Display device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a display device comprising: a base substrate; a first pixel electrode, a second pixel electrode, and a third pixel electrode, the first pixel electrode, the second pixel electrode, and the third pixel electrode being disposed on the base substrate to be spaced apart from each other; and a pixel defining film on the first pixel electrode, the second pixel electrode, and the third pixel electrode, the first opening exposes the first pixel electrode, the second opening exposes the second pixel electrode and is spaced apart from the first opening, and the third opening exposes the third pixel electrode and is spaced apart from the first opening and the second opening; a first organic layer on the first pixel electrode exposed by the first opening; a second organic layer on the second pixel electrode exposed by the second opening; and a third organic layer on the third pixel electrode exposed by the third opening.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application with application number 201910427987.8 and invention name “Display Device” filed on May 22, 2019.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0062627 filed on May 31, 2018, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Technical Field

[0004] Aspects of embodiments of the present invention relate to a display device. Background Art

[0005] Unlike liquid crystal display devices, since organic light emitting display devices have self-emission characteristics and do not require a separate light source, their thickness and weight can be reduced. In addition, organic light emitting display devices exhibit high quality characteristics such as low power consumption, high brightness, and high response rate.

[0006] Generally, an organic light emitting display device includes an anode electrode, a pixel defining layer including an opening for defining an area and a shape of a pixel by exposing the anode electrode, an organic light emitting layer disposed on the anode electrode corresponding to the opening, and a cathode electrode disposed on the organic light emitting layer.

[0007] Here, a "pixel" refers to a minimum unit for displaying an image, and is a portion where the organic light emitting layer emits light.

[0008] The organic light emitting layer of the pixels constituting the organic light emitting display device is formed by deposition using a fine metal mask (FMM). When the gap between adjacent pixels is formed to be short to ensure the aperture ratio of the pixel, there is a problem of deteriorating the deposition reliability of the organic light emitting layer, and when the gap between adjacent pixels is formed to be long to improve the deposition reliability, there is a problem of reducing the aperture ratio of the pixel. Summary of the invention

[0009] According to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a display device has improved reliability.

[0010] However, the aspects of the present invention are not limited to those set forth herein. The above and other aspects of the present invention will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains by referring to the detailed description of the present invention provided below.

[0011] According to one or more embodiments, a display device includes: a base substrate; a first pixel electrode, a second pixel electrode, and a third pixel electrode, which are arranged on the base substrate to be spaced apart from each other; a pixel defining film, which is on the first pixel electrode, the second pixel electrode, and the third pixel electrode and includes a first opening exposing the first pixel electrode, a second opening exposing the second pixel electrode and spaced apart from the first opening, and a third opening exposing the third pixel electrode and spaced apart from the first opening and the second opening; a first organic layer, which is on the first pixel electrode exposed by the first opening and includes a first light emitting layer; a second organic layer, the second organic layer is on the second pixel electrode exposed by the second opening and includes a second light-emitting layer; and a third organic layer, the third organic layer is on the third pixel electrode exposed by the third opening and includes a third light-emitting layer, wherein a first thickness of a portion of the first organic layer overlapping with the first pixel electrode is thicker than a second thickness of a portion of the second organic layer overlapping with the second pixel electrode, a second thickness of a portion of the second organic layer overlapping with the second pixel electrode is thicker than a third thickness of a portion of the third organic layer overlapping with the third pixel electrode, and in a plan view, a shortest gap between the third opening and the second opening is shorter than a shortest gap between the first opening and the second opening.

[0012] According to one or more embodiments, a display device includes: a base substrate; a first pixel electrode, a second pixel electrode, and a third pixel electrode, the first pixel electrode, the second pixel electrode, and the third pixel electrode being arranged on the base substrate to be spaced apart from each other; a pixel defining film, the pixel defining film being on the first pixel electrode, the second pixel electrode, and the third pixel electrode and including a first opening exposing the first pixel electrode, a second opening exposing the second pixel electrode and spaced apart from the first opening, and a third opening exposing the third pixel electrode and spaced apart from the first opening and the second opening; a first organic layer, the first organic layer being on the first pixel electrode exposed by the first opening and including a first light emitting layer; a second organic layer, the second organic layer being on the first pixel electrode exposed by the second opening and including a first light emitting layer; The first organic layer is on the second pixel electrode exposed by the opening and includes a second light-emitting layer; and a third organic layer, the third organic layer is on the third pixel electrode exposed by the third opening and includes a third light-emitting layer, wherein each of the first organic layer, the second organic layer and the third organic layer has an island shape, a first thickness of a portion of the first organic layer overlapping with the first pixel electrode is thicker than a second thickness of a portion of the second organic layer overlapping with the second pixel electrode, a second thickness of a portion of the second organic layer overlapping with the second pixel electrode is thicker than a third thickness of a portion of the third organic layer overlapping with the third pixel electrode, and in a plan view, a shortest gap between the third organic layer and the second opening is shorter than a shortest gap between the first organic layer and the second opening. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The above and other aspects and features of the present invention will become more apparent by further describing some exemplary embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is a plan view showing a part of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0015] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A plan view showing a relationship between an opening and a pixel electrode in a display device;

