Light-emitting display device

Abstract

A light emitting display device according to the present disclosure includes: a lower anode electrode on a substrate; a first pixel defining layer covering a middle region of the lower anode electrode and exposing a circumferential region of the lower anode electrode; an anode electrode covering a top surface of the first pixel defining layer and connected to a circumferential region of the lower anode electrode; a second pixel defining layer exposing a top surface of the anode electrode and covering a sidewall surface of the anode electrode; a trench formed on the second pixel defining layer and disposed around the anode electrode; an emission layer on the anode electrode; and a cathode electrode, the cathode electrode being on the emission layer.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0113686, filed on August 29, 2023, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference into this application for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a device, and more particularly, but not limited to, a light emitting display device. Background Art

[0004] In a light-emitting display device, a structure has been proposed to solve the short-circuit problem between pixels by arranging a partition around the pixel. However, for ultra-high resolutions such as 4,000 PPI (pixels per inch; 4K PPI) or higher, it is difficult to achieve a high-resolution structure due to the partition. In the case of ultra-high resolution, leakage current may occur because the distance between pixels is close. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a structure for a light-emitting display device such as an ultra-high resolution light-emitting display device that can eliminate horizontal leakage current when the pixel pitch becomes narrower.

[0005] The description of related art should not be considered as prior art simply because it is mentioned in this section or is related to this section. The description of related art includes information describing one or more aspects of the subject technology, and the description in this section does not limit the present invention. Summary of the invention

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a 4K or higher ultra-high-resolution light-emitting display device with improved display quality.

[0007] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may be directed to providing an ultra-high-resolution light-emitting display device that solves the short-circuit problem between adjacent pixels without using a dam.

[0008] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may be directed to providing a light-emitting display device having a high aperture ratio and excellent light-emitting efficiency even in an ultra-high resolution structure of 4K or higher with a small pixel size.

[0009] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may be directed to providing a light-emitting display device that achieves ultra-high resolution and prevents horizontal leakage current between pixels even when a gap between adjacent pixels is narrowed.

[0010] To achieve these and other advantages of the present disclosure, a light-emitting display device according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure includes: a lower anode electrode, the lower anode electrode being on a substrate; a first pixel defining layer, the first pixel defining layer covering a middle region of the lower anode electrode and exposing a circumferential region of the lower anode electrode; an anode electrode, the anode electrode covering a top surface of the first pixel defining layer and connected to the circumferential region of the lower anode electrode; a second pixel defining layer, the second pixel defining layer exposing a top surface of the anode electrode and covering a sidewall surface of the anode electrode; a groove, the groove being formed at the second pixel defining layer and disposed around the anode electrode; an emission layer, the emission layer being on the anode electrode; and a cathode electrode, the cathode electrode being on the emission layer.

[0011] In example embodiments, a top surface of the second pixel defining layer is disposed at the same horizontal plane as a top surface of the anode electrode.

[0012] In example embodiments, the light emitting display device further includes an emission region defined by a portion of the anode electrode, the portion of the anode electrode not covered by the second pixel defining layer.

[0013] In example embodiments, an end portion of the anode electrode contacts an end portion of the lower anode electrode.

[0014] In example embodiments, an end portion of the anode electrode is bent to be in surface contact with a circumferential top surface of the lower anode electrode.

[0015] In example embodiments, a top surface of the second pixel defining layer is disposed at a plane lower than a top surface of the anode electrode.

[0016] In example embodiments, a top surface of the second pixel defining layer is disposed at the same plane as a top surface of the anode electrode.

[0017] In example embodiments, a cross-sectional shape of the first pixel defining layer is a rectangular shape including: a bottom surface in contact with the lower anode electrode surface; and a top surface and sidewall surfaces in contact with the anode electrode surface.

[0018] In example embodiments, the first pixel defining layer includes an upper edge corner having a curved shape, and the top surface and the sidewall surface of the first pixel defining layer intersect at the curved shape.

[0019] In example embodiments, the anode electrode is deposited (or disposed) on the first pixel defining layer in a curved shape at the upper edge corner of the first pixel defining layer.

[0020] In addition, the light-emitting display device according to the contents of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of pixels, the plurality of pixels are on a substrate; a plurality of anode electrodes, each of the plurality of anode electrodes is arranged at a corresponding pixel among the plurality of pixels; a first pixel defining layer, the first pixel defining layer is between the plurality of anode electrodes; a groove, the groove is formed at a middle portion of the first pixel defining layer; an emission layer, the emission layer is deposited (or arranged) on the plurality of anode electrodes and the first pixel defining layer, and the emission layer is separated by the groove between the plurality of anode electrodes; and a cathode electrode, the cathode electrode is arranged on the emission layer, the cathode electrode extends over all the plurality of pixels and over the groove.

[0021] In example embodiments, a top surface of the first pixel defining layer is disposed at the same plane as a top surface of an anode electrode among the plurality of anode electrodes.

[0022] In example embodiments, the light emitting display device further includes an emission region defined by a region of an anode electrode among the plurality of anode electrodes, the region not covered by the first pixel defining layer.

[0023] In example embodiments, a top surface of the first pixel defining layer is disposed at a plane having a height lower than a top surface of an anode electrode among the plurality of anode electrodes by a thickness of the anode electrode.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of anode electrodes includes: a lower anode electrode; a second pixel defining layer covering a middle region of the lower anode electrode and exposing a circumferential region of the lower anode electrode; and an upper anode electrode covering a top surface of the second pixel defining layer and connected to the circumferential region of the lower anode electrode exposed by the second pixel defining layer.

[0025] In example embodiments, a cross-sectional shape of the second pixel defining layer is a rectangular shape including: a bottom surface in contact with the lower anode electrode surface; and a top surface and sidewall surfaces in contact with the upper anode electrode surface.

[0026] In example embodiments, the second pixel defining layer includes an upper edge corner having a curved shape, and the top surface and the sidewall surface of the second pixel defining layer intersect at the curved shape.

[0027] In example embodiments, the upper anode electrode is deposited (or disposed) on the second pixel defining layer in a curved shape at the upper edge corner of the second pixel defining layer.

[0028] In example embodiments, a second pixel defining layer disposed at a first pixel among the plurality of pixels has a height different from a height of a second pixel defining layer disposed at another pixel of the plurality of pixels adjacent to the first pixel.

[0029] According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, a light-emitting display device includes: a lower anode electrode, which is arranged on a substrate, and the lower anode electrode has a central portion and a circumferential portion; an upper anode electrode, which is arranged on the lower anode electrode, and the upper anode electrode is in contact with the circumferential portion of the lower anode electrode; a first pixel defining layer, which is arranged between the lower anode electrode and the upper anode electrode, and the first pixel defining layer is located at least at the central portion of the lower anode electrode and does not cover the circumferential portion of the lower anode electrode; an emission layer on the upper anode electrode; and a cathode electrode on the emission layer.

