Display device

Abstract

The present application relates to a display device including: a substrate including a plurality of pixels having a plurality of sub-pixels; a pattern portion disposed on the substrate to be recessed in a non-emission area between the plurality of sub-pixels; and a reflective portion disposed on the pattern portion, in which the pattern portion includes: a first inclined pattern portion disposed at a first angle with respect to an upper surface of the substrate; and a second inclined pattern portion disposed between the first inclined pattern portion and the substrate and disposed at a second angle with respect to an upper surface of the substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device that displays an image. Background Art

[0002] Unlike liquid crystal display devices, organic light-emitting display devices have high response speed and low power consumption, and emit light without a separate light source, so there is no limitation in viewing angle, and thus organic light-emitting display devices have attracted attention as next-generation flat panel display devices.

[0003] Such a display device displays an image by light emission of a light emitting element layer including a light emitting layer interposed between two electrodes.

[0004] Furthermore, since some of the light emitted from the light emitting element layer is not emitted to the outside due to total reflection at interfaces between layers inside the display panel, light extraction efficiency of the display device is reduced. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a display device that can improve light extraction efficiency of light emitted from a light emitting element layer.

[0006] Furthermore, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a display device that can reduce overall power consumption by extracting light from a non-light-emitting area.

[0007] Furthermore, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a display device capable of improving or maximizing light extraction efficiency.

[0008] Limitations to be addressed by examples of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other limitations not mentioned will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art to which the technical concept of the present disclosure belongs from the following description.

[0009] A display device includes: a substrate including a plurality of pixels having a plurality of sub-pixels; a pattern portion disposed on the substrate to be recessed in a non-luminous region between the plurality of sub-pixels; and a reflective portion disposed on the pattern portion, wherein the pattern portion includes: a first inclined pattern portion disposed to have a first angle relative to an upper surface of the substrate; and a second inclined pattern portion disposed between the first inclined pattern portion and the substrate and disposed to have a second angle relative to the upper surface of the substrate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic plan view of a pixel is shown.

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Schematic cross-sectional view along line II' is shown.

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Schematic cross-sectional view along line II-II' is shown.

[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Schematic cross-sectional view along line III-III' is shown.

[0016] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of portion A is shown.

[0017] Figure 7 is exemplified as Figure 3 A schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of another example of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG.

[0018] Figure 8A are images illustrating light extraction characteristics of a display device according to a comparative example.

[0019] Figure 8B are images illustrating light extraction characteristics of a display device according to another comparative example.

[0020] Figure 8C are images illustrating light extraction characteristics of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 9 is a graph depicting light intensity as a function of wavelength of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure compared with a display device according to a comparative example.

[0022] Figure 10 is exemplified as Figure 3 A schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of another example of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. The advantages and features of the present disclosure, as well as methods for implementing the same, will become apparent from the embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] However, the present disclosure may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0025] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, and quantities disclosed in the drawings for describing the embodiments of the present disclosure are merely examples, and therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the details illustrated. Throughout the text, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. In the following description, when a detailed description of a related known function or configuration is determined to be unnecessary to obscure the key points of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted or may be briefly provided.

[0026] In the case of using “including,” “having,” and “comprising” described in this specification, another part may be added unless “only” is used. Terms in the singular form may include plural forms unless otherwise indicated.

[0027] In explaining an element, although not explicitly described, the element is interpreted as including an error range.

[0028] In describing the positional relationship, for example, when the positional relationship of two parts is described as "on...", "above...", "below...", "right next to...", unless "just" or "directly" is used, one or more other parts may be set between the two parts.

[0029] In describing a time relationship, for example, when a time order is described as “after,” “later,” “next,” and “before,” discontinuous cases may be included unless “just now” or “immediately” is used.

[0030] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms.

[0031] These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element.For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first element could be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element could be referred to as a first element.

[0032] The “X-axis direction,” “Y-axis direction,” and “Z-axis direction” should not be interpreted as having only a geometric relationship of being perpendicular to each other, and may have broader directionality within the range in which the elements of the present disclosure can function functionally.

[0033] The term "at least one" is generally understood to include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, the meaning of "at least one of the first, second, and third items" refers to all combinations of items listed from two or more of the first, second, and third items, as well as the first, second, or third item.

[0034] As will be fully appreciated by those skilled in the art, the features of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be partially or fully coupled or combined with one another, and may interoperate with one another and be driven technically in different ways. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented independently of one another, or may be implemented together in a mutually dependent relationship.

[0035] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic plan view of a pixel is shown, and Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Schematic cross-sectional view along line II' is shown.

[0037] Now refer to Figures 1 to 3 A display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a substrate 110 including a plurality of pixels having a plurality of sub-pixels SP; a pattern portion 120 disposed on the substrate 110 and concavely formed in a non-emission area NEA between the plurality of sub-pixels SP; and a reflective portion 130 disposed on the pattern portion 120.

[0038] The pattern portion 120 may be formed on the overcoat layer 113 provided on the substrate 110. According to one example, the pattern portion 120 may be formed concavely in the non-emission area NEA by patterning and removing the overcoat layer 113 between the plurality of sub-pixels SP. After the pattern portion 120 is formed concavely, the organic light emitting layer 116 and the reflective electrode 117 may be sequentially deposited on the entire surface in a subsequent process. Figure 3As shown, the organic light-emitting layer 116 and the reflective electrode 117 can be formed to be recessed in the non-emission area NEA along the contour of the pattern portion 120. Here, the reflective electrode 117 formed to be recessed in the non-emission area NEA can be the reflective portion 130. According to one example, the pattern portion 120 can include a first inclined pattern portion 120s1 and a second inclined pattern portion 120s2. In addition, the pattern portion 120 can also include a first flat pattern portion 120b1 and a second flat pattern portion 120b2. The first inclined pattern portion 120s1 and the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 can be included on the inclined surface 120s of the pattern portion 120. The first flat pattern portion 120b1 and the second flat pattern portion 120b2 can be included on the flat surface 120b of the pattern portion 120.

[0039] The first inclined pattern portion 120s1 may be disposed at a first angle θ1 relative to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110. For example, the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110 may be disposed in a direction parallel to the first direction (X-axis direction). In one example, the first direction (X-axis direction) may be relative to the first direction (X-axis direction). Figure 1 The horizontal direction may be the direction in which the gate wiring extends. According to one example, the second direction (Y-axis direction) is a direction intersecting the first direction (X-axis direction) and may be relative to the first direction (X-axis direction). Figure 1 The vertical direction may be a direction in which the data wiring extends. The third direction (Z-axis direction) according to one example may be a direction intersecting each of the first direction (X-axis direction) and the second direction (Y-axis direction), and may be a thickness direction of the display device 100.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, a first extension line EXL1 is provided in a direction parallel to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110, so that the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 can be represented as being disposed at a first angle θ1 relative to the first extension line EXL1. The first extension line EXL1 can refer to an imaginary line extending along the first direction (X-axis direction) from the point where the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 and the first flat pattern portion 120b1 contact each other. Since the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 is disposed at the first angle θ1 relative to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110, the organic light-emitting layer 116 and the reflective electrode 117 (or the reflective portion 130) formed on the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 can also be disposed at the first angle θ1 relative to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110 (or the first extension line EXL1).

[0041] The second inclined pattern portion 120s2 is disposed between the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 and the substrate 110 and may be disposed at a second angle θ2 relative to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110. Figure 3As shown, the second extension line EXL2 is arranged in a direction parallel to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110. Therefore, the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 can be represented as being arranged at a second angle θ2 relative to the second extension line EXL2. The second extension line EXL2 can refer to an imaginary line extending along the first direction (X-axis direction) from the point where the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 and the second flat pattern portion 120b2 contact each other. The second extension line EXL2 can be spaced apart from the first extension line EXL1 and parallel to the first extension line EXL1. Since the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 is arranged at the second angle θ2 relative to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110, the organic light-emitting layer 116 and the reflective electrode 117 (or the reflective portion 130) formed on the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 can also be arranged at the second angle θ2 relative to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110 (or the second extension line EXL2).

[0042] On the other hand, the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 may be connected via the first flat pattern portion 120b1 which is flat and long extending in the first direction (X-axis direction). Figure 3 As shown, the second oblique pattern portion 120s2 may be spaced apart from the first oblique pattern portion 120s1 in the first direction (X-axis direction). Since the second oblique pattern portion 120s2 is disposed lower than the first oblique pattern portion 120s1 in the third direction (Z-axis direction), it may be disposed closer to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110 than the first oblique pattern portion 120s1.

[0043] The first planar pattern portion 120b1 may be flatly disposed to connect the first and second oblique pattern portions 120s1 and 120s2. Therefore, the first and second oblique pattern portions 120s1 and 120s2 may be spaced apart by the length of the first planar pattern portion 120b1 in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0044] According to an example, the second planar pattern portion 120b2 may be spaced apart from the first planar pattern portion 120b1 and may be connected to the second oblique pattern portion 120s2. Figure 3As shown, the second flat pattern portion 120b2 can be flat. The second flat pattern portion 120b2 can be set to be the lowest in the pattern portion 120 and can therefore be referred to as the bottom surface of the pattern portion 120. The second flat pattern portion 120b2 can be spaced apart from the first flat pattern portion 120b1 by the length (or component) of the first direction (X-axis direction) of the second oblique pattern portion 120s2. The second flat pattern portion 120b2 can be set to be spaced apart from the first flat pattern portion 120b1 by the length (or component) of the third direction (Z-axis direction) of the second oblique pattern portion 120s2. Alternatively, the second flat pattern portion 120b2 can be set to be spaced apart from the first flat pattern portion 120b1 by the thickness (or second thickness D2) of the overcoat 113 in which the second oblique pattern portion 120s2 is formed.

[0045] The width of the pattern portion 120 according to one example may decrease in a direction from the reflective portion 130 toward the substrate 110. Therefore, the width of the pattern portion 120 surrounded by the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 may be narrower than the width of the pattern portion 120 surrounded by the first inclined pattern portion 120s1. In other words, the pattern portion 120 may be provided in the form of a bowl in which the width of the groove narrows as it moves downward in the third direction (Z-axis direction).

[0046] In the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first oblique pattern portion 120s1 and the second oblique pattern portion 120s2 may be disposed in the non-emission area NEA. Therefore, the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can reflect light emitted from the organic light emitting layer 116 and directed toward the adjacent sub-pixel SP by the reflective portion 130 disposed on the first oblique pattern portion 120s1 and the second oblique pattern portion 120s2, thereby improving light extraction efficiency.

