Display device

Abstract

A display device in which a diffraction pattern observed on a display screen is prevented or minimized includes a color filter layer disposed on a plurality of light emitting elements, the color filter includes a first color filter configured to transmit light in a first wavelength band, a second color filter configured to transmit light in a second wavelength band, and a third color filter configured to transmit light in a third wavelength band, the first to third color filters each have an elliptical shape and do not overlap each other.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to and all benefits derived from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0011176, filed on January 24, 2024, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device in which a diffraction pattern observed on a display screen is prevented or minimized. Background Art

[0003] A display device is configured to receive information about an image and display the image. The display device can be used as a display for small products such as mobile phones or large products such as televisions.

[0004] The display device includes a plurality of pixels configured to receive an electrical signal and emit light to display an image to an external observer. Each of the pixels includes a light-emitting element. For example, an organic light-emitting display device includes an organic light-emitting element as the light-emitting element. Generally, an organic light-emitting display device includes a thin-film transistor and an organic light-emitting element disposed on a substrate. The organic light-emitting element operates to emit light by itself. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One or more embodiments include a display device in which a diffraction pattern observed on a display screen is prevented or minimized.

[0006] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

[0007] According to an embodiment, the display device includes: a substrate; a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed on the substrate, wherein the plurality of light-emitting elements at least include a first light-emitting element configured to generate light in a first wavelength band, a second light-emitting element configured to generate light in a second wavelength band, and a third light-emitting element configured to generate light in a third wavelength band; a pixel defining layer disposed on the substrate and arranged in the same layer as the plurality of light-emitting elements, wherein the pixel defining layer covers an edge of each of the plurality of light-emitting elements; a light blocking material layer disposed on the pixel defining layer; and a color filter layer disposed on the plurality of light-emitting elements and arranged in the same layer as the light blocking material layer, wherein the color filter layer includes a first color filter configured to transmit light in the first wavelength band, a second color filter configured to transmit light in the second wavelength band, and a third color filter configured to transmit light in the third wavelength band, wherein, in a plan view, each of the first color filter to the third color filter has an elliptical shape and does not overlap with each other.

[0008] In an embodiment, the first color filter to the third color filter may be arranged in the same layer.

[0009] In an embodiment, a portion of the light blocking material layer between the first color filter and the third color filter may be exposed in an upward direction.

[0010] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a protective layer disposed on the color filter layer and the light blocking material layer.

[0011] In an embodiment, the above-described portion of the light blocking material layer exposed in the upward direction may be in contact with the lower surface of the protective layer.

[0012] In an embodiment, the light blocking material layer may include a plurality of openings respectively disposed on a plurality of light emitting elements in a plan view.

[0013] In an embodiment, the plurality of openings may include a first opening in which the first color filter is disposed, a second opening in which the second color filter is disposed, and a third opening in which the third color filter is disposed.

[0014] In an embodiment, in a plan view, the areas of the first opening to the third opening may be different from each other.

[0015] In an embodiment, in a plan view, the diameters of the first opening to the third opening may be different from each other.

[0016] In an embodiment, the first color filter may cover the inner surface of the first opening, the second color filter may cover the inner surface of the second opening, and the third color filter may cover the inner surface of the third opening.

[0017] In an embodiment, the distance between the central region of the first color filter and the upper surface of the substrate may be less than the distance between the upper surface of the light blocking material layer and the upper surface of the substrate.

[0018] In an embodiment, the distance between the central region of the second color filter and the upper surface of the substrate may be less than the distance between the upper surface of the light blocking material layer and the upper surface of the substrate.

[0019] In an embodiment, each of the central regions of the first color filter, the second color filter, and the third color filter may have a shape recessed with a depression.

[0020] In an embodiment, in a plan view, the first color filter may have a first elliptical shape with a first major axis extending in a first direction. In a plan view, the second color filter may have a second elliptical shape with a second major axis extending in a second direction. In a plan view, the third color filter may have a third elliptical shape with a third major axis extending in a third direction.

[0021] In an embodiment, in a plan view, the first direction to the third direction may be different from each other.

[0022] In an embodiment, in a plan view, eccentricities of the first to third elliptical shapes may be different from each other.

[0023] In an embodiment, in a plan view, areas of the first to third elliptical shapes may be different from each other.

[0024] In an embodiment, in a plan view, a ratio of an area of the first elliptical shape to an area of the second elliptical shape may be about 2:3.

[0025] In an embodiment, eccentricities of the first elliptical shape and the second elliptical shape may be between about 0.5 and about 0.8.

[0026] According to an embodiment, a display device includes: a substrate; a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed on the substrate, where the plurality of light-emitting elements at least include a first light-emitting element configured to generate light in a first wavelength band, a second light-emitting element configured to generate light in a second wavelength band, and a third light-emitting element configured to generate light in a third wavelength band; a pixel defining layer disposed on the substrate and arranged in the same layer as the plurality of light-emitting elements, where the pixel defining layer covers edges of each of the plurality of light-emitting elements; a touch sensor layer disposed on the plurality of light-emitting elements and the pixel defining layer, where the touch sensor layer includes a touch conductive layer overlapping with the pixel defining layer in a plan view; and a color filter layer disposed on the touch sensor layer, where the color filter layer includes a first color filter configured to transmit light in the first wavelength band, a second color filter configured to transmit light in the second wavelength band, and a third color filter configured to transmit light in the third wavelength band, where, in the plan view, an edge of the first color filter overlaps with the touch conductive layer, a central region of the first color filter overlaps with the first light-emitting element, a part of the second color filter is disposed on an edge of the first color filter, and, in the plan view, a remaining part of the second color filter overlaps with the second light-emitting element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] According to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the above and other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments will become more apparent, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a plan view schematically showing a display device according to an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2 is schematically showing according to an embodiment Figure 1 an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel of the display device;

[0030] Figure 3 is schematically showing according to an embodiment​Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of a part of a display device;

[0031] Figure 4 Schematically shows according to an embodiment Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of an example of a part of a display area;

[0032] Figure 5 Schematically shows according to an embodiment Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of an example of a part of a display area;

[0033] Figure 6 Schematically shows according to an embodiment Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of an example of a part of a display area;

[0034] Figure 7 Schematically shows a filter pattern arranged according to an embodiment in Figure 1 Plan view of an example of a filter pattern in region A;

[0035] Figure 8 Schematically shows a filter pattern arranged according to an embodiment in Figure 1 Plan view of an example of a filter pattern in region A;

[0036] Figure 9 Schematically shows a filter pattern arranged according to an embodiment in Figure 1 Plan view of an example of a filter pattern in region A;

[0037] Figure 10 Table comparing the effects of examples of filter patterns according to an embodiment;

[0038] Figure 11 Cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of a display area of a display device according to a comparative example;

[0039] Figure 12 Plan view schematically showing an example of a filter pattern in a display area of a display device according to a comparative example;

[0040] Figure 13 Cross-sectional view schematically showing the overlapping shape of the edges of a color filter in a display device according to a comparative example;

[0041] Figure 14 Cross-sectional view schematically showing the overlapping shape of the edges of a color filter in a display device according to a comparative example;

[0042] Figure 15 Table showing result data obtained from a comparative experiment on diffraction degree with respect to a step between a color filter layer and a light-blocking material layer;

[0043] Figure 16 is a table showing result data obtained from a comparative experiment on the degree of diffraction according to the pattern sizes of a color filter layer and a light blocking material layer;

[0044] Figure 17 is a graph schematically showing the positions where diffraction patterns occur according to an embodiment;

[0045] Figure 18 is a plan view showing a part of a display device focused on a color filter layer and a light blocking material layer according to another embodiment;

[0046] Figure 19 is along Figure 18 and is a cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line I-I’ of Figure 18 ;

[0047] Figure 20 is along Figure 18 and is a cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line II-II’ of Figure 18 ;

[0048] Figure 21 is a plan view showing a part of a display device focused on a color filter layer and a light blocking material layer according to another embodiment;

[0049] Figure 22 is along Figure 21 and is a cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line III-III’ of Figure 21 ;

[0050] Figure 23 is along Figure 21 and is a cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line IV-IV’ of Figure 21 ;

[0051] Figure 24 is a plan view showing a part of a display device focused on a color filter layer and a light blocking material layer according to another embodiment;

[0052] Figure 25 is along Figure 24 and is a cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line V-V’ of Figure 24 ;

[0053] Figure 26 is along Figure 24 and is a cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line VI-VI’ of Figure 24 ;

[0054] Figure 27 is a plan view showing a part of a display device focused on a color filter layer and a light blocking material layer according to another embodiment;

[0055] Figure 28 is taken along the Figure 27 line VII-VII’ of Figure 27 a display device; and

[0056] Figure 29 is taken along the Figure 27 line VIII-VIII’ of Figure 27 a display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Embodiments of the present invention, in which examples are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, will now be described in detail, where like reference numerals always refer to like elements. In this regard, the embodiments may have different forms and should not be construed as limited to the description set forth herein. Accordingly, the embodiments are described below only by referring to the accompanying drawings to explain aspects of the present invention. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Throughout the disclosure, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" indicates only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

[0058] Since the present invention allows various changes and numerous embodiments, specific embodiments will be shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail in the written description. The effects and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will be clarified with reference to the embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments below and may be embodied in various forms.

[0059] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, like or corresponding elements are denoted by like reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0060] It will be understood that when a layer, film, region, or plate is referred to as being "on" another element, the layer, film, region, or plate may be "directly on" the other element, or intervening elements may be present between the layer, film, region, or plate and the other element. Additionally, it will be understood that when a layer, film, region, or plate is referred to as being "under" another element, the layer, film, region, or plate may be "directly under" the other element, or intervening elements may be present between the layer, film, region, or plate and the other element.

[0061] In addition, for ease of explanation, the dimensions of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced. For example, since the dimensions and thicknesses of the elements in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for ease of explanation, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, for ease of explanation, the dimensions, thicknesses, and proportions of the elements shown in the drawings may be exaggerated and / or simplified for clarity purposes. Accordingly, spatial relative terms such as "below", "beneath", "under", "above", "on", etc. are terms used herein to easily describe the relationship of elements or features.

[0062] The terms used in this specification to describe space, direction, etc. are terms for describing the space and direction shown in the drawings, but can be understood as terms for describing various other directions or various perspectives. For example, when the device or element shown in the drawing is flipped, the device or element described as "below" can be interpreted in a different direction (e.g., rotated 90 degrees, the opposite direction, etc.). For example, when the device or element shown in the drawing is flipped, the device or element described as "on" can be interpreted in a different direction (e.g., rotated 90 degrees, the opposite direction, etc.). Accordingly, "below" and "on" can include both upward and downward directions. Additionally, the device or element can be oriented differently from the drawing, and the description of space or direction provided herein can be interpreted differently.

[0063] In the description of processes, manufacturing methods, etc. in this specification, the order of the processes or the order of the methods understood may be different from the described order. For example, two consecutively described processes or methods can be performed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, or can be performed in an order opposite to the described order.

[0064] The x-direction, y-direction, and z-direction are not limited to the directions corresponding to the three axes of the rectangular coordinate system, and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the x-direction, y-direction, and z-direction can be perpendicular to each other, or can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other.

[0065] It will be understood that the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe specific elements, and the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used only to distinguish one element from another element.

[0066] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, the element can be directly or indirectly connected to or coupled to the other element.

[0067] Similarly, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as "electrically connected to" another element, the element can be directly electrically connected to the other element, or can be indirectly electrically connected to the other element through a conductive element.

[0068] In addition, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "between" two elements, the element can be understood as being the only element disposed between the two elements, or elements other than the element can be disposed between the two elements.

[0069] The terms used in this specification are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the invention. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a" and "an" used herein are also intended to include the plural forms.

[0070] For example, expressions such as "comprising", "including", "containing", "having", etc. indicate the presence of the stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0071] For example, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items. For example, the expression "A and / or B" means only A, only B, or both A and B. Expressions such as "at least one" can be used to represent one or more of a plurality of elements. For example, the expressions "at least one of a, b, and c" and "at least one selected from a, b, and c" can mean "only a", "only b", "only c", "a and b", "b and c", "a and c", or "all of a, b, and c".

[0072] For example, terms such as "substantially", "about", and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree, and can be terms for describing the inherent fluctuations that can be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art for measured or calculated values. For example, terms such as "able to", "can", etc. can be used to represent "one or more embodiments disclosed herein".

[0073] For example, in this specification, the expression "one layer has the same layer structure as another layer" can mean that a plurality of layers included in the one layer can be included in the other layer in the same order. For example, a plurality of layers included in one layer and a plurality of layers included in another layer can each include the same materials and can be formed in the same order.

