Display device

Abstract

The invention provides a display device, and the display device comprises a substrate which is provided with a plurality of sub-pixels; a first insulating layer disposed over the substrate and including at least one recess between the plurality of sub-pixels; a second insulating layer disposed on the first insulating layer and including at least one opening corresponding to the at least one recessed portion; and a first electrode disposed on the second insulating layer, and the display device can improve light extraction efficiency and eliminate or reduce light leakage between the sub-pixels.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0030123 filed on February 29, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device, and more particularly, to a display device. Background Art

[0004] With the advent of the information society, the demand for display devices for displaying images is increasing. To meet this demand, various types of display devices, such as liquid crystal display (LCD) devices, organic light-emitting display (OLED) devices, inorganic light-emitting diode (iLED) devices, micro-LED devices, mini-LED devices, and quantum dot light-emitting display (QLED) devices, have been developed and widely used.

[0005] A display device may have a structure that allows light emitted from a light-emitting element to be removed from the display device for displaying an image. However, this may cause the light emitted from the light-emitting element to be trapped within the display device and not removed, resulting in reduced brightness. This can present challenges in increasing the brightness of a display device.

[0006] Display devices may include color filters for limiting light of specific wavelengths or shifting the wavelength band of light within subpixels. Light leakage between some subpixels can degrade the image quality of the display device. Therefore, it is necessary to eliminate or reduce light leakage between subpixels. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To achieve the foregoing, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may provide a display device capable of improving light extraction efficiency.

[0008] One or more aspects of the present disclosure may provide a display device capable of eliminating or reducing light leakage between sub-pixels.

[0009] One or more aspects of the present disclosure may provide a display device capable of improving image quality by increasing light extraction efficiency and eliminating or reducing light leakage between sub-pixels.

[0010] One or more aspects of the present disclosure may provide a display device that can be driven with low power by improving light extraction efficiency and eliminating or reducing light leakage between sub-pixels.

[0011] According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device may be provided, comprising: a substrate on which a plurality of sub-pixels are arranged; a first insulating layer, which is arranged above the substrate and includes at least one recessed portion between the plurality of sub-pixels; a second insulating layer, which is arranged on the first insulating layer and includes at least one opening corresponding to the at least one recessed portion; and a first electrode, which is arranged on the second insulating layer.

[0012] According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device may be provided, comprising: a substrate; a first insulating layer, the first insulating layer being disposed above the substrate and including a recessed portion including a flat portion, an inclined portion extending from the flat portion, and a peripheral portion extending from the inclined portion; a second insulating layer, the second insulating layer being disposed on the first insulating layer and in an area corresponding to the peripheral portion of the recessed portion; a first electrode, the first electrode being disposed on the second insulating layer; a light-emitting layer, the light-emitting layer being disposed on the first electrode and on the recessed portion; and a second electrode, the second electrode being disposed on the light-emitting layer.

[0013] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a display device may be provided, the display device including a structure in which a recessed portion and an opening are provided between sub-pixels, thereby being able to improve light extraction efficiency.

[0014] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a display device may be provided, including a structure in which recesses and openings are provided between sub-pixels, thereby eliminating or reducing light leakage between the sub-pixels.

[0015] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a display device capable of improving image quality by increasing light extraction efficiency and eliminating or reducing light leakage between sub-pixels may be provided.

[0016] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a display device capable of being driven with low power by improving light extraction efficiency and eliminating or reducing light leakage between sub-pixels may be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various aspects of the present disclosure, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 shows an example system configuration of a display device according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2 An example display panel according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown;

[0020] Figure 3 is a plan view illustrating example four sub-pixels disposed in an active area of ​​a display device according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 4 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 An example cross-sectional view taken along line AB;

[0022] Figures 5 to 10 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 An example cross-sectional view taken along line AB;

[0023] Figure 11 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 An example cross-sectional view taken along line CD;