[0030] In example embodiments, the light emitting display device further includes: a second pixel defining layer surrounding the upper anode electrode; and a groove surrounding the upper anode electrode.

[0031] The light-emitting display device according to the present disclosure has an ultra-high resolution structure of 4K or higher, which does not cause a short circuit problem between pixels without a bank.

[0032] The light emitting display device according to the present disclosure has a structure in which a lateral leakage current does not occur by including a groove for blocking or preventing a leakage current between adjacent pixels.

[0033] In the absence of a bank for covering the circumferential region of a pixel electrode, the light-emitting display device according to the present disclosure can use the entire region of the pixel electrode as a light-emitting region and has a structure with a high aperture ratio and excellent light-emitting efficiency.

[0034] The light-emitting display device according to the present disclosure may not cause a short circuit between pixels and may not generate a leakage current between pixels, and thus low-power driving is possible.

[0035] Other devices, methods, features, and advantages are described herein or will be apparent to one skilled in the art upon inspection of the drawings and detailed description herein. It is intended that all such devices, methods, features, and advantages be included within this specification, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the following claims. Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting the claims. Further aspects and advantages are discussed below in conjunction with the embodiments of the present disclosure. .

[0036] It is to be understood that both the foregoing description and the following description of the present disclosure are examples and are intended to provide further explanation of the present disclosure as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate aspects and embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain principles and examples of the disclosure.

[0038] Figure 1 is a plan view showing a schematic structure of a light emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 2 It shows that the setting Figure 1 An example of a circuit diagram showing the structure of one pixel in the display area is shown.

[0040] Figure 3 is an enlarged plan view showing a structure of four pixels sequentially disposed on a thin film transistor substrate of a light emitting display device according to the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along a cutting line II' in FIG. 1 is used to illustrate the structure of a light-emitting display device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line II' of FIG. 1 is used to illustrate the structure of a light-emitting display device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 6 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line II' of FIG. 1 is used to illustrate the structure of a light-emitting display device according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 7 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line II' of FIG. 1 is used to illustrate the structure of a light-emitting display device according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Throughout the drawings and detailed description, unless otherwise specified, the same drawing reference numerals should be understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures. The size, length, thickness, and description of layers, regions, and elements may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and / or convenience. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Reference is now made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, detailed descriptions of known methods, functions, structures, or configurations may be omitted for the sake of brevity when such detailed descriptions may unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present disclosure. In addition, repeated descriptions may be omitted for the sake of brevity. The described progression of processing steps and / or operations is a non-limiting example.

[0047] The order of steps and / or operations is not limited to that described herein, and may be changed to occur in an order different from that described herein, except for steps and / or operations that must occur in a specific order. In one or more examples, two operations in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously, or the two operations may be performed in a reverse order or in a different order depending on the functions or operations involved.

[0048] Unless otherwise noted, the same reference numerals may refer to the same elements even if they are shown in different figures. Unless otherwise noted, throughout the specification and drawings, the same reference numerals may be used to refer to the same or substantially the same elements. In one or more aspects, the same elements (or elements with the same names) in different figures may have the same or substantially the same functions and characteristics unless otherwise noted. The names of the various elements used in the following description are selected for convenience only and may therefore differ from the names used in the actual product.

[0049] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and its implementation methods will be explained by the following embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure can be sufficiently thorough and complete to help those skilled in the art fully understand the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the protected scope of the present disclosure is limited by the claims and their equivalents.

[0050] The shapes, dimensions (e.g., size, length, width, height, thickness, position, radius, diameter, and area), proportions, ratios, angles, quantities, number of elements, etc. disclosed herein, including those shown in the accompanying drawings, are merely examples, and therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the details shown.

[0051] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. In the specification, it should be noted that the same reference numerals that have been used to represent the same elements in other drawings are used for elements wherever possible. In the following description, when functions and configurations known to those skilled in the art are not related to the basic configuration of the present disclosure, their detailed description will be omitted. The terms described in the specification should be understood as follows.

[0052] In this specification, when the terms "comprising", "having", "including", "containing", "consisting of", "made of", "formed of", "composed of", etc. are used with respect to one or more elements (e.g., layers, films, regions, parts, sections, components, parts, zones, regions, portions, steps, operations, and / or the like), one or more other elements may be added unless terms such as "only" or the like are used. For the purpose of describing specific example embodiments, only the terms used in the present disclosure are used, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms described in the singular may include plural forms.

[0053] The word "exemplary" is used to mean serving as an example or illustration. An embodiment is an example embodiment. An aspect is an example aspect. "An embodiment," "an example," "an aspect," etc. should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Unless otherwise specified, an embodiment, an example, an example embodiment, an aspect, etc. may refer to one or more embodiments, one or more examples, one or more example embodiments, one or more aspects, etc. In addition, the word "may" includes all meanings of the word "can."

[0054] In one or more aspects, unless explicitly stated otherwise, elements, features, or corresponding information (eg, levels, ranges, dimensions, sizes, etc.) are interpreted as including an error or tolerance range even if an explicit description of the error or tolerance range is not provided.

[0055] In the description of various embodiments of the present disclosure, in the case of describing a positional relationship, for example, in the case of using any terms indicating position or positioning such as "on", "on top of", "above", "on top of", "above", "below", "over", "upper", "under", "lower", "under", "near", "near", "adjacent", "beside", "next", "at the side of or on the side of", etc. to describe the positional relationship between two elements (e.g., layers, films, regions, components, sections, members, parts, zones, parts and / or the like), one or more other elements may be located between the two elements, unless more restrictive terms such as "immediately next to", "directly" or "close to" are used. For example, when any of the foregoing terms are used to describe an element or another element, the description should be interpreted as including the case where the elements are in direct contact with each other and the case where one or more additional elements are set or inserted between them. In addition, spatially relative terms such as the aforementioned terms and other terms such as "front", "back", "back", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "downward", "upward", "up", "down", "column", "row", "vertical", "horizontal", "diagonal", etc. refer to any reference system. For example, these terms can be used for an exemplary understanding of the relative relationship between elements, including any correlation as shown in the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to or limited to this. Spatially relative terms should be understood as terms that include different orientations of elements in use or operation in addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings or described herein. For example, in the case where a lower element or an element positioned below another element is flipped, then the element can be referred to as an upper element or an element positioned above another element. Therefore, for example, the term "below" or "below" can include the term "above" or "above" in meaning. The example term "below" and the like can include all directions, including "below", "above", and diagonal directions. Similarly, the example term "above", "up", etc. can include all directions, including "above", "up", "below", and diagonal directions.