[0074] An electronic or electrical device and / or any other related device or component (e.g., some of the various modules) according to the embodiments described herein can be implemented by using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., application specific integrated circuit), or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, the various components of these devices can be formed on one integrated circuit (IC) chip or on multiple separate IC chips. In addition, the various components of these devices can be formed on a flexible printed circuit film, tape carrier package (TCP), printed circuit board (PCB), or a single substrate. Additionally, the various components of these devices can be processes or threads, can be executed on one or more processors, can execute computer program instructions on one or more computing devices, and can interact with other system components to perform the various functions described herein.

[0075] The computer program instructions are stored in a memory that can be implemented in a computing device by using a standard memory device such as random access memory (RAM). The computer program instructions can also be stored on other non-transitory computer-readable media such as, for example, a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or a flash drive. Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the functions of the various computing devices can be combined or integrated into a single computing device, or the functions of a particular computing device can be distributed across one or more other computing devices without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments.

[0076] Hereinafter, a display device according to an embodiment will be described in detail herein.

[0077] Figure 1 is a plan view schematically showing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0078] As Figure 1 shown, a display device according to an embodiment may include a display panel 10. As long as the display device includes the display panel 10, the present invention can be applied to any type of display device. Examples of the display device may include various devices such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a television, or a billboard. According to an embodiment, the display device may include a thin film transistor and a storage capacitor. The thin film transistor and the storage capacitor can be implemented by a conductive layer and an insulating layer.

[0079] In an embodiment, the display panel 10 may include a display area DA and a peripheral area PA provided outside the display area DA. Although Figure 1 the display area DA is shown having a rectangular shape, the present invention is not limited thereto. Accordingly, in another embodiment, the display area DA may have various shapes (e.g., a circular shape, an oval shape, other polygonal shapes, or a specific graphic shape).

[0080] In an embodiment, a display area DA enables an image to be displayed, and a plurality of pixels PX may be arranged in the display area DA. Each of the pixels PX may include a light-emitting element such as an organic light-emitting element. The pixel PX may be configured to emit light, for example, red light, green light, or blue light, outward. The pixel PX may be connected to a pixel circuit including a thin-film transistor (TFT) and a storage capacitor, etc. The pixel circuit may be connected to a scan line SL configured to transmit a scan signal, a data line DL intersecting the scan line SL and configured to transmit a data signal, and a driving voltage line PL intersecting the scan line SL and configured to supply a driving voltage. The data line DL and the driving voltage line PL may extend in the y direction (hereinafter, referred to as the first direction), and the scan line SL may extend in the x direction (hereinafter, referred to as the second direction).

[0081] In an embodiment, the pixel PX may be configured to emit light having a luminance corresponding to an electrical signal output from the pixel circuit outward. The display area DA may enable a specific image to be displayed by the light emitted from the pixel PX. The pixel PX as used herein may be defined as an emission area configured to emit one of red light, green light, and blue light.

[0082] In an embodiment, a peripheral area PA may be an area where the pixels PX are not arranged, and thus, an image is not displayed. Power supply lines for driving the pixels PX may be arranged in the peripheral area PA. In addition, pads may be arranged in the peripheral area PA. The pads and an integrated circuit (IC) device such as a printed circuit board or a driver IC including a driving circuit may be electrically connected to each other in the peripheral area PA.

[0083] As a reference, since the display panel 10 includes a substrate 100, it may be said that the substrate 100 includes the display area DA and the peripheral area PA. Details of the substrate 100 will be described below.

[0084] In an embodiment, a plurality of thin-film transistors may be arranged in the display area DA, where, depending on the type (N-type or P-type) of the thin-film transistor and / or operating conditions, a first terminal of the thin-film transistor may be a source electrode or a drain electrode, and a second terminal of the thin-film transistor may be an electrode different from the first terminal. For example, when the first terminal is a source electrode, the second terminal may be a drain electrode.

[0085] In an embodiment, the thin-film transistors may include a driving thin-film transistor, a data-writing thin-film transistor, a compensating thin-film transistor, an initializing thin-film transistor, an emission control thin-film transistor, etc. The driving thin-film transistor may be connected between the driving voltage line PL and the organic light-emitting element, and the data-writing thin-film transistor may be connected to the data line DL and the driving thin-film transistor and may be configured to perform a switching operation of transmitting a data signal transmitted to the data line DL.

[0086] The compensation thin film transistor can be configured to be turned on in response to a scan signal received through the scan line SL, and can compensate for the threshold voltage of the driving thin film transistor by connecting the driving thin film transistor to the organic light emitting element.

[0087] The initialization thin film transistor can be configured to be turned on in response to a scan signal received through the scan line SL, and can initialize the gate electrode of the driving thin film transistor by transmitting an initialization voltage to the gate electrode of the driving thin film transistor. The scan line SL connected to the initialization thin film transistor can be a separate scan line different from the scan line SL connected to the compensation thin film transistor.

[0088] The emission control thin film transistor can be configured to be turned on in response to an emission control signal received through the emission control line. As a result, a driving current can flow through the organic light emitting element.

[0089] In an embodiment, the organic light emitting element can include a pixel electrode (anode) and a counter electrode (cathode), and can be configured to receive necessary voltages through the pixel electrode (anode) and the counter electrode (cathode). The organic light emitting element can be configured to display an image by emitting light according to the driving current received from the driving thin film transistor.

[0090] Hereinafter, according to an embodiment, the organic light emitting display device will be described as an example of the display device, but the display device is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, examples of the display device may include an inorganic light emitting display device (or an inorganic electroluminescence (EL) display device) and a quantum dot light emitting display device, etc. For example, the emission layer of the light emitting element included in the display device may include an organic material or an inorganic material. In addition, the display device may include an emission layer and quantum dots located on the path of the light emitted from the emission layer.

[0091] Figure 2 is schematically shown according to an embodiment of Figure 1 the equivalent circuit diagram of the pixel PX of the display device.

[0092] In an embodiment and as Figure 2 shown in, the pixel PX may include a pixel circuit PC connected to the scan line SL, the data line DL, and the driving voltage line PL, and an organic light emitting element OLED connected to the pixel circuit PC.

[0093] In an embodiment, the pixel circuit PC may include a driving thin film transistor Td, a switching thin film transistor Ts, and a storage capacitor Cst. The switching thin film transistor Ts may be connected to a scan line SL and a data line DL, and may be configured to transmit a data signal Dm input through the data line DL to the driving thin film transistor Td in response to a scan signal Sn input through the scan line SL.

[0094] The storage capacitor Cst may be connected to the switching thin film transistor Ts and a driving voltage line PL, and may be configured to store a voltage corresponding to a difference between a voltage received from the switching thin film transistor Ts and a first power supply voltage (or driving voltage) ELVDD supplied to the driving voltage line PL.

[0095] The driving thin film transistor Td may be connected to the driving voltage line PL and the storage capacitor Cst, and may be configured to control a driving current flowing from the driving voltage line PL to the organic light emitting element OLED according to a value of the voltage that may be stored in the storage capacitor Cst. The organic light emitting element OLED may be configured to emit light with a specific luminance according to the driving current.

[0096] The organic light emitting element OLED may be configured to receive a second power supply voltage (common voltage) ELVSS. For example, the organic light emitting element OLED may be configured to receive the second power supply voltage (common voltage) ELVSS through a counter electrode (cathode), and the organic light emitting element OLED may be configured to emit light with a specific luminance in response to a driving current according to a voltage difference between the first power supply voltage (driving voltage) ELVDD and the second power supply voltage (common voltage) ELVSS.

[0097] Although Figure 2 it is shown that the pixel circuit PC includes two thin film transistors and one storage capacitor, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, the pixel circuit PC may include two or more storage capacitors, and / or may include three or more thin film transistors.

[0098] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of a Figure 1 display device according to an embodiment.

[0099] ​In an embodiment, the substrate 100 may include regions corresponding to a display area DA and a peripheral area PA disposed outside the display area DA. The substrate 100 may include various flexible or bendable materials. For example, in an embodiment, the substrate 100 may include glass, metal, or a polymer resin. Additionally, the substrate 100 may include a polymer resin such as polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polycarbonate, or cellulose acetate propionate. In other embodiments, other modifications are possible. For example, in another embodiment, the substrate 100 may have a multi-layer structure including two layers and a barrier layer disposed therebetween, wherein the two layers may include a polymer resin, and the barrier layer may include an inorganic material (e.g., silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, etc.)

[0100] In an embodiment, the buffer layer 101 may be disposed on the substrate 100, wherein the buffer layer 101 may serve as a barrier layer and / or a blocking layer for preventing diffusion of impurity ions, preventing penetration of moisture or ambient air, and performing surface planarization. The buffer layer 101 may include silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride. In addition, the buffer layer 101 may control the heating rate during a crystallization process for forming the semiconductor layer 110 such that the semiconductor layer 110 is uniformly crystallized.

[0101] The semiconductor layer 110 may be disposed on the buffer layer 101, wherein the semiconductor layer 110 may include polysilicon. The semiconductor layer 110 may include a channel region doped with no impurities and source and drain regions formed by doping impurities on both sides of the channel region. The impurities may vary depending on the type of thin film transistor and may be N-type impurities or P-type impurities. Although not illustrated, according to another embodiment, the display device may further include another semiconductor layer disposed on another layer.

[0102] In an embodiment, the gate insulating layer 102 may be disposed on the semiconductor layer 110, wherein the gate insulating layer 102 may be configured to ensure insulation between the semiconductor layer 110 and the gate layer 120. The gate insulating layer 102 may include an inorganic material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and / or silicon oxynitride and may be between the semiconductor layer 110 and the gate layer 120. Additionally, the gate insulating layer 102 may have a shape corresponding to the entire surface of the substrate 100 and may have a structure in which contact holes are formed in a preset portion. The gate insulating layer 102 including an inorganic material may be formed by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process or an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process. This also applies to the embodiments and modifications described below.

[0103] The gate layer 120 may be disposed on the gate insulating layer 102. The gate layer 120 may be disposed at a position overlapping the semiconductor layer 110 perpendicularly, and may include at least one metal selected from molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), and copper (Cu). Details of the gate layer 120 are described below. Although not illustrated, according to another embodiment, the display device may further include another gate layer disposed on another layer.

[0104] In an embodiment, the interlayer insulating layer 103 may be disposed on the gate layer 120 and the gate insulating layer 102, and the interlayer insulating layer 103 may cover the gate layer 120. The interlayer insulating layer 103 may include an inorganic material. For example, the interlayer insulating layer 103 may include a metal oxide or a metal nitride. Specifically, in an embodiment, the interlayer insulating layer 103 may include silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2), or zinc oxide (ZnO x , which may be ZnO and / or ZnO2). In another embodiment, the interlayer insulating layer 103 may have a double structure of SiO x / SiN x or SiN x / SiO x .

[0105] In an embodiment, the conductive layer 130 may be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 103, and the conductive layer 130 may be used as an electrode connected to the source / drain regions of the semiconductor layer 110 through vias formed in the gate insulating layer 102 and the interlayer insulating layer 103.

[0106] The conductive layer 130 may include at least one metal selected from aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), and copper (Cu). For example, the conductive layer 130 may include a Ti layer, an Al layer, and / or a Cu layer. For example, the conductive layer 130 may have a three-layer structure of Ti / Al / Ti.

[0107] Although not shown, according to another embodiment, the display device may further include another conductive layer disposed on another layer, where the other conductive layer may be, for example, a wiring layer used as wiring. The other conductive layer may include the same material as that of the conductive layer 130 and may have the same layer structure as that of the conductive layer 130.

[0108] In an embodiment, the organic insulating layer 104 may be disposed on the conductive layer 130 and the interlayer insulating layer 103. Since the organic insulating layer 104 covers the upper portion of the conductive layer 130 and has a substantially flat upper surface, the organic insulating layer 104 may be an organic insulating layer used as a planarization layer. The organic insulating layer 104 may include, for example, an organic material such as acrylic acid, benzocyclobutene (BCB), or hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO). The organic insulating layer 104 may be modified differently. For example, in another embodiment, the organic insulating layer 104 may include a single layer or multiple layers.

[0109] Although not shown, according to another embodiment, the display device may further include another organic insulating layer disposed on another layer. The other organic insulating layer may be disposed on the above-mentioned other conductive layer and may be used as a planarization layer by covering the upper portion of the other conductive layer. The other organic insulating layer may include the same material as that of the organic insulating layer 104 and may have the same layer structure as that of the organic insulating layer 104.