[0016] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A plan view showing a relationship between an opening and an organic layer in a display device;

[0017] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 A plan view showing a relationship between a pixel electrode and an organic layer in a display device;

[0018] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along the line X1-X1';

[0019] Figure 6 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along the line X2-X2';

[0020] Figure 7 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line X3-X3';

[0021] Figure 8 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line X4-X4';

[0022] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged plan view of area "Q1" in FIG.

[0023] Fig.10 yes Figure 8 an enlarged plan view of area "Q2" in FIG.

[0024] Fig.11 and Fig.12 is a schematic diagram for explaining the deposition process of the organic layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] By referring to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings of some embodiments, the features of the inventive concept and the methods for realizing the features of the inventive concept can be more easily understood. However, the inventive concept can be implemented in many different forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and the concept of the inventive concept will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art, and the inventive concept will be defined by the appended claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals represent the same elements.

[0026] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the inventive concept. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", "the" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that when the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of the stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or clusters thereof.

[0027] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to another element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. In addition, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0028] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein 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 are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the inventive concept, the "first" element, component, region, layer or part discussed below may be referred to as a "second" element, component, region, layer or part.

[0029] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals are used for the same or like parts.

[0030] Herein, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 is a plan view showing a part of a display device according to an embodiment; Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A plan view showing a relationship between an opening and a pixel electrode in a display device; Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A plan view showing a relationship between an opening and an organic layer in a display device; Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 A plan view showing a relationship between a pixel electrode and an organic layer in a display device; Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along the line X1-X1'; Figure 6 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along the line X2-X2'; Figure 7 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line X3-X3'; Figure 8 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line X4-X4'; Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 an enlarged plan view of area "Q1" in FIG. Fig.10 yes Figure 8 An enlarged plan view of area “Q2” in FIG.

[0032] Reference Figures 1 to 10 The display device 1 may include: a base substrate 110, a first pixel electrode PE1, a second pixel electrode PE2, a third pixel electrode PE3, a pixel defining film 150, a first organic layer OL1, a second organic layer OL2, a third organic layer OL3 and a common electrode CE, and may also include a first switching element TR1, a second switching element TR2, a third switching element TR3 and an interlayer insulating film 130.

[0033] The base substrate 110 may be made of an insulating material such as glass, quartz or a polymer resin. Examples of polymer resins may include polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate (PA), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyallyl ester, polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (CAT), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP) and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the base substrate 110 may include a metal material.

[0034] The base substrate 110 may be a rigid substrate, or may be a bendable, foldable, or rollable flexible substrate. Examples of a material constituting the flexible substrate may include polyimide (PI), but are not limited thereto.

[0035] The first switching element TR1, the second switching element TR2, and the third switching element TR3 may be disposed on the base substrate 110. In addition, although not shown in the figure, wiring including at least one scan line, at least one data line, at least one driving power line, at least one common power line, and at least one initialization power line, and a pixel circuit such as a capacitor may be disposed on the base substrate 110. In some embodiments, the first switching element TR1, the second switching element TR2, and the third switching element TR3 may be thin film transistors, respectively.

[0036] The interlayer insulating film 130 may be disposed on the first switching element TR1, the second switching element TR2, and the third switching element TR3. In some embodiments, the interlayer insulating film 130 may be made of an organic insulating material, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0037] The first contact hole CT1 may be formed in the interlayer insulating film 130 to expose a portion of the first switching element TR1 (e.g., the drain electrode of the first switching element TR1). In addition, the second contact hole CT2 may be formed in the interlayer insulating film 130 to expose the drain electrode of the second switching element TR2, and the third contact hole CT3 may be formed in the interlayer insulating film 130 to expose the drain electrode of the third switching element TR3.

[0038] The first pixel electrode PE1 , the second pixel electrode PE2 , and the third pixel electrode PE3 spaced apart from each other may be disposed on the interlayer insulating film 130 .