[0047] In addition, since the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can extract light from the non-luminous area NEA which is the periphery of the luminous area EA through the reflective portion 130 provided on the pattern portion 120 (or the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 and the second inclined pattern portion 120s2), the same or substantially the same luminous efficiency can be achieved at lower power, or the luminous efficiency can be further improved, compared with a display device without the pattern portion 120 and / or the reflective portion 130, thereby resulting in lower total power consumption.

[0048] In addition, the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can have the same or substantially the same luminous efficiency at lower power, and thus can improve the efficiency of the light emitting element layer E (or the organic light emitting layer 116) ( Figure 3 lifespan as shown).

[0049] Now refer to Figure 3 In the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the reflected light EL reflected by the reflective portion 130 may include a first reflected light EL1 (or WG mode extracted light EL1) and a second reflected light EL2 (or substrate mode extracted light EL2). The first reflected light EL1 (or WG mode extracted light EL1) is emitted from the organic light-emitting layer 116, is waveguided by being totally reflected from the interface between the pixel electrode 114 and the overcoat 113 and the reflective electrode 117, and then is reflected from the reflective portion 130 and directed toward the substrate 110. The second reflected light (EL2) (or substrate mode extracted light (EL2)) is emitted from the organic light-emitting layer 116, is first reflected from the interface between the lower surface of the substrate 110 and the external air, and then is reflected from the reflective portion 130 again and directed toward the substrate 110. In Figure 3 , the first reflected light EL1 shown by the dotted line and the second reflected light EL2 shown by the solid line may be reflected lights reflected by the reflective portion 130 and extracted to the outside of the substrate 110 .

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, the first reflected light EL1 according to the example may be reflected by the reflective portion 130 and emitted from the light emitting area EA. The second reflected light EL2 may be emitted at a position spaced apart from the light emitting area EA. For example, the second reflected light EL2 may be emitted from the non-light emitting area NEA or the periphery (or peripheral area) of the light emitting area EA. However, it is not necessarily limited thereto, and the first reflected light EL1 may be emitted from a position spaced apart from the light emitting area EA (or the non-light emitting area NEA) toward the substrate 110, and the second reflected light EL2 may be emitted from the light emitting area EA.

[0051] In the following, reference is made to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present specification will be described in more detail.

[0052] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 A display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel having a gate driver GD, a source driver integrated circuit (hereinafter, referred to as “IC”) 140 , a flexible film 150 , a circuit board 160 , and a timing controller 170 .

[0053] The display panel may include a substrate 110 and an opposing substrate 200 ( Figure 3 shown in ).

[0054] The substrate 110 may include a thin film transistor and may be a transistor array substrate, a lower substrate, a base substrate, or a first substrate. The substrate 110 may be a transparent glass substrate or a transparent plastic substrate. The substrate 110 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA.

[0055] The display area DA is an area where an image is displayed, and can be a pixel array area, an active area, a pixel array unit, a display unit, or a screen. For example, the display area DA can be set at the center of the display panel. The display area DA can include a plurality of pixels P.

[0056] The counter substrate 200 can encapsulate (or seal) the display area DA disposed on the substrate 110. For example, the counter substrate 200 can be bonded to the substrate 110 via an adhesive member (or transparent adhesive). The counter substrate 200 can be an upper substrate, a second substrate, or an encapsulation substrate. The counter substrate 200 can include a magnetic metal layer such as Invar, SUS, or the like. Alternatively, the counter substrate 200 can be composed of multiple layers, such as a metal layer (such as aluminum) for good heat dissipation, an organic adhesive layer for adhesion, and an organic protective layer that is thicker than the metal layer to improve encapsulation performance.

[0057] The gate driver GD supplies a gate signal to the gate line according to a gate control signal input from the timing controller 170. The gate driver GD may be formed on one side of the emission area EA in a gate in panel (GIP) method, or as Figure 1 As shown, it is formed in the non-emission area NEA outside both sides of the emission area EA.

[0058] The non-display area NDA is an area on which no image is displayed, and may be a peripheral area, a signal supply area, a non-active area, or a frame area. The non-display area NDA may be configured to be adjacent to the display area DA. That is, the non-display area NDA may be provided to surround the display area DA.

[0059] The pad area PA may be provided in the non-display area NDA. The pad area PA may supply power and / or signals for outputting an image to the pixels P provided in the display area DA. Figure 1 , a pad area PA may be provided above the display area DA.

[0060] The source driver IC 140 receives digital video data and a source control signal from the timing controller 170. The source driver IC 140 converts the digital video data into an analog data voltage according to the source control signal and supplies the analog data voltage to the data line. When the source driver IC 140 is manufactured as a driver chip, the source driver IC 140 can be packaged in the flexible film 150 using a chip on film (COF) method or a chip on plastic (COP) method.

[0061] Pads such as data pads may be formed in the non-display area NDA of the display panel. Lines connecting the pads to the source driver IC 140 and lines connecting the pads to the circuit board 160 may be formed in the flexible film 150. The flexible film 150 may be attached to the pads using an anisotropic conductive film, whereby the pads may be connected to the lines of the flexible film 150.

[0062] The circuit board 160 may be attached to the flexible film 150. A plurality of circuits implemented as a driving chip may be packaged in the circuit board 160. For example, the timing controller 170 may be packaged in the circuit board 160. The circuit board 160 may be a printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board.

[0063] The timing controller 170 receives digital video data and timing signals from an external system board through a cable of the circuit board 160. Based on the timing signals, the timing controller 170 generates a gate control signal for controlling the operation timing of the gate driver GD and a source control signal for controlling the source driver IC 140. The timing controller 170 supplies the gate control signal to the gate driver GD and supplies the source control signal to the source driver IC 140.

[0064] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the substrate 110 according to an example may include a light emitting area EA and a non-light emitting area NEA.

[0065] The light-emitting region EA may refer to a region from which light is emitted. A light-emitting element layer E including a pixel electrode 114, an organic light-emitting layer 116, and a reflective electrode 117 may be disposed in the light-emitting region EA. When an electric field is formed between the pixel electrode 114 and the reflective electrode 117, the organic light-emitting layer 116 in the light-emitting region EA may emit light.

[0066] like Figure 3As shown, a light path of a portion of the light emitted by the organic light-emitting layer 116 can be formed toward an adjacent sub-pixel (or non-light-emitting sub-pixel) through the organic light-emitting layer 116 and the pixel electrode 114 disposed between the reflective electrode 117 and the upper surface 113a of the overcoat 113, and / or through the overcoat 113. The display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may have a reflective portion 130 disposed between the sub-pixels SP, so that the reflective portion 130 can reflect the light directed toward the adjacent sub-pixel toward the non-light-emitting area NEA or the light-emitting area EA, or toward the light-emitting sub-pixel. Therefore, the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can improve the light extraction efficiency of the light-emitting sub-pixel by extracting the light directed toward the adjacent sub-pixel via the reflective portion 130. In addition, color mixing can be reduced or prevented from occurring in the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure due to the reflective portion 130 disposed between the sub-pixels SP.

[0067] As a result, the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can reduce or prevent color mixing with adjacent sub-pixels (or adjacent non-emitting sub-pixels) while having overall improved light efficiency through the reflective portion 130 provided on the pattern portion 120 of the non-emitting area NEA.

[0068] Return to reference Figure 2 According to an example, the emission area EA may include a gate line, a data line, a pixel driving power line, and a plurality of pixels P. Each of the plurality of pixels P may include a plurality of sub-pixels SP that may be defined by the gate line and the data line.

[0069] At least four sub-pixels SP arranged to emit different colors and arranged adjacent to each other among the plurality of sub-pixels SP may constitute a pixel P (or unit pixel). A pixel P may include, but is not limited to, a red sub-pixel, a white sub-pixel, a blue sub-pixel, and a green sub-pixel. A pixel P may include three sub-pixels SP arranged to emit light of different colors and arranged adjacent to each other. For example, a pixel P may include a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, and a blue sub-pixel.

[0070] Each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP includes a thin film transistor and a light emitting element layer E connected to the thin film transistor. Each of the plurality of sub-pixels may include a light emitting layer (or an organic light emitting layer) interposed between a pixel electrode and a reflective electrode.

[0071] The light-emitting layer provided in each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP may collectively emit white light. Since the light-emitting layer of each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP collectively emits white light, each of the red sub-pixel, the green sub-pixel, and the blue sub-pixel may include a color filter CF (or a wavelength conversion member CF) that converts the white light into corresponding colored light. In this case, the white sub-pixel may not include a color filter.

[0072] In the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the area with a red color filter may be a red sub-pixel or a first sub-pixel, the area without a color filter may be a white sub-pixel or a second sub-pixel, the area with a blue color filter may be a blue sub-pixel or a third sub-pixel, and the area with a green color filter may be a green sub-pixel or a fourth sub-pixel.

[0073] When a gate signal is input from a gate line using a thin film transistor, each sub-pixel P supplies a predetermined current to the organic light emitting element according to a data voltage of the data line. Therefore, the light emitting layer of each sub-pixel can emit light at a predetermined brightness according to the predetermined current.

[0074] A plurality of sub-pixels SP according to one example may be disposed adjacent to each other in a first direction (X-axis direction).

[0075] The plurality of sub-pixels SP may include a first sub-pixel SP1, a second sub-pixel SP2, a third sub-pixel SP3, and a fourth sub-pixel SP4 disposed adjacent to each other in a first direction (X-axis direction). For example, the first sub-pixel SP1 may be a red sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel SP2 may be a white sub-pixel, the third sub-pixel SP3 may be a blue sub-pixel, and the fourth sub-pixel SP4 may be a green sub-pixel, but the present invention is not limited thereto. However, the arrangement order of the first sub-pixel SP1, the second sub-pixel SP2, the third sub-pixel SP3, and the fourth sub-pixel SP4 may be changed.

[0076] Each of the first to fourth subpixels SP1 to SP4 may include a light-emitting area EA and a circuit area CA. The light-emitting area EA may be located on one side (or upper side) of the subpixel area, and the circuit area CA may be located on the other side (or lower side) of the subpixel area. For example, the circuit area CA may be located on one side (or lower side) of the light-emitting area EA based on the second direction (Y-axis direction). The light-emitting area EA of each of the first to fourth subpixels SP1 to SP4 may have the same or substantially the same size (or area) as each other, or different sizes (or areas) from each other.