[0110] In an embodiment, the pixel electrode 140 may be disposed on the organic insulating layer 104. In another embodiment, the pixel electrode 140 may be disposed on the above-mentioned other organic insulating layer. However, for the sake of explanation, it is assumed that the pixel electrode 140 is disposed on the organic insulating layer 104.

[0111] In an embodiment, the pixel electrode 140 may be connected to the conductive layer 130 through a contact hole formed in the organic insulating layer 104. A light-emitting element including the pixel electrode 140 may be disposed on the organic insulating layer 104, and an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) may be used as the light-emitting element. That is, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) including the pixel electrode 140 may be disposed on, for example, the organic insulating layer 104. The pixel electrode 140 may include a transmissive conductive layer and / or a reflective layer. The transmissive conductive layer may include a transmissive conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium oxide (In2O3), or indium zinc oxide (IZO), and the reflective layer may include a metal such as Al or Ag. For example, the pixel electrode 140 may have a three-layer structure of ITO / Ag / ITO.

[0112] In an embodiment, the pixel defining layer 105 may be disposed on the organic insulating layer 104 to cover the edge of the pixel electrode 140. In an embodiment, the organic light emitting element OLED and the pixel defining layer 105 may be disposed on the same layer. For example, the pixel defining layer 105 may cover the edge of the pixel electrode 140. The pixel defining layer 105 may have pixel openings corresponding to the pixels. The pixel openings may be formed to expose at least the central portion of the pixel electrode 140. The pixel openings may be defined by the pixel defining layer 105.

[0113] In an embodiment, the pixel defining layer 105 may include an organic material such as polyimide or HMDSO, for example. Additionally, the spacer 80 may be disposed on the pixel defining layer 105. It should be understood that although the spacer 80 is shown as being disposed in the peripheral area PA, the spacer 80 may also be disposed in the display area DA. The spacer 80 may prevent the organic light emitting element OLED from being damaged due to the sagging of the mask during a manufacturing process using a mask. The spacer 80 may include an organic insulating material and may include a single layer or multiple layers.

[0114] In an embodiment, the intermediate layer 150 and the counter electrode 160 may be disposed in the pixel opening described above. The intermediate layer 150 may include a low molecular weight material or a high molecular weight material. When the intermediate layer 150 includes a low molecular weight material, the intermediate layer 150 may include a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an emission layer, an electron transport layer, and / or an electron injection layer. When the intermediate layer 150 includes a high molecular weight material, the intermediate layer 150 may have a structure including a hole transport layer and an emission layer.

[0115] In an embodiment, the structure of the intermediate layer 150 is not limited thereto and may have various structures. For example, in an embodiment, at least one of the multiple layers constituting the intermediate layer 150 may be integrally formed as a single body like the counter electrode 160. In another embodiment, the intermediate layer 150 may have a layer patterned to correspond to each of the pixel electrodes 140.

[0116] In an embodiment, the counter electrode 160 may include a transparent conductive layer including a transparent conductive oxide such as ITO, In2O3, or IZO. The pixel electrode 140 may be used as an anode, and the counter electrode 160 may be used as a cathode. In other embodiments, the polarities of the pixel electrode 140 and the counter electrode 160 may be reversed.

[0117] In an embodiment, the counter electrode 160 may be disposed in the display area DA and may be arranged to extend throughout the display area DA. That is, the counter electrode 160 may be integrally formed as a single body to span multiple pixels. The counter electrode 160 may be in electrical contact with the common power supply line 70 disposed in the peripheral area PA. For example, the counter electrode 160 may extend to the barrier rib 200.

[0118] In an embodiment, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may completely overlap with the display area DA and may extend toward the peripheral area PA to overlap with at least a part of the peripheral area PA. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer 310, a second inorganic encapsulation layer 330, and an organic encapsulation layer 320 disposed therebetween. The first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 may each include at least one inorganic material selected from aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride. The first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 may each include a single layer or multiple layers containing the above inorganic materials. The first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 may include the same material as each other, or may include different materials from each other.

[0119] In an embodiment, the thickness of the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 may be different from the thickness of the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330. In another embodiment, the thickness of the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 may be greater than the thickness of the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310, or the thickness of the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 may be equal to the thickness of the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330.

[0120] In an embodiment, the organic encapsulation layer 320 may include monomeric materials or polymeric materials, wherein the polymeric materials may include acrylic resins, epoxy resins, polyimides, polyethylene, and the like. For example, the organic encapsulation layer 320 may include acrylate.

[0121] In an embodiment, the barrier wall 200 may be disposed in the peripheral area PA of the substrate 100. For example, the barrier wall 200 may include a portion 230 of the organic insulating layer 104, a portion 220 of the pixel defining layer 105, and a portion 210 of the spacer 80, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the barrier wall 200 may include at least one of a portion 230 of the organic insulating layer 104, a portion 220 of the pixel defining layer 105, and a portion 210 of the spacer 80.

[0122] In an embodiment, the barrier wall 200 may surround the display area DA and may prevent the organic encapsulation layer 320 of the thin film encapsulation layer TFE from overflowing to the outside of the substrate 100. Accordingly, the organic encapsulation layer 320 may contact the inner surface of the barrier wall 200 facing the display area DA. At this time, it will be understood that the expression "the organic encapsulation layer 320 contacts the inner surface of the barrier wall 200" may mean that the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 is disposed between the organic encapsulation layer 320 and the barrier wall 200, and the organic encapsulation layer 320 contacts the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310. The first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 may be disposed on the barrier wall 200 and may extend toward the edge of the substrate 100.

[0123] According to another embodiment, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE can be replaced with a covering member overlapping the entire display area DA. The covering member can be arranged to overlap not only the display area DA but also at least a portion of the peripheral area PA. The covering member may include a rigid member (e.g., glass, etc.). When the thin film encapsulation layer TFE is replaced with a covering member, the barrier wall 200 may be omitted. In other embodiments, a transparent filler may be arranged between the covering member and the counter electrode 160.

[0124] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an example of a portion of a display area. Figure 4 In the following description, descriptions that are the same as or redundant with the description provided above may be omitted.

[0125] In the embodiments and as Figure 4 As shown in the figure, a plurality of thin film transistors may be disposed on a substrate 100 , wherein each of the thin film transistors may include a semiconductor layer 110 (eg, a source region, a drain region, and a channel region of the semiconductor layer 110 ), a gate layer 120 , and a conductive layer 130 connected to the semiconductor layer 110 .

[0126] In an embodiment, the thin film transistor may include at least a first thin film transistor TFT1 configured to control a first light emitting element OLED1 that generates light in a first wavelength band, a second thin film transistor TFT2 configured to control a second light emitting element OLED2 that generates light in a second wavelength band, and a third thin film transistor TFT3 configured to control a third light emitting element OLED3 that generates light in a third wavelength band. For example, the first thin film transistor TFT1 may be disposed below the first light emitting element OLED1, the second thin film transistor TFT2 may be disposed below the second light emitting element OLED2, and the third thin film transistor TFT3 may be disposed below the third light emitting element OLED3. Each organic light emitting element may be controlled by other thin film transistors (not shown).

[0127] In the embodiments and as Figure 4 As shown in , the touch sensor layer 400 may be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. The touch sensor layer 400 may have a multi-layer structure. The touch sensor layer 400 may include a first touch insulating layer 410, a first touch conductive layer MTL1, a second touch insulating layer 420, a second touch conductive layer MTL2, and a third touch insulating layer 430.

[0128] The first touch insulating layer 410 may be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE, may include an inorganic material or an organic material, and may include a single layer or multiple layers. The first touch insulating layer 410 may prevent damage to the thin film encapsulation layer TFE and may block interference signals that may occur when the touch sensor layer 400 is driven.

[0129] The first touch conductive layer MTL1 may be disposed on the first touch insulating layer 410, wherein the first touch conductive layer MTL1 may include a metal material layer and / or a transparent conductive layer. For example, the metal material layer may include at least one of molybdenum (Mo), silver (Ag), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), and any alloy thereof. For example, the transparent conductive layer may include a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO). The first touch conductive layer MTL1 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. For example, the first touch conductive layer MTL1 may have a three-layer structure of Ti / Al / Ti.

[0130] The second touch insulating layer 420 may be disposed on the first touch insulating layer 410. The second touch insulating layer 420 may also be disposed on the first touch conductive layer MTL1. The second touch insulating layer 420 may cover the first touch conductive layer MTL1. The second touch insulating layer 420 may include an inorganic material or an organic material and may include a single layer or multiple layers.

[0131] The second touch conductive layer MTL2 may be disposed on the second touch insulating layer 420 and may include a metal material layer and / or a transparent conductive layer. For example, the metal material layer may include at least one of molybdenum (Mo), silver (Ag), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), and any alloy thereof. For example, the transparent conductive layer may include a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO). The second touch conductive layer MTL2 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. For example, the second touch conductive layer MTL2 may have a three-layer structure of Ti / Al / Ti.

[0132] The touch conductive layer MTL may include the first touch conductive layer MTL1 and the second touch conductive layer MTL2.

[0133] The third touch insulating layer 430 may be disposed on the second touch insulating layer 420. The third touch insulating layer 430 may also be disposed on the second touch conductive layer MTL2, wherein the third touch insulating layer 430 may cover the second touch conductive layer MTL2. The third touch insulating layer 430 may include an inorganic material or an organic material and may include a single layer or multiple layers.

[0134] For example, in an embodiment, the inorganic material included in each of the first touch insulating layer 410 to the third touch insulating layer 430 may include silicon nitride (SiN x ), aluminum nitride (AlN x ), zirconium nitride (ZrN x ), titanium nitride (TiN x ), hafnium nitride (HfN x ), tantalum nitride (TaN x ), silicon oxide (SiO x ), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tin oxide (SnO2), cerium oxide (CeO2), and silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ) or at least one of them.

[0135] For example, in an embodiment, the organic material included in each of the first touch insulating layer 410 to the third touch insulating layer 430 may include at least one of an acrylic resin, a methacrylic resin, a polyisoprene resin, an ethylene resin, an epoxy resin, a urethane resin, a cellulose resin, and a perylene resin.

[0136] In an embodiment and as Figure 4 shown, the color filter layer CF and the light blocking material layer BM may be disposed on the touch sensor layer 400. In some embodiments, the touch sensor layer 400 may be omitted. When the touch sensor layer 400 is omitted, the color filter layer CF and the light blocking material layer BM may be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. For example, in an embodiment, the color filter layer CF and the light blocking material layer BM are disposed on the pixel defining layer 105. For example, in another embodiment, the color filter layer CF and the light blocking material layer BM may be disposed on a plurality of organic light emitting elements OLED.

[0137] In an embodiment, the color filter layer CF and the light blocking material layer BM may be elements that replace a polarizing film layer (not shown) used in an organic light emitting display device, wherein the color filter layer CF may selectively transmit light in a specific wavelength band, and the light blocking material layer BM may block light generated from the organic light emitting element OLED or prevent external light from being reflected to the display panel (see Figure 1 display panel 10). As a result, the color filter layer CF and the light blocking material layer BM may solve the problem of image quality degradation caused by reflection of external light (which is the function of the polarizing film layer (not shown)).

[0138] In an embodiment, the color filter layer CF may include a first color filter CF1 that transmits light in a first wavelength band, a second color filter CF2 that transmits light in a second wavelength band, and a third color filter CF3 that transmits light in a third wavelength band. For example, the first wavelength band may be a wavelength band corresponding to blue in the visible light region, the second wavelength band may be a wavelength band corresponding to green in the visible light region, and the third wavelength band may be a wavelength band corresponding to red in the visible light region. Additionally, the color filters CF1 to CF3 may be arranged in the same layer.

[0139] In an embodiment, the light blocking material layer BM may be a black matrix and may include various materials capable of absorbing at least a portion of light. For example, the light blocking material layer BM may include at least one of carbon black, graphite, chromium-based materials, dyes, metal reflective layers, and light absorbing layers. The light blocking material layer BM may block or prevent external light reflection and may also prevent internal reflection of light generated from the organic light emitting element OLED.

[0140] In an embodiment, the light blocking material layer BM may be disposed on the pixel defining layer 105. The light blocking material layer BM may not be disposed on the pixel opening exposing the pixel electrode 140.

[0141] In a plan view, the light blocking material layer BM may not overlap with the pixel opening included in the pixel defining layer 105. In a plan view, the light blocking material layer BM may overlap with the pixel defining layer 105 or may overlap with the spacer disposed on the pixel defining layer 105. Further, in a plan view, when the light blocking material layer BM is positioned adjacent to the pixel opening included in the pixel defining layer 105, the light blocking material layer BM may block a portion of the light (e.g., internal light) generated from the organic light emitting element OLED, which may cause deterioration of the image quality of the display device.

