Display device and method of manufacturing same

Abstract

A display device and a method of manufacturing the same are provided, the display device including: a base layer including a display area and a non-display area adjacent to the display area; a display element layer over the base layer and overlapping the display area, including a first light emitting element, a second light emitting element, and a third light emitting element; a light control layer over the display element layer and including a first light controller, a second light controller, and a third light controller overlapping the first light emitting element, the second light emitting element, and the third light emitting element, respectively; a color filter layer over the light control layer and overlapping the display area; a step compensation layer over the base layer, overlapping the non-display area, including a same material as a material of the first light controller, and including a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness smaller than the first thickness; and a sealing member between the base layer and the step compensation layer, overlapping the non-display area, and overlapping the second portion.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0092721 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on July 17, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure described herein relate to a display device having improved visibility and a method of manufacturing the display device. Background Art

[0003] When one component of the display device has light transmittance, internal components of the display device can be visually recognized from the outside. Summary of the invention

[0004] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a display device that solves a problem in which a sealing member is visually recognized from the outside.

[0005] An embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a method of manufacturing a display device, which solves the problem of visually recognizing a sealing member from the outside.

[0006] According to one or more embodiments, a display device includes: a substrate layer, including a display area and a non-display area adjacent to the display area; a display element layer, including a first light emitting element, a second light emitting element and a third light emitting element above the substrate layer and overlapping the display area; a light control layer, above the display element layer, and including a first light controller, a second light controller and a third light controller respectively overlapping the first light emitting element, the second light emitting element and the third light emitting element; a color filter layer, above the light control layer and overlapping the display area; a step compensation layer, above the substrate layer, overlapping the non-display area, including a material the same as that of the first light controller, and including a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness smaller than the first thickness; and a sealing member, between the substrate layer and the step compensation layer, overlapping the non-display area, and overlapping the second portion.

[0007] The second portion may contact the sealing member.

[0008] A width of the second portion in one direction may be greater than or equal to a width of the sealing member in the one direction.

[0009] The first light controller and the step compensation layer may include an organic material in which titanium dioxide is dispersed.

[0010] The display device may further include a bank over the display element layer and defining a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening, wherein the first light controller, the second light controller, and the third light controller correspond to the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening, respectively.

[0011] The display device may further include a column spacer between the display element layer and the bank.

[0012] The column spacer may include the same material as the first light controller.

[0013] The step compensation layer and the sealing member may have light transmittance.

[0014] The first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element and the third light-emitting element can respectively provide source light beams, wherein the second light controller includes a first quantum dot, which is constructed to convert at least a portion of the source light beam from the second light-emitting element into a light beam having a first color, and wherein the third light controller includes a second quantum dot, which is constructed to convert at least a portion of the source light beam from the third light-emitting element into a light beam having a second color different from the first color.

[0015] The display device may further include a base substrate over the step compensation layer and the color filter layer.

[0016] The display device may further include a low refractive index layer partially between the color filter layer and the light control layer and partially between the base substrate and the step compensation layer while contacting a lower surface of the base substrate.

[0017] The display device may further include a barrier layer partially under the light-controlling layer to cover a lower side of the light-controlling layer and partially under the step-compensation layer to cover a lower side of the step-compensation layer and contact the sealing member.

[0018] The color filter layer may be spaced apart from the non-display area in a plan view.

[0019] The step compensation layer may further include a third portion spaced apart from the first portion with the second portion interposed therebetween and having a third thickness greater than the second thickness, wherein the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion collectively define a groove.

[0020] According to one or more embodiments, a display device includes: a base layer, including a display area and a non-display area adjacent to the display area; a display element layer, above the base layer, and including a first light-emitting element, a second light-emitting element, and a third light-emitting element overlapping the display area; a light control layer, above the display element layer, and including a first light controller, a second light controller, and a third light controller overlapping the first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element, and the third light-emitting element, respectively; a color filter layer, overlapping the display area, above the light control layer; a step compensation layer, overlapping the non-display area, above the base layer; and a sealing member, overlapping the non-display area between the base layer and the step compensation layer, wherein, in a plan view, a second light transmittance of the second area overlapping the sealing member is smaller than a first light transmittance of the first area spaced apart from the sealing member.

[0021] A difference between the second light transmittance and the first light transmittance may be about 10% or less.

[0022] The light transmittance in the display area may be about 40% or more.

[0023] The step compensation layer may include about 2 wt % to about 7 wt % of titanium dioxide based on the total weight of the step compensation layer, wherein the step compensation layer has a thickness in the range of about 3 μm to about 12 μm.

[0024] The display device may further include a dummy pattern between the color filter layer and the display element layer.

[0025] According to one or more embodiments, a method for manufacturing a display device includes: providing an initial light control member, the initial light control member including a base substrate and a color filter layer, the base substrate including a display area and a non-display area adjacent to the display area, the color filter layer overlapping the display area above the base substrate; forming a coating including an organic material in which scatterers are dispersed above the initial light control member; and etching a portion of the coating to form a step compensation layer, the step compensation layer including a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness smaller than the first thickness, overlapping the non-display area.

[0026] The method may further include disposing a mask over the preliminary light-control member, the mask including a semi-transmissive area in a portion corresponding to the non-display area.

[0027] The initial light-control member may further include a first light controller, a second light controller, and a third light controller overlapped with the display area and disposed on the color filter layer.

[0028] The method may further include forming a first light controller overlapping the display area by etching another portion of the coating layer simultaneously or substantially simultaneously with etching a portion of the coating layer to form the step compensation layer.

[0029] The initial light control member may also include a dam above the color filter layer and defining a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening corresponding to the first light controller, the second light controller, and the third light controller, respectively, wherein the method further includes: forming a column spacer on the dam and overlapping the display area by etching another portion of the coating while etching a portion of the coating to form a step compensation layer or substantially simultaneously.

[0030] The method may further include: arranging the initial light control member having the step compensation layer formed thereon on a display panel including a base layer and a display element layer above the base layer; and forming a sealing member overlapping the second portion between the display panel and the step compensation layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The above and other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent by describing in detail embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the attached drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0033] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0035] Figure 4A It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line II'.

[0036] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A An enlarged view of a portion of the display device is shown in FIG.

[0037] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5G is a cross-sectional view illustrating operations of a method of manufacturing a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0038] Fig. 6A is a graph showing light transmittance of a step compensation layer according to one or more embodiments.

[0039] Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view showing a display device and a light beam passing through the display device.

[0040] Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional view illustrating operations of a method of manufacturing a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0041] Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0042] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] By referring to the detailed description and drawings of the embodiments, it is easier to understand the aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure and the methods for implementing the aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure. The described embodiments are provided as examples so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the aspects of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Therefore, redundant, irrelevant or unrelated to the description of the embodiments or processes, elements and techniques that are not necessary for a complete understanding of the aspects of the present disclosure for those of ordinary skill in the art can be omitted. Unless otherwise stated, throughout the drawings and written descriptions, the same reference numerals, characters or combinations thereof represent the same elements, and therefore, their repeated descriptions can be omitted.

[0044] The described embodiments may have various modifications and may be implemented in different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments shown here. The use of "may", "can" or "may not" in the description of the embodiments corresponds to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The present disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents and alternatives within the conceptual and technical scope of the present disclosure. In addition, each of the features of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined with each other in part or in whole, and various interlocks and drives are technically possible. Each embodiment may be implemented independently of one another or may be implemented together in association.

[0045] In the drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. In addition, the use of cross-hatching and / or shading in the drawings is generally provided to make the boundaries between adjacent elements clear. As such, unless otherwise specified, the presence or absence of cross-hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for the specific materials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities between the illustrated elements, and / or any other characteristics, attributes, properties, etc. of the elements.

[0046] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views as schematic diagrams of embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Thus, variations in the shapes of the diagrams caused by, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances will be expected. In addition, for the purpose of describing embodiments according to the concepts of the present disclosure, the specific structures or functional descriptions disclosed herein are merely illustrative. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be interpreted as being limited to the illustrated shapes of elements, layers, or regions, but will include deviations in shapes caused by, for example, manufacturing.

[0047] For example, an implanted region illustrated as a rectangle will, typically, have rounded or curved features and / or a gradient of implant concentration at its edges rather than a binary change from implanted to non-implanted region. Likewise, a buried region formed by implantation may result in some implantation in the region between the buried region and the surface through which the implantation takes place.

[0048] For ease of explanation, spatial relative terms such as "under ...", "below ...", "below ...", "on ...", "below ...", "above ...", "on ...", "on ...", etc. may be used here to describe the relationship between an element or feature and another element (or elements) or feature (or features) as shown in the drawings. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings, spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, the element described as "under" other elements or features, "under" or "below" will then be oriented to be "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the example terms "under ..." and "under ..." can include both above and below orientations. The device can be oriented otherwise (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used here should be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, when a first part is described as being arranged "on" a second part, this means that the first part is arranged on the upper or lower side of the second part based on the direction of gravity, without being limited to its upper side.

[0049] In addition, the phrase "in a plan view" means when viewing the object portion from above, and the phrase "in a schematic cross-sectional view" means when viewing the schematic cross-section taken by vertically cutting the object portion from the side. The term "overlapping with..." or "overlapping" means that the first object can be above or below or on the side of the second object, and vice versa. In addition, as will be appreciated and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the term "overlapping with..." may include stacking, facing or facing, extending on, covering or partially covering, or any other suitable term. The expression "non-overlapping" may include meanings such as "spaced apart" or "separated" or "offset" and any other suitable equivalents that will be appreciated and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The terms "facing" and "facing" mean that the first object can be directly or indirectly opposite to the second object. In the case where a third object is between the first object and the second object, although still facing each other, the first object and the second object can be understood to be indirectly opposite to each other.

