Display device
By adopting a side mirror-type anode structure and a groove pattern in the display device, the problems of low light extraction efficiency of light emitting diodes and image distortion in the transmission area in the prior art are solved, and high-efficiency light extraction and low image distortion effects are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411844276.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-12-29
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-13
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-01
AI Technical Summary
While the conventional display devices improve the light emission efficiency of the light emitting diode, it is difficult to minimize image distortion and quality degradation in the transmitted region.
By adopting a side mirror-type anode structure, the light extraction efficiency of the light emitting diode is improved by providing a protruding portion and a base portion of the cover layer on the substrate and an anode in the sub-pixel. At the same time, by setting a groove pattern in the outer peripheral area, the scattering of light in the transmission area is reduced and image distortion is reduced.
The light extraction efficiency of the light emitting diode is improved, the image distortion of the transmission area is reduced, and the overall quality of the display device is improved.
Smart Images

Figure CN120239469A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Cross - reference to related applications
[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0197076, filed on December 29, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical field
[0003] The present disclosure relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device that, for example but not limited to, improves light extraction efficiency and minimizes image distortion in a transmissive region. Background art
[0004] Currently, with the advent of the full - scale information age, the field of display devices that visually express electrical information signals has developed rapidly, and continuous research has been conducted to improve the performance of various display devices, such as thin thickness, light weight, and low power consumption.
[0005] Among various display devices, the display device is a self - emissive display device and thus does not require a separate light source, which is different from liquid crystal display devices. Therefore, the display device can be manufactured to be light in weight and thin in thickness. In addition, since the light - emitting display device is driven at a low voltage, it has advantages not only in terms of power consumption but also in terms of color realization, response speed, viewing angle, and contrast ratio (CR: contrast ratio). Therefore, it is expected to be used in various fields.
[0006] The description of related art should not be assumed to be prior art merely because it is mentioned in this section or 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
[0007] One aspect to be achieved by the present disclosure is to provide an efficient and low - power display device that can improve the light - emitting efficiency of light - emitting diodes by using a side - mirror - type first electrode.
[0008] Another aspect to be achieved by the present disclosure is to provide a display device that improves the light - emitting efficiency of light - emitting diodes and minimizes the degradation of the quality of the transmissive region.
[0009] Aspects of the present invention are not limited to the above aspects, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other aspects not mentioned above from the present disclosure.
[0010] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a substrate; a plurality of transmissive regions; a region including a plurality of sub-pixels; an over-coating layer disposed on the substrate and including a base portion and a protrusion located on the base portion; and an anode disposed in each of the plurality of sub-pixels and covering a part of the protrusion and the base portion, wherein each of the plurality of sub-pixels includes a light-emitting region and an outer peripheral region surrounding the light-emitting region, the outer peripheral region includes a plurality of first outer peripheral regions facing other adjacent sub-pixels and a plurality of second outer peripheral regions facing adjacent transmissive regions, a plurality of grooves are provided in the protrusions in the plurality of first outer peripheral regions, and the anode can be disposed in the plurality of grooves in the plurality of first outer peripheral regions.
[0011] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a substrate; a plurality of transmissive regions; a region including a plurality of sub-pixels; an over-coating layer disposed on the substrate and including a base portion and a protrusion provided on the base portion and exposing a part of the base portion; and an anode disposed in each of the plurality of sub-pixels and covering a part of the protrusion and the base portion, wherein at each of the plurality of sub-pixels, the protrusion has an inclined side surface and a top surface surrounding the inclined side surface, the inclined side surface is adjacent to the region where the base portion is exposed by the protrusion, the anode disposed on the top surface of the protrusion in each of the plurality of sub-pixels includes a groove pattern, and in one sub-pixel, the groove pattern can be disposed at a position facing another sub-pixel adjacent to the one sub-pixel.
[0012] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a transmissive region; a region provided with a first sub-pixel and a second sub-pixel; and the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel, wherein: the first sub-pixel includes a light-emitting region and an outer peripheral region having a first outer peripheral region and a second outer peripheral region; at the first sub-pixel, an anode is provided in the light-emitting region, the first outer peripheral region, and the second outer peripheral region; the second sub-pixel is adjacent to the first sub-pixel; and the anode includes a groove pattern provided in the first outer peripheral region facing the second sub-pixel, and the groove pattern is not provided in the second outer peripheral region facing the transmissive region.
[0013] Other detailed contents of the exemplary embodiments are included in the detailed description and the drawings.
[0014] According to one or more aspects of the present invention, a side mirror-type anode can be used to improve the light extraction efficiency of a light-emitting display device and can improve power consumption.
[0015] According to one or more aspects of the present invention, the light extraction efficiency of the light-emitting diode is improved, and light is not scattered at positions opposite to the transmission region, thereby minimizing image distortion in the transmission region and improving the quality of the transmission region.
[0016] The effects according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above, and various other effects are also included in the present disclosure.
[0017] Additional features, advantages, and aspects of the present disclosure are partially set forth in the following description, partially become apparent through the present disclosure, or may be learned by practicing the inventive concepts provided herein. Other features, advantages, and aspects of the present disclosure may be realized and obtained through the description provided in the present disclosure or the description derivable therefrom, as well as the claims and drawings of the present disclosure. All such features, advantages, and aspects are intended to be included in this specification, within the scope of the present disclosure, and protected by the following claims. Nothing in this section shall be construed as a limitation on these claims. Further aspects and advantages are discussed in connection with the embodiments of the present disclosure below.
[0018] It should be understood that the above description and the following description of the present disclosure are both examples and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The present disclosure includes drawings to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure. The drawings are incorporated into and constitute a part of the present disclosure, showing aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, and are used together with the specification to explain the principles and examples of the present disclosure. In the drawings:
[0020] Figure 1 is a plan view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is Figure 1 an enlarged plan view example of region A of
[0022] Figure 3 is Figure 2B an enlarged plan view example of region B of
[0023] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view example of the display device taken along Figure 3 C-C' of
[0024] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view example of the display device taken along Figure 3 D-D' of
[0025] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view example of the display device taken along Figure 2B E-E' of
[0026] Throughout the accompanying drawings and the detailed description, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals should be understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures. For clarity, illustration, and / or convenience, the dimensions, lengths, and thicknesses of layers, regions, and elements, and their descriptions, may be exaggerated. Detailed Description
[0027] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, when a detailed description of a known method, function, structure, or configuration may unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present disclosure, its detailed description may be omitted for the sake of brevity. In addition, for the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions may be omitted. The processes of the described processing steps and / or operations are non-limiting examples.
[0028] The order of steps and / or operations is not limited to the order set forth herein and may be changed to occur in an order different from the order set forth herein, except in cases where the steps and / or operations must occur in a specific order. In one or more examples, depending on the functions or operations involved, two consecutive operations may be performed substantially simultaneously, or these two operations may be performed in the reverse order or in a different order.
[0029] Unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals may refer to the same elements throughout the text, even if these reference numerals are shown in different drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals may be used throughout the specification and the drawings to refer to the same or substantially the same elements. In one or more aspects, unless otherwise specified, the same elements (or elements with the same name) in different drawings may have the same or substantially the same functions and characteristics. The names of the various elements used in the following description are chosen for convenience only and may therefore be different from the names used in actual products.
[0030] By way of the embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the advantages and features of the present disclosure and its implementation methods are clarified. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are examples, and these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure may be full and complete, to help those skilled in the art understand the inventive concept without limiting the scope of protection of the present disclosure.
[0031] The shapes, dimensions (such as size, length, width, height, thickness, position, radius, diameter, and area), ratios, rates, angles, numbers, the number of elements, etc., disclosed herein, including those shown in the accompanying drawings, are only examples, and thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the details shown. However, it should be noted that the relative dimensions of the components shown in the drawings are part of the present disclosure.
[0032] When terms such as "comprising", "having", "including", "containing", "constituting", "made of", "formed by", "consisting of", etc. are used with respect to one or more elements (e.g., layers, films, components, anodes, trenches, parts, regions, areas, portions, steps, operations, etc.), one or more additional elements may be added unless terms such as "only" are used. The terms used in this disclosure are only for describing specific example embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms in the singular form may include the plural form. For example, an element may be one or more elements. An element may include a plurality of elements. The word "exemplary" is used to mean as an example or illustration. An embodiment is an example embodiment. An aspect is an example aspect. In one or more embodiments, "embodiment", "example", "aspect", etc. should not be construed as being superior to or better than other embodiments. Embodiments, examples, example embodiments, aspects, etc. may refer to one or more embodiments, one or more examples, one or more example embodiments, one or more aspects, etc. unless otherwise stated. Additionally, the term "may" encompasses all meanings of the term "able to".
[0033] In one or more aspects, unless otherwise clearly stated, an element, feature, or corresponding information (e.g., level, range, dimension, size, etc.) is interpreted as including an error or tolerance range even if no explicit description of such error or tolerance range is provided. The error or tolerance range may be caused by various factors (e.g., process factors, internal or external influences, noise, etc.). When interpreting a numerical value, unless otherwise clearly stated, the value is interpreted as including an error range.
[0034] When using any of the terms such as "on", "at the top of", "above", "on top of", "above", "below", "above", "upper", "upper side", "under", "lower than", "lower", "lower side", "beneath", "near", "close to", "adjacent", "next to", "proximate", "at or on one side of" etc. that indicate a position or location to describe the positional relationship between two elements (e.g., layer, film, component, anode, trench, part, region, area, portion, etc.), one or more other elements may be located between the two elements, unless more restrictive terms such as "immediately", "directly" or "closely" are used. For example, when using any of the above terms to describe one element and another element, such description should be interpreted to include the case where the elements are in direct contact and the case where one or more additional elements are disposed or interposed therebetween. In addition, spatial relative terms, such as the above terms and other terms such as "front", "back", "rear", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "upper", "lower", "down", "up", "above", "below", "column", "row", "vertical", "horizontal", "diagonal", etc. refer to any reference system. For example, these terms can be used to illustrate the relative relationship between elements, including any correlation shown in the drawings. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Spatial relative terms should be understood to include terms in different directions of the elements in use or operation in addition to the directions shown in the drawings or described herein. For example, when a lower element or an element located below another element is flipped, the element can be referred to as an upper element or an element located above another element. Thus, for example, the term "below" or "beneath" can, in its meaning, encompass the term "above" or "on top of". Example terms such as "under" etc. can include all directions, including "under", "above" and diagonal directions. Similarly, example terms such as "above", "on" etc. can include all directions, including "above", "on", "under" and diagonal directions.
[0035] When describing a time relationship, when the time sequence is described as, for example, "after", "subsequent", "then", "next", "before", "prior", "preceding", etc., unless more restrictive terms such as "exactly", "immediately" or "directly" are used, non - consecutive or non - sequential cases may be included, and thus one or more other events may occur therebetween.
