100 nm.

4. The display device of claim 1, wherein the inorganic nanotubes are comprised in an amount of 1% to 30% by weight relative to the total weight of the planarization layer.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the matrix resin comprises a photosensitive resin.

6. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: Touch pads are located in the non-display area; and Touch routing wires disposed on the encapsulation layer for electrically connecting the touch pads and the touch electrodes to each other. The planarization layer extends into the non-display area and covers the touch routing wires.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the planarization layer comprises a plurality of planarization layers partially arranged to correspond to the plurality of color filters respectively.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of planarization layers are arranged to cover the plurality of color filters respectively.

9. The display device of claim 7, further comprising a embankment layer disposed beneath the encapsulation layer, wherein the embankment layer has a plurality of openings. The touch electrodes are positioned to correspond to the embankment layer. The plurality of planarization layers are arranged to correspond to the plurality of openings in the embankment layer.

10. A display device, comprising: A substrate having a display area and a non-display area; A embankment layer is disposed in the display area, wherein the embankment layer has multiple openings; Multiple organic light-emitting elements are respectively disposed in multiple openings in the embankment layer; An encapsulation layer is configured to cover the plurality of organic light-emitting elements; A color filter layer disposed on the encapsulation layer, wherein the color filter layer includes: a plurality of color filters arranged to correspond to a plurality of openings in the embankment layer; and a black matrix disposed to correspond to the embankment layer; and A planarization layer disposed on the color filter layer, wherein the planarization layer comprises a matrix resin and inorganic nanotubes randomly dispersed in the matrix resin. The inorganic nanotubes described herein have a length ranging from 200 nm to 1 μm. The inorganic nanotubes are included in an amount of 1% to 50% by weight relative to the total weight of the planarization layer.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein the inorganic nanotubes comprise silicon oxide nanotubes or silicon nanotubes.

12. The display device of claim 10, wherein the inorganic nanotube has a diameter in the range of 1 nm to 100 nm.

13. The display device of claim 10, wherein the inorganic nanotubes are included in an amount of 1% to 30% by weight relative to the total weight of the planarization layer.

14. The display device according to claim 10, wherein the matrix resin comprises a photosensitive resin.

15. The display device according to claim 10, further comprising: The touch electrodes are disposed in the display area and between the encapsulation layer and the color filter layer in a mesh pattern. Touch pads are located in the non-display area; and Touch routing wires disposed on the encapsulation layer for electrically connecting the touch pads and the touch electrodes to each other. The planarization layer extends into the non-display area and covers the touch routing wires.

16. The display device of claim 10, wherein the planarization layer comprises a plurality of planarization layers partially arranged to correspond to the plurality of color filters respectively.

17. The display device of claim 16, wherein the plurality of planarization layers are arranged to respectively cover the plurality of color filters.

18. The display device of claim 16, wherein the plurality of planarization layers are arranged to correspond to a plurality of openings in the embankment layer.

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