[0056] When describing a temporal relationship, when the time order is described as, for example, "after", "subsequently", "next", "before", "previous", "before...", etc., discontinuity or non-sequential situations may be included, so that one or more other events may occur between the two, unless more restrictive terms such as "just", "immediately" or "directly" are used.

[0057] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc. can be used herein to describe various elements (e.g., layers, films, regions, parts, sections, components, parts, regions, regions, parts, steps, operations and / or the like), these elements should not be limited by these terms, for example, not limited to any particular order, priority or quantity of elements. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first element can represent the second element, and similarly, the second element can represent the first element. In addition, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, according to the convenience of those skilled in the art, the first element, the second element, etc. can be arbitrarily named. For the sake of clarity, the function or structure of these elements (e.g., the first element, the second element, etc.) is not limited by the ordinal number or name in front of the element. In addition, the first element may include one or more first elements. Similarly, the second element, etc. may include one or more second elements, etc.

[0058] When describing various elements in the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a) and (b) can be used. These terms are only used to distinguish an element from another element, rather than to define the specific properties, order, sequence or quantity of an element. In the case where an element is described as "linked", "coupled" or "connected" to another element, unless otherwise stated, the element may be directly or indirectly connected to the other element. It should be understood that one or more additional elements can be "inserted" between two elements described as "linked", "connected" or "coupled" to each other.

[0059] The term "at least one" should be understood to include any and all combinations of one or more related listed items. For example, each of the phrases "at least one of the first item, the second item, or the third item" and "at least one of the first item, the second item, and the third item" can represent (i) a combination of items provided by two or more of the first item, the first item, and the second item, or (ii) only one of the first item, the second item, or the third item. In addition, at least one of a plurality of elements can represent (i) an element in a plurality of elements, (ii) some elements in a plurality of elements, or (iii) all elements of a plurality of elements. In addition, "at least some", "some", "some elements", "a part", "multiple parts", "at least a part", "at least multiple parts", "part", "at least a part", "multiple parts", "at least multiple parts", "one or more" etc. in a plurality of elements can represent (i) an element in a plurality of elements, (ii) a part of a plurality of elements, (iii) multiple parts of a plurality of elements, (iv) multiple elements of a plurality of elements, or (v) all of a plurality of elements. In addition, at least a portion (or part) of an element may mean (i) a portion (or part) of the element, (ii) one or more portions (or parts) of the element, or (iii) the element, or the entirety of the element. The phrase that a plurality of first elements are connected to a plurality of second elements may describe, for example, that at least a portion (or one or more first elements) of a plurality of first elements are connected to at least a portion (or one or more second elements) of a plurality of second elements.

[0060] The expression of the first element, the second element “and / or” the third element should be understood as one of the first, second and third elements or any or all combinations of the first, third and second elements. For example, A, B and / or C can refer to only A; only B; only C; any one of A, B and C (for example, A, B or C); some combination of A, B and C (for example, A and B; A and C; or B and C); or all of A, B and C. In addition, the expression “A / B” can be understood as A and / or B. For example, the expression “A / B” can refer to only A; only B; A or B; or A and B.

[0061] In one or more aspects, unless otherwise indicated, the terms "between" and "among" may be used interchangeably for convenience only. For example, the expression "between a plurality of elements" may be understood as among a plurality of elements. In another example, the expression "among a plurality of elements" may be understood as between a plurality of elements. In one or more examples, the number of elements may be two. In one or more examples, the number of elements may be more than two. In addition, when an element (e.g., a layer, film, region, component, section, member, part, region, zone, portion, etc.) is referred to as being "between" at least two elements, the element may be the only element between the at least two elements, or one or more intervening elements may also be present.

[0062] In one or more aspects, unless otherwise specified, the phrases "each other" and "each other" may be used interchangeably for convenience only. For example, the expression "different from each other" may be understood as different from each other. In another example, the expression "different from each other" may be understood as different from each other. In one or more examples, the number of elements involved in the foregoing statements may be two. In one or more examples, the number of elements involved in the foregoing statements may be more than two.

[0063] In one or more aspects, the phrases "one or more of" and "one or more" may be used interchangeably simply for convenience unless otherwise indicated.

[0064] The term "or" means an inclusive or, not an exclusive or. That is, unless the context indicates otherwise or makes it clear, the statement "x uses a or b" means any of the natural inclusive permutations. For example, "a or b" can mean "a", "b", or "a and b". For example, "a", "b", or "c" can mean "a", "b", "c", "a and b", "b and c", "a and c", or "a, b, and c".

[0065] The features of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be coupled or combined with each other in part or in whole, and may interoperate and be driven technically differently from each other, as can be fully understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be performed independently of each other, or may be performed together in a mutually dependent relationship.

[0066] Unless otherwise defined, the terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the example embodiments belong. It is further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless otherwise explicitly defined herein.

[0067] The terms used herein have been selected as common terms in the relevant technical field; however, other terms may exist according to the development and / or change of technology, convention, preference of technicians, etc. Therefore, the terms used herein should not be understood as limiting the technical ideas, but should be understood as examples of terms used to describe example embodiments.

[0068] In addition, in certain cases, the terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, their detailed meanings are described in this document. Therefore, the terms used in this document should be understood not only based on the term names, but also based on the meaning and content of the terms.

[0069] In the following description, various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The reference numerals for the elements of each drawing are the same.

[0070] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. The proportion of each element shown in the accompanying drawings may be different from the actual proportion, dimension, size and thickness, and therefore the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the proportion, dimension, size and thickness shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0071] Figure 1 1 is a plan view showing a schematic structure of a light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 In the figure, the X-axis refers to the direction parallel to the scan line, the Y-axis refers to the direction of the data line, and the Z-axis refers to the height direction of the display device.

[0072] refer to Figure 1 , the electroluminescent display includes a substrate 110 , a gate (or scan) driver 200 , a pad portion 300 , a source driver IC (Integrated Circuit) 410 , a flexible circuit film 430 , a circuit board 450 , and a timing controller 500 .

[0073] The substrate 110 may include an electrically insulating material or a flexible material. The substrate 110 may be made of glass, metal, or plastic, but is not limited thereto. When the light-emitting display device is a flexible display, the substrate 110 may be made of a flexible material such as plastic. For example, the substrate 110 may include a transparent polyimide material.

[0074] The substrate 110 may include a display area AA and a non-display area NDA. The display area AA, which is an area for representing a video image, may be defined as most of the middle area of ​​the substrate 110, but is not limited thereto. In the display area AA, a plurality of scan lines (or gate lines), a plurality of data lines, and a plurality of pixels may be provided. Each pixel may include a plurality of sub-pixels. Each sub-pixel may include a scan line SL extending parallel to the X-axis and a data line DL extending parallel to the Y-axis.