[0024] Figure 12 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 An example cross-sectional view taken along line CD of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the structures, embodiments, implementations, methods, and operations described herein are not limited to the specific examples or instances set forth herein and may vary as known in the art, unless otherwise noted. Similar reference numerals denote similar elements throughout, unless otherwise noted. The names of the various components used in the following explanations are selected solely for convenience and may therefore differ from the names used in actual products. The advantages and features of the present disclosure and their implementation methods will be illustrated by the example embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure may be sufficiently thorough and complete to assist those skilled in the art in fully understanding the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure is defined by the claims and their equivalents. In the following description, detailed descriptions of related known functions or configurations may be omitted where such detailed descriptions would unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present disclosure. The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, quantities, etc. illustrated in the drawings to describe various example embodiments of the present disclosure are provided by way of example only. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrations in the drawings. Where the terms "comprising," "having," "including," "containing," "consisting of," "composed of," "formed of," etc. are used, one or more other elements may be added unless a term such as "only" is used. Elements described in the singular are intended to include plural elements and vice versa unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0026] Although the terms "first," "second," A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be construed as limited by these terms, as they are not used to define a particular order or priority. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0027] When a first element is referred to as being “connected or coupled to,” “contacting or overlapping,” etc., with a second element, it should be understood that the first element may not only be “directly connected or coupled to,” or “directly contacting or overlapping,” with the second element, but also that a third element may be “interposed” between the first and second elements, or that the first and second elements may be “connected or coupled to,” “contacting or overlapping,” etc., with each other via a fourth element. Here, the second element may be included in at least one of the two or more elements that are “connected or coupled to,” “contacting or overlapping,” etc., with each other.

[0028] In the case of describing a positional relationship, for example, when using "on", "above", "below", "beneath", "beside", "adjacent", etc. to describe the positional relationship between two parts, one or more other parts may be located between the two parts, unless more restrictive terms such as "directly", "immediately", or "closely" are used. For example, when one element or layer is disposed "on" another element or layer, a third element or layer may be interposed therebetween. In addition, the terms "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "upward", "downward", "up", "down", etc. refer to an arbitrary reference system.

[0029] Furthermore, when referring to any dimension, relative size, etc., even if no relevant description is specified, it should be considered that the numerical value of the element or feature, or the corresponding information (e.g., level, range, etc.) includes a tolerance or error range that may be caused by various factors (e.g., process factors, internal or external influences, noise, etc.). In addition, the term "may" fully includes all meanings of the term "can".

[0030] In the following description, various exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. With respect to the reference numerals of the elements of each drawing, the same elements may be illustrated in other drawings, and similar reference numerals may refer to similar elements, unless otherwise stated. The same or similar elements may be represented by the same reference numerals, even if they are depicted in different drawings. In addition, for ease of description, the proportions, dimensions, sizes, and thicknesses of each of the elements illustrated in the drawings may be different from the actual proportions, dimensions, sizes, and thicknesses, and therefore, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the proportions, dimensions, sizes, and thicknesses shown in the drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 An example system configuration of the display device 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. All components of each display device according to various aspects of the present disclosure are operably combined and configured.

[0032] Reference Figure 1 In one or more aspects, the display device 100 may include a display panel 110 and a display driving circuit as elements configured to display an image. The display driving circuit may be a circuit configured to drive the display panel 110, and may include a data driving circuit 120, a gate driving circuit 130, a controller 140, and other circuit components.

[0033] The display panel 110 may include a substrate 111 and a plurality of sub-pixels SP disposed on the substrate 111 .

[0034] The substrate 111 may include an active area AA capable of displaying an image and a non-active area NA disposed outside the active area AA.

[0035] The active area AA may also be referred to as a display area DA, and a plurality of sub-pixels SP for displaying an image may be disposed in the active area AA. The non-active area NA may also be referred to as a non-display area NA, and may include a pad area PA, etc. For example, the pad area PA may be a portion of the non-active area NA disposed along a first direction (e.g., a column direction or a row direction) from the active area AA.

[0036] In one or more aspects, the display panel 110 can be configured to have a very small non-active area NA. Here, the non-active area NA may also be referred to as a "border". For example, the non-active area NA may include a first non-active area arranged outside the active area AA along the first direction, a second non-active area arranged outside the active area AA along the second direction, a third non-active area arranged outside the active area AA in a direction opposite to the first direction, and a fourth non-active area arranged outside the active area AA in a direction opposite to the second direction. The first non-active area among the first to fourth non-active areas may include a pad area connected or bonded to at least one driving circuit. Among the first to fourth non-active areas, the second to fourth non-active areas excluding the pad area may have a very small size compared to the first non-active area.

[0037] In another example, the non-active area NA may be bent at a certain angle relative to the active area AA along the boundary between the active area AA and the non-active area NA, thereby positioning the non-active area NA below the active area AA. In this embodiment, when a user views the display device 100 in front of the user, all or most of the non-active area NA may not be visible to the user. However, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0038] Various types of signal lines for driving the plurality of sub-pixels SP may be provided on the substrate 111 of the display panel 110 .

