Display device

By designing flat areas and curved areas on the window module of the display device, and using transparent conductive metal oxide electrodes and packaging layers, the light leakage problem at the curved surface of the display device is solved, achieving uniform light transmission and high brightness effects.

CN119325323APending Publication Date: 2025-01-17SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202410933199.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-07-13
Filing Date
2024-07-12
Publication Date
2025-01-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing display devices have light leakage problems on the periphery of the window module, especially at the curved surface, which leads to uneven light brightness when transmitted at different angles, affecting the display effect.

Method used

A display device is designed in which the front surface of the window module includes a flat area and a curved area, a transparent conductive metal oxide is used as the electrode, and a package layer and a color filter layer are provided on the light emitting element layer, by optimizing the electrode spacing and layer Structure, reduces the reflection and scattering of light, and reduces the percentage of light brightness reduction per angle.

Benefits of technology

Effectively reduce light leakage, ensure uniform transmission and display effect of light, especially in the window module in the curved area, the percentage reduction of brightness at different angles is less than 2%/dgr or 1%/dgr, which improves the display device's Optical properties.

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Abstract

A display device includes a display module and a window module. The display module includes: a base layer; a light emitting element layer on the base layer and including a light emitting element; an encapsulation layer on the light emitting element layer; and a color filter layer on the encapsulation layer. The light-emitting element includes: a first electrode; a second electrode on the first electrode and including a transparent conductive metal oxide; and a light emitting layer between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is a main resonance distance of light emitted from the light emitting layer. The encapsulation layer includes: a single-layer first inorganic layer directly on the light emitting element layer; an organic layer on the first inorganic layer; and a second inorganic layer on the organic layer.
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Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0091019 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on July 13, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments of the present disclosure described herein relate to a display device. Background Art

[0004] The display device is applied to various suitable multimedia devices such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, and game consoles to provide image information to users.

[0005] The display device includes a display module and a window module. The window module included in the display device effectively transmits image information provided from the display module to the outside and protects the display module from the outside.

[0006] The display module includes a light emitting element layer, and the light emitting element layer includes a first electrode, a second electrode and a light emitting layer. In addition, the light emitting element layer may further include a functional layer such as a hole transport region and an electron transport region.

[0007] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the invention

[0008] Aspects according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device for reducing light leakage at a periphery of the display device.

[0009] Aspects according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a display device for reducing light leakage of the display device including a window module including a curved surface at a periphery thereof.

[0010] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments of the disclosure.

[0011] According to some embodiments, a display device includes: a display module; and a window module on the display module and including a front surface, the front surface including a flat area and a curved area around the flat area. The display module includes: a substrate layer; a light-emitting element layer on the substrate layer and including a light-emitting element. The light-emitting element includes a first electrode, a second electrode disposed on the first electrode and including a transparent conductive metal oxide, and a light-emitting layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is the main resonance distance of light emitted from the light-emitting layer. The display module may further include an encapsulation layer on the light-emitting element layer and a color filter layer on the encapsulation layer. The encapsulation layer includes: a single-layer first inorganic layer directly on the light-emitting element layer; an organic layer on the first inorganic layer; and a second inorganic layer disposed on the organic layer. The display module may further include a color filter layer on the encapsulation layer.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode can be from about To about within the range.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the light emitting layer may have a refractive index of about 1.8 to about 1.95.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the light emitting element may further include a hole transport region between the first electrode and the light emitting layer, and the distance between the first electrode and the light emitting layer may be in the range of about To about within the range.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the light emitting element may further include an electron transport region between the light emitting layer and the second electrode, and the hole transport region and the electron transport region may have a refractive index of about 1.8 to about 2.0.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the second electrode may include at least one of indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium tin oxide (ITO), zinc oxide (ZnO), and indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO).

[0017] According to some embodiments, the second electrode may have a To about Thickness.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the display module may further include a polarizing film on the color filter layer.

[0019] According to some embodiments, based on the brightness of light emitted in a direction parallel to the direction from the display module to the window module, the brightness reduction percentage per angle of light emitted from the display module within the window module may be about 2% / dgr or less.

[0020] According to some embodiments, based on the brightness of light emitted in a direction parallel to the direction from the display module to the window module, the brightness reduction percentage per angle of light emitted from the display module and output through the window module may be approximately 1% / dgr or less.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the light emitting layer may include a first light emitting layer and a second light emitting layer on the first light emitting layer.

[0022] According to some embodiments, a display device includes: a display module including a first area and a second area around the first area; and a window module on the display module and including a front surface, the front surface including a flat area overlapping the first area on a plane (e.g., in a plan view) and a curved area around the flat area. The display module includes: a substrate layer; a light-emitting element layer including a first light-emitting element in the first area and a second light-emitting element in the second area. The second light-emitting element includes a first electrode, a second electrode disposed on the first electrode and including a transparent conductive metal oxide, and a first light-emitting layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is the main resonance distance of light emitted from the first light-emitting layer. The display module may further include an encapsulation layer on the light-emitting element layer. The encapsulation layer includes: a single-layer first inorganic layer directly disposed on the light-emitting element layer; an organic layer disposed on the first inorganic layer; and a second inorganic layer disposed on the organic layer. The display module may further include a color filter layer on the encapsulation layer.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode can be from about To about within the range.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the first light-emitting element may include a third electrode, a fourth electrode on the third electrode, and a second light-emitting layer between the third electrode and the fourth electrode, and the distance between the third electrode and the fourth electrode of the first light-emitting element may be greater than the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode of the second light-emitting element.

[0025] According to some embodiments, a distance between the third electrode and the fourth electrode of the first light emitting element may be a secondary resonance distance of light emitted from the second light emitting layer of the first light emitting element.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the distance between the third electrode and the fourth electrode of the first light emitting element can be in the range from about To about within the range.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the fourth electrode of the first light emitting element may include a semi-transparent conductive metal oxide.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the second region may surround the first region in a plane (eg, in a plan view), and the curved region may surround the flat region in a plane (eg, in a plan view).

[0029] According to some embodiments, on a plane (eg, in a plan view), the second region may be closer to the bent region than the first region.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the second region may overlap the curved region in plane (eg, in a plan view).

[0031] According to some embodiments, based on the brightness of light emitted in a direction parallel to the direction from the display module to the window module, the brightness reduction percentage per angle within the window module of light emitted from the second area of ​​the display module may be approximately 2% / dgr or less.

[0032] According to some embodiments, based on the brightness of light emitted in a direction parallel to the direction from the display module to the window module, the brightness reduction percentage per angle of light emitted from the second area of ​​the display module and output through the window module can be approximately 1% / dgr or less.

[0033] According to some embodiments, a display device includes: a substrate layer; a light-emitting element layer, on the substrate layer and including a first color light-emitting element, a second color light-emitting element, and a third color light-emitting element configured to emit first color light, second color light, and third color light in different wavelength regions, respectively. Each of the first color light-emitting element to the third color light-emitting element includes a first electrode, a second electrode disposed on the first electrode and including a transparent conductive metal oxide, and a light-emitting layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The distance between the first electrode and the second electrode of the first color light-emitting element corresponds to the main resonance distance of the first color light, the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode of the second color light-emitting element corresponds to the main resonance distance of the second color light, and the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode of the third color light-emitting element corresponds to the main resonance distance of the third color light. The display device may further include: an encapsulation layer, including a single first inorganic layer directly on the light-emitting element layer, an organic layer on the first inorganic layer, and a second inorganic layer on the organic layer; a color filter layer, disposed on the encapsulation layer and including a color filter that overlaps with the second color light-emitting element on a plane (e.g., in a plan view) and does not overlap with the first color light-emitting element and the third color light-emitting element on a plane (e.g., in a plan view); a polarizing film, on the color filter layer; and a window module, on the polarizing film and including a front surface, the front surface including a flat area and a curved area around the flat area.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode of the first color light emitting element can be from about To about The distance between the first electrode and the second electrode of the second color light emitting element can be in the range of about To about The distance between the first electrode and the second electrode of the third color light emitting element can be in the range of about To about within the range.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the distance between the first electrode and the light-emitting layer in the first color light-emitting element can be from about To about The distance between the first electrode and the light-emitting layer in the second color light-emitting element can be in the range of about To about The distance between the first electrode and the light-emitting layer in the third color light-emitting element can be in the range of about To about within the range. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The above and other objects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent by describing in detail embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Figure 1A is a combined perspective view illustrating an unfolded state of a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 1B is a combined perspective view illustrating an inner folded state of a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 1C is a combined perspective view illustrating an outward folded state of a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 2A is a combined perspective view illustrating an unfolded state of a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 2B is a combined perspective view illustrating an inner folded state of a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 5A and Figure 5Bis a cross-sectional view of a portion of a display module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view of a light emitting element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating optical characteristics in a portion of a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C is a resonance diagram of light emitted from a light emitting element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] Fig. 9A is a diagram of brightness distribution of substrate modes according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] Fig. 9B is a graph of the percentage of brightness reduction per angle for substrate patterns according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] Fig. 10A is a diagram of brightness distribution of air modes according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] Fig. 10B is a graph of the percentage of brightness reduction per angle for air mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0052] Fig.11A is a schematic diagram illustrating optical characteristics in a portion of a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0053] Fig. 11B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a display module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram illustrating optical characteristics in a part of a display device according to a comparative example.

[0055] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C is a resonance diagram of light emitted from a light emitting element according to a comparative example.

[0056] Fig.14A is a diagram showing brightness distribution of a substrate mode according to a comparative example.

[0057] Fig. 14B is a graph showing the percentage of brightness reduction per angle according to substrate patterns of a comparative example.

[0058] Fig.15A is a diagram of brightness distribution of an air mode according to a comparative example.

[0059] Fig. 15Bis a graph showing the percentage of brightness reduction per angle in the air mode according to the comparative example.