[0036] It should be understood that although terms such as "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements (e.g., layers, films, components, anodes, trenches, parts, regions, areas, portions, steps, operations, etc.), these elements should not be limited by these terms, e.g., any particular order, precedence, or number of elements. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first element may represent the second element, and similarly, the second element may represent the first element. In addition, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first element, the second element, etc. may be arbitrarily named according to the convenience of those skilled in the art. For clarity, the functions or structures of these elements (e.g., the first element, the second element, etc.) are not limited by the ordinal number or the name preceding 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.
[0037] When describing the elements of the present disclosure, terms such as "first", "second", "A", "B", "(a)", "(b)", etc. may be used. These terms are intended to distinguish the corresponding elements from other elements, and these terms are not used to define the nature, basis, order, or number of the elements.
[0038] The expression that an element (e.g., a layer, a film, a component, an anode, a trench, a part, a region, an area, a portion, etc.) is "joined" to another element may be understood to mean that, for example, the element may be directly or indirectly joined to the other element. The term "joined" or similar expressions may refer to terms such as "surround", "enclose", "contact", "cover", "overlap", "cross", "intersect", "connect", "combine", "attach", "adhere", "associate", "link", "provide", "set", "interact", etc. Unless otherwise specified, joining may involve one or more intermediate elements disposed or inserted between the element and the other element. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the element may be joined to the other element at least partially or wholly (or completely). In addition, the element may be included in at least one of two or more elements joined to each other. Similarly, the other element may be included in at least one of two or more elements joined to each other. When an element is joined to another element, at least a portion of the element may be joined to at least a portion of the other element. The term "to another element" or similar expressions may be understood as "another element", or "with, to, in, or on another element", depending on the context. Similarly, the term "mutual" may be understood as "each other", or "with, to, or on each other", depending on the context.
[0039] The phrase "by" may be understood to mean, for example, at least partially by or completely by.
[0040] Terms such as “line” or “direction” should not be construed solely based on the geometric relationship that the respective lines or directions are parallel, perpendicular, diagonal, or inclined to each other, and may represent lines or directions with a broader directivity within the range where the components of the present disclosure can operate functionally. For example, terms such as “first direction”, “second direction”, “row direction”, “column direction”, “diagonal direction”, etc. should not be construed solely based on the geometric relationship that the respective directions are parallel, perpendicular, diagonal, or inclined to each other, and may represent directions with a broader directivity within the range where the components of the present disclosure can operate functionally.
[0041] The term “at least one” should be understood to include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated 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” may represent (i) a combination of items provided by one or more of the first item, the second item, and the third item, or (ii) only one of the first item, the second item, and the third item. In addition, at least one of a plurality of elements may represent (i) one element of the plurality of elements, (ii) some of the plurality of elements, or (iii) all of the plurality of elements. In addition, “at least some”, “at least some parts”, “at least some components”, “at least a part”, “at least one or more parts”, “at least one component”, “at least one or more components”, “at least some elements”, “one or more”, etc. of a plurality of elements may represent (i) one element of the plurality of elements, (ii) a part (or component) of the plurality of elements, (iii) one or more parts (or components) of the plurality of elements, (iv) a plurality of elements of the plurality of elements, or (v) all of the plurality of elements. In addition, “at least some”, “at least some parts”, “at least some components”, “at least a part”, “at least one or more parts”, “at least one component”, “at least one or more components”, etc. of an element may represent (i) a part (or component) of the element, (ii) one or more parts (or components) of the element, or (iii) all of the element or all parts of the element.
[0042] The expression of the first element, the second element, “and / or” the third element should be understood to include one of the first element, the second element, and the third element, or any or all combinations of the first element, the second element, and the third element. For example, A, B, and / or C may refer to only A; only B; only C; any one of A, B, and C (e.g., A, B, or C); a certain combination of A, B, and C (e.g., A and B; A and C; or B and C); or all of A, B, and C. In addition, the expression “A / B” may be understood as A and / or B. For example, the expression “A / B” may refer to only A; only B; A or B; or A and B.
[0043] In one or more aspects, unless otherwise specified, for convenience only, the terms "between" and "among" may be used interchangeably. 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. Further, when an element is said to be "between" at least two elements, the element may be the only element between the at least two elements, or one or more intermediate elements may also exist.
[0044] In one or more aspects, unless otherwise specified, for convenience only, the phrases "each other" and "one another" may be used interchangeably. For example, the expression "different from each other" may be understood as different from one another. In another example, the expression "different from one another" may be understood as different from each other. In one or more examples, the number of elements involved in the foregoing expression may be two. In one or more examples, the number of elements involved in the foregoing expression may be more than two.
[0045] In one or more embodiments, unless otherwise specified, for convenience only, the phrases "one or more of which" and "one or more of..." may be used interchangeably.
[0046] The term "or" means "inclusive or" rather than "exclusive or". That is, unless otherwise specified or the context clearly dictates, the expression "x uses a or b" means any of the permutations that are naturally included. For example, "a or b" may mean "a", "b", or "a and b". For example, "a, b, or c" may mean "a", "b", "c", "a and b", "b and c", "a and c", or "a, b, and c".
[0047] The phrase "substantially the same" or "almost the same" may mean a degree that is considered to be equivalent to each other considering the minor differences caused by errors in the manufacturing process.
[0048] The features of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined or combined with each other in part or in whole, may be technically interrelated, and may be operable, linked, or driven in various ways. The various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented or executed independently of each other, or may be implemented or executed together in a mutually dependent or related relationship. In one or more aspects, the components of the various devices and apparatuses according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure are operably combined and configured.
[0049] 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 exemplary embodiments belong. It should also be understood that, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein, terms (such as those defined in a commonly used dictionary) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.
[0050] The terms used herein are selected as general terms in the relevant technical field. However, depending on the development and / or changes in technology, conventions, preferences of those skilled in the art, etc., there may be other terms. Therefore, the terms used herein should not be understood as limiting the technical concept, but should be understood as examples of the terms used to illustrate the exemplary embodiments.
[0051] In addition, in specific cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their specific meanings are described herein. Therefore, the terms used herein should be understood not only based on the name of the terms, but also based on the meaning of the terms and the content herein.
[0052] In the following description, various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regarding the reference numerals of the elements in each drawing, unless otherwise specified, the same elements may be shown in other drawings, and the same reference numerals may refer to the same elements. Additionally, for ease of description, the ratios, dimensions, sizes, and thicknesses of each element shown in the drawings may be different from the actual ratios, dimensions, sizes, and thicknesses. Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the ratios, dimensions, sizes, and thicknesses shown in the drawings.
[0053] Figure 1 is a plan view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0054] See Figure 1 , the display device 100 includes a substrate 110. The display device 100 may be implemented as a top-emitting display device, but is not limited thereto.
[0055] The substrate 110 is a substrate that supports and protects a plurality of components of the display device 100. The substrate 110 may be formed of glass or a flexible plastic material. When the substrate 110 is formed of a plastic material, for example, the substrate may be formed of polyimide (PI), but is not limited thereto.
[0056] The substrate 110 includes an active area A / A and a non-active area N / A.
[0057] The active region A / A is the region where an image is displayed in the display device 100, and display elements and various driving elements for driving the display elements are provided in the active region A / A. For example, the display element may be constituted by a light-emitting diode including a first electrode, an organic layer, and a second electrode. In addition, various driving elements for driving the display element, such as transistors, capacitors, or wirings, may be provided in the active region A / A.
[0058] The active region A / A may include a plurality of sub-pixels SP. The sub-pixel SP is the smallest unit constituting the screen, and each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP may include a light-emitting diode and a driving circuit. The plurality of sub-pixels SP may emit light having different wavelengths. The plurality of sub-pixels may include a first sub-pixel, a second sub-pixel, and a third sub-pixel that emit different colors of light. For example, the plurality of sub-pixels SP may include a red sub-pixel SPR (the red sub-pixel SPR may be the first sub-pixel), a green sub-pixel SPG (the green sub-pixel SPG may be the second sub-pixel), and a blue sub-pixel SPB (the blue sub-pixel SPB may be the third sub-pixel). In addition, the plurality of sub-pixels SP may further include a white sub-pixel.
[0059] The driving circuit of the sub-pixel SP is a circuit for controlling the driving of the light-emitting diode. For example, the driving circuit may be configured to include a transistor and a capacitor, but is not limited thereto.
[0060] The non-active region N / A is a region where an image is not displayed, and various components for driving the plurality of sub-pixels SP provided in the active region A / A may be provided in the non-active region N / A. For example, a driving circuit or a driving integrated circuit (IC) for applying a signal for driving the plurality of sub-pixels SP, and a flexible film may be provided. In some examples, the driving circuit or the driving IC may include a plurality of driving circuits or a plurality of driving ICs.
[0061] The non-active region N / A may be a region surrounding the active region A / A as Figure 1 shown. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the non-active region N / A may be a region extending from the active region A / A.
[0062] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is Figure 1 an example of an enlarged plan view of the region A. For ease of description, in Figure 2A , among the respective components of the display device 100, only the plurality of transmissive regions TA, the low-transmissive regions LTA, the plurality of sub-pixels SP, and the plurality of light-emitting regions EA are shown. In addition, in Figure 2B , in addition to Figure 2AOutside the region shown in [figure], only a plurality of wiring units LP, a plurality of first electrodes 161, and a plurality of trench patterns TP are shown. In some examples, the low-transmission region LTA can be referred to as a region, and vice versa.
[0063] In one or more aspects, the low-transmission region LTA can be a region that transmits less light than the transmission region TA. In one example, compared to each of the plurality of transmission regions TA, less light is transmitted in the low-transmission region LTA. In one example, less light is transmitted in the low-transmission region LTA compared to the plurality of transmission regions TA. In one or more examples, the low-transmission region LTA can include one or more low-transmission regions LTA, or a plurality of low-transmission regions LTA.
[0064] See Figure 2A and Figure 2B , in the active region A / A, a transmission region TA and a low-transmission region LTA are provided. The plurality of transmission regions TA are arranged to be spaced apart from each other. In this example, the plurality of transmission regions TA spaced apart from each other are arranged in a matrix form. In one example, the low-transmission region LTA can be arranged to surround or enclose the plurality of transmission regions TA. In the low-transmission region LTA, a plurality of sub-pixels SP and a plurality of wiring units LP for transmitting one or more signals to the plurality of sub-pixels SP are provided. Thus, in one example, the low-transmission region LTA provided with the plurality of sub-pixels SP and the plurality of wiring units LP can have a low transmittance due to the configuration of the plurality of sub-pixels SP and the plurality of wiring units LP, and can be a substantially opaque region. In addition, the plurality of transmission regions TA can be substantially transparent regions where the plurality of sub-pixels SP and the plurality of wiring units LP are not provided.