[0039] In some aspects, the display device 100 may be a liquid crystal display device or a self-luminous display device that emits light from the display panel 110. In an example where the display device 100 is a self-luminous display device, each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP may include a light-emitting element.

[0040] For example, the display device 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure may be an organic light-emitting display device that uses organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) to implement light-emitting elements. In another example, the display device 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure may be an inorganic light-emitting display device that uses light-emitting diodes based on inorganic materials to implement light-emitting elements. In yet another example, the display device 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure may be a quantum dot display device that uses quantum dots, which are self-luminous semiconductor crystals, to implement light-emitting elements.

[0041] The structure of each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP may depend on the type of the display device 100. For example, in an example where the display device 100 is a self-luminous display device including self-luminous sub-pixels SP, each sub-pixel SP may include a self-luminous light emitting element, one or more transistors, and one or more capacitors.

[0042] The various types of signal lines may include, for example, a plurality of data lines DL for carrying data signals (which may be referred to as data voltages or image signals), a plurality of gate lines GL for carrying gate signals (which may be referred to as scan signals), and the like.

[0043] In one or more aspects, a plurality of data lines DL and a plurality of gate lines GL may cross each other. Each of the plurality of data lines DL may be configured to extend along a first direction, and each of the plurality of gate lines GL may be configured to extend along a second direction. For example, the first direction may be a column direction or a vertical direction, and the second direction may be a row direction or a horizontal direction. In another example, the first direction may be a row direction or a horizontal direction, and the second direction may be a column direction or a vertical direction. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, discussion is provided based on an example in which each of the plurality of data lines DL is arranged in a column direction and each of the plurality of gate lines GL is arranged in a row direction, but aspects of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0044] The data driving circuit 120 may be a circuit for driving the plurality of data lines DL and capable of outputting data signals to the plurality of data lines DL.

[0045] The data driving circuit 120 can receive the image data DATA in a digital form from the controller 140 , convert the received image data DATA into a data signal in an analog form, and output the converted data signal to the plurality of data lines DL.

[0046] In some aspects, the data driving circuit 120 can be connected to the display panel 110 through tape automated bonding (TAB) technology, or connected to conductive pads, such as bonding pads of the display panel 110, through chip-on-glass (COG) technology or chip-on-panel (COP) technology, or connected to the display panel 110 through chip-on-film (COF) technology. However, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0047] The data driving circuit 120 may be disposed on and / or electrically connected to only one side (e.g., the upper or lower portion) of the display panel 110, but is not limited thereto. In some aspects, the data driving circuit 120 may be disposed on and / or electrically connected to (but is not limited to) both sides (e.g., the upper and lower portions) of the display panel 110 or at least two of the four sides (e.g., the upper, lower, left, and right portions) of the display panel 110, depending on a driving scheme, a panel design scheme, etc.

[0048] The data driving circuit 120 may be connected to the outside of the active area AA of the display panel 110 or disposed in the active area AA of the display panel 110 .

[0049] The gate driving circuit 130 may be a circuit configured to drive the plurality of gate lines GL and capable of outputting gate signals to the plurality of gate lines GL.

[0050] The gate driving circuit 130 can receive various types of gate driving control signals GCS, and further receive a first gate voltage corresponding to an on-level voltage and a second gate voltage corresponding to an off-level voltage. Thus, the gate driving circuit 130 can generate gate signals and provide the generated gate signals to the plurality of gate lines GL.

[0051] In some aspects, the gate driver circuit 130 in the display device 100 can be embedded in the display panel 110 using gate-in-panel (GIP) technology. In examples where the gate driver circuit 130 is implemented using gate-in-panel (GIP) technology, the gate driver circuit 130 can be provided on the substrate 111 of the display panel 110 during the manufacturing process of the display panel 110 or the display device 100.

[0052] In one aspect, the gate driving circuit 130 may be disposed in the non-active area NA of the display panel 110 .

[0053] In another aspect, the gate driver circuit 130 may be disposed in the active area AA of the display panel 110. In this embodiment, for example, the gate driver circuit 130 may be disposed in and / or electrically connected to (but not limited to) a portion of the first region (e.g., the left region or the right region) of the active area AA of the display panel 110. In another example, the gate driver circuit 130 may be disposed in and / or electrically connected to (but not limited to) a portion of the first region (e.g., the left region or the right region) and a portion of the second region (e.g., the right region or the left region) of the active area AA of the display panel 110.