[0060] FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C is a resonance diagram of light emitted from a light emitting element according to a comparative example.

[0061] Fig.17A is a diagram showing brightness distribution of a substrate mode according to a comparative example.

[0062] Fig. 17B is a graph showing the percentage of brightness reduction per angle according to substrate patterns of a comparative example.

[0063] Fig.18A is a diagram of brightness distribution of an air mode according to a comparative example.

[0064] Fig.18B is a graph showing the percentage of brightness reduction per angle in the air mode according to the comparative example.

[0065] Fig.19A is a diagram showing brightness distribution of a substrate mode according to a comparative example.

[0066] Fig.19B is a graph showing the percentage of brightness reduction per angle according to substrate patterns of a comparative example.

[0067] Fig. 20A is a diagram of brightness distribution of an air mode according to a comparative example.

[0068] Fig. 20B is a graph showing the percentage of brightness reduction per angle in the air mode according to the comparative example.

[0069] FIG. 21A to FIG. 21C is a resonance diagram of light emitted from a light emitting element according to a comparative example.

[0070] Fig.22A is a diagram showing brightness distribution of a substrate mode according to a comparative example.

[0071] Fig. 22B is a graph showing the percentage of brightness reduction per angle according to substrate patterns of a comparative example.

[0072] Fig.23A is a diagram of brightness distribution of an air mode according to a comparative example.

[0073] Fig. 23B is a graph showing the percentage of brightness reduction per angle in the air mode according to the comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] One or more suitable changes may be made to the present disclosure, and one or more suitable embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. Therefore, specific embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described herein as examples. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to this, but rather encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0075] In this specification, when a component (or region, layer, part, etc.) is referred to as being "on", "connected to" or "coupled to" another component, this means that the component may be directly on, directly connected to or coupled to the other component, or a third component may be present therebetween.

[0076] The expression "directly disposed" used herein may mean that there is no additional layer, film, region or plate between one part such as a layer, film, region or plate and another part. For example, the expression "directly disposed" may mean that two layers or two components are disposed without an additional component such as a bonding component therebetween.

[0077] The same reference numerals refer to the same components. In addition, in the drawings, the thickness, proportion and size of components are exaggerated for efficient description.

[0078] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes all of one or more combinations defined by the relevant components.

[0079] Terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe one or more suitable components, but these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one component from other components. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a first component without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, terms in the singular may include plural forms.

[0080] In addition, terms such as "lower", "below", "above", and "on" are used to describe the relationship of the components illustrated in the drawings. These terms are relative concepts and are described based on the directions illustrated in the drawings. The expression "disposed on..." used herein may mean not only that it is disposed on the upper part of any one member, but also that it is disposed on the lower part of the member.

[0081] It should be understood that terms such as “include,” “comprises,” and “has,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, quantities, steps, operations, components, parts, or a combination thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, components, parts, and / or a combination thereof.

[0082] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Throughout this disclosure, the expressions "at least one of a, b, and c," "at least one of ac," "at least one of a to c," "at least one of a to c," and the like indicate only a, only b, only c, both a and b (e.g., simultaneously), both a and c (e.g., simultaneously), both b and c (e.g., simultaneously), all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

[0083] In this specification, "A or B", "A and / or B", etc. means A or B or A and B.

[0084] According to the electronic device, electronic device, electronic equipment or any other related device or component of the embodiment of the present disclosure described herein, any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., application specific integrated circuit), software or a combination of software, firmware and hardware can be implemented. For example, the various components of the device can be formed on an integrated circuit (IC) chip or on a separate IC chip. In addition, the various components of the device can be implemented on a flexible printed circuit film, a tape carrier package (TCP), a printed circuit board (PCB), or formed on a substrate. In addition, the various components of the device can be processes or threads running on one or more processors in one or more computing devices, executing computer program instructions and interacting with other system components to perform various functions described herein. Computer program instructions are stored in a memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM)) that can be implemented in a computing device using a standard memory device. Computer program instructions can also be stored in other non-temporary computer-readable media such as CD-ROMs, flash drives, etc. In addition, those skilled in the art should recognize that the functions of various computing devices can be combined or integrated into a single computing device, or the functions of a specific computing device can be distributed on one or more other computing devices without departing from the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0085] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical or scientific terms) used in this article have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Those terms defined in commonly used dictionaries will be interpreted as having the same meaning as the contextual meaning in the relevant technical field, and will not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless explicitly defined as having such a meaning in this application.

[0086] Hereinafter, a window module and a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0087] Figure 1A is a combined perspective view illustrating an unfolded state of a display device DD according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1B 2 is a combined perspective view illustrating an inwardly folded state of a display device DD according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1C 2 is a combined perspective view illustrating an outwardly folded state of a display device DD according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0088] The display device DD of some embodiments may be a device activated according to an electrical signal. For example, the display device DD may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a car navigation unit, a game console, or a wearable device. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Figures 1A to 1C Some examples are illustrated in which the display device DD is a mobile phone.

[0089] Despite Figure 1A The first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 are illustrated in the following drawings, but directions indicated by the first to third directions DR1, DR2, and DR3 described in the present specification may be relative concepts and may be changed to different directions.

[0090] refer to Figures 1A to 1C According to some embodiments, the display device DD may include a first display surface FS defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. The display device DD may provide an image IM to a user through the first display surface FS. The display device DD may display the image IM in a third direction DR3 through the first display surface FS, and the first display surface FS is parallel to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. In this specification, the front surface (or upper surface) and the rear surface (or lower surface) of each component are defined based on the direction in which the image IM is displayed. The front surface and the rear surface may be opposite to each other in the third direction DR3, and the normal directions of the front surface and the rear surface may be parallel to the third direction DR3.

[0091] The display device DD according to some embodiments may include a first display surface FS and a second display surface RS. The first display surface FS may include a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2. The second display area DA2 may be disposed adjacent to the first display area DA1. Figures 1A to 1C As shown in , the second display area DA2 may surround the first display area DA1. The electronic module area (not shown) may be included in the first display area DA1. The second display surface RS may be defined as a surface that is away from at least a portion of the first display surface FS. For example, the second display surface RS may be defined as a portion of the rear surface of the display device DD.

[0092] The display device DD according to some embodiments may sense an external input applied from the outside. The external input may include one or more suitable types of input provided from outside the display device DD. For example, the external input may include not only contact with a part of the user's body (e.g., the user's hand), but also an external input applied near the display device DD or adjacent to the display device DD at a predetermined distance (e.g., hovering). In addition, the external input may have one or more suitable forms such as force, pressure, temperature, and light.

[0093] The display device DD may include a folding area FA1 and non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. The display device DD may include a first non-folding area NFA1 and a second non-folding area NFA2 with the folding area FA1 disposed therebetween. In some embodiments, although Figures 1A to 1C Some examples are illustrated in which the display device DD includes one folding area FA1 , but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and a plurality of folding areas may be defined in the display device DD.

[0094] refer to Figure 1B , the display device DD may be folded around the first folding axis FX1. The first folding axis FX1 may be a virtual axis extending in the first direction DR1. The first folding axis FX1 may be parallel to the direction of the long side of the display device DD. The first folding axis FX1 may extend in the first direction DR1 on the first display surface FS.

[0095] In some embodiments, the non-folding area NFA1 and NFA2 may be disposed adjacent to the folding area FA1, wherein the folding area FA1 is between the non-folding area NFA1 and NFA2. For example, the first non-folding area NFA1 may be disposed on one side of the folding area FA1 in the second direction DR2, and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be disposed on the opposite side of the folding area FA1 in the second direction DR2.

[0096] The display device DD can be folded around the first folding axis FX1, and can be changed to an inner folding state in which an area of ​​the first display surface FS overlapping the first non-folding area NFA1 and an opposite area of ​​the first display surface FS overlapping the second non-folding area NFA2 face each other. When the display device DD is in the inner folding state, the second display surface RS can be visible to the user. The second display surface RS may further include an electronic module area in which an electronic module including one or more suitable components is disposed, and the present disclosure is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0097] refer to Figure 1C, the display device DD can be folded around the first folding axis FX1, and can be changed to an outer folding state in which an area of ​​the second display surface RS overlapping the first non-folding area NFA1 and an opposite area of ​​the second display surface RS overlapping the second non-folding area NFA2 face each other. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The display device DD can be folded around a plurality of folding axes so that a portion of the first display surface FS and a portion of the second display surface RS face each other, and the number of folding axes and the number of non-folding areas are not particularly limited.

[0098] The display device DD may further include one or more suitable electronic modules. For example, the electronic module may include at least one of a camera, a speaker, a light detection sensor, and a heat detection sensor. The electronic module may sense an external object received through the first display surface FS or the second display surface RS, or may provide a sound signal such as a voice to the outside through the first display surface FS or the second display surface RS. The electronic module may include a plurality of components and is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0099] Figure 2A is a combined perspective view illustrating an unfolded state of a display device DD-a according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2B is a combined perspective view illustrating an inner folded state of the display device DD-a according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0100] The display device DD-a may be folded about a second folding axis FX2 extending in one direction (eg, an extending direction) parallel to the first direction DR1. Figure 2A and Figure 2B An example in which the extension direction of the second folding axis FX2 is parallel to the extension direction of the short side of the display device DD-a is illustrated. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0101] The display device DD-a according to some embodiments may include at least one folding area FA2 and non-folding areas NFA3 and NFA4 adjacent to the folding area FA2. The non-folding areas NFA3 and NFA4 may be spaced apart from each other, with the folding area FA2 between them.

[0102] In some embodiments, the display device DD-a can be folded in an inwardly folded manner so that the third non-folding area NFA3 and the fourth non-folding area NFA4 face each other and the first display surface FS is not exposed to the outside. Figure 2BDifferent from the example shown, the display device DD-a can be folded in an outward folding manner so that the first display surface FS is exposed to the outside. The display device DD-a may include a first display surface FS and a second display surface RS. The first display surface FS may include a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2. In some embodiments, the display device DD-a may further include one or more suitable electronic modules.