[0050] It will be understood that when an element, layer, region, or component is referred to as being "formed on," "on," "connected to," or "(operably or communicatively) coupled to" another element, layer, region, or component, the element, layer, region, or component may be formed directly on, directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element, layer, region, or component, or indirectly formed on, indirectly on, indirectly connected to, or indirectly coupled to the other element, layer, region, or component, such that one or more intervening elements, layers, regions, or components may be present. Additionally, this may collectively refer to direct or indirect coupling or connection, and integral or non-integral coupling or connection. For example, when a layer, region, or component is referred to as being "electrically connected" or "electrically coupled" to another layer, region, or component, the layer, region, or component may be directly electrically connected or electrically coupled to the other layer, region, and / or component, or there may be one or more intervening layers, regions, or components. One or more intervening components may include switches, resistors, and / or capacitors, etc. When describing embodiments, unless explicitly described as being directly connected, a connected statement means an electrical connection, and "directly connected / directly coupled" or "directly on..." means that one component is directly connected or coupled to another component, or is on another component, without intermediate components.

[0051] In addition, in this specification, when a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is formed on another part, the formation direction is not limited to the upper direction, but includes forming the part on the side surface or in the lower direction. On the contrary, when a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is formed "below" another part, this includes not only the case where the part is "directly below" another part, but also the case where there is another part between the part and the other part. At the same time, other expressions describing the relationship between components, such as "between...", "directly between..." or "adjacent to..." and "directly adjacent to..." can be similarly interpreted. It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as "between" two elements or layers, the element or layer can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intermediate elements or layers may also be present.

[0052] For the purposes of this disclosure, expressions such as “at least one of…” or “any one of…” or “one or more of…”, when following a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements without modifying the individual elements in the list. For example, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” may be interpreted as only X; only Y; only Z; any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z (such as XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ for example); or any variation thereof. Similarly, the expression “at least one of A and B” may include A, B, or A and B. As used herein, “or” generally means “and / or”, and the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. For example, the expression “A and / or B” may include A, B, or A and B. Similarly, expressions such as “at least one of,” “a plurality of,” “one of,” and other prepositional phrases, when preceding a series of elements, modify the entire series of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the series.

[0053] It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", "third" etc. can be used here to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms do not correspond to a specific order, position or advantage, and are only used to distinguish an element, member, component, region, area, layer, part or component from another element, member, component, region, area, layer, part or component. Therefore, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, the first element, first component, first region, first layer or first part described below can be referred to as the second element, second component, second region, second layer or second part. Describing an element as a "first" element may not require or imply the presence of a second element or other elements. The terms "first", "second" etc. can also be used here to distinguish different categories or sets of elements. For simplicity, the terms "first", "second" etc. can respectively represent "first category (or first set)", "second category (or second set)" etc.

[0054] In the example, the x-axis, y-axis and / or z-axis are not limited to the three axes of the rectangular coordinate system and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis can be perpendicular to each other or can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. The same applies to the first direction, the second direction and / or the third direction.

[0055] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing the embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one" and "one (kind / person)" are also intended to include plural forms, and the plural forms are also intended to include singular forms. It will also be understood that when the terms "including", "having" and "comprising" are used in this specification, the features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or components stated are indicated, but the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups are not excluded.

[0056] When one or more embodiments can be implemented differently, the specific process order can be performed differently from the described order. For example, two consecutively described processes can be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of the described order.

[0057] As used herein, the terms "substantially", "about", "approximately" and similar terms are used as approximate terms, not as terms of degree, and are intended to take into account the inherent deviations of measured or calculated values ​​that will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, "substantially" may include a range of ±5% of the corresponding value. As used herein, "about" or "approximately" includes the stated values ​​and means: taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the specific quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system), within the acceptable deviation range of the specific value as determined by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, "about" may mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, ±5% of the stated value. In addition, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" means "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure".

[0058] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or stated herein is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision included in the stated range. For example, the range of "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all sub-ranges between the stated minimum value 1.0 and the stated maximum value 10.0 (and including the stated minimum value 1.0 and the stated maximum value 10.0), that is, with a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0 (such as 2.4 to 7.6 as an example). Any maximum numerical limit stated herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits included therein, and any minimum numerical limit stated in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits included therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to modify this specification (including claims) to explicitly state any sub-range included in the scope explicitly stated here. All such ranges are intended to be inherently described in this specification so that the modification of any such sub-range explicitly stated will meet the requirements.

[0059] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will also be understood that terms (such as those defined in common dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and / or this specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0060] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0061] In one or more embodiments, the electronic device EA may be a large display device such as a television, a monitor, or an external billboard. In addition, the electronic device EA may be a small or medium-sized electronic device such as a personal computer (PC), a laptop computer, a personal digital terminal, a vehicle navigation unit, a game console, a smart phone, a tablet PC, and a camera. In addition, these devices are presented only as one or more embodiments, and as long as the display device does not depart from the concept of the present disclosure, it can be used as other display devices. In one or more embodiments, the electronic device EA is shown as a smart phone.

[0062] In one or more embodiments, the electronic device EA may include a foldable display device having a folding area and a non-folding area, or a curved display device including at least one curved portion.

[0063] The front surface of the electronic device EA may correspond to the front surface of the display device DD and the front surface of the window WP. Therefore, the front surface of the electronic device EA, the front surface of the display device DD, and the front surface of the window WP may use the same reference numeral FS.

[0064] Reference Figure 2 , the electronic device EA may include a window WP, a display device DD and a housing HAU.

[0065] The window WP may include an optically transparent insulating material. The window WP may include a transmissive area TA and a bezel area BZA.

[0066] The transmission area TA may be an optically transparent area. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the transmission area TA is shown as a quadrilateral shape having rounded corners. However, this is only an example, and in other embodiments, the transmission area TA may have various shapes.

[0067] The border area BZA may be an area having a relatively low light transmittance compared to the transmission area TA. The border area BZA may have a color (e.g., a predetermined color). The border area BZA may be adjacent to the transmission area TA and may surround the transmission area TA (e.g., in a plan view). The border area BZA may define the shape of the transmission area TA. However, one or more embodiments are not limited to the illustrations, and the border area BZA may be positioned adjacent to only one side of the transmission area TA, and a portion of the border area BZA may be omitted.

[0068] The display device DD may be a component that substantially generates the image IM. The display device DD may be located below the window WP. In this specification, the term "below" may mean a direction opposite to a direction along which the display device DD provides an image.

[0069] The display device DD may display an image IM through the display surface IS, and a user may visually recognize an image provided through the transmissive area TA corresponding to the front surface FS of the electronic device EA. The image IM may include a still image and a dynamic image. Figure 1 A case where the front surface FS is parallel to a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1 is illustrated However, this is merely an example, and in one or more other embodiments, the front surface FS may have a curved shape.

[0070] The third direction DR3 indicates the normal direction of the front surface FS of the electronic device EA (ie, the direction along which the image IM is displayed in the thickness direction of the electronic device EA). The front surface (or upper surface) and the rear surface (or lower surface) of the member can be distinguished by the third direction DR3.

[0071] The display device DD includes a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA may be an area activated according to an electrical signal. The non-display area NDA may be an area covered by a bezel area BZA. The non-display area NDA is adjacent to the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA (e.g., in a plan view).

[0072] The housing HAU may be located below the display device DD. The housing HAU may accommodate the display device DD. The housing HAU may be positioned to cover the display device DD so that the upper surface of the display device DD as the display surface IS is exposed. The housing HAU may cover the side surface and the bottom surface of the display device DD, and may expose the entire upper surface of the display device DD. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the housing HAU may cover not only the side surface and the bottom surface of the display device DD, but also a portion of the upper surface of the display device DD.

[0073] The housing HAU may protect the display device DD from external impact or intrusion of foreign objects. The housing HAU may be made of a material such as plastic or metal. However, this is only an example, and the material is not limited thereto as long as the material can protect the display device DD from external impact or intrusion of foreign objects.

[0074] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0075] Reference Figure 3 The display device DD according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a display panel DP, a light control member LCM, a sealing member SL between the display panel DP and the light control member LCM, and a filling member FL. The display device DD according to one or more embodiments may be manufactured by combining the display panel DP and the light control member LCM through a bonding process.

[0076] The display panel DP may include a base layer SUB1, a circuit layer DP-CL, a display element layer DP-OL, and an encapsulation layer TFE.

[0077] The base layer SUB1 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA, and may provide a base surface on which components of the display panel DP are stacked. The base layer SUB1 may include an upper surface parallel to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 and a lower surface parallel to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The circuit layer DP-CL, the display element layer DP-OL, and the encapsulation layer TFE may be sequentially stacked over the upper surface of the base layer SUB1 in the third direction DR3.

[0078] The display element layer DP-OL may include a light emitting element arranged in the display area DA. The circuit layer DP-CL may be located between the display element layer DP-OL and the substrate layer SUB1, and may include a driving element, a signal line, and a pad (or "pad" or "solder pad") connected to the light emitting element. The light emitting element of the display element layer DP-OL may provide a source light beam toward the light control member LCM in the display area DA.

[0079] The encapsulation layer TFE may be located on the display element layer DP-OL to seal the light emitting element. The encapsulation layer TFE may include a plurality of thin films. The thin films of the encapsulation layer TFE may be arranged to improve the optical efficiency of the light emitting element or to protect the light emitting element.

[0080] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the light control member LCM may include a first light control member LCM-L1, a second light control member LCM-L2, and a base substrate SUB2. The first light control member LCM-L1 may include a low refractive index layer LR (see Figure 4A ) and color filter layer CFL (see Figure 4A ). The second light control member LCM-L2 may include a first blocking layer BFL1 (see Figure 4A ), Dike BK (see Figure 4A ), step compensation layer SCL (see Figure 4A ), light control layer CCL (see Figure 4A ) and the second barrier layer BFL2 (see Figure 4A ).