[0075] A non-display area NDA, which is an area not representing a video image, may be defined at a circumferential area of ​​the substrate 110 surrounding all or some of the display area AA. In the non-display area NDA, the gate driver 200 and the pad portion 300 may be formed or disposed.

[0076] The gate driver 200 may provide a scan (or gate) signal to a scan line according to a gate control signal received from the timing controller 500 through the pad portion 300. The gate driver 200 may be formed as a GIP (gate driver in panel) type at a non-display area NDA at any location other than the display area DA on the substrate 110. The GIP type means that the gate driver 200 is directly formed on the substrate 110. For example, the gate driver 200 may be composed of a shift register. In the GIP type, transistors for the shift register of the gate driver 200 are directly formed on the upper surface of the substrate 110.

[0077] The pad portion 300 may be disposed in the non-display area NDA at one side edge of the display area AA of the substrate 110. The pad portion 300 may include a data pad connected to each data line, a driving current pad connected to a driving current line, a high potential pad receiving a high potential voltage, and a low potential pad receiving a low potential voltage.

[0078] The source driver IC 410 may receive digital video data and a source control signal from the timing controller 500. The source driver IC 410 may convert the digital video data into an analog data voltage according to the source control signal and then provide it to the data line. When the source driver IC 410 is manufactured as a chip type, the source driver IC 410 may be mounted on the flexible circuit film 430 as a COF (Chip on Film) or COP (Chip on Plastic) type.

[0079] The flexible circuit film 430 may include a plurality of first connection lines connecting the pad portion 300 to the source driver IC 410, and a plurality of second connection lines connecting the pad portion 300 to the circuit board 450. The flexible circuit film 430 may be attached to the pad portion 300 using an anisotropic conductive film so that the pad portion 300 may be connected to the first connection lines of the flexible circuit film 430.

[0080] The circuit board 450 may be attached to the flexible circuit film 430. The circuit board 450 may include a plurality of circuits implemented as a driving chip. For example, the circuit board 450 may be a printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board.

[0081] The timing controller 500 may receive digital video data and a timing signal from an external system board through a line cable of the circuit board 450. The timing controller 500 may generate a gate control signal for controlling the operation timing of the gate driver 200 and a source control signal for controlling the source driver IC 410 based on the timing signal. The timing controller 500 may provide the gate control signal to the gate driver 200 and provide the source control signal to the source driver IC 410. Depending on the product type, the timing controller 500 may be integrated into one driver chip with the source driver IC 410 and may be mounted on the substrate 110 to be connected to the pad unit 300.

[0082] <First Exemplary Embodiment>

[0083] In the following, reference Figures 2 to 4 , a detailed structure of a light-emitting display device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 2 is a circuit diagram showing a structure of one pixel provided in a display area according to a first example embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is an enlarged plan view showing a structure of four pixels sequentially disposed on a thin film transistor substrate of a light emitting display device according to the present disclosure. Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the cutting line II' in FIG. 1 is used to illustrate the structure of the light-emitting display device according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. For convenience, Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 The structure of three consecutive pixels P among the four pixels P arranged consecutively is shown.

[0084] refer to Figures 2 to 4 , each pixel (or sub-pixel) P of the light-emitting display according to the present disclosure may be defined by a scan line SL, a data line DL, and a driving current line VDD. Each pixel P of the light-emitting display may include a switching thin film transistor ST, a driving thin film transistor DT, a light-emitting diode OLE, and a storage capacitor Cst. A high-level voltage for driving the light-emitting diode OLE may be provided to the driving current line VDD.

[0085] A switching thin film transistor ST and a driving thin film transistor DT may be formed on the substrate 110. For example, the switching thin film transistor ST may be configured to be connected to the scan line SL and to intersect the data line DL. The switching thin film transistor ST may include a gate electrode SG, a semiconductor layer SA, a source electrode SS, and a drain electrode SD. The gate electrode SG may be a part of the scan line SL. The semiconductor layer SA may be arranged to intersect the gate electrode SG. The overlapping portion of the semiconductor layer SA and the gate electrode SG may be defined as a channel region. The source electrode SS may be branched from or connected to the data line DL, and the drain electrode SD may be connected to the driving thin film transistor DT. The source electrode SS may be one side of the semiconductor layer SA from the channel region, and the drain electrode SD may be the other side of the semiconductor layer SA. By providing a data signal to the driving thin film transistor DT, the switching thin film transistor ST may play a role in selecting the pixel P to be driven.

[0086] The driving thin film transistor DT may play the role of driving the light emitting diode OLE of the selected pixel P through the switching thin film transistor ST. The driving thin film transistor DT may include a gate electrode DG, a semiconductor layer DA, a source electrode DS, and a drain electrode DD. The gate electrode DG of the driving thin film transistor DT may be connected to the drain electrode SD of the switching thin film transistor ST. For example, the gate electrode DG of the driving thin film transistor DT may extend from the drain electrode SD of the switching thin film transistor ST. In the driving thin film transistor DT, the drain electrode DD may branch from the driving current line VDD or be connected to the driving current line VDD. In addition, the source electrode DS may be connected to the anode electrode (or pixel electrode) ANO of the light emitting diode (or light emitting element) OLE. The semiconductor layer DA may be arranged to cross over the gate electrode DG. In the semiconductor layer DA, the portion overlapping with the gate electrode DG may be defined as a channel region. The source electrode DS may be connected to one side of the semiconductor layer DA around the channel region, and the drain electrode DD may be connected to the other side of the semiconductor layer DA. The storage capacitor Cst may be arranged between the gate electrode DG of the driving thin film transistor DT and the anode electrode ANO of the light emitting diode OLE.

[0087] The light emitting diode OLE may generate light according to current controlled by the driving thin film transistor DT. The driving thin film transistor DT may control the amount of current flowing from the driving current line VDD to the light emitting diode OLE according to a voltage difference between the gate electrode DG and the source electrode DS.

[0088] The light emitting diode OLE may include an anode electrode ANO, an emission layer EL, and a cathode electrode CAT. The light emitting diode OLE may emit light according to a current controlled by the driving thin film transistor DT. That is, the light emitting diode OLE may provide an image by emitting light according to a current controlled by the driving thin film transistor DT. The anode electrode ANO of the light emitting diode OLE may be connected to a source electrode DS of the driving thin film transistor DT. The cathode electrode CAT (or common electrode) may be a low power line VSS provided with a low potential voltage. Therefore, the light emitting diode OLE may be driven by a current flowing from the driving current line VDD to the low power line VSS controlled by the driving thin film transistor DT.

