Display device

Abstract

A display device includes: a substrate having a plurality of pixels, the plurality of pixels including a light emitting area; a plurality of transistors in each of the plurality of pixels on the substrate; an overcoat layer on the plurality of transistors; a plurality of first electrodes on the overcoat layer in the plurality of pixels, the plurality of first electrodes connected to each of the plurality of transistors; a bank between the plurality of pixels on the overcoat layer; a light emitting portion on the plurality of first electrodes and the bank; and a second electrode disposed on the light emitting portion, in which the overcoat layer includes recesses between the light emitting regions of the plurality of pixels.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0075912, filed on Jun. 14, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device capable of improving reliability and display quality. Background Art

[0004] Unlike liquid crystal displays, organic light emitting display devices do not require a separate light source and can be manufactured to be light and thin. In addition, organic light emitting display devices are not only advantageous in terms of power consumption due to low voltage driving, but also have excellent color reproduction, response speed, viewing angle, and contrast (CR), and therefore, are being studied as next generation displays.

[0005] An organic light emitting display device is a self-luminous display device, and is a display device using an organic light emitting diode, which injects electrons and holes into a light emitting layer from a cathode for electron injection and an anode for hole injection, respectively, and emits light when excitons, which are a combination of the injected electrons and holes, drop from an excited state to a ground state.

[0006] Organic light emitting display devices may be classified into a top emission type, a bottom emission type, a dual emission type, etc. according to a direction of emitting light, and may be classified into a passive matrix type, an active matrix type, etc. according to a driving method. Summary of the invention

[0007] An object to be achieved by the present disclosure is to provide a display device capable of minimizing or at least reducing the residue of a transparent conductive layer occurring between a plurality of pixels.

[0008] Another object to be achieved by the present disclosure is to provide a display device capable of improving the aperture ratio of a light emitting diode.

[0009] Still another object to be achieved by the present disclosure is to provide a display device capable of making the thickness of the light-emitting parts of a plurality of pixels uniform.

[0010] The objects of the present disclosure are not limited to the objects mentioned above, and other objects not mentioned above can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0011] A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a substrate having a plurality of pixels thereon, the plurality of pixels including a light-emitting area; a plurality of transistors in each of the plurality of pixels on the substrate; an outer coating on the plurality of transistors; a plurality of first electrodes on the outer coating in the plurality of pixels, the plurality of first electrodes being connected to each of the plurality of transistors; a levee on the outer coating between the plurality of pixels; a light-emitting portion on the plurality of first electrodes and the levee; and a second electrode on the light-emitting portion, wherein the outer coating includes a recess between the light-emitting areas of the plurality of pixels.

[0012] A display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a substrate having a plurality of pixels thereon; a plurality of transistors in each of the plurality of pixels on the substrate; an outer coating on the plurality of transistors; a plurality of first electrodes on the outer coating in the plurality of pixels, the plurality of first electrodes being connected to each of the plurality of transistors; a levee on the outer coating overlapping with an area between the plurality of pixels; a light-emitting portion on the plurality of first electrodes and the levee; and a second electrode on the light-emitting portion, wherein the outer coating includes a recess overlapping with an area between ends of the plurality of first electrodes in each of the plurality of pixels.

[0013] Additional details of the implementations are included in the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0014] According to the effects of the present disclosure, the reliability of a display device can be improved by minimizing or at least reducing the residue of the transparent conductive layer occurring between a plurality of pixels.

[0015] According to the effects of the present disclosure, the light emitting efficiency of the display device can be improved by increasing the aperture ratio of the light emitting diode.

[0016] According to the effects of the present disclosure, the display quality of the display device can be improved by making the thickness of the light-emitting parts of a plurality of pixels uniform.

[0017] The effects according to the present disclosure are not limited to those exemplified above, but include more various effects in the present specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The above and other aspects, features and other advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2 According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II';

[0021] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3H is a process diagram showing a process of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 7 is a diagram for describing a process of manufacturing a display device according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0027] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] By referring to the embodiments described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the advantages and characteristics of the present disclosure and the methods for achieving these advantages and characteristics will be clear. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but will be implemented in various forms. The embodiments are provided only as examples so that those skilled in the art can fully understand the disclosure of the present disclosure and the scope of the present disclosure.

[0029] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. shown in the accompanying drawings for describing the embodiments of the present disclosure are only examples, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Throughout the specification, similar reference numerals generally indicate similar elements. In addition, in the following description of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of known related technologies may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the subject matter of the present disclosure. Terms such as "including", "having", "comprising" used herein are generally intended to allow the addition of other components unless these terms are used together with the term "only". Unless otherwise expressly stated, any reference to the singular may include the plural.

[0030] Even if not explicitly stated, the components are interpreted as including the ordinary error range.

[0031] When terms such as "on", "over", "below", and "adjacent" are used to describe the positional relationship between two parts, one or more parts may be located between the two parts unless these terms are used together with the terms "immediately" or "directly".

[0032] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, the other layer or element may be directly on the other element or interposed therebetween.

[0033] Although the terms "first", "second", etc. are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components. Therefore, the first component to be mentioned below can be the second component in the technical concept of the present disclosure.

[0034] Like reference numerals generally refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0035] For convenience of description, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are shown, but the present disclosure is not limited to the size and thickness of the components shown.

[0036] The features of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be partially or completely dependent on or combined with each other and may be interlocked and operated in technically different ways, and the embodiments may be implemented independently of each other or in association with each other.

[0037] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 is a plan view of an organic light emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'.

[0039] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display device 100 includes a lower substrate 110 , a transistor 120 , organic light emitting diodes 140 - 1 , 140 - 2 , and 140 - 3 (collectively referred to as organic light emitting diodes 140 in the present disclosure), and an upper substrate 150 .

[0040] Reference Figure 1 The lower substrate 110 is configured to support and protect various components of the display device 100. The lower substrate 110 may be formed of a plastic material having flexibility. In addition, the lower substrate 110 may be formed of an insulating material having transparency. For example, the lower substrate 110 may be formed of transparent polyimide (PI).

[0041] The lower substrate 110 includes a display area AA and a non-display area NA.

[0042] The display area AA is disposed at the center of the lower substrate 110 and may be an area in which an image is displayed in the display device 100. A display element and various driving elements for driving the display element may be disposed in the display area AA. For example, the display element may be composed of an organic light emitting diode 140 including first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3, a light emitting portion 142, and a second electrode 143. In addition, various driving elements for driving the display element, such as transistors, capacitors, and wires, may be disposed in the display area AA.