[0077] The first to fourth sub-pixels SP1 to SP4 may be arranged adjacent to each other along the first direction (X-axis direction). For example, two data lines DL extending longer along the second direction (Y-axis direction) may be arranged parallel to each other between the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 and between the third sub-pixel SP3 and the fourth sub-pixel SP4. A pixel power line EVDD (or a branch wiring of the pixel power line) extending along the first direction (X-axis direction) may be arranged between the light emitting area EA and the circuit area CA of each of the first to fourth sub-pixels SP1 to SP4. The gate line GL and the sense line SL may be arranged below the circuit area CA. A pixel power line EVDD (or a branch wiring of the pixel power line) extending along the second direction (Y-axis direction) may be arranged on one side of the first sub-pixel SP1 or the fourth sub-pixel SP4. Figure 2 ). A reference line RL extending longer along the second direction (Y-axis direction) may be provided between the second sub-pixel SP2 and the third sub-pixel SP3. The reference line RL may be used as a sensing line for externally sensing characteristic changes of a driving thin film transistor and / or a characteristic change of a light-emitting element layer provided in a circuit region in a sensing drive mode of the pixel P. In one example, the data line DL is used to supply a data signal to each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP to drive each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP. For example, the data lines DL may include: a first data line DL1 for driving the first sub-pixel SP1, a second data line DL2 for driving the second sub-pixel SP2, a third data line DL3 for driving the third sub-pixel SP3, and a fourth data line DL4 for driving the fourth sub-pixel SP4.

[0078] In the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the data lines can be arranged so as not to overlap with the light-emitting area EA. For example, the third data line DL3 can be arranged so as not to overlap with the light-emitting area EA. Therefore, in the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third data line DL3 does not overlap with (or does not interfere with) the light emitted from the light-emitting area EA, thereby reducing or preventing a decrease in light extraction efficiency. Just like the third data line DL3, the first data line DL1, the second data line DL2, and the fourth data line DL4 can be arranged in the non-light-emitting area NEA of the corresponding sub-pixel so as not to overlap with the light-emitting area EA of the corresponding sub-pixel in the third direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, in the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the data lines DL1, DL2, DL3, and DL4 can have a structural feature that they do not overlap with the light-emitting area EA but overlap with the non-light-emitting area NEA.

[0079] On the other hand, each of the pixel power line EVDD and the reference line RL may be disposed in the non-emission area NEA so as not to obscure (or interfere with) light emitted from the emission area EA, like the above-described data line.

[0080] In the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP may include a light emitting area EA disposed adjacent to the non-light emitting area NEA. Figure 3 As shown, the reflective portion 130 may be spaced apart from the emission area EA. This is because if the reflective portion 130 is not spaced apart from the emission area but disposed adjacent to or overlapping the emission area, light emitted from the emission area EA cannot be reflected by the reflective portion 130.

[0081] Therefore, in the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the reflective portion 130 is spaced apart from the light-emitting area EA, so that light emitted from the light-emitting area EA and directed toward an adjacent sub-pixel (for example, the second sub-pixel SP2) can be reflected by the reflective portion 130, thereby improving light extraction efficiency.

[0082] On the other hand, Figure 3 As shown, the emission area EA is defined by the pixel electrode 114 disposed on the overcoat 113, and thus the reflective portion 130 may be spaced apart from the pixel electrode 114. In contrast, since the pixel electrode 114 is formed on the upper surface 113a of the overcoat 113, the first oblique pattern portion 120s1 of the pattern portion 120 may be disposed adjacent to the pixel electrode 114. For example, the first oblique pattern portion 120s1 may be disposed adjacent to the edge of the lower surface of the pixel electrode 114. The second oblique pattern portion 120s2 may be spaced apart from the first oblique pattern portion 120s1 in the first direction (X-axis direction), and thus the second oblique pattern portion 120s2 may be spaced apart from the pixel electrode 114.

[0083] In the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer covering layer 113 (or the first outer covering layer) on which the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 is formed may be provided to have a first thickness D1. In addition, the outer covering layer 113 (or the second outer covering layer) on which the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 is formed may be provided to have a second thickness D2. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the first thickness D1 can be set to be thinner than the second thickness D2, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and can be set to be equal to or thicker than the second thickness D2 according to an optimal design for improving light extraction efficiency. The sum of the first thickness D1 and the second thickness D2 can be the total thickness DT of the overcoat layer 113 on which the first and second oblique pattern portions 120s1 and 120s2 are provided.

[0084] Refer again Figure 3 , the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided with a first angle θ1 that is equal to or different from the second angle θ2. For example, when the first angle θ1 is equal to the second angle θ2, the reflective portion 130 on the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 and the reflective portion 130 on the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 may be provided at the same or substantially the same angle relative to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110 to reflect light directed toward an adjacent sub-pixel toward the light-emitting sub-pixel. For example, if the first angle θ1 is different from the second angle θ2, the reflective portion 130 on the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 and the reflective portion 130 on the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 may be provided at different angles (or multiple angles) relative to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110 to reflect light directed toward an adjacent sub-pixel toward the light-emitting sub-pixel. In other words, the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided with multiple surfaces (or multiple inclined surfaces) in which the reflective portion 130 has different angles.

[0085] On the other hand, when the first angle θ1 is greater than the second angle θ2, the light may be more likely not to be waveguided toward the reflection portion 130 (or the second inclined reflection portion 133) on the second inclined pattern portion 120s2, but to be reflected from the reflection portion 130 (or the first inclined reflection portion 131) provided on the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 and extracted to the outside of the substrate 110.

[0086] In the case of a general display device having a single side with a reflective portion provided at a position spaced apart from the pixel electrode, when the angle formed between the upper surface of the substrate and the reflective portion (or the inclined plane of the outer covering layer adjacent to the pixel electrode) is large, light guided to the adjacent sub-pixel by the waveguide can be reflected by the reflective portion, thereby having the advantage of high light extraction efficiency. However, there is a disadvantage in that light totally reflected from the interface (or boundary) between the substrate and the external air is reflected by the reflective portion and then not directly extracted to the outside of the substrate, but is totally reflected from the inside of the substrate by reflection from the cathode (or counter electrode), and there is a high probability that it cannot be extracted to the outside.

[0087] In addition, in the case of a general display device having a single side with a reflective portion provided at a position spaced apart from the pixel electrode 114, if the angle formed between the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110 and the reflective portion 130 (or the inclined plane of the outer coating 113 adjacent to the pixel electrode 114) is small, light totally reflected from the interface (or boundary) between the substrate 110 and the external air can be directly extracted to the outside of the substrate after being reflected by the reflective portion 130, which has the advantage of high light extraction efficiency. However, there is a disadvantage in that light guided to the adjacent sub-pixel by the waveguide is likely to be totally reflected between the reflective portion 130 and the outer coating 113 without being extracted to the outside. In other words, the waveguide light may not escape the critical angle (or the waveguide light may have an angle greater than the critical angle) and may be guided along the inclined surface of the reflective portion 130 and / or the outer coating 113 and may not be extracted to the outside.

[0088] Therefore, the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided with an inclined surface of the pattern portion 120 (or a first inclined pattern portion 120s1 and a second inclined pattern portion 120s2) at multiple angles (a first angle θ1 and a second angle θ2) relative to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110. Therefore, both the light that disappears through the waveguide and the light that is totally reflected and disappears inside the substrate 110 can be output to the outside in the form of the first reflected light EL1 and the second reflected light EL2, which can improve or maximize the light extraction efficiency.

[0089] As a result, in the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present specification, light that disappears through the waveguide can be guided toward the exterior of the substrate 110 by the first overcoat having a first thickness D1 and the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 (or the first inclined reflective portion 131) having a first angle θ1. Furthermore, light that is trapped within the substrate 110 and disappears can be guided toward the exterior of the substrate 110 by the second overcoat having a second thickness D2 and the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 (or the second inclined reflective portion 133) having a second angle θ2. Alternatively, light that is trapped within the substrate 110 and disappears can be guided toward the exterior of the substrate 110 due to the thickness DT of the overcoat 113 and the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 (or the second inclined reflective portion 133). Here, the thickness DT is the thickness of the overcoat 113, including the first and second inclined pattern portions 120s1 and 120s2, with the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 being arranged at the second angle θ2.

[0090] On the other hand, in the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pattern part 120 may be provided to surround the remaining sides of the emission area EA except for one side of the emission area EA in which the circuit area CA is provided. Figure 2As shown, the pattern portion 120 may not be provided on one side of the light emitting area EA adjacent to the circuit area CA, but may be provided only on the remaining sides of the light emitting area EA. This is because the pixel electrode 114 provided in the light emitting area EA needs to be connected to the circuit area CA, and thus the pattern portion 120 cannot be formed between the light emitting area EA and the circuit area CA. Therefore, the pattern portion 120 can be provided only in the area in which the pattern portion 120 is formed. Therefore, as Figure 2 As shown, the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may have a structural feature in which the pattern part 120 is disposed to surround the remaining sides of the emission area EA except for one side of the emission area EA where the circuit area CA is disposed.

[0091] Reference Figure 2 The pattern portion 120 may include: a first pattern line 121 disposed long along a first direction (X-axis direction) between the circuit area CA and the light emitting area EA, and a second pattern line 122 disposed long along a second direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting the first direction (X-axis direction). Figure 2 , the first pattern line 121 may refer to the pattern portion 120 disposed in a horizontal direction, and the second pattern line 122 may refer to the pattern portion 120 disposed in a vertical direction.

[0092] The first pattern line 121 may include a bottom surface 121b and an inclined surface 121s. The second pattern line 122 may include a bottom surface 122b and an inclined surface 122s. Since each of the bottom surface 121b and the inclined surface 121s of the first pattern line 121 and each of the bottom surface 122b and the inclined surface 122s of the second pattern line 122 are the same as or similar to each of the bottom surface 120b and the inclined surface 120s of the pattern portion 120, their description will be omitted or may be briefly provided. The first pattern line 121 and the second pattern line 122 may be connected as a whole in the non-emission area NEA (or peripheral area) to surround the emission area EA.