[0081] The base substrate SUB2 may provide a base surface on which components of the light control member LCM are stacked. The base substrate SUB2 may include a front surface parallel to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 and a rear surface parallel to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The rear surface of the base substrate SUB2 may face the upper surface of the base layer SUB1.

[0082] The sealing member SL may be formed to overlap the non-display area NDA between the display panel DP and the light control member LCM. Figure 2 and Figure 4A The sealing member SL may be aligned with the edge of the display device DD in a plan view / in a plan view, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The sealing member SL is used to fix the display panel DP and the light control member LCM so that the display panel DP and the light control member LCM are spaced apart from each other by a distance (e.g., a predetermined distance), and to reduce or prevent the intrusion of external oxygen or moisture.

[0083] The sealing member SL includes an organic material to ensure adhesion and impact resistance so that the display panel DP and the light control member LCM are bonded to each other. The sealing member SL may include an adhesive resin and an inorganic filler mixed with the adhesive resin. The sealing member SL may also include other additives. The additives may include an amine curing agent and a photoinitiator. The additives may also include a silane additive and an acrylic additive. The sealing member SL may also include an inorganic material such as glass frit. Therefore, the sealing member SL may have a light transmittance, but may have a relatively low light transmittance compared to other components of the display device DD arranged in the non-display area NDA.

[0084] The filling member FL may be located between the display panel DP and the light control member LCM, and may fill the empty space between the display panel DP and the light control member LCM overlapping the display area DA. In one or more embodiments, the filling member FL may be located between the encapsulation layer TFE and the light control member LCM. The filling member FL may include silicone, epoxy, or acrylic thermosetting material. However, the material of the filling member FL is not limited to the above examples.

[0085] The display panel DP and the light control member LCM may be formed by separate processes, and the display device DD may be manufactured by bonding the display panel DP and the light control member LCM using a sealing member SL. A method of manufacturing the display device DD will be described below with reference to FIG. 5A to FIG. 5G Describe in detail.

[0086] Figure 4A It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line II'. Figure 4B yes Figure 4A FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of a portion of a display device shown in FIG. Figure 4A and Figure 4B A display device DD according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is described. The same / similar reference numerals are used for Figure 3 The same / similar components described in the drawings will be described herein and their repeated description will be omitted.

[0087] The display device DD according to one or more embodiments may include a display panel DP (see Figure 3 ) and light control member LCM (see Figure 3 The display panel DP and the light control member LCM may be spaced apart from each other, and the sealing member SL may be interposed between the display panel DP and the light control member LCM. The filling member FL may be filled between the display panel DP and the light control member LCM. The filling member FL may cover the encapsulation layer TFE (see Figure 3 ).

[0088] Display panel DP (see Figure 3 ) may include a substrate layer SUB1, a circuit layer DP-CL, a display element layer DP-OL (see Figure 3 ) and encapsulation layer TFE.

[0089] The base layer SUB1 may include a synthetic resin substrate or a glass substrate. The base layer SUB1 may include a first synthetic resin layer, a second synthetic resin layer, and an inorganic layer between the first synthetic resin layer and the second synthetic resin layer. The synthetic resin layer may include a thermosetting resin. For example, the synthetic resin layer may be a polyimide resin layer, and its material is not specifically limited thereto. The synthetic resin layer may include at least one of acrylic resin, methacrylic resin, polyisoprene resin, vinyl resin, epoxy resin, urethane resin, cellulose resin, siloxane resin, polyamide resin, and perylene resin.

[0090] The circuit layer DP-CL may be located on the base layer SUB1. The circuit layer DP-CL may include an insulating layer, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, a signal line, etc. The insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer are formed on the base layer SUB1 in a manner such as coating and deposition, and the insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer may be selectively patterned by a plurality of photolithography processes. Therefore, the semiconductor pattern, the conductive pattern, and the signal line may be formed on the circuit layer DP-CL. The circuit layer DP-CL may include a transistor, a buffer layer, and a plurality of insulating layers.

[0091] The display element layer DP-OL may be located on the circuit layer DP-CL and may include a light emitting element and a pixel defining film PDL. The light emitting element may include a first electrode AE, a second electrode CE facing the first electrode AE, and a common layer CML located between the first electrode AE ​​and the second electrode CE. The common layer CML may include a hole transport region, a light emitting layer, and an electron transport region.

[0092] The pixel defining film PDL may be located on the circuit layer DP-CL and may cover a portion of the first electrode AE. An opening PDL-OP may be defined in the pixel defining film PDL. The opening PDL-OP of the pixel defining film PDL exposes at least a portion of the first electrode AE.

[0093] The first electrode AE ​​may be located on the circuit layer DP-CL. The first electrode AE ​​may be an anode or a cathode. In addition, the first electrode AE ​​may be a pixel electrode, a transmissive electrode, a semi-transmissive electrode or a reflective electrode.

[0094] The hole transport region may be located on the first electrode AE. The hole transport region may include at least one of a hole transport layer, a hole injection layer, and an electron blocking layer.

[0095] The light emitting layer may be located on the hole transport region. The light emitting layer may generate a source light beam. In the display device DD according to one or more embodiments, the light emitting layer emits a blue light beam, and thus, the blue light beam may be used as a source light beam.

[0096] The light-emitting layer may have a multilayer structure having a single layer made of a single material, a single layer made of a plurality of different materials, or a multilayer made of a plurality of different materials. The light-emitting layer may include a fluorescent or phosphorescent material. In the light-emitting element according to one or more embodiments, the light-emitting layer may include a light-emitting material such as an organic light-emitting material, a metal organic complex, or a quantum dot.

[0097] The electron transport region may be located on the light emitting layer. The electron transport region may include at least one of an electron injection layer, an electron transport layer, and a hole blocking layer.

[0098] The second electrode CE may be located on the electron transport region. The second electrode CE may be a common electrode. The second electrode CE may be a cathode or an anode, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, if the first electrode AE ​​is an anode, the second electrode CE may be a cathode, or if the first electrode AE ​​is a cathode, the second electrode CE may be an anode. The second electrode CE may be a transmissive electrode, a semi-transmissive electrode, or a reflective electrode.

[0099] The encapsulation layer TFE is located on the display element layer DP-OL. The encapsulation layer TFE may include a first inorganic layer INL1, an organic layer OL, and a second inorganic layer INL2. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the encapsulation layer TFE may also include a plurality of inorganic layers and a plurality of organic layers. The encapsulation layer TFE has a function of reducing or preventing external moisture or oxygen from invading the light-emitting layer and reducing the reliability of the display device DD.

[0100] The first inorganic layer INL1 is located on the second electrode CE. The first inorganic layer INL1 may reduce or prevent external moisture or oxygen from invading the light emitting layer. The first inorganic layer INL1 may include silicon nitride, silicon oxide, or a combination thereof. The first inorganic layer INL1 may be formed by a deposition process.

[0101] The organic layer OL is located on the first inorganic layer INL1. The organic layer OL may provide a flat surface on the first inorganic layer INL1. The surface state of the first inorganic layer INL1 may not be smooth, may be curved, and / or fine particles formed in the process of manufacturing the display device DD may remain on the first inorganic layer INL1. The organic layer OL may be formed on the first inorganic layer INL1, and may block the influence of the surface state of the upper surface of the first inorganic layer INL1 on the components formed on the organic layer OL. The organic layer OL may include an organic material and may be formed by a solution process such as a spin coating process, a slit coating process, or an inkjet process.

[0102] The second inorganic layer INL2 is located on the organic layer OL to cover the organic layer OL. The second inorganic layer INL2 may include silicon nitride, silicon oxide, or a combination thereof. Because the organic layer OL provides a flat surface, the second inorganic layer INL2 may also be formed more stably than directly on the first inorganic layer INL1. The second inorganic layer INL2 may be formed by a deposition process. Between the operation of forming the organic layer OL and the operation of forming the second inorganic layer INL2, an operation of treating the surface of the organic layer OL with hydrogen plasma may also be included. If the surface of the organic layer OL is treated with hydrogen plasma, the second inorganic layer INL2 may be more uniformly deposited on the surface of the organic layer OL.

[0103] In one or more embodiments, the dam pattern may be arranged in the non-display area NDA and may surround at least a portion of the display area DA. The dam pattern may reduce or prevent an overflow phenomenon in which an organic material used to form the organic layer OL overflows outside the dam pattern in a process of forming the display device DD. The organic layer OL may have a boundary defined by any one of the dam patterns. The dam pattern may have a single-layer / multi-layer structure.

[0104] The display device DD may include a non-luminous region NPXA and luminous regions PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B. The luminous regions PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B may be regions where light beams generated by light emitting elements are emitted. The pixel defining film PDL may define the luminous regions PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B. The luminous regions PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B and the non-luminous region NPXA may be distinguished by the pixel defining film PDL.

[0105] The light emitting regions PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B may be spaced apart from each other on a plane, and may be classified according to the color of a light beam generated by the light emitting element. Figure 4A Three light emitting regions PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B emitting red, green, and blue light beams are shown. For example, the display device DD of one or more embodiments may include a red light emitting region PXA-R, a green light emitting region PXA-G, and a blue light emitting region PXA-B that are distinguished from each other.

[0106] The light-emitting regions PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B may have different areas according to the color emitted from the light-emitting layer of the light-emitting element. In this case, the area may represent the area if viewed on a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. In the display device DD of one or more embodiments, the blue light-emitting region PXA-B corresponding to the first light-emitting element emitting a blue light beam may have the largest area, and the green light-emitting region PXA-G corresponding to the second light-emitting element emitting a green light beam may have the smallest area. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The light-emitting regions PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B may emit light beams having colors other than the colors of the red light beam, the green light beam, and the blue light beam, and the light-emitting regions PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B may have the same area, or the light-emitting regions PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B may have different areas. Figure 4A The area ratios shown in the figure are different area ratio settings.