[0054] Here, the gate driving circuit 130 embedded in the display panel 110 through the gate-in-panel (GIP) technology may also be referred to as a “gate-in-panel circuit”.

[0055] The controller 140 may be a device configured to control the data driving circuit 120 and the gate driving circuit 130 , and may control a driving timing for the plurality of data lines DL and a driving timing for the plurality of gate lines GL.

[0056] The controller 140 may supply a data control signal DCS to the data driving circuit 120 to control the data driving circuit 120 , and supply a gate control signal GCS to the gate driving circuit 130 to control the gate driving circuit 130 .

[0057] The controller 140 is capable of receiving image data input from the host system 150 and supplying image data DATA readable by the data driving circuit 120 to the data driving circuit 120 based on the input image data.

[0058] The controller 140 may be implemented as a separate component from the data driving circuit 120 or integrated with the data driving circuit 120 such that the controller 140 and the data driving circuit 120 may be implemented in a single integrated circuit.

[0059] The controller 140 may be a timing controller used in a typical display technology or a control device / device that can perform other control functions in addition to the typical functions of the timing controller. In one or more embodiments, the controller 140 may be one or more other control circuits different from the timing controller, or a circuit or component in the control device / device. The controller 140 may be implemented using various circuits or electronic components such as an integrated circuit (IC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a processor, etc. However, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0060] The controller 140 may be mounted on a printed circuit board, a flexible printed circuit, or the like, and may be electrically connected to the data driving circuit 120 and the gate driving circuit 130 through the printed circuit board, the flexible printed circuit, or the like.

[0061] The controller 140 may send signals to the data driving circuit 120 and receive signals from the data driving circuit 120 via one or more predetermined interfaces. For example, such interfaces may include a low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) interface, an embedded clock point-point interface (EPI), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), etc. However, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0062] In one or more aspects, in order to provide touch sensing functions, as well as image display functions, the display device 100 may include a touch sensor and a touch sensing circuit, which is configured to sense the touch sensor and detect whether an object such as a finger, pen, etc. applies a touch or the position of the touch (or touch coordinates).

[0063] The touch sensing circuit may include a touch driving circuit configured to drive and sense the touch sensor and generate and output touch sensing data, and a touch sensing circuit configured to detect whether a touch is applied or a touched position (or touch coordinates) based on the touch sensing data.

[0064] The touch sensor may include a plurality of touch electrodes and may further include a plurality of touch lines for electrically connecting the plurality of touch electrodes to a touch driving circuit.

[0065] The touch sensor may be implemented as a touch panel outside the display panel 110 or integrated within the display panel 110. In the example where the touch sensor is implemented as a touch panel outside the display panel 110, such a touch sensor may be referred to as an add-on type. In the example where the add-on type touch sensor is provided in the display device 100, the touch panel and the display panel 110 may be manufactured separately and combined during the assembly process. The add-on type touch panel may include a touch panel substrate and a plurality of touch electrodes provided on the touch panel substrate.

[0066] In an example where the touch sensor is provided inside the display panel 110 , the touch sensor may be formed on a substrate together with signal lines and electrodes related to display driving during a process of manufacturing the display panel 110 .

[0067] The touch driving circuit may supply a touch driving signal to at least one touch electrode among the plurality of touch electrodes and generate touch sensing data by sensing the at least one touch electrode among the plurality of touch electrodes.

[0068] The touch sensing circuitry may perform touch sensing through a self-capacitance sensing configuration or a mutual-capacitance sensing configuration.

[0069] In an example where the touch sensing circuit performs touch sensing using a self-capacitance sensing configuration, the touch sensing circuit may perform touch sensing based on the capacitance between one or more touch electrodes and an object, such as a finger or pen. According to the self-capacitance sensing configuration, each of the multiple touch electrodes may function as both a driving touch electrode and a sensing touch electrode. The touch drive circuit may drive all, one, or more, of the multiple touch electrodes, and sense all, one, or more of the multiple touch electrodes.

[0070] In an example where the touch sensing circuit performs touch sensing using a mutual capacitance sensing configuration, the touch sensing circuit can perform touch sensing based on the capacitance between touch electrodes. According to the mutual capacitance sensing configuration, the multiple touch electrodes can be divided into drive touch electrodes and sense touch electrodes. The touch drive circuit can drive the drive touch electrodes and sense the sense touch electrodes.