[0093] The first pattern line 121 can be arranged between sub-pixels SP for emitting light of the same color. For example, the first pattern line 121 can be arranged between first sub-pixels SP1 arranged along the second direction (Y-axis direction). Therefore, the first pattern line 121 can be arranged longer along the first direction (X-axis direction). Conversely, the second pattern line 122 can be arranged between sub-pixels SP for emitting light of different colors. For example, the second pattern line 122 can be arranged between the third sub-pixel SP3, which is a blue sub-pixel, and the fourth sub-pixel SP4, which is a green sub-pixel. Therefore, the second pattern line 122 can be arranged longer along the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0094] Since the second pattern lines 122 are disposed between the sub-pixels SP for emitting light of different colors, the reflective portions 130 on the second pattern lines 122 can reduce or prevent light of different colors from being emitted to other adjacent sub-pixels SP. Therefore, the display device 100 according to the present disclosure can reduce or prevent color mixing (or color distortion) between the sub-pixels SP for emitting light of different colors, thereby improving color purity.

[0095] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of line II-II' is shown, and Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Schematic cross-sectional view along line III-III' is shown.

[0096] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the non-light emitting area NEA where the circuit area CA is provided, the bank 115 may be provided to cover the circuit area CA (or Figure 5 112). Each of the pixel power line EVDD and the reference line RL can be arranged so as not to overlap with the emission area EA in the third direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can enable light emitted from the emission area EA to be directed to the outside of the substrate 110 without being interfered with by the pixel power line EVDD and the reference line RL, thereby reducing or preventing a decrease in light emission efficiency.

[0097] In the following, reference is made to Figure 5 , the structure of each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP will be described in detail.

[0098] Reference Figure 5 The display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include: a buffer layer BL, a circuit element layer 111, a thin film transistor 112, an overcoat layer 113, a pixel electrode 114, a dam 115, an organic light emitting layer 116, a reflective electrode 117, an encapsulation layer 118 and a color filter CF.

[0099] In more detail, each of the sub-pixels SP according to one embodiment may include: a circuit element layer 111 (including a gate insulating layer 111a, an interlayer insulating layer 111b and a passivation layer 111c) provided on the upper surface of the buffer layer BL, an overcoat 113 provided on the circuit element layer 111, a pixel electrode 114 provided on the overcoat 113, a dam 115 covering an edge of the pixel electrode 114, an organic light-emitting layer 116 on the pixel electrode 114 and the dam 115, a reflective electrode 117 on the organic light-emitting layer 116, and an encapsulation layer 118 on the reflective electrode 117.

[0100] A thin film transistor 112 for driving the sub-pixel SP may be provided on the circuit element layer 111. The circuit element layer 111 may be expressed as an inorganic film layer. The buffer layer BL may be included in the circuit element layer 111 together with the gate insulating layer 111a, the interlayer insulating layer 111b, and the passivation layer 111c. The pixel electrode 114, the organic light-emitting layer 116, and the reflective electrode 117 may be included in the light-emitting element layer E.

[0101] A buffer layer BL may be formed between the substrate 110 and the gate insulating layer 111a to protect the thin film transistor 112. The buffer layer BL may be provided on the entire surface (or front surface) of the substrate 110. A pixel power line EVDD for pixel driving may be provided between the buffer layer BL and the substrate 110. The pixel power line EVDD may be provided below the embankment 115 while being spaced apart from the thin film transistor 112. A reference line RL may also be provided between the buffer layer BL and the substrate 110. The reference line RL may be provided in a non-emission area NEA that does not overlap with the emission area EA. The buffer layer BL may be used to prevent the material included in the substrate 110 from diffusing into the transistor layer during a high-temperature process of the manufacturing process of the thin film transistor. Alternatively, the buffer layer BL may be omitted in some cases.

[0102] The thin film transistor 112 (or driving transistor) according to an example may include an active layer 112 a , a gate electrode 112 b , a source electrode 112 c , and a drain electrode 112 d .

[0103] The active layer 112a may include a channel region, a drain region, and a source region formed in a thin film transistor region of a circuit region of the subpixel SP. The drain region and the source region may be spaced apart from each other with the channel region interposed therebetween.

[0104] The active layer 112 a may be formed of a semiconductor material based on any one of amorphous silicon, polysilicon, oxide, and an organic material.

[0105] The gate insulating layer 111a may be formed on the channel region of the active layer 112a. As an example, the gate insulating layer 111a may be formed in an island shape only on the channel region of the active layer 112a, or may be formed on the entire front surface of the substrate 110 or the buffer layer BL including the active layer 112a.

[0106] The gate electrode 112 b may be formed on the gate insulating layer 111 a to overlap with the channel region of the active layer 112 a .

[0107] An interlayer insulating layer 111b may be formed on the gate electrode 112b and the drain and source regions of the active layer 112a. Figure 5In the embodiment, the interlayer insulating layer 111b may be formed in the circuit region and the entire light-emitting region in which light is emitted to the sub-pixel SP. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The interlayer insulating layer 111b may be patterned between the drain electrode 112d and the gate electrode 112b and the drain region of the active layer 112a and may be arranged in an island shape. Furthermore, the interlayer insulating layer 111b may be patterned between the source electrode 112c and the gate electrode 112b and the source region of the active layer 112a and may be arranged in an island shape.

[0108] The source electrode 112c may be electrically connected to the source region of the active layer 112a through a source contact hole provided in the interlayer insulating layer 111b and overlapping with the source region of the active layer 112a. The drain electrode 112d may be electrically connected to the drain region of the active layer 112a through a drain contact hole provided in the interlayer insulating layer 111b and overlapping with the drain region of the active layer 112a.

[0109] The drain electrode 112d and the source electrode 112c may be made of the same or substantially the same metal material. For example, each of the drain electrode 112d and the source electrode 112c may be made of a single metal layer, a single alloy layer, or a multilayer of two or more layers that are the same as, similar to, or different from the layer of the gate electrode.

[0110] In addition, the circuit region may further include a first switching thin film transistor and a second switching thin film transistor provided together with the thin film transistor 112, and a capacitor. Since each of the first switching thin film transistor and the second switching thin film transistor is provided on the circuit region of the sub-pixel SP to have the same or substantially the same structure as the thin film transistor 112, their description will be omitted or may be briefly provided. A capacitor (not shown) may be provided in an overlapping region between the gate electrode 112b and the source electrode 112c of the thin film transistor 112, which overlap with each other with the interlayer insulating layer 111b interposed therebetween.

[0111] In addition, in order to reduce or prevent the threshold voltage of the thin film transistor disposed in the pixel area from shifting due to light, the display panel or substrate 110 may further include a light shielding layer (not shown) disposed below the active layer 112a of at least one of the thin film transistor 112, the first switching thin film transistor, or the second switching thin film transistor. The light shielding layer may be disposed between the substrate 110 and the active layer 112a to shield light incident on the active layer 112a through the substrate 110, thereby reducing or minimizing the change in the threshold voltage of the transistor caused by external light. Furthermore, since the light shielding layer is disposed between the substrate 110 and the active layer 112a, the visibility of the thin film transistor can be reduced or the user can be prevented from seeing the thin film transistor.

[0112] A passivation layer 111c may be provided on the substrate 110 to cover the pixel region. The passivation layer 111c covers the drain electrode 112d, the source electrode 112c, and the gate electrode 112b of the thin film transistor 112, as well as the buffer layer BL.

[0113] On the other hand, the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to provide the bank 115 only on one side of the emission area EA where the circuit area CA is provided. Figure 5 As shown, the pixel power line EVDD can be arranged to overlap the bank 115 in the third direction (Z-axis direction), and the reference line RL may not overlap the bank 115 in the third direction (Z-axis direction). The passivation layer 111c can be formed on the circuit area and the light-emitting area. The passivation layer 111c can be omitted. The color filter CF can be arranged on the passivation layer 111c.

[0114] An overcoat 113 may be provided on the substrate 110 to cover the passivation layer 111c and the color filter CF. If the passivation layer 111c is omitted, the overcoat 113 may be provided on the substrate 110 to cover the circuit area. The overcoat 113 may be formed in the circuit area CA in which the thin film transistor 112 is provided and in the emission area EA. In addition, the overcoat 113 may be formed in the non-display area NDA other than the pad area PA of the non-display area NDA and in the entire display area DA. For example, the overcoat 113 may include an extension portion (or an expansion portion) extending or expanding from the display area DA to the non-display area NDA other than the pad area PA. Therefore, the overcoat 113 may have a size that is relatively wider than the size of the display area DA.

[0115] The overcoat layer 113 according to an example may be formed to have a relatively thick thickness, thereby providing a flat surface on the display area DA and the non-display area NDA. For example, the overcoat layer 113 may be made of an organic material such as photo acryl, benzocyclobutene, polyimide, and fluororesin.

[0116] By flattening the upper surface 113a of the overcoat 113, the pixel electrode 114 on the overcoat 113 can also be flattened, and the organic light-emitting layer 116 and reflective electrode 117 formed thereon can also be flattened. Since the pixel electrode 114, the organic light-emitting layer 116, and the reflective electrode 117 (i.e., the light-emitting element layer E) are flattened in the light-emitting area EA, the thickness of each of the pixel electrode 114, the organic light-emitting layer 116, and the reflective electrode 117 in the light-emitting area EA can be uniformly formed. As a result, the organic light-emitting layer 116 can emit light uniformly without deviation in the light-emitting area EA.

[0117] On the other hand, the pattern portion 120 can be formed by patterning and removing a portion of the overcoat 113. According to one example, the pattern portion 120 can be formed on the overcoat 113 by a photoprocess using a mask having an opening and by a patterning (or etching) or ashing process after the photoprocess. As described above, the pattern portion 120 may include a first pattern line 121 and a second pattern line 122, and the first pattern line 121 and the second pattern line 122 may be arranged to surround the remaining sides of the light-emitting area EA except for one side of the light-emitting area EA adjacent to the circuit area CA. After forming the pattern portion 120, the pixel electrode 114 on the overcoat 113 may be formed into a pattern for each sub-pixel SP, and then the organic light-emitting layer 116 and the reflective electrode 117 may be formed on the entire surface.