[0039] In some embodiments, each of the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3 may be an anode electrode. In some embodiments, each of the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3 may have a single-layer structure of ITO, Ag, or a metal mixture (e.g., a mixture of Ag and Mg), a double-layer structure of ITO / Mg or ITO / MgF, or a triple-layer structure of ITO / Ag / ITO, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0040] The first pixel electrode PE1 may be connected to the first switching element TR1 through the first contact hole CT1 , the second pixel electrode PE2 may be connected to the second switching element TR2 through the second contact hole CT2 , and the third pixel electrode PE3 may be connected to the third switching element TR3 through the third contact hole CT3 .

[0041] When viewed in a plan view, each of the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3 may have an island shape. In some embodiments, each of the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3 may have a polygonal shape, for example, a rectangular shape.

[0042] In some embodiments, the centers of the first pixel electrode PE1 and the third pixel electrode PE3 may be disposed on a first imaginary line VL1 extending along the first direction D1, and the first pixel electrode PE1 and the third pixel electrode PE3 may be alternately arranged along the first imaginary line VL1. In addition, in some embodiments, the center of the second pixel electrode PE2 may be spaced apart along a second direction D2 substantially perpendicular to the first direction D1, and may be disposed on a second imaginary line VL2 parallel to the first imaginary line VL1, and the first pixel electrode PE1 and the third pixel electrode PE3 may not be disposed on the second imaginary line VL2.

[0043] In some embodiments, a center of the first pixel electrode PE1 , a center of the second pixel electrode PE2 , and a center of the third pixel electrode PE3 may be disposed on each vertex of an imaginary triangle.

[0044] When the “direction” intersecting the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 on the plane is referred to as a third direction D3, and the “direction” intersecting all of the first direction D1, the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 on the plane is referred to as a fourth direction D4, the first pixel electrode PE1 may be disposed adjacent to the second pixel electrode PE2 along the third direction D3, and the third pixel electrode PE3 may be disposed adjacent to the second pixel electrode PE2 along the fourth direction D4.

[0045] The areas of the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3 may be different from each other. For example, the area SE3 of the third pixel electrode PE3 may be larger than the area SE1 of the first pixel electrode PE1 and the area SE2 of the second pixel electrode PE2, and the area SE1 of the first pixel electrode PE1 may be larger than the area SE2 of the second pixel electrode PE2.

[0046] In some embodiments, the shortest gap G1a between the first pixel electrode PE1 and the second pixel electrode PE2 may be longer than the shortest gap G2a between the third pixel electrode PE3 and the second pixel electrode PE2. This is because the first shortest gap G1 between the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2, which will be described later, is longer than the second shortest gap G2 between the third opening OP3 and the second opening OP2, which will be described later.

[0047] The pixel defining film 150 may be disposed on the interlayer insulating film 130, the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3. The pixel defining film 150 may cover edges of the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3.

[0048] The pixel defining film 150 includes a first opening OP1 partially exposing the first pixel electrode PE1 , a second opening OP2 partially exposing the second pixel electrode PE2 , and a third opening OP3 partially exposing the third pixel electrode PE3 .

[0049] Each of the first opening OP1 , the second opening OP2 , and the third opening OP3 defines an area and a planar shape of a pixel which is a minimum unit for displaying an image.

[0050] The first opening OP1 overlaps the first pixel electrode PE1 , the second opening OP2 overlaps the second pixel electrode PE2 , and the third opening OP3 overlaps the third pixel electrode PE3 .

[0051] In some embodiments, each of the first opening OP1, the second opening OP2, and the third opening OP3 may have an octagonal planar shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and each of the first opening OP1, the second opening OP2, and the third opening OP3 may have a polygonal planar shape such as a triangle, a rectangle, a pentagon, or a hexagon, or a closed loop planar shape. The first opening OP1, the second opening OP2, and the third opening OP3 are spaced apart from each other.

[0052] The areas of the first opening OP1, the second opening OP2, and the third opening OP3 on the plane may be different from each other. For example, the area SP3 of the third opening OP3 may be larger than the area SP2 of the second opening OP2 and the area SP1 of the first opening OP1, and the area SP1 of the first opening OP1 may be larger than the area SP2 of the second opening OP2. In some embodiments, in the case of pixel electrodes, the areas of the second pixel electrode PE2, the first pixel electrode PE1, and the third pixel electrode PE3 may become larger in this order, and even in the case of openings, the areas of the second opening OP2, the first opening OP1, and the third opening OP3 may become larger in this order.

[0053] In some embodiments, the centers of the first opening OP1 and the third opening OP3 may be disposed on a first imaginary line VL1 extending along the first direction D1, and the first opening OP1 and the third opening OP3 may be alternately arranged along the first imaginary line VL1. In addition, in some embodiments, the center of the second opening OP2 may be disposed on a second imaginary line VL2 parallel to the first imaginary line VL1, and the first opening OP1 and the third opening OP3 may not be disposed on the second imaginary line VL2.