[0103] refer to Figures 1A to 1C , Figure 2A and Figure 2B The display devices DD and DD-a described may be configured so that the inward folding operation and the outward folding operation are repeated in the unfolded state. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the display devices DD and DD-a may be configured to select one of the unfolding operation, the inward folding operation, and the outward folding operation. In some embodiments, the display device according to some embodiments may include multiple folding areas, or may be a flexible display device that is at least partially bent or curled.

[0104] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a display device DD according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of a display device DD according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0105] Figure 3 Graphics based on Figure 1A 0 is an exploded perspective view of a display device DD of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. Figure 4A Graphics and Figure 3 The cross section corresponding to the line II'. Figure 4B Graphics and Figure 3 The cross section corresponding to the line II-II'.

[0106] refer to Figure 3 The display device DD may include a display module DM and a window module WM disposed on the display module DM. The window module WM may be disposed on and / or below the display module DM. Figure 3 Some examples are illustrated in which the window module WM is provided on the display module DM.

[0107] The display device DD may further include an electronic module (not shown) disposed below the display module DM. For example, the electronic module may include a camera module.

[0108] The display device DD may further include an adhesive layer (not shown) disposed between the window module WM and the display module DM. The adhesive layer may be an optically clear adhesive (OCA) film or an optically clear resin (OCR) layer.

[0109] The display device DD may further include a lower functional layer (not shown) disposed below the display module DM. The lower functional layer may be a layer for supporting the display module DM or preventing the display module DM from being deformed due to external impact or force. The lower functional layer may include at least one of a cushion layer, a support plate, a shielding layer, a filling layer, and an interlayer adhesive layer.

[0110] The display device DD may further include a housing HAU that accommodates the display module DM and the lower functional layer. The housing HAU may be connected to the window module WM to form the appearance of the display device DD. The housing HAU may include a material with relatively high rigidity. For example, the housing HAU may include a plurality of frames and / or plates formed of glass, plastic, or metal, etc. The display module DM may be accommodated in the accommodation space and may be protected from external impacts. In some embodiments, the housing HAU may further include a hinge structure for facilitating folding or bending.

[0111] The display module DM may display an image IM according to an electrical signal, and may transmit / receive information regarding an external input.

[0112] refer to Figure 3 , the display module DM may include an active area AA and a peripheral area NAA. The active area AA may be a region providing an image IM (refer to, for example, Figure 1A ) area. The active area AA may include pixels PX. The peripheral area NAA may be adjacent to the active area AA. The peripheral area NAA may surround the active area AA. Accordingly, the shape of the active area AA may be substantially defined by the peripheral area NAA. However, this is illustrative, and the peripheral area NAA may be disposed adjacent to only one side of the active area AA or may be omitted. The display device DD may include an active area AA having one or more suitable shapes, and is not limited to any one embodiment. A driving circuit or driving wiring for driving the active area AA may be disposed in the peripheral area NAA.

[0113] Figures 1A to 4B The display devices DD and DD-a illustrated in FIG. 1 are illustrated as including four curved surfaces bent from four sides of a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. However, the number of curved surfaces is not limited thereto, and for example, the display devices DD and DD-a may include two curved surfaces bent from opposite sides of the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Here, the area including the four curved surfaces may be referred to as a second display area DA2 of the display device DD (refer to, for example, Figure 1A ) or the curved area RA of the window module WM.

[0114] The display module DM may include a plurality of pixels PX. Each of the pixels PX may be configured to emit light in response to an electrical signal. The light emitted from the pixel PX may realize an image IM (refer to, for example, Figure 1A ). Each of the pixels PX may include a display element. For example, the display element may be an organic light emitting element, an inorganic light emitting element, an organic-inorganic light emitting element, a micro-LED, a nano-LED, a quantum dot light emitting element, an electrophoretic element, or an electrowetting element, etc.

[0115] The pixels PX may include first color pixels PXA-R, second color pixels PXA-G, and third color pixels PXA-B that are spaced apart from each other on a plane (e.g., in a plan view). The first color pixels PXA-R, the second color pixels PXA-G, and the third color pixels PXA-B may be referred to as red light emitting regions PXA-R, green light emitting regions PXA-G, and blue light emitting regions PXA-B, respectively.

[0116] In the display device DD, the light emitting areas PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B may be arranged in a stripe shape. A plurality of red light emitting areas PXA-R, a plurality of green light emitting areas PXA-G, and a plurality of blue light emitting areas PXA-B may each be arranged in the second direction DR2. In some embodiments, the light emitting areas PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B may be repeatedly arranged in the first direction DR1 in the order of the red light emitting areas PXA-R, the green light emitting areas PXA-G, and the blue light emitting areas PXA-B.

[0117] The arrangement of the light emitting areas PXA-R, PXA-G and PXA-B is not limited to Figure 3 The arrangement illustrated in FIG. 1 and the arrangement order of the red light emitting areas PXA-R, the green light emitting areas PXA-G and the blue light emitting areas PXA-B can be provided in different combinations according to the characteristics of the desired display quality of the display device DD. For example, the light emitting areas PXA-R, PXA-G and PXA-B can be arranged in Form or Diamond Form layout.

[0118] exist Figure 3 , the light-emitting areas PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B are illustrated as having similar areas. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the areas of the light-emitting areas PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B may be different from each other depending on the wavelength region of the emitted light. For example, in some embodiments, the green light-emitting area PXA-G may have an area smaller than that of the blue light-emitting area PXA-B. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The areas of the light-emitting areas PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B may refer to the areas observed from above the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0119] refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4BThe display module DM may include a display panel DP and a color filter layer CFL disposed on the display panel DP. The display module DM may further include a sensor layer (not shown) disposed on the display panel DP.

[0120] The display panel DP may include a base layer BS, a circuit layer CL, a light emitting element layer EDL, and an encapsulation layer TFE.

[0121] The base layer BS may be a member that provides a base surface on which the circuit layer CL is disposed. The base layer BS may be a rigid substrate, or may be a flexible substrate that is bendable, foldable, or rollable. The base layer BS may be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, a polymer substrate, etc. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the base layer BS may be an inorganic layer, an organic layer, a composite layer, etc.

[0122] The circuit layer CL may be disposed on the base layer BS. The circuit layer CL may include an insulating layer, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, and a signal line. The insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer may be formed on the base layer BS by a process such as coating or deposition, and may be selectively patterned by performing multiple photolithography processes and etching processes. Accordingly, the semiconductor pattern, the conductive pattern, and the signal line included in the circuit layer CL may be formed.

[0123] The light emitting element layer EDL may be disposed on the circuit layer CL. The light emitting element layer EDL may include a light emitting element. For example, the light emitting element may include an organic light emitting material, an inorganic light emitting material, an organic-inorganic light emitting material, a quantum dot, a quantum rod, a micron LED or a nano LED, etc.

[0124] The encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the light emitting element layer EDL. The encapsulation layer TFE may cover the light emitting element layer EDL. The encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed in an active area AA in which the light emitting element layer EDL is disposed, and may generally extend to a peripheral area NAA in which the light emitting element layer EDL is not disposed. The encapsulation layer TFE may protect the light emitting element layer EDL from moisture, oxygen, and foreign matter such as dust particles.

[0125] The color filter layer CFL may be disposed on the display panel DP. The color filter layer CFL may be formed by a continuous process. Figure 5A The color filter layer CFL is described.

[0126] The display module DM may further include a polarizing film (not shown) disposed on the color filter layer CFL. The polarizing film may be a film including an optical function for improving light extraction efficiency of the display module DM and reducing reflectivity of external light.

[0127] The display module DM may further include a sensor layer (not shown) disposed on the display panel DP. The sensor layer may sense an external input applied from the outside. The external input may be a user input. The user input may include one or more suitable types of external inputs such as a part of the user's body, light, heat, a pen, or pressure.

[0128] The window module WM may be disposed on the display module DM. The window module WM may relieve external impact while transmitting an image from the display module DM. Accordingly, the window module WM may prevent damage or malfunction of the display module DM caused by external impact.

[0129] The window module WM may cover the entire upper surface of the display module DM. The window module WM may have a shape substantially corresponding to that of the display module DM. The window module WM may have flexibility so as to be deformed according to folding or bending of the display device DD.

[0130] refer to Figure 3 , the window module WM may include a flat area FA and a curved area RA. An area of ​​the front surface WFS of the window module WM that is parallel to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 and is substantially flat may be defined as the flat area FA. An area of ​​the front surface WFS of the window module WM that includes a curved surface may be defined as the curved area RA. The curved area RA may be adjacent to the flat area FA and may be disposed around the flat area FA. The curved area RA may surround the flat area FA.

[0131] The flat area FA of the window module WM may be aligned with the first display area DA1 of the display device DD (see, for example, Figure 1A ), and the bending area RA of the window module WM may correspond to the second display area DA2 of the display device DD (refer to, for example Figure 1A ) corresponding to.

[0132] The flat area FA of the window module WM may overlap with the active area AA of the display module DM in the third direction DR3. The curved area RA of the window module WM may overlap with the peripheral area NAA of the display module DM in the third direction DR3, and may not overlap with the active area AA of the display module DM in the third direction DR3. Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown in FIG. 4 , a portion of the bending area RA of the window module WM may overlap the active area AA of the display module DM in the third direction DR3 .

[0133] The flat area FA and the curved area RA of the window module WM may be optically transparent. For example, the flat area FA and the curved area RA may have a visible light transmittance of about 90% or more.

[0134] The window module WM may include a window. The window may include a glass substrate or a synthetic resin film. The window may have a multilayer structure or a single layer structure. The window module WM may further include a window protection layer disposed on the window. The window protection layer may include a flexible plastic material such as polyimide or polyethylene terephthalate. In some embodiments, the window module WM may further include an adhesive layer disposed between the window and the window protection layer.