[0118] Refer again Figure 5 , the color filter CF disposed in the emission area EA may be disposed between the substrate 110 (or the passivation layer 111c) and the overcoat layer 113. Therefore, the color filter CF may be disposed between the reference line RL and the reflective portion 130 or between the reference line RL and the pattern portion 120. The color filter CF may include: a red color filter (or a third color filter) (not shown) that converts white light emitted by the organic light emitting layer 116 into red light, a blue color filter (or a first color filter) (CF1) that converts white light into blue light, and a blue color filter (or a second color filter) (CF2) that converts white light into blue light. Figure 3 ), and a green color filter (or second color filter) (CF2) that converts white light into green light. The second subpixel SP2, which is a white subpixel, may not include a color filter because the organic light emitting layer 116 emits white light.

[0119] like Figure 3 As shown, the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured such that color filters having different colors (e.g., a first color filter (CF1) and a second color filter (CF2)) partially overlap each other at a boundary portion of a plurality of sub-pixels SP. In this case, the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can reduce or prevent light emitted from each sub-pixel SP from being emitted to an adjacent sub-pixel SP due to the color filters overlapping each other at the boundary portion of the sub-pixels SP, thereby reducing or preventing color mixing between the sub-pixels SP.

[0120] Return to reference again Figure 5, a pixel electrode 114 of the sub-pixel SP may be formed on the overcoat layer 113. The pixel electrode 114 may be connected to the drain electrode or the source electrode of the thin film transistor 112 through a contact hole passing through the overcoat layer 113 and the passivation layer 111c. One edge portion of the pixel electrode 114 may be covered by a bank 115. The pixel electrode 114 may be made of at least one of a transparent metal material or a semi-transmissive metal material.

[0121] Because the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is configured as a bottom emission type, the pixel electrode 114 can be formed of a transparent conductive material (or TCO) capable of transmitting light such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), or a semi-transmissive conductive material such as magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), or an alloy of Mg and Ag.

[0122] In addition, the material constituting the pixel electrode 114 may include MoTi. The pixel electrode 114 may be a first electrode or an anode electrode.

[0123] The bank 115 may be a region that does not emit light and is disposed on one side of the emission region EA of each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP. For example, the bank 115 may be disposed in the non-emission region NEA in which the circuit region CA is disposed. Figure 5 As shown, the bank 115 can be formed to cover the portion where one edge of the pixel electrode 114 of each of the sub-pixels SP is connected to the thin film transistor 112. That is, the bank 115 can partially cover the pixel electrode 114. Therefore, the bank 115 can reduce or prevent the pixel electrode 114 and the reflective electrode 117 from contacting each other in the circuit area CA. The exposed portion of the pixel electrode 114 not covered by the bank 115 can be included in the light emitting portion (or light emitting area EA).

[0124] As described above, the bank 115 is provided in the non-emission area NEA in which the circuit area CA is provided so that the left non-emission area NEA and the right non-emission area NEA can be relatively Figure 5 The light emitting area EA is set asymmetrically. Figure 5 The left non-emission area NEA may be configured to include a thin film transistor 112 and a bank 115 , and the right non-emission area NEA may be configured to have no bank 115 on the pattern portion 120 .

[0125] After forming the bank 115, the organic light-emitting layer 116 may be formed to cover the pixel electrode 114 and the bank 115. Thus, the bank 115 may be provided between the pixel electrode 114 and the organic light-emitting layer 116. The bank 115 may be referred to as a pixel-defining film. The bank 115, according to one example, may include an organic material and / or an inorganic material. The bank 115, according to one example, may be concave or inclined along the contour of the pattern portion 120.

[0126] Return to reference again Figure 5 , an organic light-emitting layer 116 may be formed on the pixel electrode 114 and the bank 115. According to one example, the organic light-emitting layer 116 may be disposed in the emission area EA and the non-emission area NEA. The organic light-emitting layer 116 may be disposed between the pixel electrode 114 and the reflective electrode 117. Therefore, when a voltage is applied to each of the pixel electrode 114 and the reflective electrode 117, an electric field is formed between the pixel electrode 114 and the reflective electrode 117. As a result, the organic light-emitting layer 116 may emit light. The organic light-emitting layer 116 may be formed of a plurality of sub-pixels SP and a common layer disposed on the bank 115.

[0127] The organic light-emitting layer 116 according to an embodiment may be configured to emit white light. The organic light-emitting layer 116 may include multiple stacked layers that emit light of different colors. For example, the organic light-emitting layer 116 may include a first stacked layer, a second stacked layer, and a charge generation layer (CGL) disposed between the first and second stacked layers. The light-emitting layer may be configured to emit white light, and therefore, each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP may include a color filter CF suitable for the corresponding color.

[0128] The first stack may be disposed on the pixel electrode 114 and may be implemented in a structure in which a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), a blue emission layer (EML(B)), and an electron transport layer (ETL) are sequentially stacked.

[0129] The charge generation layer may supply charges to the first stack and the second stack. The charge generation layer may include an N-type charge generation layer for supplying electrons to the first stack and a P-type charge generation layer for supplying holes to the second stack. The N-type charge generation layer may include a metal material as a dopant.

[0130] The second stack may be provided on the first stack and may be implemented in a structure in which a hole transport layer (HTL), a yellow-green (YG) emission layer (EML(YG)), and an electron injection layer (EIL) are sequentially stacked.

[0131] In the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the organic light-emitting layer 116 is provided as a common layer, the first stack, the charge generation layer, and the second stack can be provided on all of the plurality of sub-pixels SP. According to another example, the organic light-emitting layer 116 can be provided in a three-layer stack or a four-layer stack, depending on the number of stacked layers.

[0132] A reflective electrode 117 may be formed on the organic light-emitting layer 116. The reflective electrode 117 may be disposed in the light-emitting area EA and the non-light-emitting area NEA. According to one example, the reflective electrode 117 may include a metal material. The reflective electrode 117 may reflect light emitted from the organic light-emitting layer 116 in the plurality of sub-pixels SP toward the lower surface of the substrate 110. Therefore, the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented as a bottom-emission display device.

[0133] The display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a bottom emission type, and the light emitted from the organic light-emitting layer 116 must be reflected toward the substrate 110, and therefore the reflective electrode 117 can be made of a metal material with high reflectivity. According to an example, the reflective electrode 117 can be formed of a metal material with high reflectivity such as a stacked structure of aluminum and titanium (Ti / Al / Ti), a stacked structure of aluminum and ITO (ITO / Al / ITO), an Ag alloy, and a stacked structure of an Ag alloy and ITO (ITO / Ag alloy / ITO). The Ag alloy can be an alloy such as silver (Ag), palladium (Pd), and copper (Cu). The reflective electrode 117 can be expressed as a second electrode, a cathode electrode, and a counter electrode.

[0134] On the other hand, in the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the reflective portion 130 may be a portion of the reflective electrode 117. Therefore, the reflective portion 130 may reflect light directed toward the adjacent sub-pixel SP toward the light emitting area EA of the light emitting sub-pixel SP. The reflective portion 130 is a portion of the reflective electrode 117 and may be denoted by reference numeral 117a, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 The reflective portion 130 may refer to the reflective electrode 117 overlapping the pattern portion 120. In one example, the reflective portion 130 may include a reflective electrode 117a that is tilted while overlapping the pattern portion 120 and a reflective electrode 117a that is flat while overlapping the pattern portion 120.

[0135] The inclined reflective electrode 117a may include a first inclined reflective portion 131 and a second inclined reflective portion 133. The flat reflective electrode 117a may include a first flat reflective portion 132 and a second flat reflective portion 134. As a result, the reflective portion 130 disposed on the pattern portion 120 may include a first inclined reflective portion 131, a first flat reflective portion 132, a second inclined reflective portion 133, and a second flat reflective portion 134.

[0136] According to one example, the first inclined reflective portion 131 may be disposed on the first inclined pattern portion 120s1. The entire first inclined reflective portion 131 may be disposed on the first inclined pattern portion 120s1, but this is not limiting. A portion of the first inclined reflective portion 131 may be disposed on the first inclined pattern portion 120s1, while another portion may be disposed on the first flat pattern portion 120b1. This is because the first inclined reflective portion 131 is offset relative to the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 by the thickness of the organic light-emitting layer 116. The first inclined pattern portion 120s1 may have a horizontal length L1 extending from the point where the first flat pattern portion 120b1 and the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 contact each other to the end of the light-emitting area EA. The horizontal length L1 of the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 may be derived from the first thickness D1 of the first overcoat layer and the first angle θ1.

[0137] According to one example, the first flat reflective portion 132 is connected to the first inclined reflective portion 131 and may be disposed on the first flat pattern portion 120b1. The entire first flat reflective portion 132 may be disposed on the first flat pattern portion 120b1, but is not limited thereto. A portion of the first flat reflective portion 132 may be disposed on the first flat pattern portion 120b1, and another portion of the first flat reflective portion 132 may be disposed on the second inclined pattern portion 120s2. This is because the first flat reflective portion 132 is offset relative to the first flat pattern portion 120b1 by the thickness of the organic light emitting layer 116. The first flat pattern portion 120b1 may have a horizontal length L from a point where the first flat pattern portion 120b1 and the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 contact to a point where the first flat pattern portion 120b1 and the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 contact. F .

[0138] According to one example, the second inclined reflective portion 133 is connected to the first flat reflective portion 132 and may be disposed on the second inclined pattern portion 120s2. The entire second inclined reflective portion 133 may be disposed on the second inclined pattern portion 120s2, but this is not limiting. A portion of the second inclined reflective portion 133 may be disposed on the second inclined pattern portion 120s2, while another portion may be disposed on the second flat pattern portion 120b2. This is because the second inclined reflective portion 133 is offset relative to the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 by the thickness of the organic light-emitting layer 116. The second inclined pattern portion 120s2 may have a horizontal length L2 from the point where the first flat pattern portion 120b1 and the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 contact each other to the point where the second flat pattern portion 120b2 and the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 contact each other. This horizontal length L2 of the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 may be derived from the second thickness D2 of the second overcoat layer and the second angle θ2.

[0139] Here, the total horizontal length from the point where the second flat pattern portion 120b2 and the second oblique pattern portion 120s2 contact to the end of the light emitting area EA may be L T Total horizontal length L T The horizontal length L1 of the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 and the horizontal length L of the first flat pattern portion 120b1 may be F and the sum of the horizontal length L2 of the second oblique pattern portion 120s2.

[0140] According to one example, the second flat reflective portion 134 is connected to the second inclined reflective portion 133 and may be disposed on the second flat pattern portion 120b2. The entire second flat reflective portion 134 may be disposed on the second flat pattern portion 120b2. This is because the second flat reflective portion 134 is formed with a width that is narrower than the second flat pattern portion 120b2 by the thickness of the organic light emitting layer 116.