[0054] In some embodiments, similar to the centers of the first, second, and third pixel electrodes PE1, PE2, and PE3, the centers of the first, second, and third openings OP1, OP2, and OP3 may be disposed on each vertex of an imaginary triangle.

[0055] The first opening OP1 may be adjacent to the second opening OP2 along the third direction D3 , and the third opening OP3 may be adjacent to the second opening OP2 along the fourth direction D4 .

[0056] In some embodiments, a first width OW1 of the second opening OP2 measured in a direction toward the first opening OP1 may be different from a second width OW2 of the second opening OP2 measured in a direction toward the third opening OP3. For example, the first width OW1 of the second opening OP2 may be greater than the second width OW2 of the second opening OP2.

[0057] The first shortest gap G1 between the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 may be longer than the second shortest gap G2 between the third opening OP3 and the second opening OP2. Therefore, as will be described later, when the first organic layer OL1, the second organic layer OL2, and the third organic layer OL3 having different thicknesses from each other are deposited using a fine metal mask (FMM), deposition reliability is improved. This contributes to improvement in display quality and improvement in reliability of the display device 1.

[0058] Considering the relationship between the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2, the third pixel electrode PE3, the first opening OP1, the second opening OP2Y and the third opening OP3, in some embodiments, the shortest gap G1b between the second opening OP2 and the first pixel electrode PE1 may be longer than the shortest gap G2b between the second opening OP2 and the third pixel electrode PE3. In addition, the shortest gap G1c between the second pixel electrode PE2 and the first opening OP1 may be longer than the shortest gap G2c between the second pixel electrode PE2 and the third opening OP3. This is based on the area size relationship between the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2 and the third pixel electrode PE3, the area size relationship between the first opening OP1, the second opening OP2 and the third opening OP3, and the size relationship between the first shortest gap G1 and the second shortest gap G2.

[0059] The first organic layer OL1 may be disposed on the first pixel electrode PE1 exposed by the first opening OP1 , the second organic layer OL2 may be disposed on the second pixel electrode PE2 exposed by the second opening OP2 , and the third organic layer OL3 may be disposed on the third pixel electrode PE3 exposed by the third opening OP3 .

[0060] In an embodiment, a portion of the first organic layer OL1 may be disposed outside the first opening OP1 and may be disposed on the pixel defining film 150. Similarly, a portion of the second organic layer OL2 may be disposed outside the second opening OP2 and may be disposed on the pixel defining film 150, and a portion of the third organic layer OL3 may be disposed outside the third opening OP3 and may be disposed on the pixel defining film 150.

[0061] In an embodiment, the first organic layer OL1 includes a first light emitting layer OL1 a and a first resonance control layer OL1 b disposed between the first light emitting layer OL1 a and the first pixel electrode PE1 .

[0062] The first light emitting layer OL1a may be an organic light emitting layer that emits light of a first color. In some embodiments, the first color may be red, and a wavelength of light emitted from the first light emitting layer OL1a may be about 620 nm to about 750 nm.

[0063] The first resonance control layer OL1 b may be disposed between the first light emitting layer OL1 a and the first pixel electrode PE1 and may overlap the first light emitting layer OL1 a .

[0064] In some embodiments, the first resonance control layer OL1b may include a hole transport material.

[0065] In an embodiment, as described above, the first light emitting layer OL1a may emit red light. In this case, the first resonance distance of light emitted from the first light emitting layer OL1a may be controlled by the thickness W1b of the first resonance control layer OL1b.

[0066] The first resonance distance may be approximately defined as the distance between the first pixel electrode PE1 and the common electrode CE. When the first resonance distance is approximately set to an integer multiple of a value obtained by dividing the wavelength of red light by two, the red light emitted from the first light emitting layer OL1a may constructively interfere, and as a result, the intensity of the red light output to the outside may be increased.

[0067] The first light emitting layer OL1a and the first resonance control layer OL1b of the first organic layer OL1 may be formed using the same fine metal mask (FMM) (e.g., referred to as a first mask). Therefore, in some embodiments, each of the first light emitting layer OL1a and the first resonance control layer OL1b may have an island shape, and the planar shape of the first light emitting layer OL1a may be the same (same or substantially the same) as the planar shape of the first resonance control layer OL1b. In addition, on a plane, the area of ​​the first light emitting layer OL1a may be equal to (equal to or substantially equal to) the area of ​​the first resonance control layer OL1b.