[0043] A plurality of pixels PX may be disposed in the display area AA. The plurality of pixels PX may be a cross region of a plurality of gate lines disposed along a first direction and a plurality of data lines disposed along a second direction different from the first direction. Here, the first direction may be Figure 1 The horizontal direction, and the second direction can be Figure 1 The plurality of pixels PX may include a plurality of first pixels PX1, a plurality of second pixels PX2, and a plurality of third pixels PX3 that emit light of different colors. For example, the plurality of first pixels PX1 may be red pixels, the plurality of second pixels PX2 may be green pixels, and the plurality of third pixels PX3 may be blue pixels. However, the plurality of pixels PX may further include a fourth pixel that is a white pixel, but is not limited thereto.

[0044] The pixel PX is the smallest unit constituting the screen, and each of the plurality of pixels PX may include an organic light emitting diode 140 and a driving element. The driving element may include a switching transistor, a driving transistor, etc. The driving element may be electrically connected to a signal line, such as a gate line and a data line of a gate driver, a data driver, etc. disposed in the non-display area NA.

[0045] The non-display area NA is disposed in the surrounding area of ​​the lower substrate 110 and may be an area where no image is displayed. The non-display area NA may be disposed to surround the display area AA. Various components for driving the plurality of pixels PX disposed in the display area AA may be disposed in the non-display area NA. For example, a driver IC, a driving circuit, a signal line, a flexible film, etc. may be disposed to supply a signal for driving the plurality of pixels PX. The driver IC may include a gate driver, a data driver, etc. The driver IC and the driving circuit may be disposed in a gate-in-panel (GIP) method, a chip-on-film (COF) method, a tape automated bonding (TAB) method, a tape carrier package (TCP) method, a chip-on-glass (COG) method, etc.

[0046] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 2The plurality of pixels PX disposed in the display area AA of the display device 100 are described in more detail.

[0047] Reference Figure 2 , a buffer layer 111 is provided on the lower substrate 110. The buffer layer 111 can improve the adhesion between the layer formed on the buffer layer 111 and the lower substrate 110. In addition, the buffer layer 111 can block the alkaline components and the like from flowing out of the lower substrate 110, and inhibit the diffusion of moisture and / or oxygen infiltrated from the outside of the lower substrate 110. The buffer layer 111 can be configured by a single layer or multiple layers of silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx), but is not limited thereto. In addition, based on the type and material of the lower substrate 110, the structure and type of the transistor 120, etc., the buffer layer 111 can be omitted.

[0048] A transistor 120 may be provided on the buffer layer 111 to drive the organic light emitting diode 140. The transistor 120 may be provided in each of the plurality of pixels PX in the display area AA. The transistor 120 provided in each of the plurality of pixels PX may be used as a driving element of the display device 100. The transistor 120 may be, for example, a thin film transistor (TFT), an N-channel metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS) transistor, a P-channel metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS) transistor, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) transistor, a field effect transistor (FET), etc., but is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, the transistor 120 will be described assuming that the transistor 120 is a thin film transistor, but is not limited thereto.

[0049] The transistor 120 includes an active layer 121 , a gate electrode 122 , a source electrode 123 , and a drain electrode 124 . Figure 2 The transistor 120 shown is a thin film transistor having a top gate structure in which a gate electrode 122 is provided on an active layer 121. However, the transistor 120 is not limited thereto and may be implemented as a thin film transistor having a bottom gate structure.

[0050] An active layer 121 of the transistor 120 is disposed on the buffer layer 111. The active layer 121 is a region where a channel is formed when the transistor 120 is driven. The active layer 121 may be formed of an oxide semiconductor, amorphous silicon (a-Si), polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si), an organic semiconductor, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0051] A gate insulating layer 112 is provided on the active layer 121. The gate insulating layer 112 may be configured of a single layer or multiple layers of silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx) as an inorganic material. For each of the source electrode 123 and the drain electrode 124, a contact hole is formed in the gate insulating layer 112 to contact each of the source region and the drain region of the active layer 121. Figure 2As shown, the gate insulating layer 112 may be formed on the entire surface of the lower substrate 110 and may be patterned to have the same width as the gate electrode 122 , but is not limited thereto.

[0052] The gate electrode 122 is disposed on the gate insulating layer 112. The gate electrode 122 is disposed on the gate insulating layer 112 to overlap with the channel region of the active layer 121. The gate electrode 122 may be formed of any one of various metal materials such as molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu), or an alloy of two or more thereof, or may be configured of multiple layers thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0053] An interlayer insulating layer 113 is provided on the gate electrode 122. The interlayer insulating layer 113 may be configured by a single layer or multiple layers of silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx) as an inorganic material. For each of the source electrode 123 and the drain electrode 124, a contact hole is formed in the interlayer insulating layer 113 to contact each of the source region and the drain region of the active layer 121.

[0054] A source electrode 123 and a drain electrode 124 are disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 113. The source electrode 123 and the drain electrode 124 are electrically connected to the active layer 121 through the contact holes in the gate insulating layer 112 and the interlayer insulating layer 113. The source electrode 123 and the drain electrode 124 may be formed of any one of various metal materials such as molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu), or an alloy of two or more thereof, or may be configured by a multilayer thereof. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0055] exist Figure 2 In the figure, for the convenience of description, only the driving transistor among the various transistors 120 included in the display device 100 is shown, but other transistors such as a switching transistor may also be provided.

[0056] Reference Figure 2 A passivation layer 114 is disposed on the transistor 120 to protect the transistor 120. A contact hole for exposing a drain electrode 124 of the transistor 120 is formed in the passivation layer 114. Figure 2 It is shown that a contact hole is formed in the passivation layer 114 to expose the drain electrode 124, but a contact hole may be formed to expose the source electrode 123. The passivation layer 114 may be configured by a single layer or multiple layers of silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx). However, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the passivation layer 114 may be omitted.

[0057] An overcoat layer 115 is disposed on the passivation layer 114 to planarize an upper portion of the transistor 120. A contact hole is formed in the overcoat layer 115 to expose a drain electrode 124 of the transistor 120. Figure 2 It is shown that a contact hole is formed in the overcoat layer 115 to expose the drain electrode 124, but a contact hole may be formed to expose the source electrode 123. The overcoat layer 115 may be formed of one of acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, polyimide resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polyphenylene resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, benzocyclobutene, and photoresist, but is not limited thereto.