[0065] In one example, the low-transmission region LTA can include a first region and a second region. The first region has elements formed of a transparent material (e.g., a substrate, a dielectric layer, a cathode, an anode, a light-emitting layer, an electrode, and / or a wiring unit), and the second region has elements formed of a low-transmission material (e.g., a transistor and / or a light-emitting diode). In this example, the transmittance of the second region can be lower than the transmittance of the first region. In this example, the transmittance of the first region can be lower than the transmittance of the transmission region TA, or the transmittance can be substantially the same as the transmittance of the transmission region TA. In some aspects, the first region can be regarded as a transmission region. In some aspects, when the transmittance of the first region is substantially the same as the transmittance of the transmission region TA, the first region can be regarded as a transmission region.
[0066] In each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP, a first light-emitting region EA1 that emits light through a light-emitting diode and a driving element is defined. The first light-emitting region EA1 is a region where light is substantially emitted from each of the plurality of sub-pixels. For example, the first light-emitting region EA1 is defined as a region where the first electrode of the light-emitting diode is exposed by (or from) the bank, but is not limited thereto.
[0067] A plurality of wiring units LP transmit signals to the driving elements and light-emitting diodes of the plurality of sub-pixels SP and may overlap at least a part of the plurality of sub-pixels SP. The plurality of wiring units LP include wirings that supply signals from a driving IC in a non-active region N / A to the plurality of sub-pixels SP in an active region A / A. For example, among various wirings of the display device 100, the plurality of wiring units LP include a reference voltage line, a low-potential power supply line, and a high-potential power supply line that extend in a column direction in the active region A / A, but are not limited thereto.
[0068] Referring to Figure 2B , the plurality of wiring units LP overlap with the green sub-pixels SPG and the blue sub-pixels SPB among the plurality of sub-pixels SP. The green sub-pixels SPG and the blue sub-pixels SPB may be alternately arranged in the column direction (e.g., in the second direction) along the wiring units LP that extend in the column direction. In addition, sub-pixels SP that emit different colors of light are provided in wiring units LP of different columns adjacent to the wiring units LP of each column in the row direction (e.g., in the first direction).
[0069] In this example, the red sub-pixel SPR is provided between the green sub-pixel SPG and the blue sub-pixel SPB provided in the same row. That is, the red sub-pixel SPR does not overlap with the wiring units LP that extend in the column direction, but may be provided between the wiring units LP and may be connected to the wiring units LP through connection lines that extend in the row direction, but is not limited thereto.
[0070] Referring to Figure 2A and Figure 2B , either the plurality of sub-pixels or the plurality of wiring units LP is provided between the plurality of transmissive regions TA. The red sub-pixel SPR is provided between one transmissive region TA and another transmissive region TA adjacent thereto in the column direction. The wiring unit LP is provided between one transmissive region TA and another transmissive region TA adjacent thereto in the row direction. The green sub-pixel SPG or the blue sub-pixel SPB is alternately provided between one transmissive region TA and another transmissive region TA adjacent thereto in the diagonal direction. That is, each of the plurality of transmissive regions TA is provided so as to be surrounded or enclosed by either the plurality of sub-pixels or the plurality of wiring units LP.
[0071] When light encounters a slit, superposition and cancellation occur, thereby causing periodic diffraction. In addition, in a transparent display device, a transmissive region serves as a slit through which light is transmitted. In this example, as the transmissive region is divided more, the periodicity becomes greater, and thus the diffraction may become more severe. Therefore, in a display device in which each of a plurality of sub-pixels is surrounded by a plurality of divided transmissive regions, the diffraction is more obvious. Therefore, in a transparent display device, there is a problem that the more obvious the diffraction of light is, the lower the clarity or visibility of the transparent display device is.
[0072] Therefore, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of transmissive regions TA is surrounded by a plurality of sub-pixels SP and a plurality of wiring units LP. Therefore, the degree of division of the transmissive region TA is minimized, and the diffraction of light in the transparent display device 100 can be minimized. As a result, the clarity and visibility of the display device can be improved.
[0073] On the other hand, referring to Figure 2B , in one sub-pixel SP, the trench pattern TP is provided at a position opposite (or facing) another adjacent sub-pixel SP. That is, in one sub-pixel SP, the trench pattern TP is not provided at a position opposite (or facing) the transmissive region TA. Referring to Figure 2B , in the red sub-pixel SPR, the trench pattern TP is provided at positions opposite the green sub-pixel SPG and the blue sub-pixel SPB adjacent thereto in the row direction. That is, in the red sub-pixel SPR, the trench pattern TP is provided at both ends in the row direction, and thus is provided in a total of two portions. In the green sub-pixel SPG, the trench pattern TP is provided at a position opposite the red sub-pixel SPR adjacent thereto in the row direction and at a position opposite the blue sub-pixel SPB adjacent thereto in the column direction. That is, in the green sub-pixel SPG, the trench pattern TP is provided at both ends in the row direction and the column direction, and thus is provided in a total of four portions. In the blue sub-pixel SPB, the trench pattern TP is provided at a position opposite the red sub-pixel SPR adjacent thereto in the row direction and at a position opposite the green sub-pixel SPG adjacent thereto in the column direction. That is, in the blue sub-pixel SPB, the trench pattern TP is provided at both ends in the row direction and the column direction, and thus is provided in a total of four portions.
[0074] For example, as shown in Figure 2A and Figure 2B , when the planar shape of the light-emitting region EA (or the first light-emitting region EA1) of each of the green sub-pixel SPG and the blue sub-pixel SPB is a polygon having a diagonal corner opposite the transmissive region TA, the trench pattern TP is not provided in the portion corresponding to the diagonal corner. However, it is not limited thereto.
[0075] Therefore, inFigure 2B In Figure 2B , for ease of explanation, in the first electrode 161, the trench pattern TP is shown with a different shading from other portions of the first electrode 161. The portion of the first electrode 161 provided with the trench pattern TP is formed of the same material as other portions of the first electrode 161, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
[0076] On the other hand, reference will be made to Figures 3 to 6 describe the trench pattern TP in detail.
[0077] Figure 3 is Figure 2B an example of an enlarged plan view of region B of Figure 4 is along Figure 3 an example of a cross-sectional view of the display device taken along C-C’ of Figure 5 is along Figure 3 an example of a cross-sectional view of the display device taken along D-D’ of Figure 6 is along Figure 2B an example of a cross-sectional view of the display device taken along E-E’ of Figure 4 is an example of a cross-sectional view of a portion of a sub-pixel SP where the trench pattern TP is not provided, Figure 5 is an example of a cross-sectional view of a portion of a sub-pixel SP where the trench pattern TP is provided. Figure 6 is an example of a cross-sectional view of a transmissive region TA.
[0078] Referring to Figures 3 to 6 , the display device 100 includes a substrate 110, a transistor 120, a first cover layer 130, an auxiliary electrode 140, a second cover layer 150, a light-emitting diode 160, a bank 170, and a packaging unit 180.
[0079] Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , in each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP of the display device 100, a substrate 110, a buffer layer 111, a gate insulating layer 112, an interlayer insulating layer 113, a transistor 120, a first cover layer 130, an auxiliary electrode 140, a second cover layer 150, a first electrode 161, an organic layer 162, a second electrode 163, a bank 170, and a packaging unit 180 are provided.
[0080] The buffer layer 111 is disposed on the substrate 110. The buffer layer 111 can be used to improve the adhesion between the layer formed on the buffer layer 111 and the substrate 110, and to block (or reduce) the leakage of alkaline components from the substrate 110. The buffer layer 111 can be formed as a single layer of silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx), or a multi-layer of silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx), but is not limited thereto. The buffer layer 111 is not an essential component, and the buffer layer 111 can be omitted depending on the type or material of the substrate 110 and the structure and type of the transistor 120.
[0081] In each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP, the transistor 120 is disposed on the buffer layer 111. The transistor 120 can be used as a driving element for driving the light-emitting diode 160 in the active region A / A. The transistor 120 includes an active layer 121, a gate 122, a source 123, and a drain 124. Figure 4 The transistor 120 shown in is a driving transistor, and is a top-gate type thin-film transistor in which the gate 122 is disposed on the active layer 121. However, it is not limited thereto, and the transistor 120 can be implemented as a bottom-gate type transistor.
[0082] The active layer 121 is disposed on the buffer layer 111. The active layer 121 is a region where a channel is formed when driving the transistor 120. The active layer 121 can be formed of an oxide semiconductor or amorphous silicon (a-Si), polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si), or an organic semiconductor.
[0083] The gate insulating layer 112 is disposed on the active layer 121. The gate insulating layer 112 is a layer for electrically insulating the gate 122 from the active layer 121, and can be formed of an insulating material. For example, the gate insulating layer 112 can be formed as a single layer of silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx) as an inorganic material, or a multi-layer of silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx), but is not limited thereto.
[0084] Contact holes are formed in the gate insulating layer 112, and the source 123 and the drain 124 are respectively in contact with the source region and the drain region of the active layer 121 through the contact holes. The gate insulating layer 112 can be formed on the entire surface of the substrate 110 as shown in Figure 4 or patterned to have the same width as the gate 122, but is not limited thereto.
[0085] The gate 122 is disposed on the gate insulating layer 112. The gate 122 is disposed on the gate insulating layer 112 to overlap with the channel region of the active layer 121. The gate 122 can be any of various metal materials, such as any one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu), or an alloy of two or more thereof or a multi-layer thereof, but is not limited thereto.
[0086] The interlayer insulating layer 113 is disposed on the gate 122. The interlayer insulating layer 113 can be formed as a single layer of silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx) as an inorganic material, or a multi-layer of silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx), but is not limited thereto. Contact holes are formed in the interlayer insulating layer 113, and the source electrode 123 and the drain electrode 124 are respectively in contact with the source region and the drain region of the active layer 121 through the contact holes.
[0087] The source electrode 123 and the drain electrode 124 are disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 113. The source electrode 123 and the drain electrode 124 are disposed on the same layer and are spaced apart from each other. The source electrode 123 and the drain electrode 124 are electrically connected to the active layer 121 through the contact holes of the gate insulating layer 112 and the contact holes of the interlayer insulating layer 113. The source electrode 123 and the drain electrode 124 can be any of various metal materials, such as any one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu), or an alloy of two or more thereof or a multi-layer thereof, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
[0088] In Figure 4 only the driving transistor among various transistors 120 included in the display device 100 is shown, but other transistors such as switching transistors can also be provided.
[0089] The first cover layer 130 is disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 113 and the transistor 120. The first cover layer 130 is an insulating layer that protects the transistor 120 and planarizes the upper part of the transistor 120. A contact hole exposing the source electrode 123 of the transistor 120 is formed in the first cover layer 130. Although Figure 4 shows that a contact hole exposing the source electrode 123 is formed in the first cover layer 130, it is not limited thereto. For example, a contact hole exposing the drain electrode 124 can be formed in the first cover layer 130.