[0107] The light-emitting regions PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B may be regions distinguished from each other by the pixel defining film 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 film PDL. Meanwhile, in the present specification, each of the light-emitting regions PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B may correspond to a pixel. The pixel defining film PDL may distinguish the light-emitting elements from each other. The light-emitting layers of the light-emitting elements may be arranged in corresponding openings PDL-OP defined by the pixel defining film PDL, and thus may be distinguished from each other.

[0108] The color filter layer CFL, the low refractive index layer LR, and the light control layer CCL may be sequentially stacked in the third direction DR3 and formed on the rear surface of the base substrate SUB2.

[0109] The color filter layer CFL may be located under the base substrate SUB2. The color filter layer CFL may include a first filter CF1, a second filter CF2, and a third filter CF3. The color filter layer CFL may filter a light beam passing through the light control layer CCL. The color filter layer CFL may reduce or prevent degradation of the color purity of the display device DD, and may reduce the external light reflectivity of the display device DD.

[0110] The first filter CF1, the second filter CF2, and the third filter CF3 may be arranged to correspond to the blue light emitting region PXA-B, the green light emitting region PXA-G, and the red light emitting region PXA-R, respectively.

[0111] The first filter CF1 can transmit the source light beam, the second filter CF2 can transmit the second light beam, and the third filter CF3 can transmit the third light beam. For example, the first filter CF1 can be a blue filter, the second filter CF2 can be a green filter, and the third filter CF3 can be a red filter.

[0112] Each of the filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 may include a polymer photosensitive resin and a pigment or dye. The first filter CF1 may include a blue pigment or dye, the second filter CF2 may include a green pigment or dye, and the third filter CF3 may include a red pigment or dye. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first filter CF1 may include a polymer photosensitive resin and may not include a pigment or dye. The first filter CF1 may be transparent. The first filter CF1 may be formed of a transparent photosensitive resin.

[0113] The low refractive index layer LR may be located below the color filter layer CFL and may cover or overlap the color filter layer CFL. The low refractive index layer LR may be adjusted from the light control layer CCL (see Figure 4A ) to improve the efficiency of light visually recognized to the outside. The low refractive index layer LR may contact the lower surface of the base substrate SUB2 exposed from the color filter layer CFL.

[0114] The bank BK may be located below the color filter layer CFL. The bank BK may be positioned to correspond to the non-luminescent area NPXA. The bank BK may be a black matrix. The bank BK may include an organic light blocking material or an inorganic light blocking material containing a black pigment or a black dye. The bank BK may reduce or prevent light leakage and may distinguish the boundaries between adjacent filters CF1, CF2, and CF3. In addition, in one or more embodiments, the bank BK may be formed as a blue filter.

[0115] The first filter CF1, the second filter CF2, and the third filter CF3 may all overlap each other at an area corresponding to the non-light emitting area NPXA. In this case, as with the bank BK, the portion where the filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 all overlap each other may be used to reduce or prevent light leakage and distinguish the boundaries between the adjacent filters CF1, CF2, and CF3.

[0116] The second light controller CCP2 and the third light controller CCP3 may include a matrix resin and quantum dots mixed with the matrix resin (or dispersed in the matrix resin). In one or more embodiments, the second light controller CCP2 and the third light controller CCP3 may be defined as quantum dot patterns and may include different quantum dots. The matrix resin as a medium in which the quantum dots are dispersed may be composed of various resin compositions that may generally be referred to as adhesives. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in this specification, as long as the quantum dots can be dispersed and arranged in the medium, any medium may be referred to as a matrix resin, regardless of its name, additional other functions, constituent materials, etc. The matrix resin may be a polymer resin. For example, the matrix resin may be an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, a silicone resin, an epoxy resin, etc. The matrix resin may be a transparent resin.

[0117] Quantum dots can be particles that convert the wavelength of an input light beam. Quantum dots are materials with a crystal structure of a few nanometers in size, including hundreds to thousands of atoms, and exhibit a quantum confinement effect of increased energy band gap due to their small size. If a light beam with a wavelength of energy higher than the energy of the band gap is input to the quantum dot, the quantum dot absorbs the light beam and is excited, and falls into the ground state while emitting a light beam with a corresponding wavelength. The emitted light beam with a wavelength has a value corresponding to the band gap. The luminescence characteristics of the quantum confinement effect can be adjusted by adjusting the size, composition, etc. of the quantum dots. The diameter of the quantum dots according to one or more embodiments can be in the range of, for example, about 1 nm to about 10 nm.

[0118] Quantum dots can be synthesized by wet chemical processes, metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) processes, molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) processes or similar processes. The wet chemical process is a method of growing quantum dot particle crystals after mixing an organic solvent and a precursor material. If the crystal grows, the organic solvent can naturally act as a dispersant that coordinates with the surface of the quantum dot crystal and can regulate the growth of the crystal. Therefore, in the wet chemical process, the growth of quantum dot particles can be controlled by a process that is easier and cheaper than the vapor deposition method (such as MOCVD or MBE).

[0119] The quantum dots may include Group III-VI compounds, Group II-VI compounds, Group III-V compounds, Group I-III-VI compounds, Group IV-VI compounds, Group IV elements or compounds, or combinations thereof.

[0120] Examples of III-VI compounds may include GaS, Ga 2 S 3 ,GaSe,Ga 2 Se 3 、GaTe、InS、InSe、In 2 Se3 and / or binary compounds of InTe, such as InGaS 3 and / or InGaSe 3 ternary compounds and / or combinations thereof.

[0121] Examples of II-VI compounds may include binary compounds such as CdS, CdSe, CdTe, ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, ZnO, HgS, HgSe, HgTe, MgSe and / or MgS, binary compounds such as CdSeS, CdSeTe, CdSTe, ZnSeS, ZnSeTe, ZnSTe, HgSeS, HgSeTe, HgSTe, CdZnS, CdZnSe, CdZ nTe, CdHgS, CdHgSe, CdHgTe, HgZnS, HgZnSe, HgZnTe, MgZnSe and / or MgZnS, ternary compounds such as CdZnSeS, CdZnSeTe, CdZnSTe, CdHgSeS, CdHgSeTe, CdHgSTe, HgZnSeS, HgZnSeTe and / or HgZnSTe, or combinations thereof. At the same time, the II-VI group compound may also include a Group I metal and / or a Group IV element. The I-II-VI group compound may be selected from CuSnS and CuZnS and / or the II-IV-VI group compound may be selected from ZnSnS, etc. The I-II-IV-VI group compound may be selected from a quaternary compound, the quaternary compound being selected from a group including Cu 2 ZnSnS 2 , Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 , Cu 2 ZnSnSe 4 、Ag 2 ZnSnS 2 and mixtures thereof.

[0122] Examples of III-V compounds may include binary compounds such as GaN, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, AlN, AlP, AlAs, AlSb, InN, InP, InAs and / or InSb, ternary compounds such as GaNP, GaNAs, GaNSb, GaPAs, GaPSb, AlNP, AlNAs, AlNSb, AlPAs, AlPSb, InGaP, InNP, InAlP, InNAs, InNSb, InPAs and / or InPSb, quaternary compounds such as GaAlNP, GaAlNAs, GaAlNSb, GaAlPAs, GaAlPSb, GaInNP, GaInNAs, GaInNSb, GaInPAs, GaInPSb, InAlNP, InAlNAs, InAlNSb, InAlPAs and / or InAlPSb, or combinations thereof. Meanwhile, the III-V compounds may also include Group II elements. Examples of the Group III-V compound also including the Group II element may include InZnP, InGaZnP, InAlZnP, and the like.

[0123] Examples of group I-III-VI compounds may include AgInS, AgInS 2 、AgInSe 2 、AgGaS、AgGaS 2 、AgGaSe 2 、CuInS、CuInS 2 、CuInSe 2 、CuGaS 2 、CuGaSe 2 、CuGaO 2 、AgGaO 2 and / or AgAlO 2 Ternary compounds such as AgInGaS 2 and / or AgInGaSe 2 A quaternary compound or a combination thereof.

[0124] Examples of Group IV-VI compounds may include binary compounds such as SnS, SnSe, SnTe, PbS, PbSe and / or PbTe, ternary compounds such as SnSeS, SnSeTe, SnSTe, PbSeS, PbSeTe, PbSTe, SnPbS, SnPbSe and / or SnPbTe, quaternary compounds such as SnPbSSe, SnPbSeTe and / or SnPbSTe, or combinations thereof.

[0125] Examples of II-IV-V group compounds may include ZnSnP, ZnSnP 2、ZnSnAs 2 、ZnGeP 2 、ZnGeAs 2 、CdSnP 2 and CdGeP 2 and / or mixtures thereof.

[0126] The Group IV element or compound may include single element compounds such as Si and / or Ge, binary compounds such as SiC and / or SiGe, or combinations thereof.

[0127] The elements included in the multi-element compound such as the binary compound, the ternary compound and / or the quaternary compound may be present in the particle at a uniform concentration or a non-uniform concentration. That is, the chemical formula means the type of elements included in the compound, and the ratio of the elements in the compound may be different. For example, AgInGaS 2 Can represent AgIn x Ga (1-x) S 2 (x is a real number between 0 and 1).

[0128] Meanwhile, the quantum dot may have a single structure in which the concentration of an element included in the corresponding quantum dot is substantially uniform or a core-shell dual structure. For example, a material included in the core and a material included in the shell may be different from each other.

[0129] The shell of the quantum dot can be used as a protective layer to maintain the semiconductor properties by reducing or preventing changes in the chemical properties of the core and / or as a charging layer for providing electrophoretic properties to the quantum dot. The shell can be a single layer or a multilayer. The interface between the core and the shell can have a concentration gradient in which the concentration of the element present in the shell decreases toward the center. The core / shell structure can have a concentration gradient in which the concentration of the element present in the shell decreases toward the core.