[0058] The overcoat layer 115 includes a concave portion 115a disposed between light emitting regions of the plurality of pixels PX. Figure 2 , the concave portion 115a is disposed to overlap with a region between ends of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of each of the plurality of pixels PX, and the width of the concave portion 115a is equal to the gap between ends of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of each of the plurality of pixels PX. For example, the concave portion 115a may be formed by removing a portion of the overcoat layer 115 between the plurality of pixels PX using a dry etching method, but is not limited thereto.

[0059] Reference Figure 2 , an organic light emitting diode 140 is disposed on the overcoat layer 115. The organic light emitting diode 140 includes: first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 formed on the overcoat layer 115 and electrically connected to the drain electrode 124 of the transistor 120; a light emitting portion 142 disposed on the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3; and a second electrode 143 formed on the light emitting portion 142. Here, the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 may be anode electrodes, and the second electrode 143 may be a cathode electrode.

[0060] The first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 are disposed on the overcoat layer 115 and are electrically connected to the drain electrode 124 of the transistor 120 through contact holes formed in the passivation layer 114 and the overcoat layer 115. Thus, the organic light emitting diode 140 may be connected to the transistor 120.

[0061] Figure 2 The first electrodes 141-1, 141-2 and 141-3 are shown to be electrically connected to the drain electrode 124 of the transistor 120 through the contact hole, but the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2 and 141-3 can be configured to be electrically connected to the source electrode 123 of the transistor 120 through the contact hole depending on the type of the transistor 120, the design method of the driving circuit, etc.

[0062] Reference Figure 2, the first electrodes 141 - 1 , 141 - 2 , and 141 - 3 of the plurality of pixels PX include a reflective layer 141 a and transparent conductive layers 141 b , 141 c , and 141 d , respectively.

[0063] The reflective layer 141a is disposed on the overcoat layer 115 and is electrically connected to the drain electrode 124 through a contact hole formed in the passivation layer 114 and the overcoat layer 115. The reflective layer 141a is provided to emit light emitted from the light emitting portion 142 to an upper portion of the display device 100. For example, the reflective layer 141a may be formed of a reflective metal material, but is not limited thereto.

[0064] The transparent conductive layers 141b, 141c, and 141d may be formed of a transparent conductive material having a high work function to supply holes to the light emitting portion 142 and emit light emitted from the light emitting portion 142. For example, the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 may be formed of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), and tin oxide (TO)-based transparent conductive oxides, but are not limited thereto.

[0065] The first electrode 141-1 of the first pixel PX1 includes a reflective layer 141a, a second transparent conductive layer 141c on the reflective layer 141a, a third transparent conductive layer 141d on the second transparent conductive layer 141c, and a first transparent conductive layer 141b on the third transparent conductive layer 141d. The first transparent conductive layer 141b of the first electrode 141-1 of the first pixel PX1 is disposed to cover side surfaces of the reflective layer 141a, the second transparent conductive layer 141c, and the third transparent conductive layer 141d.

[0066] The first electrode 141-2 of the second pixel PX2 includes a reflective layer 141a, a second transparent conductive layer 141c on the reflective layer 141a, and a first transparent conductive layer 141b on the second transparent conductive layer 141c. The first transparent conductive layer 141b of the first electrode 141-2 of the second pixel PX2 is disposed to cover the side surfaces of the reflective layer 141a and the second transparent conductive layer 141c.

[0067] The first electrode 141-3 of the third pixel PX3 includes a reflective layer 141a and a first transparent conductive layer 141b on the reflective layer 141a. The first transparent conductive layer 141b of the first electrode 141-3 of the third pixel PX3 is disposed to cover a side surface of the reflective layer 141a.

[0068] Reference Figure 2, the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 may have different thicknesses in each of the first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2, and the third pixel PX3. For example, regarding the thicknesses of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3, when the first pixel PX1 is a red pixel, the second pixel PX2 is a green pixel, and the third pixel PX3 is a blue pixel, the first electrode 141-1 of the first pixel PX1 may be thicker than the first electrode 141-2 of the second pixel PX2 and the first electrode 141-3 of the third pixel PX3, and the first electrode 141-2 of the second pixel PX2 may be thicker than the first electrode 141-3 of the third pixel PX3. Therefore, the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 may have microcavity structures that may amplify light of wavelengths corresponding to light emitted from the first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2, and the third pixel PX3, respectively.

[0069] A bank 116 is disposed on the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 and the overcoat layer 115. The bank 116 may define a light emitting region by covering the edges of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of the organic light emitting diode 140. The bank 116 is disposed between adjacent pixels PX to reduce color mixing of light emitted from the organic light emitting diode 140 of each of the plurality of pixels. The bank 116 may be formed of an organic material. For example, the bank 116 may be formed of a polyimide resin, an acrylic resin, or a benzocyclobutene-based resin, but is not limited thereto.

[0070] The light emitting portion 142 is disposed on the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 and the bank 116. For example, the light emitting portion 142 may be a light emitting layer that emits light of any one color among red, green, and blue. In addition, the light emitting portion 142 may further include various layers, such as a hole transport layer, a hole injection layer, a hole blocking layer, an electron injection layer, an electron blocking layer, and an electron transport layer, but is not limited thereto.

[0071] The second electrode 143 is provided on the light emitting portion 142. The second electrode 143 supplies electrons to the light emitting portion 142. The second electrode 143 may be formed of a conductive material having a low work function. The second electrode 143 may be configured to emit light emitted from the light emitting portion 142 to an upper portion of the display device 100. For example, the second electrode 143 may be formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), an opaque conductive material such as titanium (Ti), gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), an alloy thereof, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0072] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, an inorganic insulating layer may be further disposed on the second electrode 143 to protect the second electrode 143. For example, the inorganic insulating layer may be configured of a single layer or multiple layers of silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx), but is not limited thereto.

[0073] Reference Figure 2 , an encapsulation layer 117 is disposed on the organic light emitting diode 140. The encapsulation layer 117 may cover the organic light emitting diode 140. The encapsulation layer 117 may protect the organic light emitting diode 140 from external moisture, oxygen, impact, and the like. The encapsulation layer 117 may be formed by alternately stacking a plurality of inorganic layers and a plurality of organic layers. For example, the inorganic layer may be formed of an inorganic material such as silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), or aluminum oxide (AlOx), and the organic layer may be formed of an epoxy-based or acrylic-based polymer, but is not limited thereto.

[0074] An upper substrate 150 is disposed on the encapsulation layer 117. The upper substrate 150 may protect the organic light emitting diode 140 from external moisture, oxygen, impact, etc. together with the encapsulation layer 117. For example, the upper substrate 150 may be formed of a transparent insulating material, and the display device 100 may be configured as a top emission type display device 100, but is not limited thereto.