[0135] Figure 5A and Figure 5B are cross-sectional views of portions of display modules DM and DM- 1 , respectively, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view of a light emitting element ED according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0136] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The diagram follows Figure 3 A cross section taken along line III-III'. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D Graphics Figure 5A Some embodiments of the light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2 and ED-3 of the display module DM.

[0137] refer to Figure 5A , the display module DM may include a non-light emitting area NPXA and light emitting areas PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B. The light emitting areas PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B may be areas from which light generated by the light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 is emitted. The light emitting areas PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B may be spaced apart from each other on a plane (e.g., in a plan view).

[0138] The light-emitting regions PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B may be regions separated by the pixel defining layer PDL. The non-light-emitting region NPXA may be a region between adjacent light-emitting regions PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B, and may be a region corresponding to the pixel defining layer PDL. In some embodiments, in the present specification, the light-emitting regions PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B may be respectively connected to the pixels (refer to, for example, Figure 3 ). The pixel defining layer PDL may separate the light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3. The light emitting layers EML-R, EML-G, and EML-B of the light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 may be disposed in the opening OH defined in the pixel defining layer PDL and may be separated from each other.

[0139] The light emitting regions PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B may be divided into a plurality of groups according to the colors of light generated by the light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3. Figure 5AThe three light emitting areas PXA-R, PXA-G and PXA-B configured to emit red, green and blue light, respectively, are shown. For example, the display module DM may include a red light emitting area PXA-R, a green light emitting area PXA-G and a blue light emitting area PXA-B separated from each other.

[0140] In the display module DM, a plurality of light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 may be configured to emit light within different wavelength ranges. For example, in some embodiments, the display module DM may include a first color light emitting element ED-1 configured to emit red light, a second color light emitting element ED-2 configured to emit green light, and a third color light emitting element ED-3 configured to emit blue light. For example, the red light emitting area PXA-R, the green light emitting area PXA-G, and the blue light emitting area PXA-B of the display module DM may correspond to the first color light emitting element ED-1, the second color light emitting element ED-2, and the third color light emitting element ED-3, respectively.

[0141] However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the first to third color light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 may be configured to emit light in the same or substantially the same wavelength range, or at least one of the first to third color light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 may be configured to emit light in different wavelength ranges. For example, all of the first to third color light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 may be configured to emit blue light.

[0142] The light emitting element layer EDL may include a first electrode EL1, a second electrode EL2, and light emitting layers EML-R, EML-G, and EML-B disposed between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2. The light emitting element layer EDL may further include a pixel defining layer PDL disposed between the light emitting regions PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B to define the light emitting regions PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B. The light emitting element layer EDL may further include a hole transport region HTR disposed between the first electrode EL1 and the light emitting layers EML-R, EML-G, and EML-B. The light emitting element layer EDL may further include an electron transport region ETR disposed between the second electrode EL2 and the light emitting layers EML-R, EML-G, and EML-B.

[0143] Figure 5A An embodiment is shown in which the light emitting layers EML-R, EML-G and EML-B of the light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2 and ED-3 are disposed in the opening OH defined in the pixel defining layer PDL and the hole transport region HTR, the electron transport region ETR and the second electrode EL2 are provided as a common layer in the light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2 and ED-3. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto and are not limited thereto. Figure 5A Unlike that shown in , in some embodiments, the hole transport region HTR and the electron transport region ETR may be patterned and provided inside the opening OH defined in the pixel defining layer PDL. For example, in some embodiments, the hole transport region HTR, the light emitting layers EML-R, EML-G and EML-B, and the electron transport region ETR of the light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 may be patterned by an inkjet printing method.

[0144] The first electrode EL1 may be disposed on the circuit layer CL. The first electrode EL1 has conductivity (for example, may be a conductor). The first electrode EL1 may be formed of a metal material, a metal alloy, a conductive compound, or the like. The first electrode EL1 may be an anode or a cathode. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In addition, the first electrode EL1 may be a pixel electrode. The first electrode EL1 may be a transmissive electrode, a semi-transmissive reflective electrode, or a reflective electrode. The first electrode EL1 may include at least one selected from the group consisting of Ag, Mg, Cu, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, LiF, Mo, Ti, W, In, Sn, and Zn, a compound of two or more elements selected from the group, a mixture of two or more elements selected from the group, or an oxide thereof.

[0145] When the first electrode EL1 is a transmissive electrode, the first electrode EL1 may include a transparent metal oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO). When the first electrode EL1 is a semi-transmissive reflective electrode or a reflective electrode, the first electrode EL1 may include Ag, Mg, Cu, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, LiF, Mo, Ti, W, or a compound or mixture thereof (e.g., a mixture of Ag and Mg), or may include a two-layer structure of LiF / Ca (a stacked structure of LiF and Ca) or LiF / Al (a stacked structure of LiF and Al). In some embodiments, the first electrode EL1 may have a multilayer structure including a reflective film or a semi-transmissive reflective film formed of the aforementioned materials and a transparent conductive film formed of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO). For example, the first electrode EL1 may have a three-layer structure of ITO / Ag / ITO, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the first electrode EL1 may include the aforementioned metal material, a combination of two or more metal materials selected from the aforementioned metal materials, or an oxide of the aforementioned metal material. The first electrode EL1 may have a thickness of approximately To about For example, the first electrode EL1 may have a thickness of approximately To about Thickness.

[0146] A hole transport region HTR is provided on the first electrode EL1. Figure 6B , the hole transport region HTR may include a hole injection layer HIL and a hole transport layer HTL. Figure 6C , the hole transport region HTR may further include an electron blocking layer EBL.

[0147] The hole transport region HTR may have a single-layer structure formed of a single material, a single-layer structure formed of a plurality of different materials, or a multilayer structure having a plurality of layers formed of a plurality of different materials. For example, the hole transport region HTR may have a single-layer structure of a hole injection layer HIL or a hole transport layer HTL, or may have a single-layer structure formed of a hole injection material or a hole transport material. In some embodiments, the hole transport region HTR may have a single-layer structure formed of a plurality of different materials, or may have a multilayer structure of a hole injection layer HIL / hole transport layer HTL sequentially stacked on the first electrode EL1, a multilayer structure of a hole injection layer HIL / hole transport layer HTL / buffer layer sequentially stacked on the first electrode EL1, a multilayer structure of a hole injection layer HIL / buffer layer sequentially stacked on the first electrode EL1, a multilayer structure of a hole transport layer HTL / buffer layer sequentially stacked on the first electrode EL1, or a multilayer structure of a hole injection layer HIL / hole transport layer HTL / electron blocking layer EBL sequentially stacked on the first electrode EL1. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0148] The hole transport region HTR may be formed by using one or more appropriate methods such as a vacuum deposition method, a spin coating method, a casting method, a Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) method, an inkjet printing method, a laser printing method, and a laser induced thermal imaging (LITI) method.

[0149] The hole transport region HTR may have a refractive index of about 1.8 to about 2.0. Accordingly, there is a small refractive index difference between the hole transport region HTR and the light emitting layer EML adjacent to the hole transport region HTR, and thus refraction or reflection due to the refractive index difference at the interface between the hole transport region HTR and the light emitting layer EML may be reduced. Since refraction or reflection is reduced at the interface between these layers, resonance that may occur due to refraction or reflection may be prevented or reduced.

[0150] The thickness of the hole transport region HTR may be in the range from about To about (For example, from about To about When the hole transport region HTR includes the hole injection layer HIL, the thickness of the hole injection layer HIL may be in the range of, for example, about To about When the hole transport region HTR includes the hole transport layer HTL, the thickness of the hole transport layer HTL may be in the range of about 100 to about 100 Å. To about For example, when the hole transport region HTR includes the electron blocking layer EBL, the thickness of the electron blocking layer EBL may be in the range of about 100 Å to 200 Å. To about When the thicknesses of the hole transport region HTR, the hole injection layer HIL, the hole transport layer HTL, and the electron blocking layer EBL satisfy the above ranges, satisfactory hole transport characteristics may be obtained without a significant increase in driving voltage.

[0151] The light emitting layer EML is disposed on the hole transport region HTR. Figure 5A As shown in , the first color light emitting element ED-1, the second color light emitting element ED-2, and the third color light emitting element ED-3 may be provided with a first color light emitting layer EML-R, a second color light emitting layer EML-G, and a third color light emitting layer EML-B, respectively. The first color light emitting layer EML-R may be configured to emit red light, the second color light emitting layer EML-G may be configured to emit green light, and the third color light emitting layer EML-B may be configured to emit blue light.

[0152] The light emitting layer EML may have a refractive index of about 1.8 to about 1.95. When the light emitting layer EML has a refractive index within the above range, there is a small refractive index difference between the hole transport region HTR and the electron transport region ETR adjacent to the light emitting layer EML, and thus resonance can be further relaxed.

[0153] The light emitting layer EML may have, for example, approximately To about Thickness or approx. To about The light emitting layer EML may have a single-layer structure formed of a single material, a single-layer structure formed of a plurality of different materials, or a multi-layer structure having a plurality of layers formed of a plurality of different materials.

[0154] refer to Figure 5B , the display module DM-1 according to some embodiments may include light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3, in each of which two light emitting layers are stacked. Figure 5B The display module DM-1 in the embodiment shown in FIG. Figure 5AThe display module DM in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 is different in that each of the first to third color light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 includes two light emitting layers stacked in the thickness direction (e.g., the third direction DR3). The two light emitting layers in each of the first to third color light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 may be configured to emit light in the same or substantially the same wavelength range.

[0155] The first color light emitting element ED-1 may include a first red light emitting layer EML-R1 and a second red light emitting layer EML-R2. The second color light emitting element ED-2 may include a first green light emitting layer EML-G1 and a second green light emitting layer EML-G2. The third color light emitting element ED-3 may include a first blue light emitting layer EML-B1 and a second blue light emitting layer EML-B2.