[0090] The first cover layer 130 can be formed of one of an acrylic-based resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide-based resin, a polyimide-based resin, an unsaturated polyester-based resin, a polyphenyl resin, a polyphenylene sulfide-based resin, benzocyclobutene, and a photoresist, but is not limited thereto.
[0091] On the other hand, an interlayer insulating layer covering the transistor 120 and a passivation layer may be further provided under the first cover layer 130. The passivation layer may be formed as a single layer of silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx), or multiple layers of silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx), but is not limited thereto.
[0092] The auxiliary electrode 140 is disposed on the first cover layer 130. The auxiliary electrode 140 may be used for electrically connecting the transistor 120 and the light-emitting diode 160. The auxiliary electrode 140 is electrically connected to the source electrode 123 of the transistor 120 through a contact hole formed in the first cover layer 130. The auxiliary electrode 140 may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers formed of any one of molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), or an alloy thereof.
[0093] The second cover layer 150 is disposed on the first cover layer 130. The second cover layer 150 is an insulating layer for planarizing the upper portion of the first cover layer 130 and the upper portion of the auxiliary electrode 140. A contact hole exposing the auxiliary electrode 140 is formed in the second cover layer 150.
[0094] The second cover layer 150 may be formed of one of acrylic-based resins, epoxy resins, phenolic resins, polyamide-based resins, polyimide-based resins, unsaturated polyester-based resins, polyphenyl-based resins, polyphenylene sulfide-based resins, benzocyclobutene, and photoresists, but is not limited thereto.
[0095] The second cover layer 150 includes a base portion 151 and a protruding portion 152. As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the base portion 151 and the protruding portion 152 may be integrally formed. For example, the base portion 151 and the protruding portion 152 are formed of the same material and are formed simultaneously through the same process (e.g., through a mask process), but are not limited thereto.
[0096] The base portion 151 is disposed on the first cover layer 130. The top surface of the base portion 151 has a surface parallel to the substrate 110. Therefore, the step difference generated due to the components disposed thereunder can be planarized through the base portion 151.
[0097] The protruding portion 152 is disposed on the base portion 151. The protruding portion 152 is integrally formed with the base portion 151 and protrudes from the base portion 151. However, it is not limited thereto, and the protruding portion 152 may be separately formed from the base portion 151. That is, after forming the base portion 151 having a flat top surface, the protruding portion may be separately formed on the top surface of the base portion 151. The top surface of the protruding portion 152 may be smaller than its bottom surface, but is not limited thereto.
[0098] At each sub-pixel, the protrusion 152 includes a top surface and side surfaces. The top surface of the protrusion 152 is the surface located on the uppermost part of the protrusion 152 and may be a surface substantially parallel to the base 151 or the substrate 110. That is, the top surface of the protrusion 152 is flat. The side surfaces of the protrusion 152 may be the surfaces connecting the top surface of the protrusion 152 to the base 151. The side surfaces of the protrusion 152 may be inclined from the top surface towards the base 151.
[0099] In each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP, a light-emitting diode 160 is disposed on the second cover layer 150.
[0100] The light-emitting diode 160 includes a first electrode 161 electrically connected to the source 123 of the transistor 120, an organic layer 162 disposed on the first electrode 161, and a second electrode 163 formed on the organic layer 162.
[0101] The first electrode 161 is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP. The first electrode 161 is provided to cover the base 151 and a part of the protrusion 152. In this example, the first electrode 161 of the sub-pixel covers the base 151 at or in the sub-pixel and a part of the protrusion 152 at or in the sub-pixel. The first electrode 161 may be disposed along the shapes of the base 151 and the protrusion 152 of the planarization layer at the sub-pixel. Specifically, the first electrode 161 may be disposed on the top surface of the base 151 where the protrusion 152 is not provided and on the side surfaces of the protrusion 152. That is, the first electrode 161 at the sub-pixel is disposed along the shapes of the base 151 and the protrusion 152 at the sub-pixel. In addition, the first electrode 161 may be formed in a partial area of the top surface of the protrusion 152 at the sub-pixel. That is, the first electrode 161 may be provided to be flat on the top surface of the protrusion 152 at the sub-pixel.
[0102] The first electrode 161 may be the anode of the light-emitting diode 160. The first electrode 161 is electrically connected to the auxiliary electrode 140 through a contact hole formed in the second cover layer 150. The first electrode 161 may be electrically connected to the source 123 of the transistor 120 through the auxiliary electrode 140. However, depending on the type of the transistor 120 and the design of the driving circuit, the first electrode 161 may be configured to be electrically connected to the drain 124 of the transistor 120.
[0103] Each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP includes a light-emitting region EA and an outer peripheral region surrounding the light-emitting region EA. In this example, the light-emitting region EA and the outer peripheral region may be defined by respective parts of the first electrode 161.
[0104] For example, the light-emitting region EA includes a first light-emitting region EA1 and a second light-emitting region EA2 surrounding the first light-emitting region EA1. The non-light-emitting region NEA may include a first non-light-emitting region NEA1 between the first light-emitting region EA1 and the second light-emitting region EA2 and a second non-light-emitting region NEA2 surrounding the second light-emitting region EA2. In this example, the outer peripheral region may be the second non-light-emitting region NEA2.
[0105] The first light-emitting region EA1 may correspond to the region where the top surface of the first electrode 161 is exposed by the bank 170. That is, the first light-emitting region EA1 may be the region where part of the light emitted from the organic layer 162 is extracted outside the display device 100 through the organic layer 162 and the second electrode 163.
[0106] The first light-emitting region EA1 is surrounded by the first non-light-emitting region NEA1. The first non-light-emitting region NEA1 may be the region where part of the light emitted from the organic layer 162 reaches the bank 170 so that the light is not extracted outside the display device 100. The first non-light-emitting region NEA1 may correspond to the region where the first electrode 161 provided on the top surface of the base 151 is covered by the bank 170.
[0107] When the display device 100 is turned on, due to the light incident from at least one light-emitting unit in the first light-emitting region EA1 and the second light-emitting region EA2, the first non-light-emitting region NEA1 is in a black state or has a lower brightness than the first light-emitting region EA1 and the second light-emitting region EA2.
[0108] The first non-light-emitting region NEA1 may be surrounded by the second light-emitting region EA2. The second light-emitting region EA2 of the sub-pixel may correspond to the region where the first electrode 161 of the sub-pixel is provided on the inclined surface of the protrusion 152 at the sub-pixel. That is, the second light-emitting region EA2 may be the region where part of the light emitted from the organic layer 162 is reflected by the first electrode 161 provided on the inclined surface of the protrusion 152 and is extracted outside the display device 100.
[0109] The second light-emitting region EA2 may be surrounded by the second non-light-emitting region NEA2. The second non-light-emitting region NEA2 at the sub-pixel may correspond to the region where the first electrode 161 at the sub-pixel is provided on the top surface of the protrusion 152 at the sub-pixel. Therefore, the second non-light-emitting region NEA2 is defined as the outer peripheral region, but is not limited thereto.
[0110] The second non-light-emitting region NEA2 may be the region where components for driving the light-emitting region EA are provided. For example, in the first electrode 161, a contact hole through which the first electrode 161 and the transistor 120 are connected may be provided in the second non-light-emitting region NEA2, but is not limited thereto.
[0111] When the display device 100 is turned on, due to the light incident from at least one light-emitting unit in the first light-emitting region EA1 and the second light-emitting region EA2, the second non-light-emitting region NEA2 is in a black state or has a brightness lower than that of the first light-emitting region EA1 and the second light-emitting region EA2. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
[0112] A trench pattern TP is provided in the second non-light-emitting region NEA2. The trench pattern TP is provided along a plurality of trenches provided on the top surface of the protrusion 152 (which is provided with a pattern having a plurality of trench shapes). The trench pattern TP can improve the light extraction efficiency and the front efficiency by reflecting the light emitted from the organic layer 162. On the other hand, although the trench pattern TP is shown to have a trapezoidal cross-section in Figure 5 , the cross-sectional shape of the trench pattern TP can be various convex shapes, for example, it can be one of a triangle, a circle, and a trapezoid, but is not limited thereto.
[0113] In the second non-light-emitting region NEA2 of each sub-pixel among the plurality of sub-pixels SP, in one sub-pixel SP, the trench pattern TP is provided at a position opposite to another adjacent sub-pixel SP. For example, when in the second non-light-emitting region NEA2, in one sub-pixel SP, the region opposite to another adjacent sub-pixel SP is the first outer peripheral region and the region opposite to the transmission region TA is the second outer peripheral region, the trench pattern TP is provided in the first outer peripheral region. That is, in the second non-light-emitting region NEA2 of each sub-pixel among the plurality of sub-pixels SP, the trench pattern TP may not be provided at a position opposite to the transmission region TA, but is not limited thereto.
[0114] On the other hand, as the trench pattern TP is provided, the surface area of the first electrode 161 increases, and the length of the component (for example, the organic layer 162) provided on the first electrode 161 can increase. Therefore, when driving the display device 100, the trench pattern TP minimizes the lateral leakage current (LLC: lateral leakage current), that is, the problem that current leaks to adjacent sub-pixels of the common organic layer and causes adjacent sub-pixels to emit light, but is not limited thereto.
[0115] In this example, although the first electrode 161 is shown as a single layer in Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the first electrode 161 can be configured as a multi-layer. For example, the first electrode 161 may include a reflective layer that reflects the light emitted from the organic layer 162 toward the second electrode 163 and a transparent conductive layer that supplies holes to the organic layer 162.
[0116] The reflective layer is disposed on the second cover layer 150 to reflect the light emitted from the light-emitting diode 160 upward. The light generated in the organic layer 162 of the light-emitting diode 160 can be emitted not only upward but also laterally. The laterally emitted light is guided toward the inside of the display device 100 or trapped in the display device 100 due to total reflection, or further propagates into the inside of the display device 100 and then disappears. Therefore, the reflective layer is disposed below the organic layer 162 and covers the side portions of the protrusions 152 to change the propagation direction of the light guided toward the side portions of the organic layer 162 to the front direction.
[0117] The reflective layer can be formed of a metallic material such as aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), and magnesium silver alloy (Mg:Ag), but is not limited thereto.
[0118] The transparent conductive layer is disposed on the reflective layer. The transparent conductive layer can be formed of a conductive material having a high work function to supply holes to the organic layer 162. For example, the transparent conductive layer can be formed of a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), and tin oxide (TO), but is not limited thereto.
[0119] The bank 170 is disposed on the second cover layer 150 and the first electrode 161. The bank 170 is an insulating layer that separates adjacent sub-pixels SP. The bank 170 is disposed such that a part of the first electrode 161 is opened to form an opening area and a non-opening area covering a part of the first electrode 161 is formed to define a light-emitting area EA and a non-light-emitting area. In this example, the bank 170 is disposed such that a part of the first electrode 161 is opened to form an opening area corresponding to the first light-emitting area EA1, and the bank 170 forms a non-opening area covering a part of the first electrode 161. This non-opening area can form a first non-light-emitting area NEA1, a second light-emitting area EA2, and a second non-light-emitting area NEA2.