[0075] Reference Figure 2 , an adhesive member 118 is disposed between the encapsulation layer 117 and the upper substrate 150. The adhesive member 118 can adhere the encapsulation layer 117 and the upper substrate 150. The adhesive member 118 is formed of an adhesive material and can be a thermal curing type or a natural curing type adhesive. For example, the adhesive member 118 can be formed of an optically clear adhesive (OCA), a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0076] At the same time, despite Figure 2 Although not shown in the figure, a color filter and a black matrix may also be provided on the organic light emitting diode 140. A color filter may be provided in each of the plurality of pixels PX, and a black matrix may be provided at a boundary of the plurality of pixels PX. Thus, the black matrix may separate the plurality of pixels PX and the color filter provided in each pixel PX, and reduce color mixing between the plurality of pixels PX.

[0077] For example, when the light emitted from the light emitting portion 142 is white light, the color filter converts the light emitted from the corresponding pixel PX into red light, green light, and blue light, respectively. For example, the color filter provided in the red pixel may be a red color filter. In addition, the green pixel may include a green color filter, and the blue pixel may include a blue color filter, but is not limited thereto.

[0078] For example, the black matrix may be formed of chrome (Cr) or another opaque metal film, or may be formed of a resin, but is not limited thereto.

[0079] In the following, reference will be made to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3H A process of manufacturing the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail.

[0080] 3A to 3H is a process diagram showing a process of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3H Only the display area AA of the display device 100 is shown.

[0081] First, refer to Figure 3A , a plurality of transistors 120 are disposed in each of a plurality of pixels PX in a display area AA on a lower substrate 110. A passivation layer 114 for protecting the transistors 120 and an overcoat layer 115 for planarizing an upper portion of the transistors 120 are disposed on the plurality of transistors 120. Contact holes are formed in the passivation layer 114 and the overcoat layer 115 to expose a portion of a drain electrode 124 of the transistor 120, and a reflective layer 141a of first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of a plurality of organic light emitting diodes 140 are disposed to be connected to each of the plurality of transistors 120.

[0082] Next, refer to Figure 3B , a second transparent conductive layer 141c is disposed on the reflective layer 141a of the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2. The second transparent conductive layer 141c can be formed by, for example, a wet etching method. Figure 3B In the process of disposing the second transparent conductive layer 141 c between the plurality of pixels PX, a residue 141 ′ of a material forming the second transparent conductive layer 141 c may occur.

[0083] Reference Figure 3C , a third transparent conductive layer 141d is disposed on the second transparent conductive layer 141c of the first pixel PX1. The third transparent conductive layer 141d may be formed by, for example, a wet etching method. In this case, referring to Figure 3C In the process of disposing the third transparent conductive layer 141d between the plurality of pixels PX, a residue 141' of a material forming the third transparent conductive layer 141d may occur.

[0084] Next, refer to Figure 3D A first transparent conductive layer 141b is disposed on the third transparent conductive layer 141d of the first pixel PX1, the second transparent conductive layer 141c of the second pixel PX2, and the reflective layer 141a of the third pixel PX3. The first transparent conductive layer 141b may be formed by, for example, a wet etching method. Figure 3D In the process of disposing the first transparent conductive layer 141 b between the plurality of pixels PX, a residue 141 ′ of a material forming the first transparent conductive layer 141 b may occur.

[0085] At the same time, refer to Figure 3D In the process of manufacturing the display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, after the process of providing the first transparent conductive layer 141b by the wet etching method, the photoresist for patterning the first transparent conductive layer 141b may not be removed from the upper portion of the first transparent conductive layer 141b. Therefore, the photoresist above the first transparent conductive layer 141b may protect the first transparent conductive layer 141b from external materials during subsequent processes, but is not limited thereto.

[0086] Next, refer to Figure 3E , a portion of the overcoat layer 115 between the plurality of pixels PX is removed to form the recess 115a. For example, the recess 115a may be formed by removing a portion of the overcoat layer 115 between the plurality of pixels PX using a dry etching method, but is not limited thereto. In this case, the recess 115a may be disposed to overlap with a region between the ends of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of each of the plurality of pixels PX, and the width of the recess 115a may be disposed to be equal to the gap between the ends of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of each of the plurality of pixels PX.

[0087] At the same time, refer to Figure 3E In the process of forming the recess 115a in the overcoat layer 115, the residue 141' of the second transparent conductive layer 141c, the third transparent conductive layer 141d and the first transparent conductive layer 141b between the plurality of pixels PX in the process of setting the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2 and 141-3 can be removed together with a portion of the overcoat layer 115.

[0088] Next, refer to Figure 3F , the photoresist is removed from the upper portion of the first transparent conductive layer 141b. Therefore, the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of the plurality of pixels PX may have different thicknesses. In this case, the process of removing the photoresist from the upper portion of the first transparent conductive layer 141b may be performed, for example, using a PR stripping method, but is not limited thereto.

[0089] Reference Figure 3G, the bank 116 is provided to cover the edges of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of the plurality of pixels PX. For example, the process of providing the bank 116 on the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of the plurality of pixels PX may be performed by patterning and coating a material forming the bank 116 so that the material overlaps with the region between the plurality of pixels PX, and then curing the material forming the patterned bank 116, but is not limited thereto.

[0090] Finally, refer to Figure 3H , the process of manufacturing the display device 100 can be completed by disposing the light emitting portion 142 and the cathode 143 on the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2 and 141-3 of the plurality of pixels PX and the embankment 116 to form the organic light emitting diode 140 and disposing the encapsulation layer 117 and the upper substrate 150 above the organic light emitting diode 140.

[0091] In order to improve the color viewing angle characteristics, the display device may set the first electrode of each of the multiple pixels emitting different colors to have different thicknesses. Therefore, each of the multiple pixels may have a microcavity structure corresponding to the light emitted from the corresponding pixel. In the microcavity structure, by repeatedly reflecting light between the first electrode and the second electrode separated by an optical length, light of a specific wavelength is amplified by constructive interference. Therefore, the light emitted from each of the multiple pixels can be amplified, and the color viewing angle characteristics of the display device can be improved.

[0092] However, in order to set the first electrode of each of the plurality of pixels to have a different thickness, the process of stacking the transparent conductive layer of the first electrode may be repeated multiple times, and in this process, residues of the material forming the transparent conductive layer may appear between the plurality of pixels. In addition, when the residues of the transparent conductive layer appear between the plurality of pixels, the residues of the transparent conductive layer may cause a lateral leakage current (LLC) defect in which an adjacent pixel is abnormally lit when a pixel is lit.