[0156] The light-emitting auxiliary layer OG may be disposed between the first red light-emitting layer EML-R1 and the second red light-emitting layer EML-R2, between the first green light-emitting layer EML-G1 and the second green light-emitting layer EML-G2, and between the first blue light-emitting layer EML-B1 and the second blue light-emitting layer EML-B2. The light-emitting auxiliary layer OG may include a single layer or a plurality of layers. The light-emitting auxiliary layer OG may include a charge generation layer. More specifically, the light-emitting auxiliary layer OG may include an electron transport region, a charge generation layer, and a hole transport region sequentially stacked one after another. The light-emitting auxiliary layer OG may be provided as a common layer of the first to third color light-emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the light-emitting auxiliary layer OG may be patterned and provided in an opening OH defined in the pixel defining layer PDL.

[0157] The first red light emitting layer EML-R1, the first green light emitting layer EML-G1 and the first blue light emitting layer EML-B1 may be disposed between the electron transport region ETR and the light emitting auxiliary layer OG. The second red light emitting layer EML-R2, the second green light emitting layer EML-G2 and the second blue light emitting layer EML-B2 may be disposed between the light emitting auxiliary layer OG and the hole transport region HTR.

[0158] For example, the first color light-emitting element ED-1 may include a first electrode EL1, a hole transport region HTR, a second red light-emitting layer EML-R2, a light-emitting auxiliary layer OG, a first red light-emitting layer EML-R1, an electron transport region ETR, and a second electrode EL2, which are sequentially stacked one by one. The second color light-emitting element ED-2 may include a first electrode EL1, a hole transport region HTR, a second green light-emitting layer EML-G2, a light-emitting auxiliary layer OG, a first green light-emitting layer EML-G1, an electron transport region ETR, and a second electrode EL2, which are sequentially stacked one by one. The third color light-emitting element ED-3 may include a first electrode EL1, a hole transport region HTR, a second blue light-emitting layer EML-B2, a light-emitting auxiliary layer OG, a first blue light-emitting layer EML-B1, an electron transport region ETR, and a second electrode EL2, which are sequentially stacked one by one.

[0159] refer to Fig. 6A , the electron transport region ETR can be disposed on the light emitting layer EML. Figure 6B , the electron transport region ETR may include an electron injection layer EIL and an electron transport layer ETL. Figure 6C , the electron transport region ETR may further include a hole blocking layer HBL.

[0160] refer to FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D , the electron transport region ETR may have a single-layer structure formed of a single material, a single-layer structure formed of a plurality of different materials, or a multi-layer structure having a plurality of layers formed of a plurality of different materials. For example, the electron transport region ETR may have a single-layer structure of an electron injection layer EIL or an electron transport layer ETL, or may have a single-layer structure formed of an electron injection material or an electron transport material. In some embodiments, the electron transport region ETR may have a single-layer structure formed of a plurality of different materials, or may have a multi-layer structure of an electron transport layer ETL / electron injection layer EIL sequentially stacked on the light-emitting layer EML, or a multi-layer structure of a hole blocking layer HBL / electron transport layer ETL / electron injection layer EIL sequentially stacked on the light-emitting layer EML. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0161] The electron transport region ETR may be formed by using one or more suitable methods such as a vacuum deposition method, a spin coating method, a casting method, a Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) method, an inkjet printing method, a laser printing method, and a laser induced thermal imaging (LITI) method.

[0162] The electron transport region ETR may have a refractive index of about 1.8 to about 2.0. Therefore, there is a small refractive index difference between the electron transport region ETR and the light emitting layer EML adjacent to the electron transport region ETR, and thus resonance due to refraction or reflection at the interface between these layers can be further alleviated.

[0163] The thickness of the electron transport region ETR can be in the range of, for example, about To about When the electron transport region ETR includes an electron transport layer ETL, the thickness of the electron transport layer ETL may be in the range of about To about (For example, approximately To about When the thickness of the electron transport layer ETL satisfies the above range, satisfactory electron transport characteristics can be obtained without a significant increase in driving voltage. When the electron transport region ETR includes the electron injection layer EIL, the thickness of the electron injection layer EIL can be in the range of about To about (For example, from about To about When the thickness of the electron injection layer EIL satisfies the above range, satisfactory electron injection characteristics can be obtained without a significant increase in driving voltage.

[0164] The second electrode EL2 is provided on the electron transport region ETR. The second electrode EL2 may be a common electrode. The second electrode EL2 may be a cathode or an anode, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, when the first electrode EL1 is an anode, the second electrode EL2 may be a cathode, and when the first electrode EL1 is a cathode, the second electrode EL2 may be an anode.

[0165] The second electrode EL2 may be a transmissive electrode. The second electrode EL2 may include a transparent conductive metal oxide. For example, the second electrode EL2 may be formed of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO) and / or indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), etc. Accordingly, light emitted from the light emitting layer EML may be emitted without resonance that may occur due to reflection when the second electrode EL2 is a semi-transmissive reflective or reflective electrode. The second electrode EL2 may have a thickness of about 100 nm. To about Thickness.

[0166] In some embodiments, in an area where a structure for alleviating resonance is not applied, the second electrode EL2 may not be a transmissive electrode, as will be described below. Fig.11AFor example, the second electrode EL2 may include at least one selected from the group consisting of Ag, Mg, Cu, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, LiF, Mo, Ti, W, In, Sn, and Zn, a compound of two or more elements selected from the group, a mixture of two or more elements selected from the group, or an oxide thereof.

[0167] In some embodiments, the distance d between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 is R1 d G1 and d B1 (See e.g. Figure 5A ) respectively correspond to the main resonance distances of the light emitted from the light emitting layers EML-R, EML-G and EML-B. For example, the distance between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 can be from about To about The distance between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 can be changed by adjusting the distance between the first electrode EL1 and the light-emitting layers EML-R, EML-G and EML-B. For example, the distance between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 can be changed by adjusting the thickness of the hole transport region HTR between the first electrode EL1 and the light-emitting layers EML-R, EML-G and EML-B. The thickness of the hole transport region HTR can be adjusted by making one layer thicker or by adding a layer for compensating the thickness to form a multilayer structure. For example, the distance between the first electrode EL1 and the light-emitting layers EML-R, EML-G and EML-B can be changed from about To about within the range.

[0168] For example, refer to Figure 5A , the distance d between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 in the first color light emitting element ED-1 R1 The distance d between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 in the second color light emitting element ED-2 may correspond to the main resonance distance of the first color light emitted from the first color light emitting layer EML-R. G1 The distance d between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 in the third color light emitting element ED-3 may correspond to the main resonance distance of the second color light emitted from the second color light emitting layer EML-G. B1 It may correspond to the main resonance distance of the third color light emitted from the third color light emitting layer EML-B. For example, the distance d between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 in the first color light emitting element ED-1 is R1 Available from approximately To about In the range of G1 Available from approximately To about and the distance d between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 in the third color light emitting element ED-3 is B1 Available from approximately To about In some embodiments, the distance d between the first electrode EL1 in the first color light emitting element ED-1 and the first color light emitting layer EML-R is R2 Available from approximately To about In the range of , the distance d between the first electrode EL1 and the second color light emitting layer EML-G in the second color light emitting element ED-2 is G2 Available from approximately To about and the distance d between the first electrode EL1 in the third color light emitting element ED-3 and the third color light emitting layer EML-B is B2 Available from approximately To about within the range.

[0169] Since the distance d between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 in the first to third color light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2 and ED-3 is R1 d G1 and d B1 and the distance d between the first electrode EL1 and the first to third color light emitting layers EML-R, EML-G and EML-B R2 d G2 and d B2 In the above range, therefore, the side lobe SL that may occur when the distance between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 corresponds to the secondary resonance distance does not occur (refer to, for example, Fig.12 Here, the side lobe is a pattern of light radiation patterns that is radiated in directions other than the direction of the main light. On the contrary, when the side lobe occurs, the brightness may be reduced in the area including the curved area RA (refer to, for example Figure 3 ) of a display device DD (see, for example, Figure 3 ) is not uniform on the outer surface and light leakage may occur.

[0170] A capping layer CPL may be further provided on the second electrode EL2 of the light emitting element ED in some embodiments (see, for example, Fig.6D). The capping layer CPL may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. In some embodiments, the capping layer CPL may be an organic layer or an inorganic layer. For example, when the capping layer CPL includes an inorganic material, the inorganic material may include an alkali metal compound (e.g., LiF), an alkaline earth metal compound (e.g., MgF 2 )、SiO x N y 、SiN x or SiO y The capping layer CPL may have a refractive index of about 1.6 or more. For example, for light having a wavelength range of about 550 nm to about 660 nm, the capping layer CPL may have a refractive index of about 1.6 or more.

[0171] refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B , the encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the second electrode EL2 and may fill the opening OH. The encapsulation layer TFE may cover the light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3. The encapsulation layer TFE may seal the light emitting element layer EDL. The encapsulation layer TFE may be a thin film encapsulation layer. The encapsulation layer TFE may include one layer or a plurality of layers stacked one after another. The encapsulation layer TFE includes at least one insulating layer. According to some embodiments, the encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one inorganic film (hereinafter, referred to as an inorganic encapsulation film). In some embodiments, the encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one organic film (hereinafter, referred to as an organic encapsulation film) and at least one inorganic encapsulation film. The inorganic encapsulation film may include Figure 5A and Figure 5B The first inorganic layer INL1 and the second inorganic layer INL2, and the organic encapsulation film may include Figure 5A and Figure 5B The organic layer OL.

[0172] The inorganic encapsulation film protects the light-emitting element layer EDL from moisture / oxygen, and the organic encapsulation film protects the light-emitting element layer EDL from foreign matter such as dust particles. The inorganic encapsulation film may include silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon oxide, titanium oxide, or aluminum oxide, etc., but is not particularly limited thereto. The organic encapsulation film may include an acrylic compound or an epoxy compound, etc. The organic encapsulation film may include an organic material capable of photopolymerization, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0173] refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B , the encapsulation layer TFE of some embodiments may include a first inorganic layer INL1 disposed on the light emitting element layer EDL, an organic layer OL disposed on the first inorganic layer INL1 , and a second inorganic layer INL2 disposed on the organic layer OL.