[0068] The sum of the thickness W1a of the first light-emitting layer OL1a disposed on the first pixel electrode PE1 and the thickness W1b of the first resonance control layer OL1b disposed on the first pixel electrode PE1, that is, the first thickness W1 of the first organic layer OL1 may be thicker than the second thickness W2 of the second organic layer OL2 to be described later, and may be thicker than the third thickness W3 of the third organic layer OL3 to be described later.

[0069] In an embodiment, the second organic layer OL2 includes a second light emitting layer OL2 a and a second resonance control layer OL2 b disposed between the second light emitting layer OL2 a and the second pixel electrode PE2 .

[0070] The second light emitting layer OL2a may be an organic light emitting layer that emits light of a second color different from the first color. In some embodiments, the second color may be green, and a wavelength of light emitted from the second light emitting layer OL2a may be about 495 nm to about 570 nm.

[0071] The second resonance control layer OL2b may be disposed between the second light emitting layer OL2a and the second pixel electrode PE2, and may overlap the second light emitting layer OL2a. In some embodiments, the second resonance control layer OL2b may include a hole transport material.

[0072] The second resonance distance between the second pixel electrode PE2 and the common electrode CE may be controlled by the thickness W2 b of the second resonance control layer OL2 b .

[0073] The second light-emitting layer OL2a and the second resonance control layer OL2b of the second organic layer OL2 may be formed using the same fine metal mask (FMM) (e.g., referred to as a second mask). The second mask may be a mask different from the first mask. Therefore, in some embodiments, each of the second light-emitting layer OL2a and the second resonance control layer OL2b may have an island shape, and the planar shape of the second light-emitting layer OL2a may be the same (same or substantially the same) as the planar shape of the second resonance control layer OL2b. In addition, on a plane, the area of ​​the second light-emitting layer OL2a may be equal to (equal to or substantially equal to) the area of ​​the second resonance control layer OL2b.

[0074] As will be described later, on a plane, the area SL2 of the second organic layer OL2 may be smaller than the area SL1 of the first organic layer OL1. Therefore, the area of ​​the first light emitting layer OL1a may be larger than the area of ​​the second light emitting layer OL2a, and the area of ​​the first resonance control layer OL1b may be larger than the area of ​​the second resonance control layer OL2b.

[0075] The sum of the thickness W2a of the second light-emitting layer OL2a disposed on the second pixel electrode PE2 and the thickness W2b of the second resonance control layer OL2b disposed on the second pixel electrode PE2, that is, the second thickness W2 of the second organic layer OL2 may be thinner than the first thickness W1 of the first organic layer OL1, and may be thicker than the third thickness W3 of the third organic layer OL3.

[0076] In some embodiments, the thickness W2b of the second resonance control layer OL2b may be thinner than the thickness W1b of the first resonance control layer OL1b, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0077] The third organic layer OL3 may be a third light emitting layer.

[0078] The third organic layer OL3 may be an organic light emitting layer that emits light of a third color different from the first and second colors. In some embodiments, the third color may be blue, and a wavelength of light emitted from the third organic layer OL3 may be about 450 nm to about 495 nm.

[0079] In some embodiments, unlike the first and second organic layers OL1 and OL2 , the third organic layer OL3 may not include a separate resonance control layer.

[0080] The third organic layer OL3 may be formed using the same fine metal mask (FMM) (eg, referred to as a third mask). The third mask may be a mask different from the first mask and the second mask.

[0081] On the third pixel electrode PE3 exposed by the third opening OP3 , a third thickness W3 of the third organic layer OL3 may be thinner than the first thickness W1 of the first organic layer OL1 , and may be thinner than the second thickness W2 of the second organic layer OL2 .

[0082] As will be further described later, on a plane, the area SL3 of the third organic layer OL3 may be greater than the area SL1 of the first organic layer OL1 and the area SL2 of the second organic layer OL2. Therefore, the area SL3 of the third organic layer OL3 may be greater than the area of ​​the first light emitting layer OL1a, the area of ​​the second light emitting layer OL2a, the area of ​​the first resonance control layer OL1b, and the area of ​​the second resonance control layer OL2b.

[0083] In an embodiment, on the pixel defining film 150, edges of the first organic layer OL1 and the second organic layer OL2 may partially overlap each other, and edges of the third organic layer OL3 and the second organic layer OL2 may partially overlap each other. A thickness W11 of a portion of the first organic layer OL1 overlapping with the second organic layer OL2 may be thinner than the first thickness W1. Similarly, a thickness W21 of a portion of the second organic layer OL2 overlapping with the first organic layer OL1 and a thickness W22 of a portion of the second organic layer OL2 overlapping with the third organic layer OL3 may be thinner than the second thickness W2. In addition, a thickness W31 of a portion of the third organic layer OL3 overlapping with the second organic layer OL2 may be thinner than the third thickness W3.