[0093] Therefore, in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the overcoat layer 115 includes a recess 115a between the plurality of pixels PX, thereby minimizing or at least reducing the residue 141' of the transparent conductive layer between the plurality of pixels PX and minimizing or at least reducing LLC defects of the display device 100.

[0094] Specifically, the recess 115a may be provided to overlap with the region between the ends of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of each of the plurality of pixels PX, and the width of the recess 115a may be provided to be equal to the gap between the ends of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of each of the plurality of pixels PX. When the recess 115a is provided, a portion of the region between the ends of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of each of the plurality of pixels PX, in which a residue 141' of the material forming the transparent conductive layer may appear, may be removed. Therefore, the residue 141' of the material forming the transparent conductive layer is removed together with a portion of the outer coating 115, and thus the residue 141' of the transparent conductive layer between the plurality of pixels PX may be minimized or at least reduced. Therefore, in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer coating layer 115 includes a recess 115a between multiple pixels PX, so the residue 141' of the transparent conductive layer between the multiple pixels PX can be minimized or at least reduced, the LLC defect of the display device 100 can be minimized or at least reduced, and the reliability of the display device 100 can be improved.

[0095] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 The display device 400 and Figures 1 to 3H The display device 100 is different only in the recess 415a, and the other components are substantially the same, and thus a redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0096] The overcoat layer 415 includes a concave portion 415a disposed between the light emitting regions of the plurality of pixels PX. Figure 4 , the concave portion 415a is disposed to overlap with a region between ends of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of each of the plurality of pixels PX, and the width of the concave portion 415a is greater than the gap between ends of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of each of the plurality of pixels PX. Therefore, the concave portion 415a of the overcoat layer 415 may expose a portion of the bottom surface of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3.

[0097] For example, the recess 415a may be formed by removing a portion of the overcoat layer 415 between the plurality of pixels PX using a dry etching method, and may be formed by an over-etching process in which the overcoat layer 415 and a portion of the bottom surface of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 are spaced apart from each other and edges of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 have an undercut shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0098] In a display device 400 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the overcoat layer 415 includes a recess 415a between the plurality of pixels PX, which allows edges of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 to have an undercut shape, thereby further minimizing or at least reducing the residue 141' of the transparent conductive layer between the plurality of pixels PX, and further minimizing or at least reducing LLC defects of the display device 400.

[0099] Specifically, the recess 415a may be provided to overlap with the region between the ends of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of each of the plurality of pixels PX, and the width of the recess 415a may be provided to be greater than the gap between the ends of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of each of the plurality of pixels PX. By providing the recess 415a, a portion of the region between the ends of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of each of the plurality of pixels PX, in which a residue 141' of the material forming the transparent conductive layer may appear, may be removed from the overcoat layer 415. In this case, the residue 141' of the material forming the transparent conductive layer is removed together with a portion of the overcoat layer 415, and thus the residue 141' of the transparent conductive layer between the plurality of pixels PX may be minimized or at least reduced. Therefore, in the display device 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer coating layer 415 includes a recess 415a between multiple pixels PX, so the residue 141' of the transparent conductive layer between the multiple pixels PX can be further minimized or at least reduced, further minimizing or at least reducing the LLC defect of the display device 400, and further improving the reliability of the display device 400.

[0100] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 The display device 500 and Figures 1 to 3H The display device 100 is different only in the bank 516, and the other components are substantially the same, and thus a redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0101] Reference Figure 5 , the top surface 516a of the bank 516 extends from the end of the outermost surface of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 disposed in one of the plurality of pixels PX to the end of the outermost surface of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 disposed in another pixel PX. Therefore, the top surface 516a of the bank 516 has a concave shape. The entire top surface 516a of the bank 516 may have a concave shape. Figure 5As shown, the top surface 516a of the bank 516 may have a concave shape in the entire region between one pixel PX and another pixel PX. Therefore, the maximum height of the top surface 516a of the bank 516 may be less than or equal to the maximum height of the thickest first electrode 141-1 among the plurality of first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3. The maximum height of the top surface 516a of the bank 516 is determined based on the plane where the plurality of first electrodes contact the overcoat layer.

[0102] In a method of setting the entire top surface 516a of the embankment 516 to have a concave shape, for example, the surfaces of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2 and 141-3 can be formed to have hydrophilicity using interface treatment, and the entire top surface 516a of the embankment 516 can be formed to have a concave shape by the hydrophilicity between the embankment 516 formed by an organic material and the surfaces of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2 and 141-3, but the method is not limited to this.

[0103] In the display device 500 according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure, by allowing the entire top surface 516 a of the bank 516 to have a concave shape, the aperture ratio of the light emitting diode 140 may be improved.

[0104] Specifically, the top surface 516a of the bank 516 is set to have a concave shape in the entire area between one pixel PX and another pixel PX, so the maximum height of the top surface 516a of the bank 516 can be set to be less than or equal to the maximum height of the thickest first electrode 141-1 among the plurality of first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3. Therefore, the area of ​​the top surface of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 exposed from the bank 516, that is, the area of ​​the light emitting region of the organic light emitting diode 140 can be increased, and thus the aperture ratio of the organic light emitting diode 140 can be improved. Therefore, in the display device 500 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, by allowing the entire top surface 516a of the bank 516 to have a concave shape, the aperture ratio of the light emitting diode 140 can be increased and the light emitting efficiency of the display device 500 can be improved.

[0105] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a diagram for describing a process of manufacturing a display device according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The display device 600 and Figures 1 to 3H The display device 100 is different only in the bank 616, and the other components are substantially the same, and therefore a redundant description thereof will be omitted. In this case, Figure 7A and B are dotted lines to illustrate the shape of the top surface 616 a of the bank 616 at each stage during a process of manufacturing the display device 600 according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] Reference Figure 6 , the top surface 616a of the bank 616 extends from the end of the outermost surface of the first electrode 141-1, 141-2 and 141-3 provided in one pixel PX of the plurality of pixels PX to the end of the outermost surface of the first electrode 141-1, 141-2 and 141-3 provided in another pixel PX. Therefore, the top surface 616a of the bank 616 has a concave shape. In this case, the top surface 616a of the bank 616 has a concave shape in some areas between one pixel PX and another pixel PX, and has a flat shape in some other areas. Therefore, the maximum height of the top surface 616a of the bank 616 can be less than or equal to the maximum height of the thickest first electrode 141-1 among the plurality of first electrodes 141-1, 141-2 and 141-3.