[0130] Examples of the shell of the quantum dot may include metal or non-metal oxides, compounds, or combinations thereof. Examples of metal or non-metal oxides may include SiO 2 、Al 2 O 3 、TiO 2 、ZnO、MnO、Mn 2 O 3 , Mn 3 O 4 , CuO, FeO, Fe 2 O 3 , Fe 3 O 4 , CoO, Co 3 O 4 and / or binary compounds of NiO, such as MgAl2 O 4 、CoFe 2 O 4 、NiFe 2 O 4 and / or CoMn 2 O 4 Examples of the compound may include a III-VI compound, a II-VI compound, a III-V compound, a I-III-VI compound, a IV-VI compound, or a combination thereof as described in this specification. For example, the compound may include CdS, CdSe, CdTe, ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, ZnSeS, ZnTeS, GaAs, GaP, GaS, GaSe, AgGaS, AgGaS 2 , GaSb, HgS, HgSe, HgTe, InAs, InP, InGaP, InSb, AlAs, AlP, AlSb or a combination thereof.

[0131] Elements included in multi-element compounds such as binary compounds and ternary compounds may exist inside particles at uniform concentrations or non-uniform concentrations. That is, the chemical formula means the type of elements included in the compound, and the ratio of elements in the compound may be different.

[0132] The quantum dot can have a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of a light emission wavelength spectrum of about 45 nm or less (e.g., about 40 nm or less) and about 30 nm or less as another example, and can improve color purity and color reproducibility within this range. In addition, because the light beam emitted by the quantum dot is emitted in all directions, the optical viewing angle can be improved.

[0133] In addition, the shape of the quantum dots may include a spherical shape, a pyramidal shape, a multi-arm shape or a cubic nanoparticle, a nanotube, a nanowire, a nanofiber, a nanoplate-shaped particle, and the like.

[0134] Because the energy band gap can be adjusted by adjusting the size of the quantum dots or by adjusting the ratio of elements in the quantum dot compound, light beams with various wavelengths can be obtained in the quantum dot light-emitting layer. Therefore, by using the above-mentioned quantum dots (for example, by using quantum dots with different sizes or with different element ratios in the quantum dot compound), a light-emitting element that emits light beams with various wavelengths can be realized. Specifically, the size of the quantum dots or the ratio of elements in the quantum dot compound can be selected to adjust so that a red light beam, a green light beam and / or a blue light beam are emitted. In addition, quantum dots can combine light beams with various colors to emit a white light beam.

[0135] In one or more embodiments, the third light controller CCP3 may be a red quantum dot pattern that absorbs the source light beam and then generates a red light beam. The second light controller CCP2 may be a green quantum dot pattern that absorbs the source light beam and then generates a green light beam. The second light controller CCP2 and the third light controller CCP3 may further include a scatterer.

[0136] The first light controller CCP1 may include a scatterer mixed with (or dispersed in) the organic material. The first light controller CCP1 may be a scattering pattern that scatters the source light beam. The scatterer may be a particle with a relatively high density or specific gravity. The scattering particles may include titanium dioxide or silicon oxide-based nanoparticles.

[0137] The light control layer CCL may include a first light controller CCP1 that transmits a source light beam, a second light controller CCP2 that includes a first quantum dot QD1 configured to convert the source light beam into a second light beam, and a third light controller CCP3 that includes a second quantum dot QD2 that converts the source light beam into a third light beam. The second light beam may be a light beam having a wavelength range longer than that of the source light beam, and the third light beam may be a light beam having a wavelength range longer than that of the source light beam and the second light beam. For example, the source light beam may be a blue light beam, the second light beam may be a green light beam, and the third light beam may be a red light beam.

[0138] The same content as the content of the quantum dot according to one or more embodiments may be applied to at least one of the quantum dots QD1 and QD2 included in the light controllers CCP1, CCP2, and CCP3. For example, the same content as the content of the quantum dot according to one or more embodiments may be applied to the first quantum dot QD1 configured to convert the source light beam into the second light beam.

[0139] The light control layer CCL may further include a scatterer SP. The first light controller CCP1 may not include quantum dots, and may include a scatterer SP. The second light controller CCP2 may include first quantum dots QD1 and a scatterer SP. The third light controller CCP3 may include second quantum dots QD2 and a scatterer SP.

[0140] The scatterer SP may be inorganic particles. For example, the scatterer SP may include TiO 2 、ZnO、Al 2 O 3 、SiO 2 and hollow silica. The scatterer SP may include TiO 2 、ZnO、Al 2 O3、SiO 2 and hollow silica or may be TiO 2 、ZnO、Al2 O 3 、SiO 2 and a mixture of two or more materials selected from hollow silica.

[0141] The first light controller CCP1, the second light controller CCP2, and the third light controller CCP3 may include matrix resins BR1, BR2, and BR3 of dispersed quantum dots QD1 and QD2 and scatterers SP, respectively. In one or more embodiments, the first light controller CCP1 may include scatterers SP dispersed in the first matrix resin BR1. The second light controller CCP2 may include first quantum dots QD1 and scatterers SP dispersed in the second matrix resin BR2. The third light controller CCP3 may include second quantum dots QD2 and scatterers SP dispersed in the third matrix resin BR3.

[0142] The first light controller CCP1 , the second light controller CCP2 , and the third light controller CCP3 may be arranged to correspond to first to third openings BK-OP defined in the bank BK, respectively.

[0143] The matrix resins BR1, BR2, and BR3, which are the medium in which the quantum dots QD1 and QD2 and the scatterers SP are dispersed, can be made of various resin compositions that can be generally referred to as adhesives. For example, the matrix resins BR1, BR2, and BR3 can be acrylic resins, urethane resins, silicone resins, epoxy resins, etc. The matrix resins BR1, BR2, and BR3 can be transparent resins. In one or more embodiments, the first matrix resin BR1, the second matrix resin BR2, and the third matrix resin BR3 can be the same or different from each other.

[0144] The first barrier layer BFL1 may be located below the light control layer CCL. The first barrier layer BFL1 may be used to reduce or prevent the intrusion of moisture and / or oxygen (hereinafter referred to as "moisture / oxygen"). The first barrier layer BFL1 may be located below the light controllers CCP1, CCP2, and CCP3, and may reduce or prevent the light controllers CCP1, CCP2, and CCP3 from being exposed to moisture / oxygen. At the same time, the first barrier layer BFL1 may cover the light controllers CCP1, CCP2, and CCP3. In addition, the second barrier layer BFL2 may also be provided between the light controllers CCP1, CCP2, and CCP3 and the low refractive index layer LR.

[0145] The barrier layers BFL1 and BFL2 may include at least one inorganic layer. That is, the barrier layers BFL1 and BFL2 may include an inorganic material. For example, the barrier layers BFL1 and BFL2 may be made of silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, zirconium nitride, titanium nitride, hafnium nitride, tantalum nitride, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tin oxide, cerium oxide and / or silicon oxynitride, or may include a metal film with a guaranteed light transmittance. At the same time, the barrier layers BFL1 and BFL2 may also include an organic film. The barrier layers BFL1 and BFL2 may be provided in a single layer or multiple layers.

[0146] The step compensation layer SCL may be located between the base layer SUB1 and the base substrate SUB2 to overlap the non-display area NDA. The step compensation layer SCL may compensate for a step formed under the light control member LCM between a region where the color filter layer CFL is disposed and a region where the color filter layer CFL is not disposed. Figure 4A , there may be an area in which the color filter layer CFL is not disposed in the non-display area NDA under the light control member LCM. Therefore, a step may be formed under the light control member LCM between the display area DA and the non-display area NDA to correspond to the thickness CFT of the color filter layer CFL. The step compensation layer SCL may be positioned to correspond to the area in which the color filter layer CFL is not disposed. The step compensation layer SCL may have a thickness corresponding to the thickness CFT of the color filter layer CFL in at least some areas of the color filter layer CFL.

[0147] Reference Figure 4B , the step compensation layer SCL may include a first portion P1 and a second portion P2. The first portion P1 may include a 1-1 portion P1-1 and a 1-2 portion P1-2.

[0148] The first-1 portion P1-1, the second portion P2, and the first-2 portion P1-2 may correspond to the first thickness t1, the second thickness t2, and the third thickness t3, respectively. In this specification, the thickness of the corresponding portion may refer to the average thickness of the corresponding portion. For example, Figure 4B It is shown that the first portion P1-1, the second portion P2, and the first portion P1-2 have constant first thickness t1, second thickness t2, and third thickness t3, respectively, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The first thickness t1, the second thickness t2, and the third thickness t3 may represent the average thickness of the first portion P1-1, the second portion P2, and the first portion P1-2, respectively.

[0149] The first thickness t1 may be the same as the third thickness t3. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first thickness t1 and the third thickness t3 may be different from each other within a range in which visibility of the sealing member SL does not increase.

[0150] Reference Figure 4B , the first thickness t1 and the third thickness t3 may have a value greater than that of the second thickness t2. Since the step compensation layer SCL includes the portions P1-1, P2, and P1-2 having different thicknesses, a groove GR may be defined in the step compensation layer SCL. The groove GR may correspond to a recessed portion or groove formed in a lower portion of the step compensation layer SCL. An inner surface of the step compensation layer SCL defining the groove GR may be covered by the first barrier layer BFL1. A portion of the sealing member SL may be located inside the groove GR covered by the first barrier layer BFL1.

[0151] The groove thickness t_GR may be defined as the difference between the first thickness t1 and the second thickness t2. As the groove thickness t_GR increases, the volume of the sealing member SL accommodated by the groove GR may increase. If the second thickness t2 or the first thickness t1 is adjusted, the groove thickness t_GR may also be adjusted accordingly.

[0152] According to the present disclosure, the step compensation layer SCL compensates for the step formed in the region where the color filter layer CFL is not disposed, and the display panel DP and the light control member LCM are stably combined with each other. Therefore, the intrusion of external moisture / oxygen into the display device DD through the sealing member SL can be reduced or prevented. Therefore, a display device DD with improved reliability can be provided.