[0089] A plurality of pixels P may be arranged on the substrate 110. For example, along the horizontal direction, a red pixel R, a green pixel G, a white pixel W, and a blue pixel B may be arranged and arranged in sequence. The combination of the red pixel R, the green pixel G, the white pixel W, and the blue pixel B may constitute a pixel. In other aspects, each of the red pixel R, the green pixel G, the white pixel W, and the blue pixel B is referred to as a sub-pixel. These sub-pixels are combined to form a pixel. In another case, the red pixel, the green pixel, and the blue pixel may be arranged in sequence along the horizontal direction. The red pixel, the green pixel, and the blue pixel may form a unit pixel. Figure 3 It is shown that four pixels P are sequentially arranged in the horizontal direction to form one unit pixel.

[0090] refer to Figure 4 , a light-emitting display device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The light-emitting display device according to the first exemplary embodiment may include a substrate 110, a driving element layer 220, and a light-emitting element layer 330. The driving element layer 220 may include a plurality of thin layers formed on the substrate 110. The driving element layer 220 may include a switching thin film transistor ST and a driving thin film transistor DT.

[0091] The data line DL, the driving current line VDD, and the light shielding layer LS may be formed on the substrate 110. The light shielding layer LS may be provided in an island shape spaced apart from the data line DL and the driving current line VDD by a predetermined distance and overlapping the semiconductor layers SA and DA.

[0092] The buffer layer BUF is deposited (or disposed) on the entire surface of the substrate 110 to cover the data line DL and the driving current line VDD. On the buffer layer BUF, a switching thin film transistor ST and a driving thin film transistor DT are formed.

[0093] On the buffer layer BUF, a semiconductor layer SA of a switching thin film transistor ST and a semiconductor layer DA of a driving thin film transistor DT are formed. The switching thin film transistor ST and the driving thin film transistor DT are formed on the buffer layer BUF. In one or more aspects, preferably, the channel regions in the semiconductor layers SA and DA overlap with the light shielding layer LS.

[0094] The gate insulating layer GI is deposited (or disposed) on the substrate 110 to cover the semiconductor layers SA and DA. A gate electrode SG overlapping the semiconductor layer SA of the switching thin film transistor ST and a gate electrode DG overlapping the semiconductor layer DA of the driving thin film transistor DT are formed on the gate insulating layer GI. In addition, on both sides of the gate electrode SG of the switching thin film transistor ST, a source electrode SS in contact with one side of the semiconductor layer SA and spaced apart from the gate electrode SG, and a drain electrode SD in contact with the other side of the semiconductor layer SA are formed. In addition, on both sides of the gate electrode DG of the driving thin film transistor DT, a source electrode DS in contact with one side of the semiconductor layer DA and spaced apart from the gate electrode DG, and a drain electrode DD in contact with the other side of the semiconductor layer DA are formed.

[0095] The gate electrodes SG and DG and the source-drain electrodes SS-SD and DS-DD are formed on the same layer, but are spatially and electrically separated from each other. The source electrode SS of the switching thin film transistor ST can be connected to the data line DL via a contact hole penetrating the gate insulating layer GI. In addition, the drain electrode Dd of the driving thin film transistor DT can be connected to the driving current line VDD via another contact hole penetrating the gate insulating layer.

[0096] The passivation layer PAS is deposited (or disposed) on the substrate 110, covering the thin film transistors ST and DT. The passivation layer PAS may be made of an inorganic material such as silicon oxide or silicon nitride.

[0097] A light emitting element layer 330 is formed on the driving element layer 220. The light emitting element layer 330 may include a light emitting diode OLE. Before forming the light emitting diode OLE, a planarization layer PL may be provided on the passivation layer PAS. The planarization layer PL is a thin film layer for planarizing an uneven surface condition of the substrate 110 on which the thin film transistors ST and DT are formed. In order to equalize the height difference, the planarization layer PL may be formed of an organic material. A pixel contact hole PH exposing a portion of the source electrode DS of the driving thin film transistor DT is formed in the passivation layer PAS and the planarization layer PL.

[0098] A lower anode electrode UAN may be formed on the upper surface of the planarization layer PL. The lower anode electrode UAN may be connected to the source electrode DS of the driving thin film transistor DT via the pixel contact hole PH. Since one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a top emission mode, the lower anode electrode UAN may be formed of a metal material having excellent light reflectivity.

[0099] A first pixel defining layer PA1 may be formed on the lower anode electrode UAN. The first pixel defining layer PA1 is preferably formed after applying an insulating material, and then patterned to cover the central portion of the lower anode electrode UAN and expose (or not cover) the circumferential region of the lower anode electrode UAN. In one or more aspects, preferably, the exposed surface area of ​​the lower anode electrode UAN exposed by the first pixel defining layer PA1 is as small as possible. In one or more aspects, preferably, the minimum exposed surface area may be configured to have a width corresponding to the thickness of the anode electrode ANO formed later.

[0100] An anode electrode ANO is formed on the first pixel defining layer PA1. Preferably, the anode electrode ANO is physically and electrically connected to the lower anode electrode UAN. Since the lower anode electrode UAN is an electrode that reflects light provided from the light emitting diode OLE disposed in the upper direction, the anode electrode ANO may be a transparent electrode for transmitting light provided from the light emitting diode OLE. Therefore, the anode electrode ANO may be made of a transparent conductive material. For example, the anode electrode ANO may include indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). In addition, the anode electrode ANO may be made of a translucent material. For example, the anode electrode ANO may have a structure in which indium tin oxide and silver (Ag) are stacked, wherein the silver (Ag) may be in the form of or less in thickness.

[0101] The anode electrode ANO may be deposited (or disposed) to cover the upper surface of the first pixel defining layer PA1. In detail, for the first pixel defining layer PA1, the bottom surface may be in contact with the lower anode electrode UAN, and the side surface and the top surface may be exposed. The anode electrode ANO may be deposited (or disposed) to be in contact with the side surface and the top surface of the first pixel defining layer PA1. In addition, the anode electrode ANO may be deposited (or disposed) on the lower anode electrode UAN exposed by the first pixel defining layer PA1. For example, Figure 4 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the anode electrode ANO may have a “cap (∩)” shape.

[0102] A second pixel defining layer PA2 may be formed on the surface of the substrate 110 having the anode electrode ANO. In one or more aspects, preferably, the second pixel defining layer PA2 may fill the space between two adjacent anode electrodes ANO. The top surface of the second pixel defining layer PA2 may form the same horizontal plane as the top surface of the anode electrode ANO. Therefore, the second pixel defining layer PA2 may expose (not cover) the top surface of the anode electrode ANO and cover the side wall surface of the anode electrode ANO. The top surface portion of the anode electrode ANO exposed by the second pixel defining layer PA2 may be defined as an emission area EA.