[0084] In some embodiments, a portion of the second organic layer OL2 overlapping the first organic layer OL1 may be disposed on the first organic layer OL1 , and a portion of the second organic layer OL2 overlapping the third organic layer OL3 may be disposed on the third organic layer OL3 .

[0085] In some embodiments, the overlapped portion between the second organic layer OL2 and the first organic layer OL1 and the overlapped portion between the second organic layer OL2 and the third organic layer OL3 may be formed by a process margin set in the process of forming the first organic layer OL1, the second organic layer OL2, and the third organic layer OL3. In some embodiments, the width OV1 of the overlapped portion between the second organic layer OL2 and the first organic layer OL1 may be equal to (equal to or substantially equal to) the width OV2 of the overlapped portion between the second organic layer OL2 and the third organic layer OL3. This may be a result based on a preset process margin.

[0086] Herein, a planar structure of the first organic layer OL1 , the second organic layer OL2 , and the third organic layer OL3 will be described.

[0087] Each of the first, second, and third organic layers OL1, OL2, and OL3 may have an island shape.

[0088] In some embodiments, the centers of the first organic layer OL1 and the third organic layer OL3 may be disposed on a first imaginary line VL1 extending along the first direction D1, and may be alternately arranged along the first imaginary line VL1. In addition, in some embodiments, the center of the second organic layer OL2 may be disposed on a second imaginary line VL2 substantially parallel to the first imaginary line VL1, and the centers of the first organic layer OL1 and the third organic layer OL3 may not be disposed on the second imaginary line VL2.

[0089] In some embodiments, the center of the first organic layer OL1 , the center of the second organic layer OL2 , and the center of the third organic layer OL3 may be disposed on each vertex of the imaginary triangle.

[0090] The areas of the first organic layer OL1, the second organic layer OL2, and the third organic layer OL3 may be different from each other. For example, the area SL3 of the third organic layer OL3 may be greater than the area SL1 of the first organic layer OL1 and the area SL2 of the second organic layer OL2, and the area SL1 of the first organic layer OL1 may be greater than the area SL2 of the second organic layer OL2.

[0091] Considering the relationship among the first organic layer OL1, the second organic layer OL2, the third organic layer OL3, the first opening OP1, the second opening OP2, and the third opening OP3, in some embodiments, the shortest gap G3a between the second opening OP2 and the first organic layer OL1 may be longer than the shortest gap G4a between the second opening OP2 and the third organic layer OL3. In addition, the shortest gap G3b between the second organic layer OL2 and the first opening OP1 may be longer than the shortest gap G4b between the second organic layer OL2 and the third opening OP3.

[0092] Considering the relationship among the first organic layer OL1, the second organic layer OL2, the third organic layer OL3, the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3, the shortest gap G5a between the second pixel electrode PE2 and the first organic layer OL1 may be longer than the shortest gap G6a between the second pixel electrode PE2 and the third organic layer OL3. In addition, the shortest gap G5b between the second organic layer OL2 and the first pixel electrode PE1 may be longer than the shortest gap G6b between the second organic layer OL2 and the third pixel electrode PE3.

[0093] These relationships can be the result of the area size relationship between the aforementioned first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2 and the third pixel electrode PE3, the area size relationship between the aforementioned first opening OP1, the second opening OP2 and the third opening OP3, and the size relationship between the aforementioned first shortest gap G1 and the second shortest gap G2.

[0094] The common electrode CE may be disposed on the first, second, and third organic layers OL1, OL2, and OL3. In some embodiments, the common electrode CE may be disposed over the entire surface of the base substrate 110. In some embodiments, the common electrode CE may be a cathode electrode as an electron injection electrode.

[0095] Fig.11 and Fig.12 is a schematic diagram for explaining the deposition process of the organic layer. Fig.11 and Fig.12 , only the base substrate 110 and the mask M are shown.

[0096] Apart from Figures 1 to 10 In addition, refer to Fig.11 and Fig.12 , when forming the organic layer, a process of placing a mask M having a pattern on the base substrate 110 and depositing an organic material EV is performed.

[0097] The mask M itself has a thickness (e.g., a predetermined thickness), and specifically, a step having a thickness (e.g., a predetermined thickness) TH1 is inevitably provided around the pattern of the mask M. Due to the step of the mask M, an area where the organic material EV is not deposited to the expected thickness is formed, that is, a shadow area SHA is formed.

[0098] As the deposition process of the organic material EV proceeds, a portion of the organic material EV is also deposited on the mask M to form an organic material residual layer OL. Through the deposition process of the organic material EV, the step of the mask M and the organic material residual layer OL itself may serve as a new step. Here, the thickness TH2 of the new step may be thicker than the thickness TH1 of the mask M itself. Therefore, as the organic material EV is deposited, the width Wa of the shadow area SHA may increase.