[0174] In some embodiments, the first inorganic layer INL1 may be directly disposed on the light emitting element layer EDL. For example, the first inorganic layer INL1 may be directly disposed on the second electrode EL2. Alternatively, when the capping layer CPL is disposed on the second electrode EL2, the first inorganic layer INL1 may be directly disposed on the capping layer CPL. The first inorganic layer INL1 disposed on the second electrode EL2 may protect the light emitting element layer EDL from moisture / oxygen.

[0175] The first inorganic layer INL1 of some embodiments has a single-layer structure. Accordingly, when the first inorganic layer INL1 has a multi-layer structure, resonance due to reflection / refraction at the interface between the layers may be alleviated.

[0176] The first inorganic layer INL1 may have a refractive index of about 1.8 to about 2.0. When the refractive index of the first inorganic layer INL1 is within this range, resonance may be further alleviated.

[0177] The color filter layer CFL may be disposed on the display panel DP. The color filter layer CFL may include a color filter CF and a barrier layer BR.

[0178] refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B , the color filter CF may overlap with the second color light-emitting element ED-2 in the third direction DR3, and may not overlap with the first color light-emitting element ED-1 and the third color light-emitting element ED-3 in the third direction DR3. The color filter CF may be a green color filter configured to transmit green light. The color filter CF may include a photosensitive polymer resin and a pigment or dye. The color filter CF may include a green pigment or dye. The color filter CF overlapping with the second color light-emitting element ED-2 may improve (e.g., increase) the color gamut of the second color light. As in some embodiments according to the present disclosure, a light-emitting element having a main resonant structure may prevent light in a long wavelength region outside the green light region from being transmitted, thereby improving the color gamut.

[0179] The barrier layer BR can be used to prevent the penetration of moisture / oxygen. The barrier layer BR may include at least one inorganic layer. For example, the barrier layer BR may include an inorganic material. For example, the barrier layer BR may include silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, zirconium nitride, titanium nitride, hafnium nitride, tantalum nitride, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tin oxide, cerium oxide or silicon oxynitride, etc., or may include a metal film with a guaranteed light transmittance. In some embodiments, the barrier layer BR may further include an organic film. The barrier layer BR may include a single layer or multiple layers.

[0180] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating optical characteristics in a portion of a display device DD-E1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8Cis a resonance diagram of light emitted from a light emitting element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 9A is a diagram of brightness distribution of a substrate mode SMD according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 9B is a graph of the percentage of brightness reduction per angle for substrate mode SMDs according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 10A is a graph of brightness distribution of air modes AMD-F and AMD-S according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 10B is a graph of the percentage of brightness reduction per angle for air modes AMD-F and AMD-S according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0181] Figure 7 The schematic diagram includes Figure 5A Brightness distribution of the display device DD-E1 of the display module DM. Figure 7 The display module DM and the window module WM are provided on a substrate SUB for supporting the display module DM and the window module WM. The display module DM includes the above-mentioned Figure 5A Light-emitting elements ED-1, ED-2 and ED-3 are described.

[0182] exist Figures 7 to 10B Each of the light-emitting elements used in the evaluation has a structure in which a first electrode, a hole transport region, a light-emitting layer, an electron transport region, a second electrode, and a capping layer are sequentially stacked one by one, and the thicknesses thereof are listed in Table 1. In some embodiments, SiN x The single-layer structure of Ag is applied as the first inorganic layer disposed on the capping layer of the light-emitting element. / ITO is used for the first electrode, and IZO is used for the second electrode.

[0183] Table 1

[0184]

[0185] refer to Figure 7 , when the display module DM is applied, the radiation form of the substrate mode SMD does not include side lobes. In some embodiments, the radiation form of the air mode AMD-F of the light emitted to the front and the radiation form of the air mode AMD-S of the light emitted to the side are substantially uniform. For example, for each of the flat area FA and the curved area RA of the window module WM, the light emitted from the display module DM can be uniformly observed regardless of the viewing angle. Here, the substrate mode SMD refers to measuring the light emitted from the display module DM within the window module WM. The air modes AMD-F and AMD-S refer to measuring the light emitted from the display module DM and output to the outside through the window module WM.

[0186] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C yes Figure 7 The resonance diagram of the display module DM. Fig. 8A is the first color pixel PXA-R (refer to, for example Figure 5A ) in the resonance diagram, Figure 8B is the second color pixel PXA-G (refer to, for example Figure 5A ) in the resonance diagram, and Figure 8C is the third color pixel PXA-B (refer to, for example Figure 5A ) in the resonance diagram. Here, the first color pixel, the second color pixel, and the third color pixel may be referred to as a red pixel, a green pixel, and a blue pixel, respectively. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C In the figure, the y-axis represents the brightness of the light normalized based on 3, and the x-axis represents the brightness of the light based on the first electrode. Depth to the first inorganic layer refer to FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C , light emitted from the light emitting layers EML-R, EML-G, and EML-B may undergo primary resonance. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C The positions illustrated by rectangles in indicate portions where the light emitting layers EML-R, EML-G, and EML-B are provided.

[0187] Fig. 9A yes Figure 7 A diagram of the brightness distribution of the substrate pattern SMD of the display module DM, and Fig. 9B is a graph of the percentage of brightness reduction per angle in the substrate mode SMD. In the graph of brightness distribution and the graph of the percentage of brightness reduction per angle, the third direction DR3 from the display module DM toward the window module WM is set to 0°. In some embodiments, the percentage of brightness reduction per angle represents the percentage of brightness reduced based on the brightness of light emitted in the third direction DR3.

[0188] refer to Fig. 9A , as referenced above Figure 7 As described above, no side lobes may occur. Fig. 9B , the brightness reduction percentage per angle can be about 2% / dgr or less (up to about 1.78% / dgr).

[0189] Because the percentage of brightness reduction per angle in substrate mode SMD is small, the radiation form in air mode AMD-F and AMD-S can be as follows Fig. 10A as presented, and as Fig. 10B As shown in , the brightness reduction percentage per angle can be about 1% / dgr or less.

[0190] For example, in the case of the display device DD-E1 to which the display module DM is applied, even when the viewing angle increases in the direction from the front to the side in the display module DM, the percentage of decrease in brightness per angle of the emitted light is very small. Accordingly, in the case of the display device DD-E1 of the embodiment, for each of the flat area FA and the curved area RA, the light emitted from the display module DM can be uniformly observed even after passing through the window module WM including the curved area RA.

[0191] Fig.11A is a schematic diagram illustrating optical characteristics in a portion of a display device DD-E2 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 11B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a display module DM-a according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0192] With Application Figure 5A Display module DM Figure 7 compared to, Fig.11A The diagram shows the reference Figure 5A Some embodiments described herein are those in which the light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 are disposed only in the second area AA2. The first light emitting element ED1 to be described below may be disposed in the first area AA1. Fig. 11B Graphics and Figure 3 The line IV-IV' corresponds to a portion of the cross section.

[0193] refer to Fig.11A , the active area AA may include a first area AA1 and a second area AA2. The second area AA2 may be disposed outside the first area AA1. The second area AA2 may surround the first area AA1. Fig.11A , the second area AA2 is illustrated as overlapping the flat area FA and the curved area RA of the window module WM in the third direction DR3. However, not limited thereto, in the third direction DR3, the second area AA2 may overlap the flat area FA and may not overlap the curved area RA. In some embodiments, in the third direction DR3, the second area AA2 may not overlap the flat area FA and may overlap the curved area RA. In a plan view, the second area AA2 may be closer to the curved area RA than the first area AA1.

[0194] refer to Fig. 11B , the display module DM-a may include a first area light emitting element ED1 located in the first area AA1 and a second area light emitting element ED2 located in the second area AA2.

[0195] The first region light emitting element ED1 may be referred to as the first light emitting element ED1, and the second region light emitting element ED2 may be referred to as the second light emitting element ED2. The second region light emitting element ED2 may be referred to as the first light emitting element ED1. Figure 5AThe hole transport region HTR1 of the second light emitting element ED2 may be one of the first to third color light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 described above, and the first region light emitting element ED1 will be described below. Figure 5A Any one of the hole transport regions HTR of the first to third color light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 described in the examples above. The thickness of the hole transport region HTR2 of the first light emitting element ED1 may be greater than the thickness of the hole transport region HTR1 of the second light emitting element ED2.

[0196] Reference above Figure 5A The description given of the light-emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 may be applied to the second light-emitting element ED2. The second light-emitting element ED2 includes a first electrode EL1, a second electrode EL2 disposed above the first electrode EL1, and a light-emitting layer EML1 disposed between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2. The light-emitting layer EML1 disposed between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 may be referred to as a first light-emitting layer in order to be distinguished from the light-emitting layer EML2 of the first light-emitting element ED1. The second electrode EL2 includes a transparent conductive metal oxide. A distance d between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 2 is the main resonance distance of light emitted from the first light emitting layer EML1.

[0197] Accordingly, if Fig.11A As shown in , when the display module DM-a is applied, unlike the radiation form of the substrate mode SMDa1 of the light emitted from the first area AA1, the radiation form of the substrate mode SMDa-2 of the light emitted from the second area AA2 may not have a side lobe SL. In some embodiments, the radiation form of the air mode AMDa-F of the light emitted from the second area AA2 to the front and the radiation form of the air mode AMDa-S of the light emitted from the second area AA2 to the side may be substantially uniform. For example, in the curved area RA of the window module WM, the light emitted from the second area AA2 of the display module DM-a, which is arranged on the outside on a plane, can be uniformly observed regardless of the viewing angle.