[0103] The trench TR may be formed at the central region of the second pixel defining layer PA2. In a plan view, since the second pixel defining layer PA2 is arranged to surround the anode electrode ANO, in one or more aspects, the trench TR is preferably also arranged to surround the anode electrode ANO. In some cases, the trench TR may be disposed between two adjacent anode electrodes ANO along the X-axis (or lateral direction).

[0104] The anode electrode ANO has a structure in which substantially the entire top surface is exposed by the second pixel defining layer PA2. That is, the region without the second pixel defining layer PA2 and the trench TR may be defined as the emission region EA. The region with the second pixel defining layer PA2 and the trench TR may be defined as the non-emission region NEA.

[0105] The emission layer EL is disposed on the anode electrode ANO. The emission layer EL may be deposited (or disposed) on the entire display area AA of the substrate 110 to cover the anode electrode ANO. In particular, at the region where the trench TR is provided, the emission layer EL may be partially deposited (or disposed) on the upper portion of the removal side of the second pixel defining layer PA2 and the bottom of the trench TR, and may be separated between two adjacent anode electrodes ANO by the trench TR. Due to this separation structure of the emission layer EL, no leakage current occurs between two adjacent anode electrodes ANO.

[0106] For example, the emission layer EL may include at least two emission parts for generating white light. In detail, the emission layer EL may include a first emission part and a second emission part vertically stacked to generate white light by mixing first light from the first emission part and second light from the second emission part.

[0107] For another example, the emission layer EL may include any one of a blue light emitting portion, a green light emitting portion, and a red light emitting portion for generating light corresponding to a color set in each pixel. In addition, the light emitting diode OLE may include a functional layer for improving the luminous efficiency and / or life of the emission layer EL.

[0108] The cathode electrode CAT is deposited (or disposed) on the entire surface of the substrate 110 on which the emission layer is formed. The cathode electrode CAT is deposited (or disposed) to contact the surface of the emission layer EL. The cathode electrode CAT is formed over the entire substrate 110 to be commonly connected to the emission layer EL deposited (or disposed) in all pixels. The cathode electrode CAT is deposited (or disposed) on the trench TR, and the interval of the trench TR is narrowed by depositing the emission layer EL, so the cathode electrode CAT can have a sheet-like structure that is physically and electrically connected over the entire display area AA.

[0109] Since the display device according to the present disclosure is a top emission type, the cathode electrode CAT may include a transparent conductive material. For example, the cathode electrode CAT may be made of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). Alternatively, the cathode electrode CAT may include a translucent material. For example, the cathode electrode CAT may have a structure in which indium tin oxide, silver (Ag), and indium tin oxide are stacked in sequence to form ITO / Ag / ITO. In this case, preferably, the cathode electrode CAT may be formed to have a thickness less than 100 nm. The thin thickness.

[0110] Inside the space of the trench TR, a dummy emission layer DEL not connected to the emission layer EL may be stacked on the bottom surface. In addition, a dummy cathode electrode DCA not connected to the cathode electrode CAT may be stacked on the dummy emission layer DEL.

[0111] According to the cross-sectional structure of the first pixel defining layer PA1, the first pixel defining layer PA1 may have a rectangular shape or a trapezoidal shape. Figure 4 , the cross-sectional shape of the first pixel defining layer PA1 has a rectangular shape, but is not limited thereto. The first pixel defining layer PA1 may have a trapezoidal shape, wherein the side wall surface may have a positive trapezoidal shape that is inclined toward the inside of the lower anode electrode UAN as it moves upward. For example, the bottom surface of the first pixel defining layer PA1 may be in contact with the surface of the lower anode electrode UAN, and the side wall surface and the top surface of the first pixel defining layer PA1 may be in contact with the surface of the anode electrode ANO. In one or more aspects, preferably, the upper edge corner where the top surface and the side wall surface intersect is rounded or chamfered to have a curved shape.

[0112] When the upper edge corner may not have a rounded or chamfered shape, a sharply curved edge corner may be formed in the anode electrode ANO stacked thereon. In this case, electrical energy may be concentrated on the sharply curved portion formed on the edge corner of the anode electrode ANO, so that the emission layer EL deposited (or disposed) on the anode electrode ANO may be damaged or degraded.

[0113] By making the upper edge of the first pixel defining layer PA1 have a rounded or chamfered shape, in one or more aspects, it is preferred to prevent a sharp edge from appearing in the cross-sectional profile of the anode electrode ANO. After that, the second pixel defining layer PA2 is formed, and the entire top surface of the anode electrode ANO not covered by the second pixel defining layer PA2 can be defined as the emission area EA. This structure has the advantage of ensuring a wider emission area EA compared to a related structure in which the pixel defining layer covers a portion of the circumferential area of ​​the anode electrode.

[0114] In one or more examples, each of the first pixel defining layer PA1, the second pixel defining layer PA2, and the trench TR may be made of an insulating material, a dielectric material, or a non-conductive material. In one example, the first pixel defining layer PA1, the second pixel defining layer PA2, and the trench TR may be made of the same material. In some examples, two or more of the first pixel defining layer PA1, the second pixel defining layer PA2, and the trench TR may be made of different materials. In one or more examples, the first pixel defining layer PA1, the second pixel defining layer PA2, and the trench TR are made of a material different from that of the anode electrode ANO and the lower anode electrode UAN.

[0115] In one or more examples, the thickness of each of the first pixel defining layer PA1, the second pixel defining layer PA2, and the trench TR is greater than the thickness of the anode electrode ANO and greater than the thickness of the lower anode electrode UAN.

[0116] <Second Exemplary Embodiment>

[0117] refer to Figure 5 , the structure of a light emitting display device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II′ of FIG. 1 , for illustrating the structure of a light-emitting display device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] refer to Figure 5 The light emitting display device according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may have a structure very similar to the first exemplary embodiment. In the second exemplary embodiment, it is ensured that the area exposed by the first pixel defining layer PA1 of the lower anode electrode UAN is wider than that of the first exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 Other parts or features may be related to Figure 4 The components or features are the same or similar, and therefore, for the sake of brevity, repeated description thereof may be omitted.

[0119] In the case where the maximum diagonal length is 10 inches or less, such as a display device for a mobile device, when the resolution is increased, the pixel size can be very small, as described in the first exemplary embodiment. In these cases, even when the contact area between the lower anode electrode UAN and the anode electrode ANO is not sufficiently ensured, there is no problem with the electrical connection between them.