[0153] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, since the color filter layer CFL is not located in the non-display area NDA, transparency in the non-display area NDA may be ensured.

[0154] Since the sealing member SL has a transmittance of less than 100%, the sealing member SL may be visible from the outside. However, since the second thickness t2 is smaller than the thicknesses of the first thickness t1 and the third thickness t3, the second portion P2 of the step compensation layer SCL has a transmittance higher than the transmittances of the 1-1 portion P1-1 and the 1-2 portion P1-2 of the step compensation layer SCL. Therefore, inside and outside the region where the sealing member SL overlaps the step compensation layer SCL, the deviation of the transmittance of the light beam passing through the display device DD is reduced. Therefore, the problem in which the sealing member SL is visible outside / visible from the outside can be solved.

[0155] As the thickness of the step compensation layer SCL increases, the transmittance of the light beam passing through the step compensation layer SCL decreases. As the content of titanium dioxide contained in the step compensation layer SCL increases, the transmittance of the light beam passing through the step compensation layer SCL decreases. Therefore, when the thickness of the step compensation layer SCL is adjusted, and when the content of titanium dioxide in the step compensation layer SCL is adjusted, the degree to which the sealing member SL is visible from the outside can be changed. Therefore, it is appropriate to appropriately adjust the thickness of the step compensation layer SCL and the content of titanium dioxide thereof, which will be referred to below. Fig. 6A And Tables 1 to 4 are described in detail.

[0156] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5G is a cross-sectional view illustrating operations of a method of manufacturing a display device according to one or more embodiments. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5F In the embodiment, for the convenience of description, the base substrate SUB2 is located at the lowermost end, and is included in the display device DD (see Figure 4A ) except the base substrate SUB2 is stacked in the third direction DR3. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5F Description, then in Figure 4A and Figure 4B Components described as being placed “under” the base substrate SUB2 will be described as being “on” the base substrate SUB2.

[0157] Will refer to Figure 5A The operation of providing the initial light control member P-LCM is described. Figure 3 ) in the process of forming the first barrier layer BFL1 (see Figure 4A ) corresponds to the light control component LCM in the state before.

[0158] In with Figure 5A The initial light control member P-LCM provided in the corresponding operation may include a base substrate SUB2, filters CF1, CF2 and CF3, a low refractive index layer LR, a second barrier layer BFL2, a bank BK, a second light controller CCP2 and a third light controller CCP3 (see Figure 4A ). The components included in the initial light control member P-LCM are the same as those included in the light control member LCM (see Figure 3 ) in the drawings, and therefore its repeated description will be omitted.

[0159] Will refer to Figure 5B An operation of forming a coating layer CT including an organic material having scatterers dispersed therein on the preliminary light control member P-LCM is described.

[0160] The photoresist used in the operation of forming the coating layer CT may be the same as that constituting the first light controller CCP1 (see Figure 4A ) of the same material. Therefore, the photoresist may include a scatterer SP (see Figure 4A ) and the first matrix resin BR1 (see Figure 4A ). For example, the scatterer SP may include titanium dioxide.

[0161] The material constituting the first light controller CCP1 does not include quantum dots QD1 and QD2 (see Figure 4A ). In the light controllers CCP1, CCP2 and CCP3 (see Figure 4A ), quantum dots QD1 and QD2 are relatively expensive. Therefore, the same material as that constituting the first light controller CCP1 can be used as the photoresist instead of the material constituting the second light controller CCP2 and the third light controller CCP3, thereby ensuring relatively high economic efficiency.

[0162] Will refer to Figure 5C and Figure 5D The operation of placing a mask MK including a semi-transmission portion HPP in a portion corresponding to the non-display area NDA on the initial light control member P-LCM and forming a step compensation layer SCL overlapping the non-display area NDA by etching a portion of the photoresist coating layer CT (see Figure 4A ) operation. For ease of description, it is assumed that Figure 5C and Figure 5D However, this is only an example, and if the shape of the mask MK is changed, a positive photoresist process can also be performed.

[0163] The mask MK may include a transmission part MK-OP that completely transmits the light beam, a light blocking part that completely blocks the light beam, and a semi-transmission part HPP that transmits only a portion of the light beam. For example, the semi-transmission part HPP may include a halftone pattern.

[0164] The mask MK may be located on the preliminary light control member P-LCM, and the mask MK may be irradiated with a light beam. For example, the light beam may correspond to an ultraviolet UV beam.

[0165] The solubility of a portion of the coating CT overlapping the transmission portion MK-OP of the mask MK may be reduced. The solubility of a portion of the coating CT overlapping the semi-transmission portion HPP of the mask MK may be reduced. However, the amount of reduction in solubility of the portion of the coating CT overlapping the semi-transmission portion HPP of the mask MK may be smaller than the amount of reduction in solubility of another portion of the coating CT overlapping the transmission portion MK-OP of the mask MK.

[0166] Therefore, the step compensation layer SCL includes a 1-1 portion P1-1 having a first thickness t1, a second portion P2 having a second thickness t2, and a 1-2 portion P1-2 having a third thickness t3. A portion of the coating CT overlapping the transmission portion MK-OP of the mask MK corresponds to the first portions P1-1 and P1-2 in the step compensation layer SCL. A portion of the coating CT overlapping the semi-transmission portion HPP of the mask MK corresponds to the second portion P2 having the second thickness t2 in the step compensation layer SCL.

[0167] The solubility reduction of the portion of the coating CT overlapping the semi-transmission part HPP of the mask MK may be smaller than the solubility reduction of the other portion of the coating CT overlapping the transmission part MK-OP of the mask MK. Therefore, the second thickness t2 may be smaller than the first thickness t1 and the third thickness t3.

[0168] Figure 5D It is shown that the first portion P1 is divided into the 1-1 portion P1-1 and the 1-2 portion P1-2, and the second portion P2 is located between the 1-1 portion P1-1 and the 1-2 portion P1-2. However, this is only an example, and the position of the second portion P2 inside the step compensation layer SCL can be adjusted by adjusting the width of the 1-1 portion P1-1 or the 1-2 portion P1-2.

[0169] Since the step compensation layer SCL includes the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 having different thicknesses, a groove GR may be defined in the step compensation layer SCL. The groove GR may accommodate the sealing member SL (see FIG. Figure 4A ). Therefore, the sealing member SL may at least partially overlap the second portion P2, and a width of the second portion P2 in one direction is greater than or substantially equal to a width of the sealing member SL in the one direction.

[0170] Reference Figure 5C and Figure 5D , the operation of forming the step compensation layer SCL overlapping the non-display area NDA by etching a portion of the coating layer CT may be performed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously with the operation of forming the first light controller CCP1 overlapping the display area DA by etching another portion of the coating layer CT. That is, in one process, the step compensation layer SCL and the first light controller CCP1 may be formed using one mask MK, so the process may be simplified and the cost may be reduced.

[0171] Thereafter, reference will be made to Figure 5E A process of forming the first barrier layer BFL1 on the preliminary light control member P-LCM is described.

[0172] The first barrier layer BFL1 may be used to reduce or prevent the intrusion of moisture / oxygen. The first barrier layer BFL1 may be located on the initial light control member P-LCM and may reduce or prevent the light controllers CCP1, CCP2 and CCP3 (see Figure 4A) and the step compensation layer SCL are exposed to moisture / oxygen. The first barrier layer BFL1 may include at least one inorganic layer. That is, the first barrier layer BFL1 may include an inorganic material. For example, the first barrier layer BFL1 may be made of silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, zirconium nitride, titanium nitride, hafnium nitride, tantalum nitride, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tin oxide, cerium oxide and / or silicon oxynitride, or may include a metal film with a guaranteed light transmittance. At the same time, the first barrier layer BFL1 may also include an organic film. The first barrier layer BFL1 may be provided in a single layer or multiple layers. The light control member LCM may be defined by forming the first barrier layer BFL1 on the initial light control member P-LCM.

[0173] Afterwards, refer to Fig. 5F , a process of bonding the light control member LCM and the display panel DP can be performed. Figure 5G , the display device DD may be manufactured by filling the filling member FL and by forming the sealing member SL between the light control member LCM and the display panel DP.

[0174] The display panel DP may include a base layer SUB1 (see Figure 4A ), circuit layer DP-CL (see Figure 4A ), display element layer DP-OL (see Figure 3 ) and encapsulation layer TFE (see Figure 3 ). The substrate layer SUB1, the circuit layer DP-CL, the display element layer DP-OL and the encapsulation layer TFE are similar to the reference Figure 3 and Figure 4A Those described correspond, and their repeated description will be omitted.

[0175] If the display panel DP is located on the light control member LCM, and if the spacing distance between the display panel DP and the light control member LCM is narrowed, the empty space between the display panel DP and the light control member LCM may be filled with a filling member FL. The filling member FL may include silicone resin, epoxy resin, or acrylic thermosetting material. However, the material of the filling member FL is not limited to the above examples.

[0176] In addition, a sealing member SL overlapping the non-display area NDA may be formed between the display panel DP and the light control member LCM. The sealing member SL at least partially overlaps the second portion P2. The sealing member SL is used to fix the display panel DP and the light control member LCM so that the display panel DP and the light control member LCM are spaced apart from each other by a distance (e.g., a predetermined distance), and to reduce or prevent the intrusion of external oxygen or moisture.

[0177] Fig. 6A is a graph showing light transmittance of a step compensation layer according to one or more embodiments. Figure 6Bis a cross-sectional view showing a display device and a light beam passing through the display device. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B Description of the step compensation layer SCL (see Figure 4A ) and the transmittance of the titanium dioxide content and the thickness of the step compensation layer SCL.

[0178] Since titanium dioxide is a scattering material, the light beam passing through titanium dioxide is scattered. Therefore, it can be seen that as the content of titanium dioxide included in the step compensation layer SCL increases, the light transmittance decreases.