[0141] Therefore, the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first inclined reflecting portion 131 set at a first angle θ1 relative to the first extension line EXL1, and a second inclined reflecting portion 133 set at a second angle θ2 relative to the second extension line EXL2, and the first inclined reflecting portion 131 and the second inclined reflecting portion 133 can reflect light directed toward the adjacent sub-pixel SP and / or light that disappears by total reflection from the interface toward the light-emitting area EA and / or the non-light-emitting area NEA of the light-emitting sub-pixel SP.

[0142] An encapsulation layer 118 is formed on the reflective electrode 117. The encapsulation layer 118 serves to reduce or prevent oxygen or moisture from penetrating into the organic light emitting layer 116 and the reflective electrode 117. To this end, the encapsulation layer 118 may include at least one inorganic film and at least one organic film.

[0143] At this time, if Figure 3 As shown, the encapsulation layer 118 is provided not only in the emission area EA but also in the non-emission area NEA. The encapsulation layer 118 may be provided between the reflective electrode 117 and the opposite substrate 200.

[0144] In the following, reference is made to Figure 6 , a first angle θ1 of the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 (or the first inclined reflective portion 131) and a second angle θ2 of the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 (or the second inclined reflective portion 133) of the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail respectively by associating mathematical expressions.

[0145] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of portion A is shown.

[0146] Reference Figure 6 , the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 may be angles optimized by a mathematical expression regarding a critical angle (or total reflection angle) between the pixel electrode 114 and the overcoat 113, a refractive index of the pixel electrode 114, a refractive index of the overcoat 113, and a refractive index of external air. Figure 6 The θ shown AO θ may be the incident angle of light emitted by the organic light emitting layer 116 onto the interface between the pixel electrode 114 and the overcoat layer 113. GR θ may be an incident angle of light emitted by the organic light emitting layer 116 into an interface between the substrate 110 and external air adjacent to the substrate 110. C2 It may be an angle at which light emitted by the organic light emitting layer 116 is totally reflected at an interface between the substrate 110 and the external air adjacent to the substrate 110. That is, θ C2 It may be a critical angle at the interface between the substrate 110 and the external air.

[0147] In one example, the first angle θ1 may be set to satisfy the following mathematical expression (Formula 1),

[0148] θ1>90°-θ c1 .

[0149] θ C1 It can represent the angle at which a portion of the light emitted by the organic light emitting layer 116 is totally reflected between the pixel electrode 114 and the overcoat layer 113. That is, θC1 It can represent the critical angle between the pixel electrode 114 and the overcoat layer 113. For example, θ C1 It can be less than 90°.

[0150] On the other hand, in the above formula 1, a portion of the light emitted by the organic light emitting layer 116 can be totally reflected between the pixel electrode 114 and the overcoat layer 113 at an angle θ Cl Set to satisfy the following mathematical expression (or formula 2),

[0151]

[0152] no c can represent the refractive index of the outer cladding layer 113, and n Anode It can represent the refractive index of the pixel electrode 114. On the other hand, when the refractive index of the pixel electrode 114 is greater than the refractive index of the overcoat layer 113, the pixel electrode 114 has a refractive index greater than θ. C1 (For example, light with an emission angle greater than 90°) may disappear inside the substrate through the waveguide. Here, the light emission angle may refer to the angle at which light emitted by the organic light emitting layer 116 is incident on the interface between the overcoat layer 113 and the pixel electrode 114. Therefore, θ C1 Set to less than 90°. According to the above formula 1, if θ C1 If the first angle θ1 is greater than 90°, the first angle θ1 is zero or a negative value, so that the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 cannot be formed. Therefore, the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is configured so that when the refractive index of the pixel electrode 114 is greater than the refractive index of the overcoat layer 113, the light emitted from the organic light emitting layer 116 is equal to or less than θ C1 (or less than 90°) is incident on the interface between the overcoat 113 and the pixel electrode 114 , and then the light may be reflected from the first inclined reflective portion 131 formed at the first angle θ1 satisfying the above equations 1 and 2 and directed to the outside of the substrate 110 .

[0153] On the other hand, in the case where a portion of the light emitted by the organic light emitting layer 116 is not guided to the outside of the substrate but is trapped inside the substrate 110, the angle θ of the portion of the light incident on the interface between the pixel electrode 114 and the overcoat layer 113 is s Set to satisfy the following mathematical expression (or formula 3):

[0154] 270°-2θ1-θ c1 >θ S .

[0155] θ1 may represent a first angle, and θ C1 It may be an angle at which a portion of light emitted by the organic light emitting layer 116 is totally reflected between the pixel electrode 114 and the overcoat layer 113 .

[0156] In the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first angle θ1 may be set to satisfy the following mathematical expression (or Formula 4),

[0157]

[0158] n oc may be the refractive index of the outer cladding 113, and n Anode It may be the refractive index of the pixel electrode 114 .

[0159] Therefore, in the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first angle θ1 may be set to satisfy the above Formula 1 and Formula 4, which may be represented by the following mathematical expression (or Formula 5).

[0160]

[0161] In the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second angle θ2 may be set to satisfy the following mathematical expression (or Formula 6),

[0162]

[0163] n oc can represent the refractive index of the outer cladding layer 113, and n air The refractive index of the external air adjacent to the substrate 110 (or the lower surface of the substrate 110 ) may be indicated.

[0164] As a result, in the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refractive index of the pixel electrode 114, the refractive index of the overcoat 113, the critical angle (or total reflection angle) between the pixel electrode 114 and the overcoat 113, and the refractive index of the external air can be set to satisfy Equations 1 to 6, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, therefore, the light directed to the adjacent sub-pixel (or the light that disappears through the waveguide and the light that is totally reflected and disappears inside the substrate) can be reflected from the reflective portion 130 and directed to the light-emitting area EA or the non-light-emitting area NEA of the sub-pixel in the form of the first reflected light EL1 or the second reflected light EL2, thereby improving the light extraction efficiency.

[0165] In addition, in the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first angle θ1 at which the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 (or the first inclined reflective portion 131) is provided, and the second angle θ2 at which the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 (or the second inclined reflective portion 133) is provided can be set to optimal angles according to the above Formulas 1 to 6, thereby improving or maximizing the reflection efficiency of the reflective portion 130. For example, the light extraction efficiency of the first reflected light EL1 passing through the first inclined reflective portion 131 and the light extraction efficiency of the second reflected light EL2 passing through the second inclined reflective portion 133 can be improved or maximized, thereby improving or maximizing the light extraction efficiency.

[0166] Figure 7 is exemplified as Figure 3 A schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of another example of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG.

[0167] Reference Figure 7 , except that the structures of the pattern part 120 and the reflection part 130 have been changed, the display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is the same as the display device according to the above embodiment. Figure 1 Therefore, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or substantially the same configurations, and only the different configurations will be described hereinafter.

[0168] In accordance with Figure 1 In the case of a display device, the inclined surface 120s of the pattern portion 120 is configured to include a first inclined pattern portion 120s1 disposed at a first angle θ1 relative to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110, and a second inclined pattern portion 120s2 disposed at a second angle θ2. Therefore, the reflective portion 130 may include a first inclined reflective portion 131 disposed at the first angle θ1 and a second inclined reflective portion 133 disposed at the second angle θ2. Figure 1 In the case of a display device, the first inclined reflecting portion 131 and the second inclined reflecting portion 133 (i.e., the inclined reflecting portions arranged in two steps) arranged at multiple angles (or the same or substantially the same angles) enable the light that disappears through the waveguide and the light that is totally reflected and disappears inside the substrate to be output to the outside in the form of the first reflected light EL1 and the second reflected light EL2, thereby improving the light extraction efficiency.

[0169] On the contrary, according to Figure 7In the case of a display device, the pattern portion 120 may further include a third inclined pattern portion 120s3 and a third flat pattern portion 120b3. The third inclined pattern portion 120s3 according to the example may be disposed between the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 and the substrate 110, and may be disposed at a third angle θ3 relative to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110. Here, the third angle θ3 may be equal to or different from the second angle θ2. Figure 7 As shown, the third extension line EXL3 is arranged parallel to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110, so the third inclined pattern portion 120s3 can be expressed as being arranged at a third angle θ3 relative to the third extension line EXL3. The third extension line EXL3 can refer to an imaginary line extending along the first direction (X-axis direction) from the point where the third inclined pattern portion 120s3 and the third flat pattern portion 120b3 contact each other. The third flat pattern portion 120b3 according to the example can be arranged to be spaced apart from the second flat pattern portion 120b2 and can be connected to the third inclined pattern portion 120s3. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, the display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided with an inclined pattern portion using three steps.

[0170] On the other hand, since the display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a pattern portion 120 employing three steps, the reflective portion 130 disposed on the pattern portion 120 is also arranged in three steps. According to one example, the reflective portion 130 may include a first inclined reflective portion 131, a first flat reflective portion 132, a second inclined reflective portion 133, a second flat reflective portion 134, a third inclined reflective portion 135, and a third flat reflective portion 136. The first inclined reflective portion 131 may be disposed on the first inclined pattern portion 120s1. The first flat reflective portion 132 may be connected to the first inclined reflective portion 131 and may be disposed on the first flat pattern portion 120b1. The second inclined reflective portion 133 is connected to the first flat reflective portion 132 and may be disposed on the second inclined pattern portion 120s2. The second flat reflective portion 134 is connected to the second inclined reflective portion 133 and may be disposed on the second flat pattern portion 120b2. The third inclined reflective portion 135 is connected to the second flat reflective portion 134 and may be disposed on the third inclined pattern portion 120s3. The third flat reflective portion 136 is connected to the third inclined reflective portion 135 and may be disposed on the third flat pattern portion 120b3.

[0171] Therefore, in a display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the inclined surface 120s of the pattern portion 120 is configured to include a first inclined pattern portion 120s1, a second inclined pattern portion 120s2, and a third inclined pattern portion 120s3. Here, the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 is disposed at a first angle θ1 relative to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110, the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 is disposed at a second angle θ2, and the third inclined pattern portion 120s3 is disposed at a third angle θ3. Therefore, the reflective portion 130 may include a first inclined reflective portion 131 disposed at the first angle θ1, a second inclined reflective portion 133 disposed at the second angle θ2, and a third inclined reflective portion 135 disposed at the third angle θ3. Therefore, the display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first inclined reflecting portion 131, a second inclined reflecting portion 133 and a third inclined reflecting portion 135 arranged at multiple angles, that is, the inclined reflecting portions arranged in three orders enable the light that disappears through the waveguide and the light that is totally reflected and disappears inside the substrate 110 to be output to the outside in the form of first reflected light EL1 and second reflected light EL2, thereby improving the light extraction efficiency.