[0099] As the width Wa of the shadow area SHA increases, the organic layer deposited on the base substrate 110 includes more uneven areas. That is, as the width Wa of the shadow area SHA increases, a portion (e.g., a tail) with reduced thickness increases at the edge of the organic layer formed on the base substrate 110. When a portion of the organic layer that is not deposited to an expected thickness, i.e., the tail, is positioned in the opening, an expected level of light emission is not achieved, and thus, the reliability of the display device may be deteriorated.

[0100] As described above, the thicknesses of the first, second, and third organic layers OL1, OL2, and OL3 may be different from each other. In an embodiment, the first thickness W1 of the first organic layer OL1 is thicker than the second thickness W2 of the second organic layer OL2 and the third thickness W3 of the third organic layer OL3.

[0101] Accordingly, since the thickness of the residual layer OL of organic material deposited on the mask M also increases when the first organic layer OL1 is formed, in the case of the first organic layer OL1, there is a possibility that the tail (or the portion whose thickness is thinner than the expected level) is formed relatively longer relative to the second organic layer OL2 and the third organic layer OL3, and therefore, there is a higher possibility that the tail (or the portion whose thickness is thinner than the expected level) is positioned in the first opening OP1 compared with the second organic layer OL2 and the third organic layer OL3.

[0102] On the contrary, since the third organic layer OL3 has a relatively thinner thickness than the first organic layer OL1 and the second organic layer OL2, the possibility that the tail of the third organic layer OL3 (or a portion thereof whose thickness is thinner than the expected level) is positioned in the third opening OP3 is lower than the possibility that the tail of the first organic layer OL1 is positioned in the first opening OP1 and the possibility that the tail of the second organic layer OL2 is positioned in the second opening OP2.

[0103] That is, as the thickness of the organic layer increases, the possibility of the tail being positioned in the opening increases.

[0104] According to the above embodiment, the first shortest gap G1 between the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 is longer than the second shortest gap G2 between the second opening OP2 and the third opening OP3. Therefore, a larger space can be ensured between the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2, so that the relatively thick tail portion of the first organic layer OL1 can be prevented or substantially prevented from being disposed in the first opening OP1. As described above, since the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3 are arranged to correspond to the first opening OP1, the second opening OP2, and the third opening OP3, respectively, the shortest gap G1a between the first pixel electrode PE1 and the second pixel electrode PE2 can be longer than the shortest gap G2a between the second pixel electrode PE2 and the third pixel electrode PE3.

[0105] Also, as described above, since a larger space may be provided between the first and second openings OP1 and OP2 than between the second and third openings OP2 and OP3 , the shortest gap G3 a between the second opening OP2 and the first organic layer OL1 may be longer than the shortest gap G4 a between the second opening OP2 and the third organic layer OL3 .

[0106] As described above, according to the embodiments of the present invention, a display device with improved reliability is provided.

[0107] However, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the foregoing, and other various effects are expected herein.

[0108] Although some exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: base substrate; a first pixel electrode, a second pixel electrode, and a third pixel electrode, the first pixel electrode, the second pixel electrode, and the third pixel electrode being arranged on the base substrate to be spaced apart from each other; a pixel defining film on the first pixel electrode, the second pixel electrode, and the third pixel electrode, and including a first opening overlapping the first pixel electrode, a second opening overlapping the second pixel electrode and spaced apart from the first opening along a first direction, and a third opening overlapping the third pixel electrode and spaced apart from the first opening and the second opening; a first layer, the first layer being on the first pixel electrode overlapping the first opening and comprising a first light emitting layer and a first resonance control layer between the first light emitting layer and the first pixel electrode; a second layer, the second layer being on the second pixel electrode overlapping the second opening and comprising a second light emitting layer and a second resonance control layer between the second light emitting layer and the second pixel electrode; as well as a third layer, the third layer being on the third pixel electrode overlapping the third opening and comprising a third light emitting layer, The third opening is spaced apart from the second opening along a second direction intersecting the first direction, The third opening is spaced apart from the first opening along a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, In a plan view, the shortest gap between the third opening and the second opening along the second direction is different from the shortest gap between the first opening and the second opening along the first direction, The second resonance control layer includes a first end portion overlapping the first resonance control layer and a second end portion overlapping the third layer, In the plan view, a shortest gap between the third opening and the second end of the second resonance control layer along the second direction is different from a shortest gap between the first opening and the first end of the second resonance control layer along the first direction.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer has an island shape.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The first light emitting layer is a red light emitting layer, the second light emitting layer is a green light emitting layer, and the third light emitting layer is a blue light emitting layer.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The first light emitting layer has the same shape as the first resonance control layer, and the second light emitting layer has the same shape as the second resonance control layer.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The second light emitting layer includes a portion overlapping with the first layer and a portion overlapping with the third layer.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The portion of the second light-emitting layer overlapping the first layer is on the first layer, and the portion of the second light-emitting layer overlapping the third layer is on the third layer.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: An area of ​​the third opening is larger than an area of ​​the first opening and an area of ​​the second opening, and an area of ​​the first opening is larger than an area of ​​the second opening.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: A width of the second opening measured along the first direction is greater than a width of the second opening measured along the second direction.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: In the plan view, a shortest gap between the third layer and the second opening is shorter than a shortest gap between the first layer and the second opening.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: In the plan view, a shortest gap between the third pixel electrode and the second opening is different from a shortest gap between the first pixel electrode and the second opening.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: In the plan view, a shortest gap between the third pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode is different from a shortest gap between the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode.