[0142] Furthermore, the light blocking material layer BM may include a plurality of openings. For example, in a plan view, the light blocking material layer BM may include a plurality of openings (e.g., a first opening OP1, a second opening OP2, and a third opening OP3) respectively disposed on the organic light emitting element OLED (e.g., a first light emitting element OLED1, a second light emitting element OLED2, and a third light emitting element OLED3).

[0143] In an embodiment, the light-blocking material layer BM may include at least a first opening OP1, a second opening OP2, and a third opening OP3. The first opening OP1 may be disposed on the first light-emitting element OLED1, and the first color filter CF1 may be arranged in the first opening OP1. The second opening OP2 may be disposed on the second light-emitting element OLED2, and the second color filter CF2 may be arranged in the second opening OP2. The third opening OP3 may be disposed on the third light-emitting element OLED3, and the third color filter CF3 may be arranged in the third opening OP3.

[0144] For example, the openings may include a first opening OP1 in which the first color filter CF1 is arranged, a second opening OP2 in which the second color filter CF2 is arranged, and a third opening OP3 in which the third color filter CF3 is arranged. For example, the first color filter CF1 may cover the inner surface of the first opening OP1, the second color filter CF2 may cover the inner surface of the second opening OP2, and the third color filter CF3 may cover at least a part of the inner surface of the third opening OP3.

[0145] The openings may be formed in the light-blocking material layer BM by an etching process using a mask and may be formed along a pattern of a preset shape. The color filter layer CF may be formed after the light-blocking material layer BM is formed. The color filter layer CF may be arranged in the openings of the light-blocking material layer BM. Since the color filter layer CF is arranged in the openings of the light-blocking material layer BM, the color filters CF1 to CF3 may be arranged to be disposed in the same layer.

[0146] In an embodiment and as Figure 4 shown, the organic light-emitting elements OLED may be respectively disposed on thin-film transistors. The organic light-emitting elements OLED may include a first light-emitting element OLED1 configured to generate light in a first wavelength band, a second light-emitting element OLED2 configured to generate light in a second wavelength band, and a third light-emitting element OLED3 configured to generate light in a third wavelength band.

[0147] For example, the first light-emitting element OLED1 may be disposed on the first thin-film transistor TFT1 and may be disposed below the first color filter CF1. The second light-emitting element OLED2 may be disposed on the second thin-film transistor TFT2 and may be disposed below the second color filter CF2. The third light-emitting element OLED3 may be disposed on the third thin-film transistor TFT3 and may be disposed below the third color filter CF3.

[0148] For example, the first color filter CF1 may have a first thickness L1 in a z-direction (hereinafter referred to as the third direction) that intersects the x-direction and the y-direction. The second color filter CF2 may have a second thickness L2 in the z-direction, and the third color filter CF3 may have a third thickness L3 in the z-direction. Here, the thicknesses L1 to L3 may respectively have dimensions corresponding to the wavelength bands of the light transmitted by the color filters CF1 to CF3. As a reference, the thickness used herein may refer to the average thickness or the thickness of the central region.

[0149] For example, in an embodiment, the second thickness L2 may be the largest among the thicknesses L1 to L3. The second color filter CF2 may be configured to transmit green light, and the second thickness L2 may be about 3.2 μm.

[0150] For example, in an embodiment, the third thickness L3 may be the smallest among the thicknesses L1 to L3. The third color filter CF3 may be configured to transmit blue light, and the third thickness L3 may be about 2.4 μm.

[0151] For example, in an embodiment, the first thickness L1 may be greater than the third thickness L3 and less than the second thickness L2. The first color filter CF1 may be configured to transmit red light, and the first thickness L1 may be about 2.8 μm.

[0152] In an embodiment, the thickness of the light-blocking material layer BM in the z-direction may be less than the second thickness L2, which is the largest thickness. The thickness of the light-blocking material layer BM in the z-direction may be greater than the third thickness L3, which is the smallest thickness. Accordingly, the second color filter CF2 may cover the inner surface of the second opening OP2 defined by the light-blocking material layer BM, and the edge of the second color filter CF2 may cover a part of the upper surface of the light-blocking material layer BM connected to the inner surface of the second opening OP2. The third color filter CF3 may cover at least a part of the inner surface of the third opening OP3 defined by the light-blocking material layer BM. However, different from the second color filter CF2, the third color filter CF3 may not cover the upper surface of the light-blocking material layer BM.

[0153] As described above, since the difference between the thickness of the light-blocking material layer BM and the thicknesses of the color filters CF1 to CF3 (or, the thickness difference between each of the color filters CF1 to CF3 and the light-blocking material layer BM) is small, the diffraction pattern generated by the step between the light-blocking material layer BM and the color filters CF1 to CF3 can be minimized. To minimize the difference between the thickness of the light-blocking material layer BM and the thicknesses of the color filters CF1 to CF3, the thickness of the light-blocking material layer BM may be less than the second thickness L2, which is the largest thickness, and the thickness of the light-blocking material layer BM may be greater than the third thickness L3, which is the smallest thickness.

[0154] In an embodiment, the first color filter CF1 may vary depending on the thickness of the light-blocking material layer BM. For example, when the thickness of the first color filter CF1 is greater than the thickness of the light-blocking material layer BM, the first color filter CF1 may cover the inner surface of the first opening OP1 defined by the light-blocking material layer BM, and an edge of the first color filter CF1 may cover a part of the upper surface of the light-blocking material layer BM connected to the inner surface of the first opening OP1. As another embodiment, when the thickness of the first color filter CF1 is less than the thickness of the light-blocking material layer BM, the first color filter CF1 may cover a part of the inner surface of the first opening OP1 defined by the light-blocking material layer BM, and an edge of the first color filter CF1 may not cover the upper surface of the light-blocking material layer BM connected to the inner surface of the first opening OP1.

[0155] In an embodiment and as Figure 4 shown, the first color filter CF1 to the third color filter CF3 may not overlap with each other. For example, an edge of the first color filter CF1 may not cover the second color filter CF2. An edge of the second color filter CF2 may not cover the first color filter CF1 and the third color filter CF3. An edge of the third color filter CF3 may not cover the second color filter CF2. As described below, in a plan view, the color filters CF1 to CF3 may not overlap with each other and may each have an oval shape.

[0156] Since the color filter layer CF is disposed in the openings of the light-blocking material layer BM and the color filters CF1 to CF3 do not overlap with each other, a portion of the light-blocking material layer BM between the color filters CF1 to CF3 may be exposed in an upward direction (e.g., the z direction). For example, a portion of the light-blocking material layer BM may be exposed in an upward direction between the color filters CF1 to CF3. A portion of the light-blocking material layer BM exposed in an upward direction between the color filters CF1 to CF3 may be in direct contact with a lower surface of the protective layer OC provided on the color filter layer CF and the light-blocking material layer BM.

[0157] In an embodiment, the protective layer OC may be provided on the color filter layer CF and the light-blocking material layer BM. The protective layer OC may planarize the upper surfaces of the color filter layer CF and the light-blocking material layer BM. In other embodiments, the protective layer OC may be omitted. The protective layer OC may cover a step formed between the color filter layer CF and the light-blocking material layer BM. For example, the protective layer OC may include an organic material such as acrylic, BCB, or HMDSO. In addition, in an embodiment, the protective layer OC may include a transparent material.

[0158] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a part of a display region according to an embodiment. In Figure 1 theFigure 5 In the following description, descriptions that are the same as or redundant to the description provided above may be omitted.

[0159] In an embodiment and as Figure 5 shown, the upper surface of the color filter layer CF and the upper surface of the light blocking material layer BM may be substantially flat and may form a continuous surface. The upper surface of each of the color filters CF1 to CF3 may form a continuous surface with the upper surface of the light blocking material layer BM. The height of each of the color filters CF1 to CF3 in the z direction may match the height of the light blocking material layer BM in the z direction. These features may be similar to Figure 4 the features of the upper surface of the color filter layer CF and the upper surface of the light blocking material layer BM in Figure 4 which. Specifically, Figure 5 the step between the upper surface of the color filter layer CF and the upper surface of the light blocking material layer BM in Figure 4 which more specifically shows the Figure 5 features of

[0160] In an embodiment and as Figure 5 shown, the color filters CF1 to CF3 may not overlap with each other. For example, the first color filter CF1 may not cover the second color filter CF2. The second color filter CF2 may not cover the first color filter CF1 and the third color filter CF3. The third color filter CF3 may not cover the second color filter CF2. As described below, in a plan view, the color filters CF1 to CF3 may not overlap with each other and may each have an oval shape.

[0161] Since the color filter layer CF is disposed in the opening of the light blocking material layer BM and since the color filters CF1 to CF3 do not overlap with each other, the portion of the light blocking material layer BM disposed between the color filters CF1 to CF3 may be exposed in the upward direction (e.g., the z direction). For example, a part of the light blocking material layer BM may be exposed in the upward direction between the color filters CF1 to CF3. The portion of the light blocking material layer BM exposed in the upward direction between the color filters CF1 to CF3 may be in direct contact with the lower surface of the protective layer OC provided on the color filter layer CF and the light blocking material layer BM.

[0162] As described above, since the thickness difference between each of the color filters CF1 to CF3 and the light-blocking material layer BM is reduced, the diffraction pattern generated by the thickness difference between each of the color filters CF1 to CF3 and the light-blocking material layer BM can be reduced. By minimizing the flatness distortion between the color filters CF1 to CF3 and the light-blocking material layer BM, the diffraction pattern generated by the color filters CF1 to CF3 can be significantly reduced. The thickness difference between the color filters CF1 to CF3 and the light-blocking material layer BM can be within approximately ±0.5 μm.

[0163] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a part of a display area according to an embodiment. In Figure 1 the following description, descriptions that are the same as or redundant to the description provided above may be omitted. Figure 6 In an embodiment and as

[0164] shown in Figure 6 each central portion of the color filters CF1 to CF3 may have a recessed shape (e.g., a recessed area). For example, the first color filter CF1 may have a first thickness L1, and the recessed depth of the first color filter CF1 may be a first depth d1. The second color filter CF2 may have a second thickness L2, and the recessed depth of the second color filter CF2 may be a second depth d2. The third color filter CF3 may have a third thickness L3, and the recessed depth of the third color filter CF3 may be a third depth d3.

[0165] In an embodiment, the first depth d1 may have a maximum value among the depths between the upper surface of the recessed shape and the virtual upper surface when the first color filter CF1 is not recessed. The second depth d2 may have a maximum value among the depths between the upper surface of the recessed shape and the virtual upper surface when the second color filter CF2 is not recessed. The third depth d3 may have a maximum value among the depths between the upper surface of the recessed shape and the virtual upper surface when the third color filter CF3 is not recessed.

[0166] In an embodiment and as Figure 6 shown in

[0167] In an embodiment, considering reference Figure 4 and Figure 6In the described embodiment, the sum of the first thickness L1 and the first depth d1 may be less than the sum of the second thickness L2 and the second depth d2. The sum of the first thickness L1 and the first depth d1 may be greater than the sum of the third thickness L3 and the third depth d3. The sum of the second thickness L2 and the second depth d2 may be greater than the sum of the first thickness L1 and the first depth d1 and the sum of the third thickness L3 and the third depth d3. The sum of the third thickness L3 and the third depth d3 may be less than the sum of the first thickness L1 and the first depth d1 and the sum of the second thickness L2 and the second depth d2.

[0168] In an embodiment and referring to Figure 6 , the distance between the central region of the first color filter CF1 and the upper surface of the substrate 100 may be less than the distance between the upper surface of the light-blocking material layer BM and the upper surface of the substrate 100. The distance between the central region of the second color filter CF2 and the upper surface of the substrate 100 may be less than the distance between the upper surface of the light-blocking material layer BM and the upper surface of the substrate 100. The distance between the central region of the third color filter CF3 and the upper surface of the substrate 100 may be less than the distance between the upper surface of the light-blocking material layer BM and the upper surface of the substrate 100.

[0169] Figure 7 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the color filter pattern arranged in the region A of Figure 1 . In the Figure 7 description below, descriptions that are the same as or redundant to the descriptions provided above may be omitted.

[0170] In an embodiment and as shown in Figure 7 , in a plan view, the color filter pattern of the color filter layer CF may have an elliptical shape, wherein the elliptical shape may have a major axis and a minor axis and may have an eccentricity. In a plan view, the pattern of the opening formed in the light-blocking material layer BM may have a circular shape. For ease of explanation, terms such as the 1-1 color filter CF1-1 or the 1-1 opening OP1-1 are not related to the above-described first color filter and first opening, and may be terms used in the order of the arrangement in the drawings.