[0120] The bank 170 can be formed of an inorganic material. For example, the bank 170 can be formed of a single layer of silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx), or a multi-layer of silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx). However, it is not limited thereto, and the bank 170 can be formed of an organic material.
[0121] The organic layer 162 is disposed on the first electrode 161 and the bank 170. For example, the organic layer 162 is disposed on the first electrode 161 in the first light-emitting region EA1, and is disposed on the bank 170 in the second light-emitting region EA2 and the non-light-emitting region NEA including the first non-light-emitting region NEA1 and the second non-light-emitting region NEA2. The organic layer 162 may be disposed along the shapes of the first electrode 161 and the bank 170. The organic layer 162 includes a light-emitting layer and a common layer.
[0122] The light-emitting layer is an organic layer that emits light of a specific color. Different light-emitting layers may be provided in the plurality of sub-pixels SP, or the same light-emitting layer may be provided in all of the plurality of sub-pixels SP. For example, when different light-emitting layers are provided in the plurality of sub-pixels SP, a red light-emitting layer is provided in the red sub-pixel SPR, a green light-emitting layer is provided in the green sub-pixel SPG, and a blue light-emitting layer is provided in the blue sub-pixel SPB. When the same light-emitting layer is provided in all of the plurality of sub-pixels SP, the light from the light-emitting layer may be converted into light of various colors by a separate color conversion layer and a color filter. In some examples, the color filter may be provided on or over one or more layers of the encapsulation unit 180. In addition, the color filter may be provided within (or may overlap with) the light-emitting region (e.g., EA or EA1).
[0123] The common layer is an organic layer provided to improve the light-emitting efficiency of the light-emitting layer. The common layer may be formed as the same layer over the plurality of sub-pixels SP. That is, the common layers of the plurality of sub-pixels SP are simultaneously formed of the same material by the same process. The common layer may include a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an electron transport layer, an electron injection layer, and a charge generation layer, but is not limited thereto.
[0124] On the other hand, the organic layer 162 may be formed by stacking a plurality of light-emitting units each including a light-emitting layer and configured to emit light. For example, each light-emitting unit includes a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, a light-emitting layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer, and a charge generation layer for supplying charges to the plurality of light-emitting units is provided between adjacent light-emitting units. Thus, in the organic layer 162, light mixed from the light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting units may be emitted, but is not limited thereto.
[0125] The second electrode 163 is disposed on the organic layer 162. The second electrode 163 may be disposed along the shape of the organic layer 162. The second electrode 163 supplies electrons to the organic layer 162, such that the second electrode may be formed of a conductive material having a low work function. The second electrode 163 may be the cathode of the light-emitting diode 160. The second electrode 163 may be formed of a transparent conductive material (e.g., indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO)) or a metal alloy (e.g., magnesium silver (MgAg) or ytterbium (Yb) alloy), and may further include a metal doping layer, but is not limited thereto. On the other hand, although not shown in the figure, the second electrode 163 is electrically connected to a low-potential power supply line to be supplied with a low-potential power signal.
[0126] The encapsulation unit 180 may be formed on the light-emitting diode 160 to protect the moisture-sensitive light-emitting diode 160 from being exposed to moisture. The encapsulation unit 180 may block oxygen and moisture that penetrate into the light-emitting display device 100 from the outside. For example, when the light-emitting display device 100 is exposed to moisture or oxygen, a phenomenon of pixel shrinkage in which the light-emitting area shrinks, or dead pixels are generated in the light-emitting area. Therefore, the encapsulation unit 180 blocks oxygen and moisture to protect the light-emitting display device 100. For example, the encapsulation unit 180 may have a structure in which an inorganic layer and an organic layer are alternately stacked, but is not limited thereto.
[0127] Referring to Figures 4 to 6 , the encapsulation unit 180 includes a first encapsulation layer 181, a foreign matter covering layer 182, and a second encapsulation layer 183.
[0128] The first encapsulation layer 181 is disposed on the second electrode 163 to inhibit the penetration of moisture or oxygen. The first encapsulation layer 181 may be formed of an inorganic material such as silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxynitride (SiNxOy), or aluminum oxide (AlyOz), but is not limited thereto. The first encapsulation layer 181 may be formed of a material having a refractive index higher than that of the foreign matter covering layer 182.
[0129] The foreign matter covering layer 182 is disposed on the first encapsulation layer 181 to flatten the surface. In addition, the foreign matter covering layer 182 may cover foreign matters or particles that may be generated during the manufacturing process. The foreign matter covering layer 182 may be formed of an organic material (e.g., silicon oxycarbide (SiOxCz), acrylic acid, or epoxy resin), but is not limited thereto.
[0130] The second encapsulation layer 183 is disposed on the foreign matter covering layer 182 and inhibits the penetration of moisture or oxygen, similar to the first encapsulation layer 181. The second encapsulation layer 183 may be formed of an inorganic material such as silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxynitride (SiNxOy), silicon oxide (SiOx), or aluminum oxide (AlyOz), but is not limited thereto. The second encapsulation layer 183 may be formed of the same material as the first encapsulation layer 181 or a different material from the first encapsulation layer 181.
[0131] Referring Figure 6 , in the transmissive region TA of the display device 100, a substrate 110, a buffer layer 111, a gate insulating layer 112, an interlayer insulating layer 113, a first covering layer 130, a second covering layer 150, an organic layer 162, a second electrode 163, a bank 170, and an encapsulation unit 180 are provided. That is, in the transmissive region TA, the first electrode 161 may not be provided. On the other hand, in Figure 6 , the organic layer 162 and the second electrode 163 of the light-emitting diode 160 are also shown to be provided in the transmissive region TA. However, the organic layer 162 or the second electrode 163 may not be provided in the transmissive region TA, or at least a part of them may be provided to be open in the transmissive region TA, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
[0132] On the other hand, in the transmissive region TA, the bank 170 may be open to correspond to the transmissive region TA. Therefore, the transmissive region TA may be defined as a region where the transistor 120 and the first electrode 161 are not provided and the second covering layer 150 is exposed by the bank 170, but is not limited thereto.
[0133] In a display device using a first electrode formed on a covering layer having a flat top surface, light emitted from the organic layer at a small emission angle is trapped in the light-emitting display device due to total reflection loss or optical waveguide loss, resulting in a reduction in light-emitting efficiency. Therefore, a covering layer having a protrusion is used, and the first electrode is disposed on the inclined side surface of the protrusion to reflect the light emitted from the organic layer and extract it to the outside of the display device, thereby improving the light extraction efficiency of the light-emitting diode.
[0134] However, the optical path of a part of the light reflected by the first electrode disposed on the inclined surface of the protrusion can be changed by the bank. Therefore, there may be a problem that the light whose path is changed is guided to the region overlapping the protrusion between the first electrode and the second electrode and is trapped in the display device again. Therefore, a trench pattern is provided in the first electrode disposed on the flat top surface of the protrusion so that the light guided to the region overlapping the protrusion between the first electrode and the second electrode is scattered, thereby extracting the light to the outside of the display device.
[0135] However, in a transparent display device having a light transmission region that is a substantially transparent region, the light scattered by the trench pattern is scattered into the transmission region adjacent to the trench pattern. When the light emitted from the light-emitting diode is scattered into the transmission region, the image incident on the transmission region may appear brighter and haze may be generated, and the image may be distorted. Accordingly, there is an additional problem of degradation in the quality of the transparent display device.
[0136] Accordingly, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in the outer peripheral region surrounding the light-emitting region EA, the trench pattern TP is disposed at a position of one sub-pixel SP opposite to another adjacent sub-pixel SP to improve the quality of the transparent display device 100.
[0137] Specifically, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first electrode 161 is disposed on the side surface and the top surface of the protrusion 152 to reflect the light emitted from the organic layer 162 and extract the light to the outside of the display device. In addition, the trench pattern TP is disposed in the first electrode 161 disposed on the top surface of the protrusion 152 to scatter the light guided by the bank portion 170 to the region between the first electrode 161 and the second electrode 163 among the light reflected by the first electrode 161. Accordingly, the light that may be trapped in the display device 100 is extracted to the outside of the display device 100 to improve the light extraction efficiency. In this example, the trench pattern TP is disposed at a position of one sub-pixel SP opposite to another adjacent sub-pixel SP. That is, the trench pattern TP in one sub-pixel SP is not disposed at a position opposite to the transmission region TA, and the light emitted from the organic layer 162 is not scattered at a position opposite to the transmission region TA. Accordingly, the trench pattern TP is configured to improve the light extraction efficiency of the light-emitting diode 160 and does not scatter light at a position opposite to the transmission region TA. Accordingly, the problem in which the image incident on the transmission region TA appears brighter and is distorted due to the sub-pixel SP adjacent to the transmission region TA can be minimized. Accordingly, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in the outer peripheral region surrounding the light-emitting region EA in one sub-pixel SP, the trench pattern TP is disposed at a position opposite to another adjacent sub-pixel SP. Accordingly, the problem in which the image incident on the transmission region TA appears brighter and is distorted due to the sub-pixel SP adjacent to the transmission region TA can be minimized, and the quality of the transparent display device 100 can be improved.
[0138] Various examples and aspects of the present disclosure will be described below. These are provided only as examples and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0139] In combination Figures 1 to 6, in one or more aspects, the display device 100 can be a foldable device, can be included in a foldable device, or can include a foldable device. A foldable device can refer to or can be: a foldable display device, a rollable device, a bendable device, a flexible device, a stretchable device, a curved device, a sliding device, or a variable device, and vice versa. The display device 100 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure can be or can be included in a mobile terminal (e.g., a smart phone, a video phone, a smart watch, a watch phone, a wearable device, a tablet computer, an electronic notebook, a laptop computer, a netbook computer, an e-book, a portable multimedia player (PMP), a personal digital assistant (PDA), an MPEG-1 audio layer 3 (MP3) player, a mobile medical device, a laptop computer, etc.), a desktop personal computer (PC), a workstation, a navigation device, an in-vehicle navigation device, a vehicle display device, vehicle equipment, a theater device, a theater display device, a television, a wallpaper device, a signage device, a gaming device, a monitor, a camera, a sensor, a video camera, or a household appliance, etc. The display device 100 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is not limited to the above example devices. The display device 100 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure can be made into various types, sizes, and shapes configured to display information and / or images.
[0140] Combined with Figures 1 to 6 , in one or more aspects, when the display device 100 is a foldable device, a foldable area can be formed around a folding axis. In one example, the foldable area can overlap with a part of the active area A / A and / or a part of the non-active area N / A. The foldable area can be an area that is folded with a predetermined curvature when the foldable device is folded in at least one of an in-fold and an out-fold manner. The area other than the foldable area can be a non-foldable area. The foldable area can include one or more foldable areas. In addition, when the display device 100 is a foldable device, the display device can further include a hinge structure for folding a display panel, etc., and a housing for supporting and accommodating the display panel, etc. In one or more examples, when the display device 100 is a foldable device, the substrate of the display device can be a multi-layer substrate, and the substrate can be flexible.