[0120] However, in the case of a display device (e.g., a display device larger than 17 inches or a large TV monitor larger than 40 inches), even if the resolution is increased, the size of a single pixel may be much larger than that of a single pixel of a mobile display device. In this case, when the contact area between the lower anode electrode UAN and the anode electrode ANO is small, problems may occur in the electrical connection between them.

[0121] Since the light-emitting display device according to the second exemplary embodiment is related to a top emission type display device, most of the area of ​​the pixel P can be used as the emission area EA, so that a structure with a higher aperture ratio than the bottom emission type display area can be obtained. Therefore, even if the area of ​​the lower anode electrode UAN that is not blocked by the first pixel defining layer PA1 becomes slightly larger, the aperture ratio will not be significantly reduced. However, when there is a problem with the electrical connectivity between the lower anode electrode UAN and the anode electrode ANO, the pixel may become a defective pixel and cause quality problems. Therefore, in a display device in which the size of the pixel P is relatively large, in one or more aspects, it is preferably ensured that the contact area between the lower anode electrode UAN and the anode electrode ANO is large.

[0122] refer to Figure 5 , the light-emitting display device according to the second example embodiment may have a structure in which the first pixel defining layer PA1 may be formed at the middlemost portion of the lower anode electrode UAN. The circumferential region of the lower anode electrode UAN may be exposed by removing some portions of the first pixel defining layer PA1. Thereafter, the anode electrode ANO is deposited and patterned. As a result, some surfaces of the anode electrode ANO and some surfaces of the lower anode electrode UAN may be in surface contact with each other at the circumferential region, i.e., "surface contact".

[0123] Here, the contact structure in which the end portion of the anode electrode ANO corresponding to the thickness of the anode electrode ANO contacts the lower anode electrode UAN at the region where the anode electrode ANO contacts the lower anode electrode UAN as described in the first example embodiment may be referred to as “end contact”.

[0124] In contrast, the contact structure in which the circumferential portion of the anode electrode ANO is bent and surface-contacts the lower anode electrode UAN at the region where the anode electrode ANO contacts the lower anode electrode UAN as described in the second example embodiment may be referred to as “surface contact”.

[0125] <Third Exemplary Embodiment>

[0126] refer to Figure 6 , the structure of a light emitting display device according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 6 It is along Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II′ of FIG. 1 , for illustrating the structure of a light emitting display device according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 Other components or features may be Figure 5 The components or features are the same or similar, and therefore, for the sake of brevity, repeated description thereof may be omitted.

[0127] refer to Figure 6 , the light emitting display device according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may have a structure very similar to the second exemplary embodiment. In the third exemplary embodiment, the height of the second pixel defining layer PA2 may be lower than the height of the top surface of the anode electrode ANO.

[0128] The light-emitting display device according to the third exemplary embodiment may have a structural feature that prevents the aperture ratio from decreasing by maximally exposing the anode electrode ANO. According to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in one or more aspects, the upper edge corners of the first pixel defining layer PA1 are preferably rounded or chamfered. When rounding is not performed, the edge corners of the anode electrode ANO may have a sharp structure, and the current may be concentrated in these areas, resulting in damage to the emission layer EL.

[0129] When the first pixel defining layer PA1 and the anode electrode ANO have a rounded structure at the edge corner, since the top surface of the second pixel defining layer PA2 is formed to have the same plane as the top surface of the anode electrode ANO, the second pixel defining layer PA2 may cover a portion of the top surface edge of the anode electrode ANO at the rounded portion. As a result, the aperture ratio may be reduced. However, in the third exemplary embodiment in which the rounded edge corner is exposed by the second pixel defining layer PA2, the aperture ratio may not be reduced.

[0130] In one or more aspects, it is important to optimize the relationship between the height of the top surface of the second pixel defining layer PA2 and the height of the top surface of the anode electrode ANO. When the height of the top surface of the second pixel defining layer PA2 is too low, the depth of the groove TR may be shallow. As a result, it may not be possible to establish a structure for destroying the continuity of the emission layer EL between adjacent pixels. In view of this situation, in one or more aspects, it is most preferred to arrange the height of the top surface of the second pixel defining layer PA2 at the same horizontal plane as the height of the top surface of the first pixel defining layer PA1. To this end, it can have a structure in which, in addition to the planar area of ​​the anode electrode ANO, the anode electrode ANO is also exposed in all directions as much as the thickness of the anode electrode ANO.

[0131] In this case, it may have a structure that secures the emission area EA as much as possible. In addition, the maximum height of the second pixel defining layer PA2 that can secure a sufficient depth of the trench TR may be satisfied at the same time.

[0132] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The height of the top surface of the second pixel defining layer PA2 may be set to be slightly lower than the height of the top surface of the first pixel defining layer PA1. Here, in one or more aspects, it is important to fully consider the depth of the trench TR. For example, the height of the top surface of the second pixel defining layer PA2 may be set to be between 70% and 90% of the height of the first pixel defining layer PA1.

[0133] Furthermore, in the case where the circular circumferential area of ​​the anode electrode ANO as described in the third embodiment is included in the emission area EA, light emitted from the circumferential area is emitted in a direction more diffused than the front direction. As a result, it has an effect of widening the viewing angle.

[0134] For example, in Figure 4 and 5 In the structure shown, the front brightness may be very high, but the side brightness may be reduced due to the narrow viewing angle, so the image quality may be deteriorated due to the brightness deviation in the wide viewing angle direction. Figure 6 In the third exemplary embodiment shown, the viewing angle can be enlarged, and thus excellent image quality can be provided without brightness deviation even in a wide viewing angle direction.

[0135] The third exemplary embodiment is provided as a modified example based on the second exemplary embodiment. However, not limited thereto, the key features of the third exemplary embodiment may be applied to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0136] <Fourth Exemplary Embodiment>

[0137] refer to Figure 7 , the structure of a light emitting display device according to a fourth example embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 7 It is along Figure 3 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II′ of FIG. 1 , for illustrating the structure of a light emitting display device according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0138] refer to Figure 7 , the light emitting display device according to the fourth exemplary embodiment may have a structure very similar to that of the second exemplary embodiment. In the fourth exemplary embodiment, the height of the first pixel defining layer PA1 is formed differently in each pixel P. Figure 7 Other components or features may be Figure 5 The components or features are the same or similar, and therefore, for the sake of brevity, repeated description thereof may be omitted.

[0139] For example, in Figure 7At the left pixel P1 in the middle, the first pixel defining layer PA1 may have a first height H1. At the middle pixel P2, the first pixel defining layer PA1 may have a second height H2 higher than the first height H1. In addition, at the right pixel P3, the first pixel defining layer PA1 may have a third height H3 higher than the second height H2.