[0171] For example, in an embodiment, in a plan view, the color filter layer CF may include a first - 1 color filter CF1 - 1, a first - 2 color filter CF1 - 2, and a first - 3 color filter CF1 - 3. In the plan view, the first - 1 color filter CF1 - 1, the first - 2 color filter CF1 - 2, and the first - 3 color filter CF1 - 3 may each have a center point (e.g., the center point of an elliptical shape is the intersection of the major axis and the minor axis) disposed on a first virtual axis AX1 extending along the y - direction. In the plan view, the light - blocking material layer BM may include a first - 1 opening OP1 - 1, a first - 2 opening OP1 - 2, and a first - 3 opening OP1 - 3. In the plan view, the first - 1 opening OP1 - 1, the first - 2 opening OP1 - 2, and the first - 3 opening OP1 - 3 may each have a center point disposed on the first virtual axis AX1 extending along the y - direction.

[0172] The direction of the elliptical shape (or the direction in which the color filter faces) may be defined as the direction in which the major axis extends. The direction in which the first - 1 color filter CF1 - 1 faces may have a first - 1 angle θ1 - 1 with respect to the first virtual axis AX1. The direction in which the first - 2 color filter CF1 - 2 faces may have a first - 2 angle θ1 - 2 with respect to the first virtual axis AX1. The direction in which the first - 3 color filter CF1 - 3 faces may have a first - 3 angle θ1 - 3 with respect to the first virtual axis AX1. Additionally, the color filters disposed on the first virtual axis AX1 may have a specific angle with respect to the first virtual axis AX1.

[0173] In an embodiment, the major axes of the first - 1 color filter CF1 - 1, the first - 2 color filter CF1 - 2, and the first - 3 color filter CF1 - 3 may extend in different directions from each other, or may extend in arbitrary directions.

[0174] For example, in an embodiment, the first - 1 angle θ1 - 1, the first - 2 angle θ1 - 2, and the first - 3 angle θ1 - 3 may be one of approximately 0 degrees, approximately 45 degrees, approximately 90 degrees, and approximately 135 degrees. This may be an example of a case where there are four types of directions of the elliptical shape. In another embodiment, the first - 1 angle θ1 - 1, the first - 2 angle θ1 - 2, and the first - 3 angle θ1 - 3 may be one of approximately 0 degrees, approximately 20 degrees, approximately 40 degrees, approximately 60 degrees, approximately 80 degrees, approximately 100 degrees, approximately 120 degrees, approximately 140 degrees, and approximately 160 degrees. This may be an example of a case where there are nine types of directions of the elliptical shape. The direction of each elliptical shape arranged in a specific area may be arbitrarily arranged, and the color filter pattern of the elliptical shape may be repeated based on a specific area unit.

[0175] In an embodiment, in a plan view, the color filter layer CF may further include a 2-1 color filter CF2-1, a 2-2 color filter CF2-2, and a 2-3 color filter CF2-3. In the plan view, the 2-1 color filter CF2-1, the 2-2 color filter CF2-2, and the 2-3 color filter CF2-3 may each have a center point (e.g., the center point of an elliptical shape is the intersection of the major axis and the minor axis) provided on a second virtual axis AX2 extending along the y direction. In the plan view, the light blocking material layer BM may include a 2-1 opening OP2-1, a 2-2 opening OP2-2, and a 2-3 opening OP2-3. In the plan view, the 2-1 opening OP2-1, the 2-2 opening OP2-2, and the 2-3 opening OP2-3 may each have a center point provided on the second virtual axis AX2 extending along the y direction.

[0176] For example, the major axes of the 2-1 color filter CF2-1, the 2-2 color filter CF2-2, and the 2-3 color filter CF2-3 may extend in different directions from each other, or may extend in arbitrary directions.

[0177] The direction of the elliptical shape (or the direction in which the color filter faces) may be defined as the direction in which the major axis extends. The direction in which the 2-1 color filter CF2-1 faces may have a 2-1 angle θ2-1 with respect to the second virtual axis AX2. The direction in which the 2-2 color filter CF2-2 faces may have a 2-2 angle θ2-2 with respect to the second virtual axis AX2. The direction in which the 2-3 color filter CF2-3 faces may have a 2-3 angle θ2-3 with respect to the second virtual axis AX2. Additionally, the color filter provided on the second virtual axis AX2 may have a specific angle with respect to the second virtual axis AX2.

[0178] For example, in an embodiment, the 2-1 angle θ2-1, the 2-2 angle θ2-2, and the 2-3 angle θ2-3 may be one of approximately 0 degrees, approximately 45 degrees, approximately 90 degrees, and approximately 135 degrees. This may be an example of a case where there are four types of directions of the elliptical shape. In another embodiment, the 2-1 angle θ2-1, the 2-2 angle θ2-2, and the 2-3 angle θ2-3 may be one of approximately 0 degrees, approximately 20 degrees, approximately 40 degrees, approximately 60 degrees, approximately 80 degrees, approximately 100 degrees, approximately 120 degrees, approximately 140 degrees, and approximately 160 degrees. This may be an example of a case where there are nine types of directions of the elliptical shape. The direction of each elliptical shape arranged in a specific area may be arbitrarily arranged, and the elliptical color filter pattern may be repeated based on a specific area unit.

[0179] In an embodiment, in a plan view, the color filter layer CF may further include a 3-1 color filter CF3-1, a 3-2 color filter CF3-2, and a 3-3 color filter CF3-3. In the plan view, the 3-1 color filter CF3-1, the 3-2 color filter CF3-2, and the 3-3 color filter CF3-3 may each have a center point (e.g., the center point of an oval shape is the intersection of the major axis and the minor axis) provided on a third virtual axis AX3 extending along the y direction. In the plan view, the light blocking material layer BM may include a 3-1 opening OP3-1, a 3-2 opening OP3-2, and a 3-3 opening OP3-3. In the plan view, the 3-1 opening OP3-1, the 3-2 opening OP3-2, and the 3-3 opening OP3-3 may each have a center point provided on the third virtual axis AX3 extending along the y direction.

[0180] For example, the major axes of the 3-1 color filter CF3-1, the 3-2 color filter CF3-2, and the 3-3 color filter CF3-3 may extend in different directions from each other, or may extend in arbitrary directions.

[0181] The direction of the oval shape (or the direction in which the color filter faces) may be defined as the direction in which the major axis extends. The direction in which the 3-1 color filter CF3-1 faces may have a 3-1 angle θ3-1 with respect to the third virtual axis AX3. The direction in which the 3-2 color filter CF3-2 faces may have a 3-2 angle θ3-2 with respect to the third virtual axis AX3. The direction in which the 3-3 color filter CF3-3 faces may have a 3-3 angle θ3-3 with respect to the third virtual axis AX3. Additionally, the color filters provided on the third virtual axis AX3 may have a specific angle with respect to the third virtual axis AX3.

[0182] For example, in an embodiment, the 3-1 angle θ3-1, the 3-2 angle θ3-2, and the 3-3 angle θ3-3 may be one of approximately 0 degrees, approximately 45 degrees, approximately 90 degrees, and approximately 135 degrees. This may be an example of a case where there are four types of directions of the oval shape. In another embodiment, the 3-1 angle θ3-1, the 3-2 angle θ3-2, and the 3-3 angle θ3-3 may be one of approximately 0 degrees, approximately 20 degrees, approximately 40 degrees, approximately 60 degrees, approximately 80 degrees, approximately 100 degrees, approximately 120 degrees, approximately 140 degrees, and approximately 160 degrees. This may be an example of a case where there are nine types of directions of the oval shape. The direction of each oval shape arranged in a specific area may be arbitrarily arranged, and the color filter pattern of the oval shape may be repeated based on a specific area unit.

[0183] In an embodiment, in a plan view, the color filter layer CF may further include a 4-1 color filter CF4-1, a 4-2 color filter CF4-2, and a 4-3 color filter CF4-3. In the plan view, the 4-1 color filter CF4-1, the 4-2 color filter CF4-2, and the 4-3 color filter CF4-3 may each have a center point (e.g., the center point of an oval shape is the intersection of the major axis and the minor axis) provided on a fourth virtual axis AX4 extending along the y direction. In the plan view, the light blocking material layer BM may include a 4-1 opening OP4-1, a 4-2 opening OP4-2, and a 4-3 opening OP4-3. In the plan view, the 4-1 opening OP4-1, the 4-2 opening OP4-2, and the 4-3 opening OP4-3 may each have a center point provided on the fourth virtual axis AX4 extending along the y direction.

[0184] For example, the major axes of the 4-1 color filter CF4-1, the 4-2 color filter CF4-2, and the 4-3 color filter CF4-3 may extend in different directions from each other, or may extend in an arbitrary direction.

[0185] The direction of the oval shape (or the direction in which the color filter faces) may be defined as the direction in which the major axis extends. The direction in which the 4-1 color filter CF4-1 faces may have a 4-1 angle θ4-1 with respect to the fourth virtual axis AX4. The direction in which the 4-2 color filter CF4-2 faces may have a 4-2 angle θ4-2 with respect to the fourth virtual axis AX4. The direction in which the 4-3 color filter CF4-3 faces may have a 4-3 angle θ4-3 with respect to the fourth virtual axis AX4. Additionally, the color filter provided on the fourth virtual axis AX4 may have a specific angle with respect to the fourth virtual axis AX4.

[0186] For example, in an embodiment, the 4-1 angle θ4-1, the 4-2 angle θ4-2, and the 4-3 angle θ4-3 may be one of approximately 0 degrees, approximately 45 degrees, approximately 90 degrees, and approximately 135 degrees. This may be an example of a case where there are four types of directions of the oval shape. In another embodiment, the 4-1 angle θ4-1, the 4-2 angle θ4-2, and the 4-3 angle θ4-3 may be one of approximately 0 degrees, approximately 20 degrees, approximately 40 degrees, approximately 60 degrees, approximately 80 degrees, approximately 100 degrees, approximately 120 degrees, approximately 140 degrees, and approximately 160 degrees. This may be an example of a case where there are nine types of directions of the oval shape. The direction of each oval shape arranged in a specific area may be arbitrarily arranged, and the oval-shaped color filter pattern may be repeated based on a specific area unit.

[0187] In addition, although not shown, in other embodiments, the nth virtual axis extending in the y direction and the color filters and apertures arranged along the nth virtual axis may also have the above-described features.

[0188] Therefore, in a plan view, when the shape of the color filter is elliptical, the regularity of the color filter pattern of the color filter layer CF can be reduced. Due to the reduced regularity, the diffraction pattern caused by the reflection and diffraction of external light can be reduced. Therefore, one of the features of the present disclosure may be to reduce the regularity of the color filter pattern of the color filter layer CF.

[0189] For example, in an embodiment, the 1-1 color filter CF1-1, the 1-3 color filter CF1-3, the 3-1 color filter CF3-1, and the 3-3 color filter CF3-3 may be color filters configured to transmit light in the same wavelength band (e.g., the third wavelength band). For example, the 1-1 color filter CF1-1, the 1-3 color filter CF1-3, the 3-1 color filter CF3-1, and the 3-3 color filter CF3-3 may be understood as the above-described third color filter CF3. This also applies to other drawings.

[0190] Again, for example, in an embodiment, the 2-1 color filter CF2-1, the 2-3 color filter CF2-3, the 4-1 color filter CF4-1, and the 4-3 color filter CF4-3 may be color filters configured to transmit light in the same wavelength band (e.g., the second wavelength band). For example, the 2-1 color filter CF2-1, the 2-3 color filter CF2-3, the 4-1 color filter CF4-1, and the 4-3 color filter CF4-3 may be understood as the above-described second color filter CF2. This also applies to other drawings.

[0191] Although only a part is shown in the drawings, the 2-2 color filter CF2-2, the 2-4 color filter (not shown), the 4-2 color filter CF4-2, and the 4-4 color filter (not shown) may also be color filters configured to transmit light in the same wavelength band (e.g., the first wavelength band). For example, the 2-2 color filter CF2-2, the 2-4 color filter (not shown), the 4-2 color filter CF4-2, and the 4-4 color filter (not shown) may be understood as the above-described second color filter CF2. This also applies to other drawings.

[0192] Again, for example, in an embodiment, the 2-2 color filter CF2-2 and the 4-2 color filter CF4-2 may be color filters configured to transmit light in the same wavelength band (e.g., the first wavelength band). For example, the 2-2 color filter CF2-2 and the 4-2 color filter CF4-2 may be understood as the above-described first color filter CF1.