[0172] On the other hand, the display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured such that the pattern portion 120 further includes a third oblique pattern portion 120s3 such that the total horizontal length L T The horizontal length of the third oblique pattern portion 120s3 may be increased. For example, the total horizontal length L T It may be half the horizontal length of the pattern portion 120, and may be the horizontal length L1 of the first inclined pattern portion 120s1, the horizontal length L2 of the first flat pattern portion 120b1, and the horizontal length L3 of the first flat pattern portion 120b1. F1 The horizontal length L2 of the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 and the horizontal length L of the second flat pattern portion 120b2 F2 , and the horizontal length L3 of the third inclined pattern portion 120s3. The horizontal length L of the second flat pattern portion 120b2 is F2 The horizontal length L3 of the third oblique pattern portion 120s3 may be the horizontal length from the point where the second flat pattern portion 120b2 and the second oblique pattern portion 120s2 contact to the point where the second flat pattern portion 120b2 and the third oblique pattern portion 120s3 contact. The horizontal length L3 of the third oblique pattern portion 120s3 may be the horizontal length from the point where the second flat pattern portion 120b2 and the third oblique pattern portion 120s3 contact to the point where the third flat pattern portion 120b3 and the third oblique pattern portion 120s3 contact.

[0173] Therefore, in the display device 100 according to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the first reflected light EL1 may include a first sub-reflected light EL1-1 reflected from the first inclined reflecting portion 131 and directed to the outside of the substrate 110, and a second sub-reflected light EL1-2 reflected from the second inclined reflecting portion 133 and directed to the outside of the substrate 110. Although not shown, the first reflected light EL1 may also include a third sub-reflected light reflected from the third inclined reflecting portion 135 and directed to the outside of the substrate 110. The second reflected light EL2 may be reflected from the third inclined reflecting portion 135 and directed to the outside of the substrate 110. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and the second reflected light EL2 may be reflected from the first inclined reflecting portion 131 or the second inclined reflecting portion 133 and directed to the outside of the substrate 110.

[0174] Furthermore, in the display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer covering layer 113 (or the third outer covering layer) on which the third inclined pattern portion 120s3 is formed may be provided to have a third thickness D3. The outer covering layer 113 (or the second outer covering layer) on which the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 is formed may be provided to have a second thickness D2. The outer covering layer 113 (or the first outer covering layer) on which the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 is formed may be provided to have a first thickness D1. Figure 7 As shown, the third thickness D3 may be set equal to the first thickness D1 (or the second thickness D2), but is not limited thereto, and may be set thicker or thinner than the second thickness D2 according to the optimal design of light extraction efficiency. The sum of the first thickness D1, the second thickness D2, and the third thickness D3 may be the total thickness D of the outer cover 113 on which the first oblique pattern portion 120s1, the second oblique pattern portion 120s2, and the third oblique pattern portion 120s3 are provided. T .

[0175] Figure 8A is an image illustrating light extraction characteristics of a display device according to a comparative example, Figure 8B is an image illustrating light extraction characteristics of a display device according to another comparative example, and Figure 8C are images illustrating light extraction characteristics of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0176] Figure 8A is an illustration of the light extraction characteristics of the display device 1 according to the comparative example, in which the overcoat OC has a structure without an inclined surface. Figure 8AIn the display device 1 of the comparative example, the light emitting element layer E may include: a first electrode E1, an organic light emitting layer (OLE) on the first electrode E1, and a second electrode E2 on the organic light emitting layer OLE. The bank BK covers the edge of the first electrode E1, and the organic light emitting layer OLE and the second electrode E2 may be formed on the first electrode E1 and the bank BK. Figure 8A The display device 1 of the comparative example has a structure in which the overcoat layer OC does not have an inclined surface, and therefore, light emitted from the organic light emitting layer OLE may be reflected from the second electrode E2 and guided toward the lower surface of the substrate G in the form of reflected light EL.

[0177] Figure 8B 2 illustrates the light extraction characteristics of the display device 2 according to another comparative example, in which the overcoat OC has a single inclined surface. Figure 8B In another comparative example of the display device 2, the light emitting element layer E may include: a first electrode E1, an organic light emitting layer (OLE) on the first electrode E1, and a second electrode E2 on the organic light emitting layer (OLE). The organic light emitting layer OLE and the second electrode E2 may be integrally formed on the overcoat OC along the contour of the overcoat OC having a single inclined surface. Figure 8B The display device 2 of another comparative example is a structure having a single inclined surface on the overcoat OC without a bank, and therefore, the reflective surface RP as a part of the second electrode E2 can be formed on the single inclined surface. Figure 8B In the display device 2 of another comparative example, light emitted by the organic light emitting layer OLE may be reflected from the second electrode E2 and directed toward the lower surface of the substrate G, or may be reflected from the reflective surface RP and directed in the form of reflected light EL.

[0178] Reference Figure 8A and Figure 8B , it can be seen that according to Figure 8A The light extraction efficiency of the display device 1 of the comparative example is compared with that according to Figure 8B The light extraction efficiency of the display device 2 of another comparative example is higher. This is because the reflective surface RP reflects light emitted from the organic light emitting layer OLE and directed toward adjacent sub-pixels, and therefore, the light extraction efficiency may be higher.

[0179] Figure 8CThe light extraction characteristics of the display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure are illustrated, wherein the overcoat OC has a structure with three inclined surfaces. As described above, the display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present specification is provided with a first inclined reflecting portion 131, a second inclined reflecting portion 133, and a third inclined reflecting portion 135, so that the reflected light EL includes the reflected light from the first inclined reflecting portion 131 and directed toward the lower portion of the substrate 110, the reflected light from the second inclined reflecting portion 133 and directed toward the lower portion of the substrate 110, and the reflected light from the third inclined reflecting portion 135 and directed toward the lower portion of the substrate 110. Therefore, it can be seen that, compared with the embodiment according to Figure 8A and / or Figure 8B Compared with the display device of the comparative example, the display device 100 according to other embodiments of the present disclosure has higher light extraction efficiency.

[0180] Figure 9 is a graph depicting light intensity as a function of wavelength for a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure compared to a display device according to a comparative example.

[0181] Reference Figure 9 , the horizontal axis indicates wavelength λ, and the vertical axis indicates light intensity. LN1 is the Figure 8A Graph showing the light intensity according to wavelength of the display device 1 according to the comparative example. In other words, LN1 is a graph showing the light intensity according to wavelength of the display device having no inclined surface in the overcoat OC. LN2 is a graph showing the light intensity according to wavelength of the display device having no inclined surface in the overcoat OC. Figure 8B A graph showing the light intensity according to wavelength of a display device 2 according to another comparative example. That is, LN2 is a graph showing the light intensity as a function of wavelength of a display device having a single inclined surface in the overcoat OC. LN3 is a graph showing Figure 8C Graph showing light intensity according to wavelength of the display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure in FIG. That is, LN3 is a graph showing light intensity as a function of wavelength of a display device having three inclined surfaces in an overcoat layer OC.

[0182] like Figure 9As shown, LN3 has the highest light intensity at all wavelengths compared to LN1 and LN2. For example, at a blue wavelength of approximately 460 nm, LN1 has a light intensity of approximately 0.98, while LN3 has a light intensity of 1.18. Therefore, compared to the display device 1 according to the comparative example, the display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure has a light intensity at a wavelength of approximately 460 nm that is approximately 17% higher. By comparing the areas under the respective graphs of LN1 and LN3, it can be seen that LN3 has a light intensity that is approximately 27% higher than that of LN1. Therefore, the display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to have three inclined surfaces in the outer cover, thereby achieving a light extraction efficiency that is approximately 27% higher than that of the display device 1, which does not have inclined surfaces in the outer cover.

[0183] Figure 10 is exemplified as Figure 3 A schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of another example of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG.

[0184] Now refer to Figure 10 , except that the structures of the pattern part 120 and the reflection part 130 have been changed, the display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is the same as the display device according to the above embodiment. Figure 1 Therefore, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or substantially the same configurations, and only different configurations will be described hereinafter.

[0185] Based on the above Figure 1 In the case of a display device, the inclined surface 120s of the pattern portion 120 is configured to include a first inclined pattern portion 120s1 and a second inclined pattern portion 120s2. Here, the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 is disposed at a first angle θ1 relative to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110, and the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 is spaced apart from the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 along the first direction (X-axis direction) and disposed at a second angle θ2. Therefore, the reflecting portion 130 may include a first inclined reflecting portion 131 and a second inclined reflecting portion 133, the first inclined reflecting portion 131 being disposed at a first angle θ1, and the second inclined reflecting portion 133 being spaced apart from the first inclined reflecting portion 131 along the first direction (X-axis direction) and disposed at a second angle θ2. Here, the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 may be connected to the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 via the first flat pattern portion 120b1. Therefore, in accordance with Figure 1In the case of a display device, the first inclined reflecting portion 131 and the second inclined reflecting portion 133 (i.e., the inclined reflecting portions arranged in a second order) arranged at multiple angles (or equal angles) enable the light that disappears through the waveguide and the light that is totally reflected and disappears inside the substrate to be output to the outside in the form of the first reflected light EL1 and the second reflected light EL2, thereby improving the light extraction efficiency.

[0186] On the contrary, according to Figure 10 In the display device of FIG. 1 , the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 are different, and the first oblique pattern portion 120s1 can be directly connected to the second oblique pattern portion 120s2. In other words, according to Figure 10 The display device may be provided with a first angle θ1 and a second angle θ2 different from each other according to Figure 1 The display device is a structure in which the first flat pattern portion 120b1 connecting the first oblique pattern portion 120s1 and the second oblique pattern portion 120s2 is deleted (or omitted). When the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 are the same, the first oblique pattern portion 120s1 and the second oblique pattern portion 120s2 are provided as a single oblique surface without a bend. Therefore, one of the light disappearing through the waveguide and the light disappearing due to total reflection inside the substrate 110 may not be extracted to the outside of the substrate 110 through the first oblique reflective portion 131 provided on the first oblique pattern portion 120s1 and the second oblique reflective portion 133 provided on the second oblique pattern portion 120s2.