12. A display device, comprising: base substrate; a first pixel electrode, a second pixel electrode, and a third pixel electrode, the first pixel electrode, the second pixel electrode, and the third pixel electrode being arranged on the base substrate to be spaced apart from each other; a pixel defining film on the first pixel electrode, the second pixel electrode, and the third pixel electrode, and including a first opening overlapping the first pixel electrode, a second opening overlapping the second pixel electrode and spaced apart from the first opening along a first direction, and a third opening overlapping the third pixel electrode and spaced apart from the first opening and the second opening; a first layer, the first layer being on the first pixel electrode overlapping the first opening and comprising a first light emitting layer; a second layer, the second layer being on the second pixel electrode overlapping the second opening and comprising a second light emitting layer and a second resonance control layer between the second light emitting layer and the second pixel electrode; as well as a third layer, the third layer being on the third pixel electrode overlapping the third opening and comprising a third light emitting layer, wherein each of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer has an island shape, The third opening is spaced apart from the second opening along a second direction intersecting the first direction, The third opening is spaced apart from the first opening along a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, The end of the third layer overlaps with the second resonance control layer, An end of the first layer overlaps the second resonance control layer, and in a plan view, a shortest gap between the end of the third layer along the second direction and the second opening is different from a shortest gap between the end of the first layer along the first direction and the second opening.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The second resonance control layer includes a first end portion overlapping the third layer and a second end portion overlapping the first layer, In the plan view, a shortest gap between the third opening and the first end of the second resonance control layer along the second direction is different from a shortest gap between the first opening and the second end of the second resonance control layer along the first direction.

14. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: In the plan view, a shortest gap between the end of the third layer along the second direction and the second pixel electrode is different from a shortest gap between the end of the first layer along the first direction and the second pixel electrode.

15. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The area of ​​the third layer is different from the area of ​​the first layer and the area of ​​the second layer, the area of ​​the first layer is different from the area of ​​the second layer, the area of ​​the third opening is different from the area of ​​the first opening and the area of ​​the second opening, and the area of ​​the first opening is different from the area of ​​the second opening.

16. A display device, comprising: base substrate; a first pixel electrode, a second pixel electrode, and a third pixel electrode, the first pixel electrode, the second pixel electrode, and the third pixel electrode being arranged on the base substrate to be spaced apart from each other; a first layer, the first layer being on the first pixel electrode and comprising a first light emitting layer; a second layer, the second layer being on the second pixel electrode and comprising a second light emitting layer and a second resonance control layer between the second light emitting layer and the second pixel electrode; A third layer, the third layer is on the third pixel electrode and includes a third light emitting layer; as well as a common electrode, the common electrode being on the first layer, the second layer and the third layer, wherein each of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer has an island shape, The second pixel electrode is spaced apart from the first pixel electrode along a first direction, The third pixel electrode is spaced apart from the second pixel electrode along a second direction intersecting the first direction, The third pixel electrode is spaced apart from the first pixel electrode along a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, The end of the third layer overlaps with the second resonance control layer, an end of the first layer overlaps with the second resonance control layer, and in a plan view, a shortest gap between the third pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode along the second direction is different from a shortest gap between the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode along the first direction, In the plan view, a shortest gap between the end of the third layer along the second direction and the second pixel electrode is different from a shortest gap between the end of the first layer along the first direction and the second pixel electrode.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein: An area of ​​the third pixel electrode is different from an area of ​​the first pixel electrode and an area of ​​the second pixel electrode, and an area of ​​the first pixel electrode is different from an area of ​​the second pixel electrode.

Images