[0141] Combined with Figure 1 and Figures 4 to 6, in one or more aspects, the substrate 110 of the display device 100 can be used to support and protect the component elements of the display device 100 disposed above the substrate 110. The substrate 110 is a component for supporting various component elements included in the display device 100 and can be made of one or more insulating materials. The substrate 110 can be a multi-layer substrate (e.g., a three-layer substrate), including, for example, a first substrate, a second substrate, and an inorganic insulating layer. The inorganic insulating layer can be disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The substrate is multi-layered, and the substrate can minimize moisture penetration from the outside. In another example, the substrate 110 can be provided as a single layer.
[0142] The first substrate can be rigid and flexible. Among the components of the substrate 110, the first substrate can be configured to substantially support the component elements of the display device 100. For example, the first substrate can be a flexible substrate made of polyimide (PI). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
[0143] The inorganic insulating layer can be disposed on the entire surface of the first substrate. The inorganic insulating layer can be made of an inorganic insulating material. For example, the inorganic insulating layer can be configured to be a single layer or multiple layers made of silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
[0144] The second substrate can be disposed on the inorganic insulating layer. The second substrate can be rigid and flexible. Among the components of the substrate 110, the second substrate can be configured to substantially support the component elements of the display device 100 together with the first substrate. For example, the second substrate can be a flexible substrate made of polyimide (PI). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
[0145] According to some example embodiments, the active area A / A of the display device 100 can include a general active area (although not specifically designated in the figure) and an optical area (although not specifically designated in the figure). In one example, the general active area can be the active area A / A except for the optical area. In one example, the general active area can be an area disposed within the active area A / A but outside the optical area. The area can include one or more areas. The general active area can include one or more general active areas. The optical area can include one or more optical areas. When multiple optical areas are provided, the general active area can be the active area A / A except for all the optical areas. When no optical area is provided, the general active area can be the active area A / A.
[0146] According to some example embodiments, the display device 100 may include optoelectronic devices (not shown). The optoelectronic devices may be electronic components that are separately provided and mounted from the display panel and are located below the display panel (on the side opposite to the viewing surface). The optoelectronic devices may include one or more optoelectronic devices. In one example, the display panel may include Figures 4 to 6 any of the components shown.
[0147] Light may enter from the front (viewing surface) of the display panel and pass through the display panel to reach the optoelectronic devices located below the display panel (opposite to the viewing surface). For example, the light passing through the display panel may include visible light, infrared light, ultrasonic light, ultraviolet light, etc.
[0148] The optoelectronic devices may be devices that receive the light transmitted through the display panel and perform a predetermined function according to the received light. For example, the optoelectronic devices may include imaging devices (e.g., cameras, camera lenses, or image sensors) and / or detection sensors (e.g., proximity sensors and / or illuminance sensors). For example, the detection sensor may be an infrared sensor. The sensor can detect an object or a human body by receiving light.
[0149] In one example, the optical region may overlap with the optoelectronic devices. In one example, the optical region may overlap with at least a part or all of the optoelectronic devices. In one example, at least a part or all of the optical region may overlap with the optoelectronic devices.
[0150] According to some example embodiments, the optical region may have an image display structure (e.g., sub-pixels including light-emitting diodes 160) and a light-transmitting structure (e.g., one or more light-transmitting regions). In other words, since the optical region is a partial region of the active region A / A, a light-emitting region for sub-pixels for displaying an image (e.g., the light-emitting region EA of the light-emitting diode 160, or the first light-emitting region EA1 and the second light-emitting region EA2) may be provided in the optical region. In one example, the light-transmitting structure may be used to transmit light to the optoelectronic device. In another example, when there is no optoelectronic device, the light-transmitting structure may be used to transmit light (toward the back surface of the display panel or toward the front surface of the display panel). In one example, the image display structure may include a plurality of light-emitting diodes 160 (or an array thereof, a row thereof, or a column thereof). In one example, the light-transmitting structure may include a plurality of light-transmitting regions (or an array thereof, a row thereof, or a column thereof). In one example, the light-emitting diodes 160 may be provided between the light-transmitting regions. In one example, an array of light-emitting diodes 160 and an array of light-transmitting regions may be interposed. In one example, the light-emitting diodes 160 may be adjacent to the corresponding light-transmitting regions. In one example, the light-emitting diodes 160 may be provided between the normal active region and one or more light-transmitting regions. The light-transmitting region may be referred to as the transmission region TA, and vice versa.
[0151] In one example, Figure 1 the region A of may be located within the normal active region. In another example, Figure 1 the region A of may be located within the optical region. In still another example, Figure 1 the region A of may be partially located in the normal active region and partially located in the optical region.
[0152] According to some example embodiments, the light-transmitting structure may be configured in one of several different ways. The light-transmitting structure may be (i) a structure including a substrate formed of a transparent material; (ii) a structure having one or more dielectric layers formed of a transparent material; or (iii) a structure having at least a portion of the following layers: one or more dielectric layers each formed of a transparent material and one or more metal layers, semiconductor layers, conductive layers, organic layers, and / or electrodes. Thus, the light-transmitting structure may be formed of a transparent material that allows light to pass through. The light-transmitting structure may include one or more light-transmitting structures. Similarly, according to some example embodiments, the light-transmitting region may be configured in one of several different ways. The light-transmitting region may be (i) a region including a substrate formed of a transparent material; (ii) a region having one or more dielectric layers formed of a transparent material; or (iii) a region having at least a portion of the following layers: one or more dielectric layers each formed of a transparent material and one or more metal layers, semiconductor layers, conductive layers, organic layers, and / or electrodes.
[0153] The optoelectronic device may be a device that requires light reception, but is located behind (below, opposite the viewing surface) the display panel to receive light transmitted through the display panel. In one or more examples, the optoelectronic device is not exposed on the front (viewing surface) of the display panel. Thus, when a user looks at the front of the display device, the optoelectronic device is invisible to the user.
[0154] When the optoelectronic device is a camera, the camera may be a front camera that is located behind (below) the display panel but captures the front of the display panel. Thus, the user can take a photo through a camera that is invisible to the viewing surface while viewing the viewing surface of the display panel.
[0155] According to some example embodiments, the normal active region and the optical region included in the active region A / A are regions capable of displaying an image, but in another example, the normal active region may be a region where a light transmission structure does not need to be formed, and the optical region may be a region including a light transmission structure.
[0156] According to some example embodiments, the optical region may have a transmittance equal to or higher than a certain level (e.g., transmittance per unit area), and the normal active region may not have a light transmittance or may have a lower transmittance lower than a certain level (e.g., lower transmittance per unit area).
[0157] According to some example embodiments, the optical region (or the image display structure therein) may include Figure 4 some of the elements shown (e.g., light-emitting diodes, some or all of the insulating layers, and / or some other elements). However, the optical region and the normal active region according to some example embodiments may have different resolutions, sub-pixel setting structures, number of sub-pixels per unit area, electrode structures, wiring structures, electrode setting structures, and / or wiring setting structures.
[0158] For example, the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the optical region may be different from the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the normal active region, or the size of each sub-pixel (i.e., the size of the light-emitting region) provided in the optical region may be different from the size of the corresponding sub-pixel (i.e., the size of the light-emitting region) provided in the normal active region. In another example, the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the optical region may be the same as the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the normal active region, or the size of each sub-pixel (i.e., the size of the light-emitting region) provided in the optical region may be the same as the size of the corresponding sub-pixel (i.e., the size of the light-emitting region) provided in the normal active region.
[0159] In one example, the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the optical region can be less than the number of sub-pixels per unit area in a normal active region. In other words, the resolution of the optical region can be lower than that of the normal active region. Here, the number of sub-pixels per unit area can be equivalent to the resolution, pixel density, or pixel integration. For example, the unit of the number of sub-pixels per unit area can be pixels per inch (PPI), which represents the number of pixels in one inch. In the above example, the size of each sub-pixel (i.e., the size of the light-emitting region) provided in the optical region can be the same as the size of the corresponding sub-pixel (i.e., the size of the light-emitting region) provided in the normal active region.
[0160] In another example, the size of each sub-pixel (i.e., the size of the light-emitting region) provided in the optical region can be greater than the size of the corresponding sub-pixel (i.e., the size of the light-emitting region) provided in the normal active region.
[0161] In yet another example, the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the optical region can be greater than the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the normal active region.
[0162] In yet another example, the number of sub-pixels (or light-emitting regions) per unit area in the optical region is the same as or close to the number of sub-pixels (or light-emitting regions) per unit area in the normal active region, and the size of each sub-pixel (i.e., the size of the light-emitting region) provided in the optical region can be less than the size of the corresponding sub-pixel (i.e., the size of the light-emitting region) provided in the normal active region.
[0163] The optical region can have various shapes such as circular, elliptical, quadrilateral, hexagonal, or octagonal. In addition, the image display structure and the light transmission structure within the optical region can have various shapes.
[0164] In a display device according to some example embodiments, if the optoelectronic device that is not exposed to the outside and hidden under the display panel is a camera, the display device according to some example embodiments can be referred to as a display using under-display camera (UDC) technology.
[0165] According to some example embodiments, the display device does not need to form a notch or a camera hole for exposing the camera in the display panel, thereby preventing the reduction of the active area A / A. Therefore, since there is no need to form a notch or a camera hole for exposing the camera in the display panel, the size of the border region can be reduced, and the design limitation can be removed, thereby increasing the design freedom. In one example, the notch or the camera hole can be a hollow space or a void without solid materials, metals, or dielectric layers.
[0166] According to some example embodiments, although the optoelectronic device is arranged to be hidden behind the display panel, the optoelectronic device can function as expected, for example, correctly receive light and perform its predetermined function in a normal manner.
[0167] In addition, according to some example embodiments, although the optoelectronic device is arranged to be hidden behind the display panel and arranged to overlap with the active region A / A, the optical region in the active region A / A that overlaps with the optoelectronic device can display an image. However, when the optical region is designed as a transmissive region (or a transmissible region), the image display characteristics in the optical region can be different from those in a normal active region.
[0168] According to some example embodiments, it can be used and implemented in the display device shown in Figures 1 to 6 the ordinary active region and the optical region (and components therein) described herein.
[0169] The above-described light transmission structure according to some example embodiments does not require a notch or a camera hole. However, in another example, the light transmission structure can include a notch or a camera hole.
[0170] Various examples and aspects of the present disclosure are further described below. These are provided only as examples and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0171] In one or more examples, the transparent material can be a light transmissive material or can include a light transmissive material. In some examples, the transparent material can include a translucent material or can be a translucent material.