[0107] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 7 The process of having the top surface 616a of the bank 616 having a concave shape in some areas between one pixel PX and another pixel PX and having a flat shape in some other areas is described in detail. However, the method of having the top surface 616a of the bank 616 having a concave shape in some areas between one pixel PX and another pixel PX and having a flat shape in some other areas is not limited thereto.

[0108] Reference Figure 7 , banks are formed on the plurality of first electrodes 141 - 1 , 141 - 2 , and 141 - 3 between the plurality of pixels PX to cover edges of the plurality of first electrodes 141 - 1 , 141 - 2 , and 141 - 3 .

[0109] Then, a portion of the top surface of the bank is ashed to remove the height and width of the bank to a shape similar to the original shape, as shown by the dotted line A.

[0110] Next, the ashing of the bank is continued, and the thicker first electrode 141-1 is first exposed between one pixel PX and another pixel PX. In this case, since the first exposed first electrode 141-1 is not etched due to the selectivity difference with the material used to etch the bank, only the bank can be removed, as shown by the dotted line B and the dotted line C.

[0111] Finally, when the ashing of the bank further continues and the thinner first electrode 141-2 is exposed between one pixel PX and another pixel PX, the thicker first electrode 141-1 may shield the adjacent bank. Therefore, the top surface 616a of the bank 616 may have a concave shape in some areas between one pixel PX and another pixel PX, and may have a flat shape in some other areas, as shown by the dotted line D.

[0112] The light-emitting portion disposed on the first electrode and the bank of the organic light-emitting diode may be formed to cover the edge of the first electrode, and may be disposed in a tapered shape, for example, along the shape of the top surface of the bank. In this case, due to the inclination of the tapered bank, the thickness of the light-emitting portion containing the organic material may be locally reduced and unevenly disposed. Therefore, a problem may arise in which the display quality of the display device is degraded due to the difference in the thickness of the light-emitting portion.

[0113] Therefore, the display device 600 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure can make the top surface 616a of the embankment 616 have a concave shape in some areas between one pixel PX and another pixel PX, and have a flat shape in some other areas, so that the thickness of the light-emitting portion 142 of multiple pixels PX can be uniform.

[0114] Specifically, in the display device 600 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the top surface 616a of the bank 616 is arranged to have a concave shape in some areas between one pixel PX and another pixel PX, and to have a flat shape in some other areas. Therefore, the top surface 616a of the bank 616 can be arranged to have a curved surface and a flat surface with a smooth shape between a plurality of pixels PX including the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 having different thicknesses. Therefore, even between a plurality of pixels PX, the thickness of the light-emitting portion 142 arranged along the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 and the top surface of the bank 616 can also be uniform. Therefore, in a display device 600 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the top surface 616a of the embankment 616 may have a concave shape in some areas between one pixel PX and another pixel PX, and a flat shape in some other areas, thereby making the thickness of the light-emitting portion 142 of a plurality of pixels PX uniform and improving the display quality of the display device 600.

[0115] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 The display device 800 and Figure 5 The display device 500 is different only in the recess 815a, and the other components are substantially the same, and thus a redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0116] Reference Figure 8 , the top surface 516a of the bank 516 extends from the end of the outermost surface of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 disposed in one pixel PX of the plurality of pixels PX to the end of the outermost surface of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 disposed in another pixel PX. Therefore, the top surface 516a of the bank 516 has a concave shape. The entire top surface 516a of the bank 516 may have a concave shape. Figure 8 As shown, the top surface 516a of the bank 516 may have a concave shape in the entire region between one pixel PX and another pixel PX. Therefore, the maximum height of the top surface 516a of the bank 516 may be less than or equal to the maximum height of the thickest first electrode 141-1 among the plurality of first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3.

[0117] In the display device 800 according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure, by allowing the entire top surface 516 a of the bank 516 to have a concave shape, the aperture ratio of the light emitting diode 140 may be improved.

[0118] Specifically, the top surface 516a of the bank 516 is set to have a concave shape in the entire area between one pixel PX and another pixel PX, so the maximum height of the top surface 516a of the bank 516 can be set to be less than or equal to the maximum height of the thickest first electrode 141-1 among the plurality of first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3. Therefore, the area of ​​the top surface of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 exposed from the bank 516, that is, the area of ​​the light emitting region of the organic light emitting diode 140 can be increased, and thus the aperture ratio of the organic light emitting diode 140 can be improved. Therefore, in the display device 800 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, by allowing the entire top surface 516a of the bank 516 to have a concave shape, the aperture ratio of the light emitting diode 140 can be increased and the light emitting efficiency of the display device 800 can be improved.

[0119] Reference Figure 8 , the overcoat layer 815 includes a concave portion 815a disposed between the light emitting regions of the plurality of pixels PX. Figure 8 , the concave portion 815a is disposed to overlap with a region between ends of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of each of the plurality of pixels PX, and the width of the concave portion 815a is greater than a gap between ends of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of each of the plurality of pixels PX. Therefore, the concave portion 815a of the overcoat layer 815 may expose a portion of the bottom surface of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3.

[0120] In a display device 800 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the overcoat layer 815 includes a recess 815a between the plurality of pixels PX, which allows edges of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 to have an undercut shape, thereby further minimizing the residue 141' of the transparent conductive layer between the plurality of pixels PX and further minimizing LLC defects of the display device 800.

[0121] Specifically, the concave portion 815a may be provided to overlap with the region between the ends of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of each of the plurality of pixels PX, and the width of the concave portion 815a may be provided to be greater than the gap between the ends of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of each of the plurality of pixels PX. By providing the concave portion 815a, a portion of the overcoat layer 815a in the region between the ends of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of each of the plurality of pixels PX, in which a residue 141' of a material forming a transparent conductive layer may appear, may be removed. In this case, the residue 141' of the material forming a transparent conductive layer is removed together with a portion of the overcoat layer 815, and thus the residue 141' of the transparent conductive layer between the plurality of pixels PX may be minimized. Therefore, in the display device 800 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer coating layer 815 includes a recess 815a between multiple pixels PX, so the residue 141' of the transparent conductive layer between the multiple pixels PX can be further minimized or at least reduced, further minimizing the LLC defects of the display device 800, and further improving the reliability of the display device 800.