[0187] Therefore, according to Figure 10 In the case of the display device 100, since the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 are different, the first inclined reflective portion 131 provided on the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 and the second inclined reflective portion 133 provided on the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 can be arranged at different angles relative to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110. As a result, both light that disappears through the waveguide and light that disappears due to total reflection from the interior of the substrate 110 can be extracted to the outside of the substrate 110 via the first inclined reflective portion 131 and the second inclined reflective portion 133, thereby improving light extraction efficiency.

[0188] On the other hand, Figure 10 However, if both the light disappearing through the waveguide and the light totally reflected and disappearing from the inside of the substrate 110 can be extracted to the outside of the substrate 110, the first angle θ1 can be set to be smaller than the second angle θ2.

[0189] Since the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 are different, according to Figure 10The display device 100 may further include a connection point CP connecting the first oblique pattern portion 120s1 and the second oblique pattern portion 120s2. Figure 10 As shown, the pattern part 120 is formed in the non-emission area NEA, so the connection point CP can be set in the non-emission area NEA. Figure 10 The display device 100 may have a structural feature in which the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 is directly connected to the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 at the connection point CP, so that the second inclined reflective portion 133 disposed on the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 is directly connected to the first inclined reflective portion 131 disposed on the first inclined pattern portion 120s1.

[0190] On the other hand, according to Figure 10 In the display device 100, since the first oblique pattern portion 120s1 is directly connected to the second oblique pattern portion 120s2 at the connection point CP, the first oblique pattern portion 120s1 is directly connected to the second oblique pattern portion 120s2 at the connection point CP. Figure 1 Compared to the display device of FIG. 1 , the total horizontal length L from the point where the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 and the second flat pattern portion 120b2 contact to the end of the light emitting area EA can be further reduced. T For example, the total horizontal length L T The length may be the sum of the horizontal length L1 of the first oblique pattern portion 120s1 and the horizontal length L2 of the second oblique pattern portion 120s2. Therefore, the second oblique pattern portion 120s2 may be disposed closer to the light emitting area EA in the horizontal direction (or the first direction (X-axis direction)).

[0191] By arranging the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 closer to the light-emitting area EA in the horizontal direction (or the first direction (X-axis direction)), the second inclined reflective portion 133 arranged on the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 can also be arranged closer to the light-emitting area EA. Therefore, the display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure can have a second inclined reflective portion 133 arranged closer to the light-emitting area EA, thereby reducing or minimizing the amount of loss of light emitted by the organic light-emitting layer 116 and reaching the second inclined reflective portion 133. For example, when the light emitted by the organic light-emitting layer 116 passes through multiple layers in the substrate (e.g., the overcoat 113, the color filter CF, the inorganic film layer 111) to reach the second inclined reflective portion 133, light loss may occur. However, the display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure can be arranged so that the second inclined reflective portion 133 is arranged close to the light-emitting area EA, so that the loss of light reaching the second inclined reflective portion 133 can be reduced or minimized, thereby improving or maximizing the light extraction efficiency of the substrate 110 to the outside.

[0192] In addition, the present disclosure has described a display device 100 that includes a first inclined pattern portion 120s1 (or a first inclined reflective portion 131) having a first angle θ1, a second inclined pattern portion 120s2 (or a second inclined reflective portion 133) having a second angle θ2, and a third inclined pattern portion 120s3 (or a third inclined reflective portion 135) having a third angle θ3. However, the number and optimal range (or optimal horizontal length and optimal thickness) of the inclined pattern portions (or inclined reflective portions) may vary depending on the refractive index and design of the material. Here, the material may refer to at least one of the material of the overcoat 113, the material of the organic light-emitting layer 116, the material of the pixel electrode 114, the material of the reflective electrode 117 (or the reflective portion 130), and the material of the substrate 110.

[0193] The display device according to the present disclosure is provided with a reflective portion provided on a pattern portion formed to be recessed between a plurality of sub-pixels so that light directed toward adjacent sub-pixels can be reflected from the reflective portion, thereby improving light extraction efficiency.

[0194] Since the display device according to the present disclosure can have light extraction even in the non-luminous area through the reflective portion, it can have the same or substantially the same light extraction efficiency or even better light extraction efficiency at lower power compared to a display device without a reflective portion, thereby reducing the overall power consumption.

[0195] In the display device according to the present disclosure, the inclined surface of the pattern portion is set at multiple angles (a first angle and a second angle) relative to the upper surface of the substrate, so that the light that disappears through the waveguide and the light that is totally reflected and disappears inside the substrate can be guided to the outside, thereby improving or maximizing the light extraction efficiency.

[0196] Effects obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the description.

[0197] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these embodiments and can be practiced with various modifications without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are intended to illustrate rather than limit the technical concept of the present disclosure, and the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, the above-mentioned embodiments are exemplary in all aspects and should be understood as non-restrictive. All technical concepts within the scope of protection of this specification should be interpreted as included within the scope of the claims of this specification.

[0198] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0199] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0018330, filed in Korea on February 6, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: a substrate comprising a plurality of pixels, each pixel having a plurality of sub-pixels; a pattern portion provided on the substrate so as to be recessed in a non-light emitting region between the plurality of sub-pixels; as well as a reflective portion, the reflective portion being provided on the pattern portion, Wherein, the pattern portion includes: a first inclined pattern portion disposed to have a first angle with respect to an upper surface of the substrate; and A second inclined pattern portion is provided between the first inclined pattern portion and the substrate and is provided to have a second angle with respect to the upper surface of the substrate.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The first angle is equal to or different from the second angle.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The pattern portion further includes: a first flat pattern portion connecting the first oblique pattern portion and the second oblique pattern portion and configured to be flat; and A second planar pattern portion is spaced apart from the first planar pattern portion and is connected to the second inclined pattern portion. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein: The width of the pattern portion decreases in a direction from the reflective portion toward the substrate.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein Each of the plurality of sub-pixels includes a light emitting region disposed adjacent to the non-light emitting region, The non-light emitting area includes a circuit area provided on one side of the light emitting area, and The pattern portion surrounds the remaining sides of the light emitting region except the side of the light emitting region where the circuit region is provided. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein: The pattern portion is provided on an outer covering layer, and the outer covering layer is provided on the substrate. The plurality of sub-pixels include pixel electrodes disposed on the overcoat layer, and The first inclined pattern portion is disposed adjacent to the pixel electrode.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein The second inclined pattern portion is spaced apart from the pixel electrode.

8. The display device according to claim 6, in, Each of the plurality of sub-pixels further comprises: an organic light-emitting layer, the organic light-emitting layer being on the pixel electrode; and a reflective electrode on the organic light-emitting layer, and The reflecting portion is a portion of the reflecting electrode.

9. The display device according to claim 3, wherein The reflecting portion includes: a first inclined reflective portion, the first inclined reflective portion being disposed on the first inclined pattern portion; a first flat reflective portion connected to the first inclined reflective portion and disposed on the first flat pattern portion; a second inclined reflecting portion connected to the first flat reflecting portion and disposed on the second inclined pattern portion; and A second flat reflective portion is connected to the second inclined reflective portion and is disposed on the second flat pattern portion.

10. The display device according to claim 6, further comprising: an organic light-emitting layer, wherein the organic light-emitting layer is disposed on the pixel electrode, The first angle θ1 is set to satisfy the following mathematical expression: θ1>90°-θ c1 , Here, θc1 represents an angle at which a portion of light emitted by the organic light emitting layer is totally reflected between the pixel electrode and the overcoat layer.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein The θ c1 is set to satisfy the following mathematical expression, Among them, the symbol n oc represents the refractive index of the outer cladding layer, and the symbol n Anode represents the refractive index of the pixel electrode.

12. The display device according to claim 8, wherein When a portion of light emitted by the organic light emitting layer is not emitted to the outside of the substrate but is trapped inside the substrate, an angle θ of the portion of light incident on the interface between the pixel electrode and the overcoat layer is s is set to satisfy the following mathematical expression, 270°-2θ1-θ c1 >θ S , Here, the symbol θ1 represents the first angle, and the symbol θ c1 represents an angle at which a portion of the light emitted by the organic light emitting layer is totally reflected from the interface between the pixel electrode and the overcoat layer.

13. The display device according to claim 10, wherein The first angle θ1 is set to satisfy the following mathematical expression, Among them, the symbol n oc represents the refractive index of the outer cladding layer, and the symbol n Anode represents the refractive index of the pixel electrode.

14. The display device according to claim 10, wherein The second angle θ2 is set to satisfy the following mathematical expression, Among them, the symbol n oc represents the refractive index of the outer cladding layer, and the symbol n air represents the refractive index of the external air adjacent to the substrate.

15. The display device according to claim 3, wherein The pattern portion further includes: a third inclined pattern portion disposed between the second inclined pattern portion and the substrate and disposed to have a third angle with respect to the upper surface of the substrate; and A third planar pattern portion is spaced apart from the second planar pattern portion and is connected to the third inclined pattern portion.

16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein The third angle is equal to or different from the second angle.

17. The display device according to claim 15, wherein The reflecting portion includes: a first inclined reflective portion, the first inclined reflective portion being disposed on the first inclined pattern portion; a first flat reflective portion connected to the first inclined reflective portion and disposed on the first flat pattern portion; a second inclined reflecting portion connected to the first flat reflecting portion and disposed on the second inclined pattern portion; a second flat reflecting portion connected to the second inclined reflecting portion and disposed on the second flat pattern portion; a third inclined reflective portion connected to the second flat reflective portion and disposed on the third inclined pattern portion; and a third flat reflective portion connected to the third inclined reflective portion and disposed on the third flat pattern portion.

18. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The first angle and the second angle are different, and The first inclined pattern portion is directly connected to the second inclined pattern portion.

19. The display device according to claim 18, further comprising: a connection point connecting the first inclined pattern portion and the second inclined pattern portion, Wherein, the connection point is arranged in the non-luminous area.

20. The display device according to claim 18, wherein The reflecting portion includes: a first inclined reflective portion disposed on the first inclined pattern portion; and a second inclined reflecting portion directly connected to the first inclined reflecting portion and disposed on the second inclined pattern portion.

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