[0193] For example, in an embodiment, the first first opening OP1-1, the first third opening OP1-3, the third first opening OP3-1, and the third third opening OP3-3 may correspond to color filters configured to transmit light in the same wavelength band (e.g., the third wavelength band). For example, the first first opening OP1-1, the first third opening OP1-3, the third first opening OP3-1, and the third third opening OP3-3 may be understood as the above-described third opening OP3. This also applies to other drawings.

[0194] Again, for example, in an embodiment, the second first opening OP2-1, the second third opening OP2-3, the fourth first opening OP4-1, and the fourth third opening OP4-3 may correspond to color filters configured to transmit light in the same wavelength band (e.g., the second wavelength band). For example, the second first opening OP2-1, the second third opening OP2-3, the fourth first opening OP4-1, and the fourth third opening OP4-3 may be understood as the above-described second opening OP2. This also applies to other drawings.

[0195] In an embodiment, although only a part is shown in the drawings, the second second opening OP2-2, the second fourth opening (not shown), the fourth second opening OP4-2, and the fourth fourth opening (not shown) may also correspond to color filters configured to transmit light in the same wavelength band (e.g., the first wavelength band). For example, the second second opening OP2-2, the second fourth opening (not shown), the fourth second opening OP4-2, and the fourth fourth opening (not shown) may be understood as the above-described second opening OP2. This also applies to other drawings.

[0196] Accordingly, in an embodiment and with reference to Figure 7 , the color filter layer CF may be provided over the light-emitting element and may be arranged in the same layer as the light-blocking material layer BM. The color filter layer CF may include the above-described color filters CF1 to CF3. In a plan view, the color filters CF1 to CF3 may not overlap each other. In a plan view, each of the color filters CF1 to CF3 may have an oval shape.

[0197] In addition, in a plan view, it can be understood from the above description that the major axes of the color filters CF1 to CF3 may be different from each other such that the color filters CF1 to CF3 face different directions during a specific period.

[0198] For example, in an embodiment, in a plan view, the first color filter CF1 may have a first elliptical shape with a first major axis extending in a first direction. In the plan view, the second color filter CF2 may have a second elliptical shape with a second major axis extending in a second direction. In the plan view, the third color filter CF3 may have a third elliptical shape with a third major axis extending in a third direction. In the plan view, the first to third directions may be different from each other.

[0199] As described above, since the color filters CF1 to CF3 of the color filter layer CF configured to transmit light in the same wavelength band within a specific period are arranged differently or arbitrarily, the regularity of the color filter pattern of the color filter layer CF can be reduced. Since the regularity is reduced, the diffraction pattern caused by the reflection and diffraction of external light can be reduced.

[0200] In the plan view, each of the openings formed in the light blocking material layer BM may have a circular shape. However, this is only an example, and in other embodiments, the shape of the opening in the plan view may be modified differently.

[0201] In an embodiment, in the plan view, the openings formed in the light blocking material layer BM may overlap with the color filter pattern of the color filter layer CF. For example, in the plan view, the area of each of the color filter patterns in the color filter layer CF may be larger than the area of each of the openings formed in the light blocking material layer BM. Accordingly, in the plan view, the openings formed in the light blocking material layer BM may be elements that are invisible due to the color filter layer CF.

[0202] Figure 8 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the color filter pattern arranged in the Figure 1 region A of Figure 8 In the following description, descriptions that are the same as or redundant to the description provided above may be omitted.

[0203] In an embodiment and as Figure 8 shown in, in the plan view, the color filter pattern of the color filter layer CF may have an elliptical shape, and the directions of the elliptical shapes may be different from each other. Additionally, in the plan view, the areas of the elliptical shapes may be different from each other.

[0204] For example, in the plan view, the areas of the color filters CF1-1 to CF1-3 may be equal to each other. In the plan view, the areas of the color filters CF2-1 to CF2-3 may be equal to each other.

[0205] In addition, in the plan view, the areas of the color filters CF3-1 to CF3-3 may be equal to each other, and the areas of the color filters CF4-1 to CF4-3 may be equal to each other. However, the area of each of the color filters CF3-1 to CF3-3 may be different from the area of each of the color filters CF1-1 to CF1-3. The area of each of the color filters CF3-1 to CF3-3 may be different from the area of each of the color filters CF2-1 to CF2-3. The area of each of the color filters CF4-1 to CF4-3 may be different from the area of each of the color filters CF1-1 to CF1-3. The area of each of the color filters CF4-1 to CF4-3 may be different from the area of each of the color filters CF2-1 to CF2-3.

[0206] For example, in an embodiment, in the plan view, the areas of the color filters arranged in a specific area of region A may be equal to each other, and the areas of the color filters arranged in an area of region A other than the above specific area may be equal to each other. However, in the plan view, the area of each of the color filters arranged in the specific area may be different from the area of each of the color filters arranged in the remaining areas.

[0207] In an embodiment, in the plan view, the first color filter CF1 may have a first elliptical shape with a first major axis extending in a first direction. In the plan view, the second color filter CF2 may have a second elliptical shape with a second major axis extending in a second direction. In the plan view, the third color filter CF3 may have a third elliptical shape with a third major axis extending in a third direction.

[0208] In addition, in the plan view, the eccentricities of the first elliptical shape to the third elliptical shape may be different from each other. The eccentricity of each of the first elliptical shape to the third elliptical shape may be between about 0.5 and about 0.8. Specifically, when the eccentricity of the elliptical shape is less than about 0.5, the elliptical shape may have an overly elongated shape in the plan view, making it difficult to form the elliptical shape by an etching process. In addition, when the eccentricity of the elliptical shape is greater than about 0.8, it is observed that the elliptical shape is almost circular, and thus, the reduction amount of the diffraction pattern can be reduced to a visually confirmable level.

[0209] In another embodiment, the area of each of the color filters arranged in region A may have an arbitrary size.

[0210] As described above, in the plan view, since the regularity of the area of each of the color filters CF1 to CF3 in the color filter layer CF is reduced, the diffraction pattern caused by the reflection and diffraction of external light can be reduced. Therefore, one of the features of the present invention may be to reduce the regularity of the color filter pattern of the color filter layer CF.

[0211] Figure 9 is a plan view schematically showing an example of a color filter pattern arranged in region A according to an embodiment. In Figure 1 the following description, descriptions that are the same as or redundant to the description provided above may be omitted. Figure 9

[0212]

[0212] As Figure 9 shown, in the plan view, the diameters of the openings may be different from each other. For example, the openings formed in the light-blocking material layer BM may include at least the 1-1 opening OP1-1 to the 1-3 opening OP1-3, the 2-1 opening OP2-1 to the 2-3 opening OP2-3, the 3-1 opening OP3-1 to the 3-3 opening OP3-3, and the 4-1 opening OP4-1 to the 4-3 opening OP4-3.

[0213] The diameters of the openings arranged in a row along the y direction (e.g., the 1-1 opening OP1-1 to the 1-3 opening OP1-3) may be equal to each other. The diameters of the openings arranged in a row along the y direction (e.g., the 2-1 opening OP2-1 to the 2-3 opening OP2-3) may be equal to each other. The diameters of the openings arranged in a row along the y direction (e.g., the 3-1 opening OP3-1 to the 3-3 opening OP3-3) may be equal to each other. The diameters of the openings arranged in a row along the y direction (e.g., the 4-1 opening OP4-1 to the 4-3 opening OP4-3) may be equal to each other. In this embodiment, the 1-1 diameter R1-1 of the 1-1 opening OP1-1 may be greater than the 3-1 diameter R3-1 of the 3-1 opening OP3-1 or the 4-1 diameter R4-1 of the 4-1 opening OP4-1. In addition, the 2-1 diameter R2-1 of the 2-1 opening OP2-1 may be greater than the 3-1 diameter R3-1 of the 3-1 opening OP3-1 or the 4-1 diameter R4-1 of the 4-1 opening OP4-1.

[0214] Therefore, by changing the diameters of the openings as described above, the regularity of the color filter pattern of the color filter layer CF arranged in the openings can be reduced. For example, the color filter layer CF may fill the openings, and the regularity of the color filter pattern of the color filter layer CF filling the openings may be reduced. As described above, since the regularity of the color filter pattern of the color filter layer CF is reduced, diffraction patterns caused by reflection and diffraction of external light can be reduced. Therefore, one of the features of the present invention may be to reduce the regularity of the color filter pattern of the color filter layer CF.

[0215] Although Figure 9 it is shown that the 1-1 diameter R1-1 and the 2-1 diameter R2-1 are equal to or close to each other, this is only an example and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0216] In an embodiment and with reference to Figure 9 , in a plan view, the areas of the openings may be different from each other. In an embodiment, in a plan view, the areas of the first-first opening OP1-1, the second-first opening OP2-1, the third-first opening OP3-1, and the fourth-first opening OP4-1 may be different from each other. In other embodiments, in a plan view, the areas of some of the first-first opening OP1-1, the second-first opening OP2-1, the third-first opening OP3-1, and the fourth-first opening OP4-1 may be different from each other.

[0217] In an embodiment and with reference to Figure 9 , in a plan view, the area of the opening may be understood to be replaced by the diameter of the opening. Accordingly, in a plan view, the diameters of the openings may be different from each other. In some embodiments, in a plan view, the diameters of some of the openings may be different from each other. In other embodiments, in a plan view, the diameters of the first-first opening OP1-1, the second-first opening OP2-1, the third-first opening OP3-1, and the fourth-first opening OP4-1 may be different from each other, and in still other embodiments, in a plan view, the diameters of some of the first-first opening OP1-1, the second-first opening OP2-1, the third-first opening OP3-1, and the fourth-first opening OP4-1 may be different from each other.

[0218] Figure 10 is a table comparing the effects of examples of color filter patterns according to embodiments.

[0219] In Figure 10 the following description, descriptions that are the same as or redundant to the description provided above may be omitted.

[0220] As Figure 10 shown, it is shown that a circular pixel having a circular pattern has a large halo compared to an elliptical pixel having an elliptical pattern. Additionally, when comparing the diffraction degrees of circular pixels and elliptical pixels with respect to a light source having a diameter of approximately 30 cm, it is shown that the diffraction degree of the circular pixels is greater than that of the elliptical pixels. However, according to Figure 10 , in the case of a surface light source having a width of approximately 100 cm, it can be seen that there is no significant difference in the diffraction degrees between circular pixels and elliptical pixels.

[0221] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of a display area of a display device according to a comparative example, Figure 12 is a plan view schematically showing an example of a color filter pattern in a display area of a display device according to a comparative example, and Figure 13 and Figure 14It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an overlapping shape of edges of color filters in a display device according to a comparative example.

[0222] In Figures 11 to 14 In the following description, descriptions that are the same as or redundant to the description provided above may be omitted.

[0223] As Figures 11 to 14 As shown in [reference], the light-blocking material layer BM may include a first opening OP1 and a second opening OP2. The first color filter CF1 may be disposed in the first opening OP1, and the second color filter CF2 may be disposed in the second opening OP2. An edge of the first color filter CF1 may cover an upper surface of the light-blocking material layer BM that defines the first opening OP1, and an edge of the second color filter CF2 may cover an upper surface of the light-blocking material layer BM that defines the second opening OP2.

[0224] An edge of the second color filter CF2 disposed around the first color filter CF1 may cover both the upper surface of the light-blocking material layer BM and an edge of the adjacent first color filter CF1. As a result, the edges of the first color filter CF1 and the second color filter CF2 may be set to overlap each other on the light-blocking material layer BM.

[0225] The light-blocking material layer BM may further include a third opening OP3. The third color filter CF3 may be disposed in the third opening OP3, and an edge of the third color filter CF3 may cover an upper surface of the light-blocking material layer BM that defines the third opening OP3.

[0226] An edge of the second color filter CF2 disposed around the third color filter CF3 may cover both the upper surface of the light-blocking material layer BM and an edge of the adjacent third color filter CF3. As a result, the edges of the third color filter CF3 and the second color filter CF2 may be set to overlap each other on the light-blocking material layer BM.

[0227] Therefore, when a region where the color filters overlap each other is formed, due to the difference in refractive index of each color filter and flatness distortion occurring in the color filters, the diffraction phenomenon occurring due to the color filter layer CF may be further enhanced. As a result, a user can observe a diffraction pattern, and thus, the image quality of the display device is degraded.

[0228] In the display device according to the comparative example, in a plan view, the light-blocking material layer BM may be covered by the color filter layer CF. As a result, since the light-blocking material layer BM is covered by the color filter layer CF, the light-blocking material layer BM may not be exposed in the upward direction (e.g., the z direction).