[0172] In one or more examples, one or more trenches can be or can include one or more recessed portions, one or more protruding portions, one or more inwardly curved portions, one or more outwardly curved portions, one or more indented portions, one or more concave portions, one or more depressed portions, one or more curved portions, one or more projecting portions, one or more raised portions, one or more protruding portions, one or more grooves, etc., or some combination of the foregoing.
[0173] In one or more examples, one or more trench patterns can be or can include one or more patterns having one or more recessed portions, one or more protruding portions, one or more inwardly curved portions, one or more outwardly curved portions, one or more indented portions, one or more concave portions, one or more depressed portions, one or more curved portions, one or more projecting portions, one or more raised portions, one or more protruding portions, one or more grooves, etc., or some combination of the foregoing.
[0174] In one or more examples, the outer peripheral region may be or may include a second non-emitting region NEA2. In this example, the outer peripheral region may include a plurality of first outer peripheral regions PA1 opposite other adjacent sub-pixels and a plurality of second outer peripheral regions PA2 opposite adjacent transmissive regions TA. In one or more examples, a trench pattern TP is provided in the first outer peripheral region PA1, and the trench pattern TP is not provided (or absent) in the second outer peripheral region PA2.
[0175] In one or more examples, the peripheral region may include the outer peripheral region or a part thereof. The peripheral region may include a plurality of first peripheral regions and a plurality of second peripheral regions. The first peripheral region may include the first outer peripheral region PA1 or a part thereof, and the second peripheral region may include the second outer peripheral region PA2 or a part thereof.
[0176] In one or more examples, the phrase "one element is opposite to another element" may mean that the element faces the other element.
[0177] In one or more examples, the low-transmission region LTA does not need to completely block the transmission of light; however, the low-transmission region LTA is configured to have a lower transmittance than the transmissive region TA.
[0178] In one or more examples, the non-emitting region NEA does not need to completely block the emission of light; however, the non-emitting region NEA is configured to emit less light than the emitting region EA.
[0179] In one or more examples, the first non-emitting region NEA1 completely surrounds or encloses the first emitting region EA1, the second emitting region EA2 completely surrounds or encloses the first non-emitting region NEA1, and the second non-emitting region NEA2 completely surrounds or encloses the second emitting region EA2. In one or more examples, the anode provided in the first non-emitting region NEA1 completely surrounds or encloses the anode provided in the first emitting region EA1, the anode provided in the second emitting region EA2 completely surrounds or encloses the anode provided in the first non-emitting region NEA1, and the anode provided in the second non-emitting region NEA2 completely surrounds or encloses the anode provided in the second emitting region EA2.
[0180] In some examples, the first non-emitting region NEA1 may surround or encircle at least a portion of the first emitting region EA1 without completely surrounding or encircling the first emitting region EA1; the second emitting region EA2 may surround or encircle at least a portion of the first non-emitting region NEA1 without completely surrounding or encircling the first non-emitting region NEA1; and the second non-emitting region NEA2 may surround or encircle at least a portion of the second emitting region EA2 without completely surrounding or encircling the second emitting region EA2. In some examples, an anode disposed in the first non-emitting region NEA1 may surround or encircle at least a portion of an anode disposed in the first emitting region EA1 without completely surrounding or encircling the anode disposed in the first emitting region EA1; an anode disposed in the second emitting region EA2 may surround or encircle at least a portion of an anode disposed in the first non-emitting region NEA1 without completely surrounding or encircling the anode disposed in the first non-emitting region NEA1; and an anode disposed in the second non-emitting region NEA2 may surround or encircle at least a portion of an anode disposed in the second emitting region EA2 without completely surrounding or encircling the anode disposed in the second emitting region EA2.
[0181] Various examples and aspects of the present disclosure are further described below. These are provided only as examples and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0182] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a substrate; a plurality of transmissive regions; a region including a plurality of sub-pixels; a cover layer disposed on the substrate and including a base portion and a protrusion located on the base portion; and an anode disposed in each of the plurality of sub-pixels and covering a portion of the protrusion and the base portion, wherein each of the plurality of sub-pixels includes an emitting region and an outer peripheral region surrounding the emitting region, the outer peripheral region including a plurality of first outer peripheral regions opposite to other adjacent sub-pixels and a plurality of second outer peripheral regions opposite to adjacent transmissive regions, a plurality of grooves are provided in the protrusion in the plurality of first outer peripheral regions, and the anode is disposed in the plurality of grooves in the plurality of first outer peripheral regions.
[0183] The top surface of the protrusion may be flat in the plurality of second outer peripheral regions, and the anode may be disposed to be flat on the top surface of the protrusion in the plurality of second outer peripheral regions.
[0184] The plurality of sub-pixels may include a plurality of first sub-pixels, a plurality of second sub-pixels, and a plurality of third sub-pixels that emit light of different colors.
[0185] The plurality of first sub-pixels may be disposed between the plurality of second sub-pixels and the plurality of third sub-pixels in a first direction; and the plurality of second sub-pixels and the plurality of third sub-pixels may be alternately disposed in a second direction intersecting the first direction.
[0186] The display device may further include one or more wiring units configured to transmit one or more signals to at least some of the plurality of sub-pixels.
[0187] The plurality of transmissive regions may be arranged in a matrix, and any one of the plurality of sub-pixels or one or more of the wiring units may be disposed between the plurality of transmissive regions.
[0188] Each of the plurality of first sub-pixels may be disposed between one transmissive region and another transmissive region adjacent to the one transmissive region in a second direction, and each of the plurality of second sub-pixels or each of the plurality of third sub-pixels may be disposed between one transmissive region and another transmissive region adjacent to the one transmissive region in a diagonal direction.
[0189] The respective light-emitting regions of the plurality of second sub-pixels and the respective light-emitting regions of the plurality of third sub-pixels may be in a polygonal shape having diagonal corners opposite to adjacent transmissive regions. One of the plurality of second outer peripheral regions may be disposed at a diagonal corner opposite to an adjacent transmissive region.
[0190] The side surface of the protrusion at each of the plurality of sub-pixels may have an inclined surface, and the anode may be disposed on the respective top surfaces of the bases exposed by the protrusions, on the respective side surfaces of the protrusions, and on a part of the respective top surfaces of the protrusions.
[0191] In one or more examples, no trenches are provided in the protrusions in the plurality of second outer peripheral regions opposite to adjacent transmissive regions.
[0192] The display device may further include one or more wiring units configured to transmit one or more signals. At least one of the plurality of trenches may be disposed at at least one position opposite to the one or more wiring units.
[0193] The display device may further include trenches provided in the outer peripheral region. The trenches may be disposed at positions opposite to the one or more wiring units.
[0194] One or more wiring units may be configured to transmit one or more signals. At least a part of the one or more wiring units may be disposed in at least one region for transmission.
[0195] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a substrate; a plurality of transmissive regions; a region including a plurality of sub-pixels; a cover layer disposed on the substrate and including a base portion and a protrusion disposed on the base portion and exposing a part of the base portion; and an anode disposed in each of the plurality of sub-pixels and covering a part of the protrusion and the base portion, wherein at each of the plurality of sub-pixels, the protrusion has an inclined side surface and a top surface surrounding the inclined side surface, the inclined side surface is adjacent to the region where the base portion is exposed from the protrusion, the anode disposed on the top surface of the protrusion in each of the plurality of sub-pixels includes a trench pattern, and in one sub-pixel, the trench pattern may be disposed at a position opposite to another sub-pixel adjacent to the sub-pixel.
[0196] The plurality of sub-pixels may include a plurality of first sub-pixels, a plurality of second sub-pixels, and a plurality of third sub-pixels that emit light of different colors.
[0197] The plurality of first sub-pixels may be disposed between the plurality of second sub-pixels and the plurality of third sub-pixels in a first direction, and the plurality of second sub-pixels and the plurality of third sub-pixels may be alternately disposed in a second direction intersecting the first direction.
[0198] The display device may further include one or more wiring units configured to transmit one or more signals to at least some of the plurality of sub-pixels.
[0199] The plurality of transmissive regions may be arranged in a matrix, and any one of the plurality of sub-pixels or one or more of the wiring units may be disposed between the plurality of transmissive regions.
[0200] In one sub-pixel, the trench pattern may be disposed at a position opposite to one of the one or more wiring units.
[0201] One of the plurality of first sub-pixels may be disposed between one transmissive region and another transmissive region adjacent to the one transmissive region in the second direction, and one of the plurality of second sub-pixels or one of the plurality of third sub-pixels may be disposed between one transmissive region and another transmissive region adjacent to the one transmissive region in a diagonal direction.
[0202] Each of the light-emitting regions of one of the plurality of second sub-pixels and one of the plurality of third sub-pixels may be a polygonal shape having a diagonal corner opposite to an adjacent transmissive region. A region where no trench pattern is provided may be provided in the diagonal corner opposite to the adjacent transmissive region.
[0203] In one or more examples, for an anode disposed on the top surface of a protrusion in a sub-pixel, all trench patterns may be disposed at positions opposite to one or more sub-pixels adjacent to the one sub-pixel, and there are no trench patterns in an area not opposite to any sub-pixel adjacent to the one sub-pixel.
[0204] In a sub-pixel, at least one edge of the trench pattern may have a pointed shape, and the at least one edge may protrude toward another sub-pixel adjacent to the one sub-pixel.
[0205] The display device may further include one or more wiring units including a reference voltage line or a power supply line and configured to transmit one or more signals. The trench pattern in a sub-pixel may be disposed at a position opposite to the one or more wiring units.
[0206] The anode at a sub-pixel may include a second trench pattern. The second trench pattern may be disposed at a position opposite to one or more wiring units.
[0207] One or more wiring units may be configured to transmit one or more signals. At least a part of the one or more wiring units may be disposed in at least one transmissive area.
[0208] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a transmissive area; an area provided with a first sub-pixel and a second sub-pixel; and the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel, wherein: the first sub-pixel includes a light-emitting area and a peripheral area having a first peripheral area and a second peripheral area; at the first sub-pixel, an anode is disposed in the light-emitting area, the first peripheral area, and the second peripheral area; the second sub-pixel is adjacent to the first sub-pixel; and the anode includes a trench pattern disposed in the first peripheral area opposite to the second sub-pixel, and the trench pattern is not disposed in the second peripheral area opposite to the transmissive area.
[0209] The display device may include a third sub-pixel adjacent to the first sub-pixel, wherein: the second sub-pixel may be disposed relative to the first sub-pixel in a first direction; the third sub-pixel may be disposed relative to the first sub-pixel in a second direction not parallel to the first direction; the anode may include a second trench pattern disposed in the first peripheral area opposite to the third sub-pixel; and the shape of the second trench pattern may be different from the shape of the trench pattern.