[0140] The fourth exemplary embodiment provides an example for establishing a microcavity structure to ensure maximum light extraction efficiency of light within a specific wavelength range emitted from each pixel. For example, the first height H1, the second height H2, and the third height H3 can be appropriately adjusted for each pixel to meet the conditions of each microcavity in a pixel array structure having red pixels, green pixels, and blue pixels.

[0141] The fourth exemplary embodiment is provided as a modified example based on the second exemplary embodiment. However, not limited thereto, the key features of the fourth exemplary embodiment may be applied to the third exemplary embodiment.

[0142] In the above description, the lower anode electrode UAN and the anode electrode ANO are described as components of a light-emitting display device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The anode electrode may be referred to as an upper anode electrode, and the lower anode electrode and the upper anode electrode may be combined to be referred to as an anode electrode.

[0143] The features, structures, effects, etc. described in the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are included in at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and are not necessarily limited to one exemplary embodiment. In addition, the features, structures, effects, etc. described in at least one exemplary embodiment can be combined or modified by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates with respect to other exemplary embodiments. Therefore, these combinations and variations should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0144] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various substitutions, modifications and variations within the scope of the present disclosure are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to cover various substitutions, modifications and variations of the present disclosure that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. These and other changes may be made to the embodiments according to the above specific embodiments. Generally, in the following claims, the terms used should not be interpreted as limiting the claims to the specific example embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be interpreted as including all possible embodiments and the full range of equivalents to which these claims are entitled. Therefore, the claims are not limited by the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A light-emitting display device, comprising: A lower anode electrode, wherein the lower anode electrode is on the substrate; a first pixel defining layer, the first pixel defining layer covering a middle region of the lower anode electrode and exposing a circumferential region of the lower anode electrode; an anode electrode covering a top surface of the first pixel defining layer and connected to a circumferential region of the lower anode electrode; a second pixel defining layer, the second pixel defining layer exposing a top surface of the anode electrode and covering a sidewall surface of the anode electrode; a groove formed at the second pixel defining layer and disposed around the anode electrode; an emission layer, the emission layer being on the anode electrode; as well as A cathode electrode is disposed on the emission layer.

2. The light-emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein: A top surface of the second pixel defining layer is disposed at the same horizontal plane as a top surface of the anode electrode.

3. The light-emitting display device according to claim 2, further comprising: An emission region is defined by a portion of the anode electrode, the portion of the anode electrode not covered by the second pixel defining layer.

4. The light-emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein: An end portion of the anode electrode contacts an end portion of the lower anode electrode.

5. The light-emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein: An end portion of the anode electrode is bent to be in surface contact with a circumferential top surface of the lower anode electrode.

6. The light-emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein: A top surface of the second pixel defining layer is disposed at a plane lower than a top surface of the anode electrode.

7. The light-emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein: A top surface of the second pixel defining layer is disposed at the same plane as a top surface of the anode electrode.

8. The light-emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein: The cross-sectional shape of the first pixel defining layer is a rectangular shape, comprising: a bottom surface in contact with the lower anode electrode surface; and The top surface and side wall surfaces are in contact with the anode electrode surface.

9. The light-emitting display device according to claim 8, wherein: The first pixel defining layer includes an upper edge corner; and The upper edge corner has a curved shape, and the top surface and the side wall surface of the first pixel defining layer intersect at the curved shape.

10. The light emitting display device according to claim 9, wherein: The anode electrode is disposed on the first pixel defining layer in a curved shape at the upper edge corner of the first pixel defining layer.

11. A light-emitting display device, comprising: a plurality of pixels, the plurality of pixels being on a substrate; a plurality of anode electrodes, each of the plurality of anode electrodes being disposed at a corresponding one of the pixels; a first pixel defining layer, the first pixel defining layer being between the plurality of anode electrodes; a groove formed at a middle portion of the first pixel defining layer; an emission layer, wherein the emission layer is disposed on the plurality of anode electrodes and the first pixel defining layer, and the emission layer is separated between the plurality of anode electrodes by the groove; as well as A cathode electrode is disposed on the emission layer, the cathode electrode extending over all of the plurality of pixels and extending over the trench.

12. The light-emitting display device according to claim 11, wherein: A top surface of the first pixel defining layer is disposed at the same plane as a top surface of an anode electrode among the plurality of anode electrodes.

13. The light-emitting display device according to claim 11, further comprising: An emission region defined by a region of an anode electrode among the plurality of anode electrodes, the region not covered by the first pixel defining layer.

14. The light-emitting display device according to claim 11, wherein: A top surface of the first pixel defining layer is disposed at a plane having a height lower than a top surface of an anode electrode among the plurality of anode electrodes by a thickness of the anode electrode.

15. The light-emitting display device according to claim 11, wherein: Each of the plurality of anode electrodes comprises: lower anode electrode; a second pixel defining layer covering a middle region of the lower anode electrode and exposing a circumferential region of the lower anode electrode; and An upper anode electrode covers a top surface of the second pixel defining layer and is connected to a circumferential region of the lower anode electrode exposed by the second pixel defining layer.

16. The light-emitting display device according to claim 15, wherein: The cross-sectional shape of the second pixel defining layer is a rectangular shape, comprising: a bottom surface in contact with the lower anode electrode surface; and The top surface and side wall surfaces are in contact with the upper anode electrode surface.

17. The light emitting display device according to claim 16, wherein: The second pixel defining layer includes an upper edge corner; and The upper edge corner has a curved shape, and the top surface and the side wall surface of the first pixel defining layer intersect at the curved shape.

18. The light emitting display device according to claim 17, wherein: The upper anode electrode is disposed on the second pixel defining layer in a curved shape at the upper edge corner of the second pixel defining layer.

19. The light-emitting display device according to claim 15, wherein: A second pixel defining layer disposed at a first pixel among the plurality of pixels has a height different from a height of a second pixel defining layer disposed at another pixel of the plurality of pixels adjacent to the first pixel.

20. A light-emitting display device, comprising: a lower anode electrode disposed on the substrate, the lower anode electrode having a central portion and a peripheral portion; an upper anode electrode disposed on the lower anode electrode, the upper anode electrode being in contact with the circumferential portion of the lower anode electrode; a first pixel defining layer disposed between the lower anode electrode and the upper anode electrode, the first pixel defining layer being located at the central portion of the lower anode electrode and not covering the circumferential region of the lower anode electrode; an emission layer, the emission layer being on the upper anode electrode; as well as A cathode electrode is disposed on the emission layer.

21. The light-emitting display device according to claim 20, further comprising: a second pixel defining layer surrounding the upper anode electrode; as well as A trench surrounds the upper anode electrode.

Images