[0198] A graph of the brightness distribution of the substrate mode SMDa-2 of the light emitted from the second area AA2 and a graph of the brightness reduction percentage per angle can be compared with Figure 7 Related pictures Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B The graph of the brightness distribution of the air modes AMDa-F and AMDa-S of the light emitted from the second area AA2 and the graph of the percentage of brightness reduction per angle may be the same as or substantially the same as the graph of AMDa-F and AMDa-S. Figure 7 Related pictures Fig. 10A and Fig. 10BThe same or substantially the same as the figure of FIG. Based on the brightness of light emitted in a direction parallel to the third direction DR3 from the display module DM-a toward the window module WM, the brightness reduction percentage per angle of light emitted from the second area AA2 of the display module DM-a within the window module WM may be approximately 2% / dgr or less. Based on the brightness of light emitted in a direction parallel to the third direction DR3 from the display module DM-a toward the window module WM, the brightness reduction percentage per angle of light emitted from the second area AA2 of the display module DM-a and output through the window module WM may be approximately 1% / dgr or less.

[0199] For example, in the case of the display device DD-E2 to which the display module DM-a is applied, the percentage of brightness reduction per angle of the light emitted from the second area AA2 of the display module DM-a disposed on the outside on a plane is very small. Accordingly, in the case of the display device DD-E2 of some embodiments, regardless of the viewing angle, the light emitted from the display module DM-a can be uniformly observed even after passing through the window module WM including the curved area RA.

[0200] The first light emitting element ED1 may include a third electrode EL3, a fourth electrode EL4 disposed above the third electrode EL3, and a light emitting layer EML2 disposed between the third electrode EL3 and the fourth electrode EL4. The light emitting layer EML2 disposed between the third electrode EL3 and the fourth electrode EL4 may be referred to as a second light emitting layer in order to be distinguished from the light emitting layer EML1 of the second light emitting element ED2.

[0201] The distance d between the third electrode EL3 and the fourth electrode EL4 of the first light emitting element ED1 1 It may be the secondary resonance distance of light emitted from the light emitting layer EML2 of the first light emitting element ED1. For example, the distance d between the third electrode EL3 and the fourth electrode EL4 is 1 Available from approximately To about The distance d between the third electrode EL3 and the fourth electrode EL4 of the first light emitting element ED1 is 1 The distance d between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 of the second light emitting element ED2 may be greater than 2 The fourth electrode EL4 may include a semi-transparent conductive metal oxide.

[0202] Table 2 shows the specific structure of the first light emitting element ED1. / SiN x / SiO x N y The multilayer structure of Ag is applied as the first inorganic layer INL1 on the capping layer CPL. / ITO is applied as the third electrode EL3, and AgMg is applied as the fourth electrode EL4. In some embodiments, the color filter CF is not applied.

[0203] Table 2

[0204]

[0205] However, the first light emitting element ED1 is not particularly limited and can be changed in a suitable manner as needed. For example, the fourth electrode EL4 can be a transmissive electrode, a semi-transmissive reflective electrode, a reflective electrode, etc. When the fourth electrode EL4 is a transmissive electrode, the fourth electrode EL4 can include a transparent metal oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO). The fourth electrode EL4 can have a thickness of about 100 nm. To about When the fourth electrode EL4 is a semi-transmissive reflective electrode or a reflective electrode, the fourth electrode EL4 may include Ag, Mg, Cu, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, LiF, Mo, Ti, Yb, W or a compound or mixture thereof (e.g., AgMg or AgYb), or may include a two-layer structure of LiF / Ca or LiF / Al. In some embodiments, the fourth electrode EL4 may have a multilayer structure including a reflective film or a semi-transmissive reflective film formed of the aforementioned materials and a transparent conductive film formed of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO) or indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), etc. For example, the fourth electrode EL4 may include the above-mentioned metal material, a combination of two or more metal materials selected from the above-mentioned metal materials, or an oxide of the above-mentioned metal material. Because the second light emitting element ED2 including the second area AA2 disposed outside the first area AA1 is included, in the display device DD-E2 having the bending area RA, light emitted from the display module DM-a may be uniformly observed from the outside regardless of a viewing angle.

[0206] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram illustrating optical characteristics in a part of the display device DD-R1 according to Comparative Example 1. FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C is a resonance diagram of light emitted from a light emitting element according to Comparative Example 1. Fig.14A is a diagram showing the luminance distribution of the substrate pattern SMDr according to Comparative Example 1. Fig. 14B 3 is a graph showing the percentage of luminance reduction per angle of the substrate pattern SMDr according to Comparative Example 1. Fig.15Ais a diagram showing the luminance distribution of the air mode AMDr-F according to Comparative Example 1. Fig. 15B is a graph showing the percentage of luminance reduction per angle of the air mode AMDr-S according to Comparative Example 1.

[0207] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the brightness distribution of a display device DD-R1 to which a display module DM-ref1 of a comparative example 1 different from the display module DM according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is applied. The display module DM-ref1 and the window module WM of the comparative example 1 are disposed on a substrate SUB. The specific structure of the light emitting element in the display module DM-ref1 is the same or substantially the same as the specific structure in the above-mentioned Table 2.

[0208] refer to Fig.12 , when the display module DM-ref1 of Comparative Example 1 is applied, the radiation form of the substrate pattern SMDr includes a side lobe SL. In Comparative Example 1, the radiation form of the air mode AMDr-F of light emitted to the front and the radiation form of the air mode AMDr-S of light emitted to the side are not substantially uniform. For example, in the curved area RA of the window module WM, the light emitted from the display module DM-ref1 of Comparative Example 1 cannot be uniformly observed depending on the angle, and light leakage may occur.

[0209] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C yes Fig.12 The resonance diagram of the display module DM-ref1. Fig.13A is the resonance map in the red pixel, Fig. 13B is the resonance map in the green pixel, and Fig. 13C is the resonance diagram in the blue pixel. FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C In the figure, the y-axis represents the brightness of the light normalized based on 3, and the x-axis represents the brightness of the light normalized based on the third electrode. Depth to the first inorganic layer refer to FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C , light emitted from the light emitting layer may undergo secondary resonance between the third electrode and the fourth electrode.

[0210] Fig.14A yes Fig.12 A diagram of the brightness distribution of the substrate pattern SMDr of the display module DM-ref1, and Fig. 14B is a graph of the brightness reduction percentage per angle of the substrate pattern SMDr. The graph of brightness distribution and the graph of the brightness reduction percentage per angle are based on the brightness of light emitted in the third direction DR3 from the display module DM-ref1 toward the window module WM.

[0211] refer to Fig.14A , as referenced above Fig.12 As mentioned above, side lobes SL may occur. Fig. 14B, the brightness reduction percentage per angle can be as high as about 4.9% / dgr. In some embodiments, the brightness reduction percentage can vary depending on the viewing angle.

[0212] Accordingly, the radiation form of the air mode AMDr-F of the light emitted to the front side can be as follows Fig.15A as presented in Fig. 15B As shown in , the percentage reduction in brightness per angle can be as high as about 2.6% / dgr.

[0213] For example, in the case of the display device DD-R1 to which the display module DM-ref1 of Comparative Example 1 is applied, the brightness reduction percentage per angle of the light emitted from the display module DM-ref1 is high. Accordingly, in the case of the display device DD-R1 of Comparative Example 1, the light emitted from the display module DM-ref1 may not be uniformly observed depending on the angle after passing through the window module WM including the bending area RA, and light leakage may occur.

[0214] FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C is a resonance diagram of light emitted from a light emitting element according to Comparative Example 2. FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C 3 is a resonance diagram of the display device of Comparative Example 2. Fig.17A is a diagram showing the luminance distribution of the substrate pattern according to Comparative Example 2. Fig. 17B is a graph showing the percentage of brightness reduction per angle according to the substrate pattern of Comparative Example 2.

[0215] Fig.18A is a diagram of brightness distribution in the air mode according to Comparative Example 2. Fig.18B is a graph showing the percentage of brightness reduction per angle in the air mode according to Comparative Example 2. Fig.19A is a diagram showing the luminance distribution of the substrate pattern according to Comparative Example 2. Fig.19B is a graph showing the percentage of brightness reduction per angle according to the substrate pattern of Comparative Example 2. Fig. 20A is a diagram of brightness distribution in the air mode according to Comparative Example 2. Fig. 20B is a graph showing the percentage of brightness reduction per angle in the air mode according to Comparative Example 2.

[0216] FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C is a resonance diagram of a display module of Comparative Example 2 to which a display module DM different from that according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is applied. Fig.16A is the resonance map in the red pixel, Fig. 16B is the resonance map in the green pixel, and Fig. 16C is the resonance diagram in the blue pixel. FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C In the figure, the y-axis represents the brightness of the light normalized based on 3, and the x-axis represents the brightness of the light based on the first electrode. Depth to the first inorganic layer

[0217] In addition to LiF / SiN x / SiO x N y The multilayer structure is applied as the first inorganic layer on the capping layer and AgMg In addition to being used as a second electrode, FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C A display module of a display device according to Figure 7 The display modules DM of the embodiments have the same or substantially the same structure. The specific structure is shown in Table 3.

[0218] Table 3

[0219]

[0220]

[0221] refer to FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C , light emitted from the light emitting layer may undergo primary resonance between the first electrode and the second electrode. FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C In terms of main resonance, the present invention is similar to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C However, in the embodiment in which the single-layer resonant relaxation structure is applied to the first inorganic layer of the encapsulation layer, the brightness reduction is small. FIG. 17A to FIG. 18B A graph illustrating brightness distribution when a color filter is not applied to the structure of the display module of Comparative Example 2 or a graph illustrating a percentage of brightness reduction per angle. Fig.17A is a diagram showing the brightness distribution of the substrate mode of the display module of Comparative Example 2, and Fig. 17B is a graph of the percentage of brightness reduction per angle for substrate modes. The graph of brightness distribution and the graph of the percentage of brightness reduction per angle are based on the brightness of light emitted in a direction from the display module toward the window module.