[0210] The light-emitting region may include a first light-emitting region and a second light-emitting region; the anode disposed in the first light-emitting region may be flat; the anode disposed in the second light-emitting region may be inclined; the first non-light-emitting region may be located between the first light-emitting region and the second light-emitting region; the first non-light-emitting region may surround the first light-emitting region; the second light-emitting region may surround the first non-light-emitting region; the outer peripheral region may be a second non-light-emitting region surrounding the second light-emitting region.
[0211] In one or more examples, the anode may include a plurality of trench patterns located in the second non-light-emitting region; the plurality of trench patterns only partially surround the second light-emitting region; and the plurality of trench patterns may be opposite to a plurality of sub-pixels adjacent to the first sub-pixel.
[0212] The plurality of trench patterns may include a first trench pattern, a second trench pattern adjacent to the first trench pattern, a third trench pattern adjacent to the second trench pattern, and a fourth trench pattern adjacent to the third trench pattern along the second non-light-emitting region; a gap may exist in the second non-light-emitting region between each pair of adjacent trench patterns in the plurality of trench patterns; and the shape of each of the first trench pattern and the third trench pattern may be different from the shape of each of the second trench pattern and the fourth trench pattern.
[0213] The anode disposed in the second light-emitting region may be configured to reflect at least a part of the light emitted from the light-emitting layer of the first sub-pixel; and the trench pattern in the first outer peripheral region of the second non-light-emitting region may be configured to reflect at least a part of the light emitted from the light-emitting layer and scatter the light.
[0214] The display device may further include one or more wiring units configured to transmit one or more signals. The trench pattern may be disposed at a position opposite to the one or more wiring units.
[0215] The anode may include a second trench pattern. The second trench pattern may be disposed at a position opposite to the one or more wiring units.
[0216] One or more wiring units may be configured to transmit one or more signals. At least a part of the one or more wiring units may be disposed in at least one transmissive region.
[0217] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and can be implemented in many different forms without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present disclosure. The scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Therefore, it should be understood that the above exemplary embodiments are illustrative in all respects and do not limit the present disclosure. The protection scope of the present disclosure should be interpreted based on the following claims, and all technical concepts within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present disclosure.
Claims
1. A display device, comprising: substrate; Multiple transmission areas; a region including a plurality of sub-pixels; a covering layer disposed on the substrate and comprising a base portion and a protrusion located on the base portion; as well as an anode disposed in each of the plurality of sub-pixels and covering a portion of the protrusion and the base, in: Each of the plurality of sub-pixels includes a light emitting region and an outer peripheral region surrounding the light emitting region; The outer peripheral area includes a plurality of first outer peripheral areas opposite to other adjacent sub-pixels and a plurality of second outer peripheral areas opposite to adjacent transmission areas; In the plurality of first outer peripheral regions, a plurality of grooves are provided in the protrusion; and The anode is disposed in the plurality of trenches in the plurality of first outer peripheral regions.
2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The top surface of the protrusion is flat in the plurality of second outer peripheral regions; and The anode is configured to be flat on the top surface of the protrusion in the plurality of second outer peripheral regions.
3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of sub-pixels include a plurality of first sub-pixels, a plurality of second sub-pixels, and a plurality of third sub-pixels emitting light of different colors.
4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of first sub-pixels are arranged between the plurality of second sub-pixels and the plurality of third sub-pixels along a first direction; and The plurality of second sub-pixels and the plurality of third sub-pixels are alternately arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction.
5. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: One or more wiring units are configured to transmit one or more signals to at least a portion of the plurality of sub-pixels.
6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The plurality of transmission areas are arranged in a matrix; and Any one of the plurality of sub-pixels or the one or more wiring units is disposed between the plurality of transmission regions.
7. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: Each of the plurality of first sub-pixels is disposed between one transmission region and another transmission region adjacent to the one transmission region in the second direction; and Each of the plurality of second sub-pixels or each of the plurality of third sub-pixels is disposed between one transmission region and another transmission region adjacent to the one transmission region in a diagonal direction.
8. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: Each of the light emitting regions of the plurality of second sub-pixels and the plurality of third sub-pixels has a polygonal shape having a diagonal corner opposite to an adjacent transmissive region; and One of the plurality of second outer peripheral areas is disposed at a diagonal corner opposite to an adjacent transmissive area.
9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: A side surface of the protrusion at each of the plurality of sub-pixels has an inclined surface; and The anodes are provided on respective top surfaces of the bases exposed by the protrusions, on respective side surfaces of the protrusions, and on a portion of respective top surfaces of the protrusions.
10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: In the plurality of second outer peripheral regions opposite to the adjacent transmission regions, no groove is provided in the protrusion.
11. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising one or more wiring units configured to transmit one or more signals, in, At least one of the plurality of grooves is disposed at at least one position opposite to the one or more wiring units.
12. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a groove disposed in the outer peripheral region, and the one or more wiring units are configured to transmit one or more signals; in, The groove is disposed at a position opposite to the one or more wiring units.
13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: At least a portion of the one or more wiring units is disposed in at least one region for transmission.
14. A display device, comprising: substrate; Multiple transmission areas; a region including a plurality of sub-pixels; a cover layer disposed on the substrate and including a base and a protrusion disposed on the base and exposing a portion of the base; as well as an anode disposed in each of the plurality of sub-pixels and covering a portion of the protrusion and the base, in: At each of the plurality of sub-pixels, the protrusion has an inclined side surface and a top surface surrounding the inclined side surface, the inclined side surface being adjacent to a region of the base exposed by the protrusion; In each of the sub-pixels, the anode disposed on the top surface of the protrusion includes a groove pattern; and In one sub-pixel, the groove pattern is provided at a position opposite to another sub-pixel adjacent to the one sub-pixel.
15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: The plurality of sub-pixels include a plurality of first sub-pixels, a plurality of second sub-pixels, and a plurality of third sub-pixels emitting light of different colors.
16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein: The plurality of first sub-pixels are arranged between the plurality of second sub-pixels and the plurality of third sub-pixels along a first direction; and The plurality of second sub-pixels and the plurality of third sub-pixels are alternately arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction.
17. The display device according to claim 14, further comprising: One or more wiring units are configured to transmit one or more signals to at least a portion of the plurality of sub-pixels.
18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein: The plurality of transmission areas are arranged in a matrix; and Any one of the plurality of sub-pixels or the one or more wiring units is disposed between the plurality of transmission regions.
19. The display device according to claim 17, wherein: In the one sub-pixel, the groove pattern is disposed at a position opposite to one of the one or more wiring units.
20. The display device according to claim 15, wherein: One of the plurality of first sub-pixels is disposed between one transmission region and another transmission region adjacent to the one transmission region in the second direction; and One of the plurality of second sub-pixels or one of the plurality of third sub-pixels is disposed between one transmission region and another transmission region adjacent to the one transmission region in a diagonal direction.
21. The display device according to claim 15, wherein: Each of the light emitting regions of one of the plurality of second sub-pixels and one of the plurality of third sub-pixels is in a polygonal shape having a diagonal corner opposite to an adjacent transmission region; and An area where the groove pattern is not provided is provided in a diagonal corner opposite to an adjacent transmission area.
22. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: For the anode disposed on the top surface of the protrusion in the one sub-pixel: All the groove patterns are arranged at positions opposite to one or more sub-pixels adjacent to the one sub-pixel; and The groove pattern does not exist in a region that is not opposite to any sub-pixel adjacent to the one sub-pixel.
23. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: In the one sub-pixel, at least one edge of the groove pattern has a pointed shape, and the at least one edge protrudes toward another sub-pixel adjacent to the one sub-pixel.
24. The display device according to claim 14, further comprising one or more wiring units, the one or more wiring units comprising a reference voltage line or a power line and configured to transmit one or more signals, in, The groove pattern in the one sub-pixel is disposed at a position opposite to the one or more wiring units.
25. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: The anode at the one sub-pixel includes a second groove pattern, and one or more wiring units are configured to transmit one or more signals; The second groove pattern is disposed at a position opposite to the one or more wiring units.
26. The display device according to claim 25, wherein: At least a portion of the one or more wiring units is disposed in at least one region for transmission.
27. A display device comprising: Transmission area; A region having a first sub-pixel and a second sub-pixel disposed therein; as well as the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel, in: The first subpixel includes a light emitting region and an outer peripheral region having a first outer peripheral region and a second outer peripheral region; At the first sub-pixel, an anode is disposed in the light emitting region, the first outer peripheral region, and the second outer peripheral region; The second sub-pixel is adjacent to the first sub-pixel; and The anode includes a groove pattern disposed in the first outer peripheral region opposite to the second sub-pixel, and the groove pattern is not disposed in the second outer peripheral region opposite to the transmission region.
28. The display device according to claim 27, comprising a third sub-pixel adjacent to the first sub-pixel, in: The second sub-pixel is arranged along a first direction relative to the first sub-pixel; The third sub-pixel is arranged relative to the first sub-pixel along a second direction which is not parallel to the first direction; The anode includes a second groove pattern disposed in the first outer peripheral region opposite to the third sub-pixel; and The second groove pattern has a shape different from that of the first groove pattern.
29. The display device according to claim 27, wherein: The light-emitting area includes a first light-emitting area and a second light-emitting area; The anode disposed in the first light emitting region is flat; The anode disposed in the second light emitting region is inclined; A first non-luminous area is located between the first luminous area and the second luminous area; The first non-luminous area surrounds the first luminous area; The second light emitting area surrounds the first non-light emitting area; and The outer peripheral area is a second non-light emitting area surrounding the second light emitting area.
30. The display device according to claim 29, wherein: The anode includes a plurality of groove patterns located in the second non-light emitting region; The plurality of groove patterns only partially surround the second light emitting area; and The plurality of groove patterns are opposite to a plurality of sub-pixels adjacent to the first sub-pixel.
31. The display device according to claim 30, wherein: The plurality of groove patterns include, along the second non-light emitting area, a first groove pattern, a second groove pattern adjacent to the first groove pattern, a third groove pattern adjacent to the second groove pattern, and a fourth groove pattern adjacent to the third groove pattern; Among the plurality of groove patterns, there is a gap in the second non-luminescent region between each pair of adjacent groove patterns; and A shape of each of the first and third trench patterns is different from a shape of each of the second and fourth trench patterns.
32. The display device according to claim 29, wherein: an anode disposed in the second light emitting region configured to reflect at least a portion of light emitted from the light emitting layer of the first sub-pixel; and The groove pattern provided in the first outer peripheral region of the second non-light emitting region is configured to reflect at least a portion of light emitted from the light emitting layer and scatter the light.
33. The display device according to claim 27, further comprising one or more wiring units configured to transmit one or more signals, in, The groove pattern is disposed at a position opposite to the one or more wiring units.
34. The display device according to claim 27, wherein: The anode includes a second groove pattern, and the one or more wiring units are configured to transmit one or more signals, Wherein, the second groove pattern is arranged at a position opposite to the one or more wiring units.
35. The display device according to claim 34, wherein: At least a portion of the one or more wiring units is disposed in at least one region for transmission.