[0179] In addition, as the thickness of the step compensation layer SCL increases, Figure 4A ) also increases the probability that the light beam passes through titanium dioxide. Therefore, it can be seen that as the thickness of the step compensation layer SCL increases, the transmittance decreases.

[0180] If there is a deviation between the transmittance values ​​of the first portion P1 of the step compensation layer SCL, the second portion P2 of the step compensation layer SCL, and the display area DA, a visibility problem may occur for a user using the display device DD. For example, a portion of the display device DD having a low transmittance may be visually recognized as dark. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the deviation between the transmittance values ​​of the first portion P1 of the step compensation layer SCL, the second portion P2 of the step compensation layer SCL, and the display area DA may be reduced by adjusting the thickness of the step compensation layer SCL and / or by adjusting the content of titanium dioxide included in the step compensation layer SCL. Typically, the transmittance in the display area DA is 40% or more.

[0181] For example, the step compensation layer SCL may have a thickness in the range of about 3 μm to about 12 μm. The step compensation layer SCL may include about 2 wt % to about 7 wt % of titanium dioxide based on the total weight of the step compensation layer SCL. However, the thickness of the step compensation layer SCL and the content of titanium dioxide may be appropriately adjusted within a range in which a dark portion of the display device DD (a portion of the display device DD having a low light transmittance) is reduced or prevented from being visually recognized. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0182] Table 1

[0183]

[0184] Table 2

[0185]

[0186] Table 3

[0187]

[0188] Table 4

[0189]

[0190] In Tables 1 to 4, the first region A-P1 means that there is a 1-1 portion P1-1 (see Figure 4B ) of the display device DD (see Figure 4A ) position. The second region A-P2 means that there is a second portion P2 (see Figure 4B ) of the display device DD (see Figure 4A )’s location.

[0191] The first transmitted light beam L-P1 means a light beam passing through the first area A-P1. The second transmitted light beam L-P2 means a light beam passing through the second area A-P2. The display area transmitted light beam L-DA means a light beam passing through the display area DA.

[0192] In Tables 1 to 4, if the step compensation layer SCL does not exist in the display device DD, the transmittance ① of the components other than the step compensation layer is defined as the transmittance of the light beam passing through the corresponding region. In a state where the transmittance of the first region A-P1 is set to 100%, a relative value compared based on the ratio is described as the transmittance ① of the components other than the step compensation layer.

[0193] In Tables 1 to 4, the transmittance ② of the step compensation layer is defined as the transmittance of a light beam passing through a corresponding region of the step compensation layer SCL.

[0194] In Tables 1 to 4, final transmittance ①×② is defined as the transmittance when a light beam passing through a corresponding region passes through the step compensation layer and all components other than the step compensation layer. The final transmittance ①×② can be derived as a value obtained by multiplying the transmittance ① of the components other than the step compensation layer by the transmittance ② of the step compensation layer.

[0195] In addition, in Tables 1 to 4, the transmittance may represent an average transmittance at a corresponding position.

[0196] If the difference between the transmittances of the transmitted light beams L-P1, L-P2, and L-DA is greater than about 10%, if the display device DD is viewed from the outside, the portion with low transmittance may be visually recognized as dark. If the difference between the transmittances of the transmitted light beams L-P1, L-P2, and L-DA is not greater than about 10%, visibility is improved.

[0197] Table 1 shows the transmittance in one or more embodiments, wherein the step compensation layer SCL contains about 2 wt% of titanium dioxide based on the total weight of the step compensation layer SCL. If the step compensation layer SCL is not present, the transmittance in the first area A-P1 corresponds to 100%. If the step compensation layer SCL is not present, the transmittance in the second area A-P2 corresponds to about 70%. Because there is a sealing member SL overlapping the second area A-P2 in the second area A-P2, the second area A-P2 has a relatively low transmittance compared to the first area A-P1. Therefore, if the step compensation layer SCL is not present, the second area A-P2 can be visually identified as darker than the first area A-P1.

[0198] In one or more embodiments in which the thickness of the first portion P1 of the step compensation layer SCL corresponds to about 15 μm and the thickness of the second portion P2 of the step compensation layer SCL is about 6 μm, the transmittance of the first-1 portion P1-1 of the step compensation layer SCL is about 60%, and the transmittance of the second portion P2 of the step compensation layer SCL corresponds to about 75%. In this case, the final transmittance of the first area A-P1 is about 60%, and the final transmittance of the second area A-P2 is about 53%. Therefore, the difference between the final transmittance of the first area A-P1 and the final transmittance of the second area A-P2 is about 7%, and thus, by applying the present disclosure, the visibility of the display device DD is improved.

[0199] Table 2 shows the transmittance in one or more embodiments, wherein the step compensation layer SCL contains about 2 wt% of titanium dioxide based on the total weight of the step compensation layer SCL. If the step compensation layer SCL is not present, the transmittance in the first area A-P1 corresponds to 100%. If the step compensation layer SCL is not present, the transmittance in the second area A-P2 corresponds to about 70%. Because there is a sealing member SL overlapping the second area A-P2 in the second area A-P2, the second area A-P2 has a relatively low transmittance compared to the first area A-P1. Therefore, if the step compensation layer SCL is not present, the second area A-P2 can be visually identified as darker than the first area A-P1.

[0200] In one or more embodiments in which the thickness of the first portion P1 of the step compensation layer SCL corresponds to about 15 μm and the thickness of the second portion P2 of the step compensation layer SCL is about 6 μm, the transmittance of the first-1 portion P1-1 of the step compensation layer SCL is about 50%, and the transmittance of the second portion P2 of the step compensation layer SCL corresponds to about 68%. In this case, the final transmittance of the first area A-P1 is about 50%, and the final transmittance of the second area A-P2 is about 48%. Therefore, the difference between the final transmittance of the first area A-P1 and the final transmittance of the second area A-P2 is about 2%, and thus, by applying the present disclosure, the visibility of the display device DD is improved.

[0201] Table 3 shows the transmittance in one or more embodiments, wherein the step compensation layer SCL contains about 7wt% of titanium dioxide based on the total weight of the step compensation layer SCL. If the step compensation layer SCL is not present, the transmittance in the first area A-P1 corresponds to 100%. If the step compensation layer SCL is not present, the transmittance in the second area A-P2 corresponds to about 80%. Unlike Tables 1 and 2, in Table 3, the transmittance of the second area A-P2 is increased by about 10%. This is because the transmittance of the sealing member SL is improved. Because there is a sealing member SL overlapping the second area A-P2 in the second area A-P2, the second area A-P2 has a relatively low transmittance compared to the first area A-P1. Therefore, if the step compensation layer SCL is not present, the second area A-P2 can be visually identified as darker than the first area A-P1.

[0202] In one or more embodiments in which the thickness of the first portion P1 of the step compensation layer SCL corresponds to about 7 μm and the thickness of the second portion P2 of the step compensation layer SCL is about 3 μm, the transmittance of the first-1 portion P1-1 of the step compensation layer SCL is about 52%, and the transmittance of the second portion P2 of the step compensation layer SCL corresponds to about 65%. In this case, the final transmittance of the first area A-P1 is about 52%, and the final transmittance of the second area A-P2 is about 52%. Therefore, the difference between the final transmittance of the first area A-P1 and the final transmittance of the second area A-P2 is about 0%, and thus, by applying the present disclosure, the visibility of the display device DD is improved.

[0203] Table 4 shows the transmittance in one or more embodiments, wherein the step compensation layer SCL contains about 7wt% of titanium dioxide based on the total weight of the step compensation layer SCL. If the step compensation layer SCL is not present, the transmittance in the first area A-P1 corresponds to 100%. If the step compensation layer SCL is not present, the transmittance in the second area A-P2 corresponds to about 80%. Unlike Tables 1 and 2, in Table 4, the transmittance of the second area A-P2 is increased by about 10%. This is because the transmittance of the sealing member SL is improved. Because there is a sealing member SL overlapping the second area A-P2 in the second area A-P2, the second area A-P2 has a relatively low transmittance compared to the first area A-P1. Therefore, if the step compensation layer SCL is not present, the second area A-P2 can be visually identified as darker than the first area A-P1.

[0204] In one or more embodiments in which the thickness of the first portion P1 of the step compensation layer SCL corresponds to about 12 μm and the thickness of the second portion P2 of the step compensation layer SCL is about 6 μm, the transmittance of the first-1 portion P1-1 of the step compensation layer SCL is about 55%, and the transmittance of the second portion P2 of the step compensation layer SCL corresponds to about 68%. In this case, the final transmittance of the first area A-P1 is about 55%, and the final transmittance of the second area A-P2 is about 54%. Therefore, the difference between the final transmittance of the first area A-P1 and the final transmittance of the second area A-P2 is about 1%, and thus, by applying the present disclosure, the visibility of the display device DD is improved.

[0205] Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional view illustrating operations of a method of manufacturing a display device according to one or more embodiments. Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to one or more embodiments. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B Embodiments of the present disclosure in which a column spacer CS and a method of manufacturing the column spacer CS are included are described.

[0206] The display device DD-1 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a display panel DP (see Figure 3 ), light control component LCM (see Figure 3 ), a sealing member SL and a filling member FL between the display panel DP and the light control member LCM. The display device DD-1 according to one or more embodiments may be manufactured by combining the display panel DP and the light control member LCM through a bonding process.

[0207] Display panel DP (see Figure 3 ) may include a substrate layer SUB1, a circuit layer DP-CL, a display element layer DP-OL (see Figure 3 ) and encapsulation layer TFE (see Figure 3 ).

[0208] The light control member LCM may include a first light control member LCM-L1, a second light control member LCM-L2a, and a base substrate SUB2. The first light control member LCM-L1 may include a low refractive index layer LR and a color filter layer CFL. The second light control member LCM-L2a may include a first barrier layer BFL1, a dam BK, a step compensation layer SCL, a column spacer CS, a light control layer CCL, and a second barrier layer BFL2. The components of the display device DD-1 that are similar to the display device DD (see FIG. 2 ) are described using the same / similar reference numerals. Figure 4A ) corresponding components, and their repeated description will be omitted.