[0229] Therefore, thickness differences may occur in the color filter layer CF and may be as large as the thickness of the light blocking material layer BM, and such thickness differences may produce large halos and relatively large diffraction patterns.

[0230] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a region where color filters of different colors overlap each other according to a comparative example. In this case, the diffraction pattern mentioned in the present disclosure may be generated by the curved shape of the region where color filters of different colors overlap each other.

[0231] In addition, Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a region where color filters having different refractive indices overlap each other according to a comparative example. In this case, due to the difference in the refractive indices of the color filters in the region where color filters having different refractive indices overlap each other, the diffraction pattern mentioned in the present disclosure may be generated.

[0232] Therefore, due to Figure 13 and Figure 14 the two factors shown in, a diffraction pattern may be generated by external light reflected from the color filter layer CF.

[0233] Figure 15 is a table showing result data obtained from a comparative experiment on the degree of diffraction with respect to the step between the color filter layer CF and the light blocking material layer BM.

[0234] For the reference sample, the average step difference between the color filter layer CF and the light blocking material layer BM is about 0.35 μm. For the sample with a large step difference, the average step difference between the color filter layer CF and the light blocking material layer BM is about 0.7 μm. For the sample with a small step difference, the average step difference between the color filter layer CF and the light blocking material layer BM is about 0.1 μm. Referring to Figure 15 , it shows that the degree of diffraction decreases as the step difference between the color filter layer CF and the light blocking material layer BM decreases.

[0235] Figure 16 is a table showing result data obtained from a comparative experiment on the degree of diffraction with respect to the pattern sizes of the color filter layer CF and the light blocking material layer BM.

[0236] For the reference sample, in the plan view, the patterns of the color filters and the pattern of the light blocking material layer BM have the same size. Additional example 1 is a sample in which the size of the pattern of the color filter is changed, and additional example 2 is a sample in which the size of the pattern of the light blocking material layer BM is changed. Referring to Figure 16, it is shown that when the size of the pattern of the color filter or the pattern of the light blocking material layer BM in the plan view is changed, the diffraction degree is reduced much more compared to the case of the reference sample in which the size of the pattern of the color filter or the pattern of the light blocking material layer BM in the plan view is not changed.

[0237] Figure 17 is a graph schematically showing the position where the diffraction pattern appears according to an embodiment.

[0238] Reference Figure 17 , the diffraction pattern may be a pattern in which the peak / valley positions are repeated in inverse proportion to the slit width (pattern size). For example, Figure 17 the y-axis of may be the intensity of the light measured outside the display device due to the reflection of the light generated from an external light source as a result of constructive or destructive interference. In this case, λ may be the wavelength (nm) of the light generated from the external light source, and D may be the diameter (nm) in the plan view of the opening formed in the light blocking material layer BM. The units of λ and D may be changed, but the same units are used. It is necessary to induce multiple reflected lights to promote destructive interference.

[0239] From the perspective of promoting destructive interference, the ratio of the area of the color filter measured in the plan view can be adjusted. For example, when, as shown in Figure 8 , the color filters having different areas are included, the ratio of the area in the plan view of one color filter to the area in the plan view of the other color filter may be about 2:3. Therefore, when the ratio is about 2:3, the diffraction pattern formed by the reflection of the external light can be minimized. In addition, various other ratios may make destructive interference possible, but the ratio of about 2:3 is preferable.

[0240] From the perspective of promoting destructive interference, the ratio of the area of the opening of the light blocking material layer BM measured in the plan view can be adjusted. For example, when, as shown in Figure 9 , the light blocking material layer BM includes openings having different areas, the ratio of the area in the plan view of one opening to the area in the plan view of the other opening may be about 2:3. Therefore, when the ratio is about 2:3, the diffraction pattern formed by the reflection of the external light can be minimized. In addition, various other ratios may make destructive interference possible, but the ratio of about 2:3 is preferable. Figure 17 In, θ is the angle by which the light deviates from the original direction after passing through the slit (e.g., the opening formed in the light blocking material layer BM) in the diffraction experiment.

[0241] Figure 18 is a plan view showing a part of a display device focused on the color filter layer CF and the light blocking material layer BM (e.g., reference Figure 7 )Figure 19 is taken along the Figure 18 line I-I’ Figure 18 of the display device, and Figure 20 is taken along the Figure 18 line II-II’ Figure 18 of the display device.

[0242] In Figures 18 to 20 the following description, descriptions that are the same as or redundant with the description provided above can be omitted.

[0243] As Figures 18 to 20 shown in

[0244]

[0245] Figures 18 to 20 Figure 19 Figure 20

[0246] and Figure 18

[0247] Figure 19 ​​​​​​​As shown, the second color filter CF2 can be disposed on the second light-emitting element OLED2 configured to generate light in the second wavelength band, and the edges of the first color filter CF1 and the third color filter CF3 disposed on the first color filter CF1 can be used to define the pattern of the second color filter CF2. Similarly, the third color filter CF3 can be disposed on the third light-emitting element OLED3 configured to generate light in the third wavelength band.

[0248] In addition, as Figure 19 shown, the first color filter CF1 can be disposed on the first touch conductive layer MTL1 and the second touch conductive layer MTL2. The edge of the third color filter CF3 can cover the upper surface of the first color filter CF1. As a result, in the plan view, the first touch conductive layer MTL1 and the second touch conductive layer MTL2 can be covered by the first color filter CF1 and the third color filter CF3, and at least a part of external light or internal light can be blocked by the first color filter CF1 and the third color filter CF3.

[0249] In addition, as Figure 18 and Figure 19 shown, since the size of the second color filter CF2 can be changed differently, the widths d1 and d1' of the second color filter CF2 measured along the line I-I' in the plan view can vary depending on the position where the second color filter CF2 is located. As a result, the diffraction pattern formed by the reflection of external light due to the various widths of the second color filter CF2 can be minimized.

[0250] As Figure 20 shown, the first color filter CF1 can be disposed on the first light-emitting element OLED1 configured to generate light in the first wavelength band. In the plan view, the first color filter CF1 can cover the first touch conductive layer MTL1 and the second touch conductive layer MTL2, and can also cover the first light-emitting element OLED1. For example, the edge of the first color filter CF1 can be disposed on the first touch conductive layer MTL1 and the second touch conductive layer MTL2, and the central region of the first color filter CF1 can be disposed on the first light-emitting element OLED1. In addition, the third color filter CF3 can be disposed on the edge of the first color filter CF1, and the third color filter CF3 can also be disposed on the first touch conductive layer MTL1 and the second touch conductive layer MTL2.

[0251] In addition, as Figure 20As shown, the second color filter CF2 may be disposed on a second light-emitting element OLED2 configured to generate light in a second wavelength band. For example, an edge of the second color filter CF2 may be disposed on an edge of the first color filter CF1, and a central region of the second color filter CF2 may be disposed on the second light-emitting element OLED2. The third color filter CF3 may be between an edge of the second color filter CF2 and an edge of the first color filter CF1. Since the design of the color filter pattern is mainly achieved by changing the size of the second color filter CF2, the size of the second color filter CF2 may be changed according to the ratio of the edge of the second color filter CF2 covering the third color filter CF3 disposed on the edge of the first color filter CF1.

[0252] As Figure 18 and Figure 20 shown, since the size of the second color filter CF2 can be variably changed, the widths d2 and d2' of the second color filter CF2 measured along line II-II' in the plan view may vary depending on the position where the second color filter CF2 is located. As a result, a diffraction pattern formed by reflection of external light due to various widths of the second color filter CF2 can be minimized.

[0253] Figure 21 is a plan view showing a part of a display device focused on a color filter layer CF and a light-blocking material layer BM (e.g., referring to Figure 7 ), Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line III-III' of Figure 21 , and Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line IV-IV' of Figure 23 and Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line IV-IV' of Figure 21 .

[0254] In Figures 21 to 23 the following description, descriptions that are the same as or redundant to the description provided above may be omitted.

[0255] As Figures 21 to 23 shown, according to another embodiment, the display device may replace the light-blocking material layer BM with a color filter layer CF. As described above, the function of blocking internal light and / or external light may be mainly performed by the first color filter CF1 and the third color filter CF3. Therefore, the design of the color filter pattern can be mainly achieved by changing the size of the second color filter CF2.

[0256] For example, as Figures 21 to 23 shown, a region where the existing light-blocking material layer BM is located may be referred to as a second replacement region BA2. As Figure 22 and Figure 23As shown in [reference], the second replacement region BA2 can be formed by the overlap of a first color filter CF1 (e.g., a color filter configured to transmit light in a blue wavelength band), a third color filter CF3 disposed on the first color filter CF1 (e.g., a color filter configured to transmit light in a red wavelength band), and a second color filter CF2 disposed on the third color filter CF3 (e.g., a color filter configured to transmit light in a green wavelength band). In another embodiment, the second replacement region BA2 can be formed by the overlap of the first color filter CF1 and the second color filter CF2.

[0257] In addition, as Figures 21 to 23 shown in [reference], the region that overlaps the first color filter CF1 in the plan view among the regions where the second color filter CF2 is removed can be an erasure region DAK, where the erasure region DAK can be formed by the overlap of the first color filter CF1 and the third color filter CF3.

[0258] Furthermore, as Figure 22 shown in [reference], the second color filter CF2 can be disposed on a second light-emitting element OLED2 configured to generate light in a second wavelength band, and the edges of the first color filter CF1 and the third color filter CF3 disposed on the first color filter CF1 can be used to define the pattern of the second color filter CF2. Similarly, the third color filter CF3 can be disposed on a third light-emitting element OLED3 configured to generate light in a third wavelength band.

[0259] As Figure 22 shown in [reference], the first color filter CF1 can be disposed on a first touch conductive layer MTL1 and a second touch conductive layer MTL2. The edge of the third color filter CF3 can cover the upper surface of the first color filter CF1. As a result, in the plan view, the first touch conductive layer MTL1 and the second touch conductive layer MTL2 can be covered by the first color filter CF1 and the third color filter CF3, and at least a part of external light or internal light can be blocked by the first color filter CF1 and the third color filter CF3.

[0260] As Figure 23As shown in the figure, the first color filter CF1 can be disposed on the first light-emitting element OLED1 configured to generate light in the first wavelength band. Additionally, in a plan view, the first color filter CF1 can cover the first touch conductive layer MTL1 and the second touch conductive layer MTL2, and can also cover the first light-emitting element OLED1. For example, the edge of the first color filter CF1 can be disposed on the first touch conductive layer MTL1 and the second touch conductive layer MTL2, and the central region of the first color filter CF1 can be disposed on the first light-emitting element OLED1. Furthermore, the third color filter CF3 can be disposed on the edge of the first color filter CF1, and the third color filter CF3 can be disposed on the first touch conductive layer MTL1 and the second touch conductive layer MTL2.

[0261] Furthermore, as Figure 23 shown in the figure, the second color filter CF2 can be disposed on the second light-emitting element OLED2 configured to generate light in the second wavelength band. For example, the edge of the second color filter CF2 can be disposed on the edge of the first color filter CF1, and the central region of the second color filter CF2 can be disposed on the second light-emitting element OLED2. The third color filter CF3 can be between the edge of the second color filter CF2 and the edge of the first color filter CF1.

[0262] As Figures 21 to 23 shown in the figure, the distances between the second color filters CF2 can be variably changed. In a plan view, the diameters d3 and d3' measured along line III-III' of the openings included in the first color filter CF1 can be equal to each other. Additionally, in a plan view, the diameters d4 and d4' measured along line IV-IV' of the openings included in the third color filter CF3 can be equal to each other. Generally speaking, the diameters d3 and d3' of the openings included in the first color filter CF1 can be different from the diameters d4 and d4' of the openings included in the third color filter CF3. As a result, the diffraction pattern formed when external light is reflected through the openings of various diameters included in the first color filter CF1 can be minimized.

[0263] Figure 24 is a plan view showing a part of a display device focused on the color filter layer CF and the light-blocking material layer BM (e.g., referring to Figure 7 ), Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of the display device taken along Figure 24 line V-V', Figure 24 and Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of the display device taken along Figure 24 line VI-VI', Figure 24 of the display device.

[0264] In Figures 24 to 26In the following description, descriptions that are the same as or redundant to the description provided above may be omitted.

[0265] As Figures 24 to 26 shown, according to another embodiment, the display device may replace the light-blocking material layer BM with the color filter layer CF. As described above, the function of blocking internal light and / or external light may be mainly performed by the first color filter CF1 and the third color filter CF3. Therefore, changing the design of the color filter pattern may be mainly achieved by changing the size of the second color filter CF2.