[0122] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 The display device 900 and Figure 6 and Figure 7 The display device 600 is different only in the recess 915a, and the other components are substantially the same, and thus a redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0123] Reference Fig. 9, the top surface 616a of the bank 616 extends from the end of the outermost surface of the first electrode 141-1, 141-2 and 141-3 provided in one pixel PX of the plurality of pixels PX to the end of the outermost surface of the first electrode 141-1, 141-2 and 141-3 provided in another pixel PX. Therefore, the top surface 616a of the bank 616 has a concave shape. In this case, the top surface 616a of the bank 616 has a concave shape in some areas between one pixel PX and another pixel PX, and has a flat shape in some other areas. Therefore, the maximum height of the top surface 616a of the bank 616 can be less than or equal to the maximum height of the thickest first electrode 141-1 among the plurality of first electrodes 141-1, 141-2 and 141-3.

[0124] Therefore, in a display device 900 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the top surface 616a of the embankment 616 may have a concave shape in some areas between one pixel PX and another pixel PX, and a flat shape in some other areas, so that the thickness of the light-emitting portion 142 of a plurality of pixels PX can be made uniform.

[0125] Specifically, in a display device 900 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the top surface 616a of the bank 616 is arranged to have a concave shape in some areas between one pixel PX and another pixel PX, and to have a flat shape in some other areas. Therefore, the top surface 616a of the bank 616 can be arranged to have a curved surface and a flat surface with a smooth shape between a plurality of pixels PX including first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 having different thicknesses. Therefore, even between a plurality of pixels PX, the thickness of the light-emitting portion 142 arranged along the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 and the top surface of the bank 616 can also be uniform. Therefore, in a display device 900 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the top surface 616a of the embankment 616 may have a concave shape in some areas between one pixel PX and another pixel PX, and a flat shape in some other areas, thereby making the thickness of the light-emitting portion 142 of a plurality of pixels PX uniform and improving the display quality of the display device 900.

[0126] At the same time, refer to Fig. 9 , the overcoat layer 915 includes a concave portion 915a disposed between the light emitting regions of the plurality of pixels PX. Fig. 9, the concave portion 915a is disposed to overlap with a region between ends of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of each of the plurality of pixels PX, and the width of the concave portion 915a is greater than a gap between ends of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of each of the plurality of pixels PX. Therefore, the concave portion 915a of the overcoat layer 915 may expose a portion of the bottom surface of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3.

[0127] In a display device 900 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an outer coating layer 915 disposed between a plurality of pixels PX includes a recess 915a, which allows edges of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 to have an undercut shape, thereby further minimizing a residue 141' of the transparent conductive layer between the plurality of pixels PX and further minimizing LLC defects of the display device 900.

[0128] Specifically, the recess 915a may be provided to overlap with the region between the ends of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of each of the plurality of pixels PX, and the width of the recess 915a may be provided to be greater than the gap between the ends of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of each of the plurality of pixels PX. By providing the recess 915a, a portion of the overcoat layer 915 may be removed in the region between the ends of the first electrodes 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of each of the plurality of pixels PX, in which the residue 141' of the material forming the transparent conductive layer may appear. In this case, the residue 141' of the material forming the transparent conductive layer is removed together with a portion of the overcoat layer 915, and thus the residue 141' of the transparent conductive layer between the plurality of pixels PX may be minimized. Therefore, in the display device 900 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer coating layer 915 includes a recess 915a between multiple pixels PX, so the residue 141' of the transparent conductive layer between the multiple pixels PX can be further minimized, the LLC defects of the display device 900 can be further minimized, and the reliability of the display device 900 can be further improved.

[0129] Embodiments of the present disclosure may also be described as follows:

[0130] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device may include: a substrate on which a plurality of pixels including a light-emitting area are arranged; a plurality of transistors, the plurality of transistors being arranged in each of the plurality of pixels on the substrate; an outer coating layer, the outer coating layer being arranged on the plurality of transistors; a plurality of first electrodes, the plurality of first electrodes being arranged on the outer coating layer in the plurality of pixels and connected to each of the plurality of transistors; a levee, the levee being arranged between the plurality of pixels on the outer coating layer; a light-emitting portion, the light-emitting portion being arranged on the plurality of first electrodes and the levee; and a second electrode, the second electrode being arranged on the light-emitting portion.

[0131] The overcoat layer may include a recessed portion disposed between light emitting regions of the plurality of pixels.

[0132] The concave portion may have a width equal to a gap between ends of the first electrode of each of the plurality of pixels.

[0133] The width of the concave portion may be greater than a gap between ends of the first electrode of each of the plurality of pixels.

[0134] The recessed portion of the overcoat layer may expose a portion of the bottom surface of the first electrode.

[0135] A top surface of the bank may extend from an end portion of an outermost surface of the first electrode disposed in one pixel among the plurality of pixels to an end portion of an outermost surface of the first electrode disposed in another adjacent pixel.

[0136] A top surface of the bank may have a concave shape.

[0137] The top surface of the bank may have a concave shape in the entire region between one pixel and another pixel.

[0138] The top surface of the bank may have a concave shape in some regions between one pixel and another pixel, and a flat shape in some other regions.

[0139] Some regions may be regions adjacent to a pixel where the first electrode has a thicker thickness in one pixel and another pixel.

[0140] Some other regions may be regions adjacent to a pixel and a pixel in which the first electrode has a thinner thickness in one pixel and another pixel.

[0141] A maximum height of a top surface of the bank may be less than or equal to a maximum height of a thickest first electrode among the plurality of first electrodes.

[0142] The plurality of pixels may include a first pixel, a second pixel, and a third pixel that emit different colors.

[0143] The plurality of first electrodes may have different thicknesses in each of the first pixel, the second pixel, and the third pixel.

[0144] The first electrode of the first pixel may be thicker than the first electrode of the second pixel and the first electrode of the third pixel.

[0145] The first electrode of the second pixel may be thicker than the first electrode of the third pixel.

[0146] The first electrode of the first pixel may include a reflective layer, a second transparent conductive layer on the reflective layer, a third transparent conductive layer on the second transparent conductive layer, and a first transparent conductive layer on the third transparent conductive layer.

[0147] The first electrode of the second pixel may include a reflective layer, a second transparent conductive layer on the reflective layer, and a first transparent conductive layer on the second transparent conductive layer.

[0148] The first electrode of the third pixel may include a reflective layer, and a first transparent conductive layer on the reflective layer.

[0149] The first transparent conductive layer of the first electrode of the first pixel may be disposed to cover side surfaces of the reflective layer, the second transparent conductive layer, and the third transparent conductive layer.

[0150] The first transparent conductive layer of the first electrode of the second pixel may be disposed to cover side surfaces of the reflective layer and the second transparent conductive layer.