[0222] refer to Fig.17A and Fig. 17B , the brightness reduction percentage per angle can be as high as about 2.84% / dgr.

[0223] Accordingly, the radiation form of the air mode of light emitted to the front side can be as follows Fig.18A as presented in Fig.18B As shown in , the percentage reduction in brightness per angle can be as high as about 1.29% / dgr.

[0224] FIG. 19A to FIG. 20B A graph illustrating brightness distribution when a color filter is applied to the structure of the display module of Comparative Example 2 or a graph illustrating a percentage of brightness reduction per angle.

[0225] refer to Fig.19A and Fig.19B , the brightness reduction percentage per angle can be as high as about 2.36% / dgr.

[0226] Accordingly, the radiation form of the air mode of light emitted to the front side can be as follows Fig. 20A as presented in Fig. 20B As shown in , the percentage reduction in brightness per angle can be as high as about 1.41% / dgr.

[0227] For example, in the case of a display device to which the display module of Comparative Example 2 is applied, the percentage of brightness reduction per angle of light emitted from the display module is high. Accordingly, in the case of the display device of Comparative Example 2, light emitted from the display module may not be uniformly observed depending on the angle after passing through the window module including the curved area, and light leakage may occur.

[0228] FIG. 21A to FIG. 21C is a resonance diagram of light emitted from a light emitting element according to Comparative Example 3. FIG. 21A to FIG. 21C 3 is a resonance diagram of the display device of Comparative Example 3. Fig.22A is a diagram showing the luminance distribution of the substrate pattern according to Comparative Example 3. Fig. 22B is a graph showing the percentage of brightness reduction per angle according to the substrate pattern of Comparative Example 3.

[0229] Fig.23A is a diagram showing brightness distribution in the air mode according to Comparative Example 3. Fig. 23B is a graph showing the percentage of brightness reduction per angle in the air mode according to Comparative Example 3.

[0230] FIG. 21A to FIG. 21C is a resonance diagram of a display module of Comparative Example 3 to which a display module DM different from that according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. Fig.21A is the resonance map in the red pixel, Fig.21B is the resonance map in the green pixel, and Fig. 21C is the resonance diagram in the blue pixel. FIG. 21A to FIG. 21C In the figure, the y-axis represents the brightness of the light normalized based on 3, and the x-axis represents the brightness of the light normalized based on the third electrode. Depth to the first inorganic layer

[0231] In addition to IZO In addition to being used as the fourth electrode, it is also used FIG. 21A to FIG. 21C The display module of the display device of EM- ref1 has the same or substantially the same structure as the display module DM- ref1 of Comparative Example 1.

[0232] refer to FIG. 21A to FIG. 21C, light emitted from the light emitting layer can undergo secondary resonance between the third electrode and the fourth electrode. FIG. 21A to FIG. 21C Compared with Comparative Example 1 FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C When compared, in Comparative Example 3 in which the fourth electrode is a transparent IZO electrode, the luminance reduction is small.

[0233] Fig.22A is a diagram showing the brightness distribution of the substrate mode of the display module of Comparative Example 3, and Fig. 22B is a graph of the percentage of brightness reduction per angle for substrate modes. The graph of brightness distribution and the graph of the percentage of brightness reduction per angle are based on the brightness of light emitted in a direction from the display module toward the window module.

[0234] refer to Fig.22A and Fig. 22B , side lobes may occur and the percentage of brightness reduction per angle can be as high as about 3.73% / dgr.

[0235] Accordingly, the radiation form of the air mode of light emitted to the front side can be as follows Fig.23A as presented in Fig. 23B As shown in , the percentage reduction in brightness per angle can be as high as about 1.85% / dgr.

[0236] For example, in the case of a display device to which the display module of Comparative Example 3 is applied, the percentage of brightness reduction per angle of light emitted from the display module is high. Accordingly, in the case of the display device of Comparative Example 3, light emitted from the display module may not be uniformly observed depending on the angle after passing through the window module including the curved area, and light leakage may occur.

[0237] According to some embodiments, the display device of the present disclosure may have a resonant relaxation structure in which light emitted from a light emitting layer undergoes a main resonance, and thus light leakage from the periphery of the display device including a curved surface may be reduced.

[0238] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that one or more suitable changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: Display module; as well as a window module, on the display module, the window module comprising a front surface, the front surface comprising a flat area and a curved area around the flat area, The display module comprises: basal layer; a light-emitting element layer, on the base layer, the light-emitting element layer including a light-emitting element, the light-emitting element including a first electrode, a second electrode on the first electrode and including a transparent conductive metal oxide, and a light-emitting layer between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is a main resonance distance of light emitted from the light-emitting layer; an encapsulation layer on the light emitting element layer and comprising: a single first inorganic layer directly on the light emitting element layer; an organic layer on the first inorganic layer; and a second inorganic layer on the organic layer; and A color filter layer is on the encapsulation layer.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is from to within the range.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The light emitting layer has a refractive index of 1.8 to 1.

95.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The light emitting element further includes a hole transport region between the first electrode and the light emitting layer, and Wherein, the distance between the first electrode and the light-emitting layer is from to within the range.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The light emitting element further includes an electron transport region between the light emitting layer and the second electrode, and Wherein, the hole transport region and the electron transport region have a refractive index of 1.8 to 2.

0.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The second electrode includes at least one of indium zinc oxide, indium tin oxide, zinc oxide, and indium tin zinc oxide.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The second electrode has to Thickness.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display module further includes a polarizing film on the color filter layer.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: Based on the brightness of light emitted in a direction parallel to a direction from the display module to the window module, a brightness reduction percentage per angle within the window module of light emitted from the display module is 2% / dgr or less.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: Based on the brightness of light emitted in a direction parallel to a direction from the display module to the window module, a brightness reduction percentage per angle of light emitted from the display module and output through the window module is 1% / dgr or less.

11. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The light-emitting layer includes a first light-emitting layer and a second light-emitting layer on the first light-emitting layer.

12. A display device, comprising: A display module comprising a first area and a second area surrounding the first area; as well as a window module on the display module, the window module comprising a front surface, the front surface comprising a flat area configured to overlap with the first area in a plan view and a curved area around the flat area, The display module comprises: basal layer; a light-emitting element layer, comprising a first light-emitting element in the first region and a second light-emitting element in the second region, the second light-emitting element comprising a first electrode, a second electrode on the first electrode and comprising a transparent conductive metal oxide, and a first light-emitting layer between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is a main resonance distance of light emitted from the first light-emitting layer; an encapsulation layer on the light emitting element layer and comprising: a single first inorganic layer directly on the light emitting element layer; an organic layer on the first inorganic layer; and a second inorganic layer on the organic layer; and A color filter layer is on the encapsulation layer.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is from to within the range.

14. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The first light emitting element includes a third electrode, a fourth electrode on the third electrode, and a second light emitting layer between the third electrode and the fourth electrode, and The distance between the third electrode and the fourth electrode of the first light-emitting element is greater than the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode of the second light-emitting element.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: The distance between the third electrode and the fourth electrode of the first light emitting element is a secondary resonance distance of light emitted from the second light emitting layer of the first light emitting element.

16. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: The distance between the third electrode and the fourth electrode of the first light emitting element is to within the range.

17. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: The fourth electrode of the first light emitting element includes a semi-transparent conductive metal oxide.

18. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: In the plan view, the second region surrounds the first region, and Wherein, in the plan view, the curved area surrounds the flat area.

19. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: In the plan view, the second region is closer to the bending region than the first region.

20. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: In the plan view, the second region overlaps the bending region.

21. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: Based on the brightness of light emitted in a direction parallel to a direction from the display module to the window module, a brightness reduction percentage per angle within the window module of light emitted from the second area of ​​the display module is 2% / dgr or less.

22. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: Based on the brightness of light emitted in a direction parallel to a direction from the display module to the window module, a brightness reduction percentage per angle of light emitted from the second area of ​​the display module and output through the window module is 1% / dgr or less.

23. A display device, comprising: basal layer; a light-emitting element layer, on the base layer, the light-emitting element layer comprising a first color light-emitting element, a second color light-emitting element and a third color light-emitting element configured to emit first color light, second color light and third color light in different wavelength regions, respectively, each of the first color light-emitting element to the third color light-emitting element comprising a first electrode, a second electrode on the first electrode and comprising a transparent conductive metal oxide, and a light-emitting layer between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a distance between the first electrode and the second electrode of the first color light-emitting element corresponds to a main resonance distance of the first color light, a distance between the first electrode and the second electrode of the second color light-emitting element corresponds to a main resonance distance of the second color light, and a distance between the first electrode and the second electrode of the third color light-emitting element corresponds to a main resonance distance of the third color light; an encapsulation layer, comprising a single first inorganic layer directly on the light-emitting element layer, an organic layer on the first inorganic layer, and a second inorganic layer on the organic layer; a color filter layer on the encapsulation layer, the color filter layer comprising a color filter configured to overlap with the second color light emitting element in a plan view, the color filter not overlapping with the first color light emitting element and the third color light emitting element in the plan view; a polarizing film on the color filter layer; as well as A window module is provided on the polarizing film, wherein the window module comprises a front surface, wherein the front surface comprises a flat area and a curved area around the flat area.

24. The display device according to claim 23, wherein: The distance between the first electrode and the second electrode of the first color light emitting element is from to within the range of Wherein, the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode of the second color light emitting element is from to within the range of Wherein, the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode of the third color light emitting element is from to within the range.

25. The display device according to claim 23, wherein: The distance between the first electrode and the light-emitting layer in the first color light-emitting element is from to within the range of The distance between the first electrode and the light-emitting layer in the second color light-emitting element is from to within the range of The distance between the first electrode and the light-emitting layer in the third color light-emitting element is to within the range.

Citation Information

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