[0266] As Figure 24 shown, the region where the existing light-blocking material layer BM is located may be referred to as the third replacement region BA3. As Figure 25 and Figure 26 shown, the third replacement region BA3 may be formed by the overlap of the first color filter CF1 (e.g., a color filter configured to transmit light in the blue wavelength band) and the third color filter CF3 (e.g., a color filter configured to transmit light in the red wavelength band).

[0267] As Figure 25 shown, the second color filter CF2 may be disposed on the second light-emitting element OLED2 configured to generate light in the second wavelength band, and the edges of the first color filter CF1 and the third color filter CF3 disposed on the first color filter CF1 may be used to define the pattern of the second color filter CF2. Similarly, the third color filter CF3 may be disposed on the third light-emitting element OLED3 configured to generate light in the third wavelength band.

[0268] For example, as Figure 25 shown, the first color filter CF1 may be disposed on the first touch conductive layer MTL1 and the second touch conductive layer MTL2. The edge of the third color filter CF3 may cover the upper surface of the first color filter CF1. As a result, in a plan view, the first touch conductive layer MTL1 and the second touch conductive layer MTL2 may be covered by the first color filter CF1 and the third color filter CF3. At least a part of the external light or internal light may be blocked by the first color filter CF1 and the third color filter CF3.

[0269] As Figure 24 and Figure 25As shown, the distances d5 and d5' between the first color filters CF1 replacing the light-blocking material layer BM can be variably changed. The distances d5 and d5' between the first color filters CF1 measured along line V-V' in the plan view can vary depending on the positions where the first color filters CF1 are located. For example, in the plan view, the distances d5 and d5' between the first color filters CF1 can be the diameters of the openings defined by the first color filters CF1. As a result, the diffraction patterns formed when external light is reflected through the openings of various diameters defined by the first color filters CF1 can be minimized.

[0270] In addition, as Figure 26 shown, the first color filter CF1 can be disposed on the first light-emitting element OLED1 configured to generate light in the first wavelength band. In the plan view, the first color filter CF1 can cover the first touch conductive layer MTL1 and the second touch conductive layer MTL2, and can also cover the first light-emitting element OLED1. In addition, the edges of the first color filter CF1 can be disposed on the first touch conductive layer MTL1 and the second touch conductive layer MTL2, and the central region of the first color filter CF1 can be disposed on the first light-emitting element OLED1. The third color filter CF3 can be disposed on the edge of the first color filter CF1, and the third color filter CF3 can be disposed on the first touch conductive layer MTL1 and the second touch conductive layer MTL2.

[0271] For example, as Figure 26 shown, the second color filter CF2 can be disposed on the second light-emitting element OLED2 configured to generate light in the second wavelength band. The edges of the second color filter CF2 can be disposed on the edges of the first color filter CF1, and the central region of the second color filter CF2 can be disposed on the second light-emitting element OLED2. The third color filter CF3 can be between the edge of the second color filter CF2 and the edge of the first color filter CF1.

[0272] In addition, as Figure 24 and Figure 26 shown, the distances d6 and d6' between the first color filters CF1 measured along line VI-VI' in the plan view can vary depending on the positions where the first color filters CF1 are located. For example, in the plan view, the distances d6 and d6' between the first color filters CF1 can be the diameters of the openings defined by the first color filters CF1. As a result, the diffraction patterns formed when external light is reflected through the openings of various diameters defined by the first color filters CF1 can be minimized.

[0273] As Figure 25 shown, the widths of the second color filters CF2 measured along line V-V' in the plan view can be equal to each other. In addition, as Figure 26As shown, the widths of the second color filter CF2 measured along line VI-VI' in the plan view can be equal to each other.

[0274] Figure 27 is a plan view showing a part of a display device focused on the color filter layer CF and the light-blocking material layer BM (e.g., refer to Figure 7 ), Figure 28 is taken along Figure 27 line VII-VII' of Figure 27 the display device, and Figure 29 is taken along Figure 27 line VIII-VIII' of Figure 27 the display device.

[0275] In Figures 27 to 29 the following description, descriptions that are the same as or redundant to the description provided above can be omitted.

[0276] As Figures 27 to 29 shown, according to another embodiment, the display device can replace the light-blocking material layer BM with the color filter layer CF. As described above, the function of blocking internal light and / or external light can be mainly performed by the first color filter CF1 and the third color filter CF3. Therefore, changing the design of the color filter pattern can be mainly achieved by changing the size of the second color filter CF2.

[0277] For example, as Figure 27 shown, the area where the existing light-blocking material layer BM is located can be referred to as the fourth replacement area BA4. As Figure 28 and Figure 29 shown, the fourth replacement area BA4 can be formed by the overlap of the first color filter CF1 (e.g., a color filter configured to transmit light in the blue wavelength band), the third color filter CF3 disposed on the first color filter CF1 (e.g., a color filter configured to transmit light in the red wavelength band), and the second color filter CF2 disposed on the third color filter CF3 (e.g., a color filter configured to transmit light in the green wavelength band). In another embodiment, the fourth replacement area BA4 can be formed by the overlap of the first color filter CF1 and the second color filter CF2.

[0278] For example, as Figures 27 to 29 shown, the area that overlaps with the first color filter CF1 in the plan view among the areas where the second color filter CF2 is removed can be the erasure area DAK. The erasure area DAK can be formed by the overlap of the first color filter CF1 and the third color filter CF3.

[0279] As Figure 28As shown, the edge of the third color filter CF3 may cover the upper surface of the first color filter CF1. As a result, in a plan view, the first touch conductive layer MTL1 and the second touch conductive layer MTL2 may be covered by the first color filter CF1 and the third color filter CF3. Accordingly, at least a part of external light or internal light may be blocked by the first color filter CF1 and the third color filter CF3.

[0280] In addition, as Figure 28 shown, the second color filter CF2 may be disposed on the second light-emitting element OLED2 configured to generate light in the second wavelength band, wherein the edge of the second color filter CF2 may cover the edge of the third color filter CF3 disposed on the first touch conductive layer MTL1 and the second touch conductive layer MTL2.

[0281] As Figure 28 shown, the distances d7 and d7' between the first color filters CF1 replacing the light blocking material layer BM may be changed differently. The distances d7 and d7' measured along line VII-VII' in the plan view between the first color filters CF1 may vary depending on the positions where the first color filters CF1 are located. For example, in the plan view, the distances d7 and d7' between the first color filters CF1 may be the diameters of the openings defined by the first color filters CF1. As a result, the diffraction patterns formed when external light is reflected through the openings of various diameters defined by the first color filters CF1 may be minimized.

[0282] In addition, as Figure 29 shown, the first color filter CF1 may be disposed on the first light-emitting element OLED1 configured to generate light in the first wavelength band. In the plan view, the first color filter CF1 may cover the first touch conductive layer MTL1 and the second touch conductive layer MTL2, and may also cover the first light-emitting element OLED1. For example, the edge of the first color filter CF1 may be disposed on the first touch conductive layer MTL1 and the second touch conductive layer MTL2, and the central region of the first color filter CF1 may be disposed on the first light-emitting element OLED1. Additionally, the third color filter CF3 may be disposed on the edge of the first color filter CF1, and the third color filter CF3 may be disposed on the first touch conductive layer MTL1 and the second touch conductive layer MTL2.

[0283] As Figure 29 shown, the second color filter CF2 may be disposed on the second light-emitting element OLED2 configured to generate light in the second wavelength band. For example, the edge of the second color filter CF2 may be disposed on the edge of the first color filter CF1, and the central region of the second color filter CF2 may be disposed on the second light-emitting element OLED2. The third color filter CF3 may be between the edge of the second color filter CF2 and the edge of the first color filter CF1.

[0284] As Figure 29 shown, since the distances d8 and d8' between the third color filters CF3 can be variably changed, the distances d8 and d8' between the third color filters CF3 measured in the plan view along line VIII-VIII' can vary depending on the positions where the third color filters CF3 are located. As a result, the diffraction pattern formed by the reflection of external light due to the various distances of the third color filters CF3 can be minimized.

[0285] According to one or more embodiments, a display device can be implemented in which a diffraction pattern observed on a display screen is prevented or minimized.

[0286] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. The description of a feature or aspect in each embodiment should generally be considered available for other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. Although one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, an embodiment or a part of an embodiment can be wholly or partially combined without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: a substrate; a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed on the substrate, wherein the plurality of light-emitting elements at least include a first light-emitting element configured to generate light in a first wavelength band, a second light-emitting element configured to generate light in a second wavelength band, and a third light-emitting element configured to generate light in a third wavelength band; a pixel defining layer disposed on the substrate and arranged in the same layer as the plurality of light-emitting elements, wherein the pixel defining layer covers an edge of each of the plurality of light-emitting elements; a light-blocking material layer disposed on the pixel defining layer; and a color filter layer disposed on the plurality of light-emitting elements and arranged in the same layer as the light-blocking material layer, wherein the color filter layer includes a first color filter configured to transmit the light in the first wavelength band, a second color filter configured to transmit the light in the second wavelength band, and a third color filter configured to transmit the light in the third wavelength band, wherein, in a plan view, the first color filter, the second color filter, and the third color filter each have an elliptical shape and do not overlap with each other.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first color filter, the second color filter, and the third color filter are arranged in the same layer.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein A portion of the light-blocking material layer between the first color filter, the second color filter, and the third color filter is exposed in an upward direction.

4. The display device according to claim 3, further comprising: a protective layer disposed on the color filter layer and the light-blocking material layer.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The exposed portion of the light-blocking material layer in the upward direction contacts a lower surface of the protective layer.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The light-blocking material layer includes a plurality of openings respectively disposed on the plurality of light-emitting elements in the plan view.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein, The plurality of openings include a first opening in which the first color filter is disposed, a second opening in which the second color filter is disposed, and a third opening in which the third color filter is disposed.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, In the plan view, areas of the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening are different from each other.

9. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, In the plan view, diameters of the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening are different from each other.

10. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The first color filter covers an inner surface of the first opening, the second color filter covers an inner surface of the second opening, and the third color filter covers an inner surface of the third opening.

11. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, A distance between a central region of the first color filter and an upper surface of the substrate is less than a distance between an upper surface of the light-blocking material layer and the upper surface of the substrate.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, A distance between a central region of the second color filter and the upper surface of the substrate is less than the distance between the upper surface of the light-blocking material layer and the upper surface of the substrate.

13. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, Each of the central regions of the first color filter, the central region of the second color filter, and the central region of the third color filter has a shape recessed inward.

14. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, In the plan view, the first color filter has a first elliptical shape with a first major axis extending in a first direction, In the plan view, the second color filter has a second elliptical shape with a second major axis extending in a second direction, and In the plan view, the third color filter has a third elliptical shape with a third major axis extending in a third direction.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein, In the plan view, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are different from each other.

16. The display device according to claim 14, wherein, In the plan view, the eccentricity of the first elliptical shape, the eccentricity of the second elliptical shape, and the eccentricity of the third elliptical shape are different from each other.

17. The display device according to claim 14, wherein, In the plan view, the area of the first elliptical shape, the area of the second elliptical shape, and the area of the third elliptical shape are different from each other.

18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein, In the plan view, the ratio of the area of the first elliptical shape to the area of the second elliptical shape is 2:

3.

19. The display device according to claim 18, wherein, The eccentricity of the first elliptical shape and the eccentricity of the second elliptical shape are between 0.5 and 0.

8.

20. A display device, comprising: A substrate; A plurality of light-emitting elements disposed on the substrate, wherein the plurality of light-emitting elements at least include a first light-emitting element configured to generate light in a first wavelength band, a second light-emitting element configured to generate light in a second wavelength band, and a third light-emitting element configured to generate light in a third wavelength band; A pixel defining layer disposed on the substrate and arranged in the same layer as the plurality of light-emitting elements, wherein the pixel defining layer covers an edge of each of the plurality of light-emitting elements; A touch sensor layer disposed on the plurality of light-emitting elements and the pixel defining layer, wherein the touch sensor layer includes a touch conductive layer overlapping the pixel defining layer in a plan view; and A color filter layer disposed on the touch sensor layer, wherein the color filter layer includes a first color filter configured to transmit the light in the first wavelength band, a second color filter configured to transmit the light in the second wavelength band, and a third color filter configured to transmit the light in the third wavelength band, wherein, in the plan view, an edge of the first color filter overlaps the touch conductive layer, in the plan view, a central region of the first color filter overlaps the first light-emitting element, and a part of the second color filter is disposed on the edge of the first color filter, and a remaining part of the second color filter overlaps the second light-emitting element in the plan view.

Images