[0209] The column spacer CS may be located on the bank BK between the light control member LCM and the display panel DP. That is, the column spacer CS may be located on the display element layer DP-OL (see FIG. Figure 3 ) and the bank BK. The column spacer CS may overlap the non-light emitting area NPXA. The column spacer CS allows a certain separation space to be formed between the light control member LCM and the display panel DP.

[0210] The column spacer CS may not be located on the entire bank BK, and may be located at a constant density within a range where the column spacer CS and the light control member LCM are spaced apart from each other. For example, the column spacer CS may be positioned to overlap (e.g., on average) one non-luminous region NPXA among 10 non-luminous regions NPXA. In this case, the bank BK includes a portion where the column spacer CS is provided and a portion where the column spacer CS is not provided.

[0211] In order to manufacture the display device DD-1 including the column spacer CS, the following steps may be performed: FIG. 5A to FIG. 5F However, it is possible to perform the operation using a mask MK (see Figure 5C ) Different shapes of masks are used to etch the initial light control member P-LCM (see Figure 5C ) coating CT (see Figure 5C That is, the process of forming the column spacer CS overlapping the display area DA and the non-light emitting area NPXA may include the process of forming the column spacer CS overlapping the display area DA and the non-light emitting area NPXA. Fig. 7A correspond.

[0212] The column spacer CS, the first light controller CCP1, and the step compensation layer SCL can be formed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously by etching the coating layer CT. That is, the operation of forming the column spacer CS and the operation of forming the step compensation layer SCL can be formed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. Therefore, the column spacer CS, the first light controller CCP1, and the step compensation layer SCL can be formed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously using one type of mask. Therefore, the process can be simplified and the economic benefit can be improved.

[0213] The column spacer CS, the first light controller CCP1, and the step compensation layer SCL may include the same material. For example, the column spacer CS, the first light controller CCP1, and the step compensation layer SCL may include a scatterer SP and a first matrix resin BR1 constituting the first light controller CCP1. Therefore, the column spacer CS, the first light controller CCP1, and the step compensation layer SCL do not include quantum dots QD1 and QD2, and thus economic efficiency may be ensured compared to a case where quantum dots QD1 and QD2 are included.

[0214] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to one or more embodiments. Figure 8 One or more embodiments of the present disclosure in which the dummy pattern DM is included are described.

[0215] The display device DD-2 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a display panel DP (see Figure 3 ), light control component LCM (see Figure 3 ), a sealing member SL and a filling member FL between the display panel DP and the light control member LCM. The display device DD-2 according to one or more embodiments may be manufactured by combining the display panel DP and the light control member LCM through a bonding process.

[0216] The display panel DP may include a base layer SUB1, a circuit layer DP-CL, a display element layer DP-OL (see Figure 3 ) and encapsulation layer TFE (see Figure 3 ).

[0217] The light control member LCM may include a first light control member LCM-L1, a second light control member LCM-L2b, and a base substrate SUB2. The first light control member LCM-L1 may include a low refractive index layer LR and a color filter layer CFL. The second light control member LCM-L2b may include a first barrier layer BFL1, a bank BK-1, a step compensation layer SCL, a dummy pattern DM, a light control layer CCL, and a second barrier layer BFL2. The components of the display device DD-2 that are similar to the display device DD (see FIG. 2 ) are described using the same / similar reference numerals. Figure 4A ) corresponding components, and their repeated description will be omitted.

[0218] The dummy pattern DM may be located between the color filter layer CFL and the display element layer DP-OL. The dummy pattern DM is used to reduce or prevent degradation of the reliability of the display device DD-2 due to substances such as moisture / oxygen intruding into the display device DD-2 from the outside and then further intruding into the first light controller CCP1, the second light controller CCP2, and the third light controller CCP3. Figure 8 One dummy pattern DM is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a plurality of dummy patterns DM may be provided.

[0219] The dummy pattern DM may include the same material as that of the bank BK-1. Therefore, the dummy pattern DM may be a black matrix. The dummy pattern DM may include an organic light blocking material or an inorganic light blocking material including a black pigment or a black dye.

[0220] The dummy pattern DM may include an opening DM-OP therein. The filling member FL may fill the dummy pattern opening DM-OP in a process of filling the light control member LCM and the display panel DP. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the opening DM-OP of the dummy pattern DM may include the same material as that of the first light controller CCP1.

[0221] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a step compensation layer including a groove is formed at a location where a sealing member is provided, thereby solving the problem of visually recognizing the sealing member from the outside. In addition, the step compensation layer can be easily formed in a process of manufacturing a display device.

[0222] Although the above description has been made with reference to one or more embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention by a person skilled in the art or a person having common knowledge in the art without departing from the spirit and technical scope of the present invention as described in the appended claims.

[0223] Therefore, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the detailed description of the specification, but should be defined by the appended claims which include functional equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A substrate layer, comprising a display area and a non-display area adjacent to the display area; a display element layer, comprising a first light emitting element, a second light emitting element and a third light emitting element above the base layer and overlapping the display area; a light control layer, which is above the display element layer and includes a first light controller, a second light controller, and a third light controller, which are respectively overlapped with the first light emitting element, the second light emitting element, and the third light emitting element; a color filter layer above the light control layer and overlapping the display area; a step compensation layer, over the base layer, overlapping the non-display area, including the same material as that of the first light controller, and including a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness smaller than the first thickness; as well as A sealing member is between the base layer and the step compensation layer, overlaps the non-display area, and overlaps the second portion.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The second portion contacts the sealing member.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: A width of the second portion in one direction is greater than or equal to a width of the sealing member in the one direction.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first light controller and the step compensation layer include an organic material in which titanium dioxide is dispersed.

5. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a bank over the display element layer and defining a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening, in, The first light controller, the second light controller, and the third light controller correspond to the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening, respectively. 6 . The display device according to claim 5 , further comprising a column spacer between the display element layer and the bank.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The column spacer includes a same material as the first light controller.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The step compensation layer and the sealing member have light transmittance.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first light emitting element, the second light emitting element and the third light emitting element provide source light beams respectively. wherein the second light controller comprises a first quantum dot configured to convert at least a portion of the source light beam from the second light emitting element into a light beam having a first color, and The third light controller includes a second quantum dot, and the second quantum dot is configured to convert at least a portion of the source light beam from the third light emitting element into a light beam having a second color different from the first color. 10 . The display device of claim 1 , further comprising a base substrate over the step compensation layer and the color filter layer.

11. The display device according to claim 10 further comprises a low refractive index layer, wherein the low refractive index layer is partially between the color filter layer and the light control layer and partially between the base substrate and the step compensation layer while contacting a lower surface of the base substrate.

12. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a barrier layer partially under the light control layer to cover a lower side of the light control layer and partially under the step compensation layer to cover a lower side of the step compensation layer and contact the sealing member.

13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The color filter layer is spaced apart from the non-display area in a plan view.

14. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The step compensation layer further includes a third portion, the third portion is spaced apart from the first portion, the second portion is interposed between the third portion and the first portion, and the third portion has a third thickness greater than the second thickness, and The first portion, the second portion and the third portion jointly define a groove.

15. A display device, comprising: A substrate layer, comprising a display area and a non-display area adjacent to the display area; a display element layer, which is above the base layer and includes a first light emitting element, a second light emitting element, and a third light emitting element overlapping the display area; a light control layer, which is above the display element layer and includes a first light controller, a second light controller, and a third light controller, which are respectively overlapped with the first light emitting element, the second light emitting element, and the third light emitting element; a color filter layer, overlapping the display area above the light control layer; a step compensation layer, overlapping the non-display area above the base layer; as well as a sealing member, overlapping the non-display area between the base layer and the step compensation layer, In a plan view, a second light transmittance of a second region overlapping the sealing member is smaller than a first light transmittance of a first region spaced apart from the sealing member.

16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein: A difference between the second light transmittance and the first light transmittance is 10% or less.

17. The display device according to claim 15, wherein: The light transmittance in the display area is 40% or more.

18. The display device according to claim 15, wherein: The step compensation layer includes 2 wt % to 7 wt % of titanium dioxide based on the total weight of the step compensation layer, and Wherein, the step compensation layer has a thickness in the range of 3 μm to 12 μm. 19 . The display device according to claim 15 , further comprising a dummy pattern between the color filter layer and the display element layer.

20. A method for manufacturing a display device, the method comprising: Providing an initial light control member, the initial light control member comprising a base substrate and a color filter layer, the base substrate comprising a display area and a non-display area adjacent to the display area, the color filter layer overlapping the display area above the base substrate; forming a coating layer including an organic material having scatterers dispersed therein over the initial light control member; as well as A portion of the coating layer is etched to form a step compensation layer including a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness smaller than the first thickness and overlapping the non-display area.

21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: A mask is disposed over the preliminary light control member, the mask including a semi-transmissive area in a portion corresponding to the non-display area.

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein: The initial light-controlling member further includes a first light controller, a second light controller, and a third light controller overlapped with the display area and disposed on the color filter layer.

23. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: A first light controller overlapping the display area is formed by etching another portion of the coating layer simultaneously or substantially simultaneously with etching the portion of the coating layer to form the step compensation layer.

24. The method according to claim 20, wherein: The initial light-control member further includes a bank over the color filter layer and defining a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening corresponding to the first light controller, the second light controller, and the third light controller, respectively, and The method further includes: forming a column spacer on the bank and overlapping the display area by etching another portion of the coating layer simultaneously or substantially simultaneously with etching the portion of the coating layer to form the step compensation layer.

25. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: disposing the initial light control member on which the step compensation layer is formed on a display panel, the display panel including a base layer and a display element layer above the base layer; as well as A sealing member overlapping the second portion is formed between the display panel and the step compensation layer.

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