[0151] The first transparent conductive layer of the first electrode of the third pixel may be disposed to cover a side surface of the reflective layer.

[0152] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device may include: a substrate on which a plurality of pixels are arranged; a plurality of transistors, the plurality of transistors being arranged in each of the plurality of pixels on the substrate; an outer coating layer, the outer coating layer being arranged on the plurality of transistors; a plurality of first electrodes, the plurality of first electrodes being arranged on the outer coating layer in the plurality of pixels and connected to each of the plurality of transistors; a levee, the levee being arranged on the outer coating layer to overlap with an area between the plurality of pixels; a light-emitting portion, the light-emitting portion being arranged on the plurality of first electrodes and the levee; and a second electrode, the second electrode being arranged on the light-emitting portion.

[0153] The overcoat layer may include a concave portion disposed to overlap a region between end portions of the first electrode of each of the plurality of pixels.

[0154] The concave portion may have a width equal to a gap between ends of the first electrode of each of the plurality of pixels.

[0155] The width of the concave portion may be greater than a gap between ends of the first electrode of each of the plurality of pixels.

[0156] A top surface of the bank may extend from an end portion of an outermost surface of the first electrode disposed in one pixel among the plurality of pixels to an end portion of an outermost surface of the first electrode disposed in another adjacent pixel.

[0157] The entire top surface of the bank may have a concave shape.

[0158] The top surface of the bank may have a concave shape in some areas and a flat shape in some other areas.

[0159] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and can be implemented in a variety of different forms without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present disclosure. The scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-mentioned embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and do not limit the present disclosure. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted based on the attached claims, and all technical concepts within their equivalent scope should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A substrate having a plurality of pixels thereon, wherein the plurality of pixels include a light emitting area; a plurality of transistors in each of the plurality of pixels on the substrate; an overcoat layer over the plurality of transistors; a plurality of first electrodes on the overcoat layer in the plurality of pixels, the plurality of first electrodes connected to each of the plurality of transistors; banks on the overcoat layer between the plurality of pixels; a light emitting portion on the plurality of first electrodes and the bank; as well as a second electrode on the light emitting portion, Wherein, the overcoat layer includes recessed portions between the light emitting regions of the plurality of pixels.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The concave portion has a width equal to a gap between ends of the plurality of first electrodes of each of the plurality of pixels.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The width of the concave portion is larger than a gap between ends of the plurality of first electrodes of each of the plurality of pixels.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The recessed portion of the overcoat layer exposes a portion of a bottom surface of a first electrode of the plurality of first electrodes.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The top surface of the embankment extends from an end of an outermost surface of a first electrode of the plurality of first electrodes in a first pixel of the plurality of pixels to ends of outermost surfaces of other first electrodes of the plurality of first electrodes in a second pixel adjacent to the first pixel of the plurality of pixels.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The top surface of the bank has a concave shape.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The top surface of the bank has the concave shape in an entire region between the first pixel and the second pixel.

8. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The top surface of the bank has a concave shape in a first region between the first pixel and the second pixel, and has a flat shape in a second region not between the first pixel and the second pixel.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: The first region is a region adjacent to a pixel in which the first electrode has a thicker thickness among the first pixel and the second pixel, and The second region is a region adjacent to other pixels in which the first electrode has a thinner thickness among the first pixel and the second pixel.

10. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: A maximum height of the top surface of the bank is less than or equal to a maximum height of a thickest first electrode among the plurality of first electrodes.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: A maximum height of the top surface of the bank is determined based on a plane where the plurality of first electrodes contact the overcoat layer.

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of pixels include a first pixel emitting a first color, a second pixel emitting a second color, and a third pixel emitting a third color, and The plurality of first electrodes have different thicknesses in each of the first pixel, the second pixel, and the third pixel.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: A first electrode of the plurality of first electrodes of the first pixel is thicker than a first electrode of the plurality of first electrodes of the second pixel and the third pixel, and A first electrode of the plurality of electrodes of the second pixel is thicker than a first electrode of the plurality of electrodes of the third pixel.

14. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The first electrode of the plurality of electrodes of the first pixel includes a reflective layer, a second transparent conductive layer on the reflective layer, a third transparent conductive layer on the second transparent conductive layer, and a first transparent conductive layer on the third transparent conductive layer. The first electrode of the plurality of first electrodes of the second pixel includes a reflective layer, a second transparent conductive layer on the reflective layer of the first electrode of the second pixel, and a first transparent conductive layer on the second transparent conductive layer of the first electrode of the second pixel, and A first electrode of the plurality of first electrodes of the third pixel includes a reflective layer, and a first transparent conductive layer on the reflective layer of the first electrode of the third pixel.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: The first transparent conductive layer of the first electrode of the first pixel covers the side surfaces of the reflective layer of the first electrode of the first pixel, the second transparent conductive layer of the first electrode of the first pixel, and the third transparent conductive layer of the first electrode of the first pixel, The first transparent conductive layer of the first electrode of the second pixel covers the side surfaces of the reflective layer of the first electrode of the second pixel and the second transparent conductive layer of the first electrode of the second pixel, and The first transparent conductive layer of the first electrode of the third pixel covers the side surface of the reflective layer of the first electrode of the third pixel.

16. A display device, comprising: A substrate having a plurality of pixels thereon; a plurality of transistors in each of the plurality of pixels on the substrate; an overcoat layer over the plurality of transistors; a plurality of first electrodes on the overcoat layer in the plurality of pixels, the plurality of first electrodes connected to each of the plurality of transistors; a bank on the overcoat layer overlapping an area between the plurality of pixels; a light emitting portion on the plurality of first electrodes and the bank; as well as a second electrode on the light emitting portion, The overcoat layer includes a concave portion overlapping a region between end portions of the plurality of first electrodes of each of the plurality of pixels.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein: The concave portion has a width equal to a gap between ends of the plurality of first electrodes of each of the plurality of pixels.

18. The display device according to claim 16, wherein: The concave portion has a width greater than a gap between ends of the plurality of first electrodes of each of the plurality of pixels.

19. The display device according to claim 16, wherein: A top surface of the bank extends from an end of an outermost surface of a first electrode of the plurality of first electrodes in a first pixel of the plurality of pixels to ends of outermost surfaces of other first electrodes of the plurality of first electrodes in a second pixel adjacent to the first pixel.

20. The display device according to claim 19, wherein: The entirety of the top surface of the bank has a concave shape.

21. The display device according to claim 19, wherein: The top surface of the bank has a concave shape in a first region and has a flat shape in a second region.

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