[0071] In one or more aspects, the touch drive circuit and touch controller included in the touch sensing circuit can be implemented as separate devices or as a single device. In one or more aspects, the touch drive circuit and data drive circuit can be implemented as separate devices or as a single device.

[0072] The display apparatus 100 may further include a power supply circuit configured to supply various types of power to the display driving circuit and / or the touch sensing circuit.

[0073] In some aspects, the display device 100 can be a mobile terminal such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, or a display, a television (TV), etc. Such a device can be configured into various types, sizes and shapes. The display device 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and can include various types, sizes and shapes configured to display information or images. The display device 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure can be applied to mobile devices, video phones, smart watches, watch phones, wearable devices, foldable devices, rollable devices, bendable devices, flexible devices, stretchable devices, curved devices, sliding devices, variable devices, electronic notebooks, e-books, portable multimedia players (PMPs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), MP3 players, mobile medical devices, desktop PCs, laptop PCs, netbook computers, workstations, navigation devices, car navigation devices, vehicle display devices, vehicle equipment, cinema equipment, cinema display devices, televisions, wallpaper devices, signage devices, gaming devices, laptops, monitors, cameras, webcams, and household appliances, etc.

[0074] In one or more aspects, the display device 100 may further include electronic devices such as a camera (e.g., an image sensor), a sensor capable of detecting an object, ambient light, etc. For example, the sensor may be a sensor capable of detecting an object or a human body by receiving light such as infrared light, ultrasonic light, ultraviolet light, etc.

[0075] Figure 2 1 shows an example configuration of the display panel 110 according to aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 2 In the discussion of the configuration of the reference, for the convenience of description, the configuration of the reference is omitted or briefly described. Figure 1 Discussion of features and examples that are identical, substantially identical, or similar to the features and examples described.

[0076] Reference Figure 2 The display panel 110 may include a substrate SUB on which a plurality of sub-pixels SP are disposed, and an encapsulation layer ENCAP over the substrate SUB. The encapsulation layer ENCAP may also be referred to as an encapsulation substrate or an encapsulation stack.

[0077] Reference Figure 2 In an example where the display device 100 is a self-luminous display device, each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP provided on the substrate SUB may include a light emitting element ED and a sub-pixel circuit SPC for driving the light emitting element ED.

[0078] Reference Figure 2The sub-pixel circuit SPC may include a plurality of transistors and at least one capacitor for driving the light-emitting element ED. The sub-pixel circuit SPC may drive the light-emitting element ED by supplying a driving current to the light-emitting element ED at a predetermined timing. The light-emitting element ED may emit light by being driven by the driving current.

[0079] The plurality of transistors may include a driving transistor DRT for driving the light emitting element ED and a scan transistor ST configured to be turned on or off according to a scan signal SCT.

[0080] The driving transistor DRT can supply a driving current to the light emitting element ED.

[0081] The scan transistor SCT may be configured to control an electrical state of a corresponding node in the sub-pixel circuit SPC or to control a state or operation of the drive transistor DRT.

[0082] The at least one capacitor may include a storage capacitor Cst configured to maintain a certain level of voltage during a display frame or a certain period of the display frame.

[0083] In order to drive one or more sub-pixels SP, at least one data signal VDATA (which is an image signal) and at least one scan signal SC (which is a gate signal) may be applied to the one or more sub-pixels SP. In addition, in order to drive the one or more sub-pixels SP, a common pixel driving voltage including a first common driving voltage VDD and a second common driving voltage VSS may be applied to the one or more sub-pixels SP.

[0084] The light emitting element ED may include a pixel electrode PE, an intermediate layer EL, and a common electrode CE. The intermediate layer EL may be disposed between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE.

[0085] For example, the pixel electrode PE may be an electrode provided in each sub-pixel SP, and the common electrode CE may be an electrode provided in all or part of the plurality of sub-pixels SP. For example, the pixel electrode PE may be an anode, and the common electrode CE may be a cathode. In another example, the pixel electrode PE may be a cathode, and the common electrode CE may be an anode. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, discussion will be provided based on an example in which the pixel electrode PE is an anode and the common electrode CE is a cathode.

[0086] In an example where the light-emitting element ED is an organic light-emitting diode, the intermediate layer EL may include a light-emitting layer EML, a first common intermediate layer COM1 between the pixel electrode PE and the light-emitting layer EML, and a second common intermediate layer COM2 between the light-emitting layer EML and the common electrode CE. The layer including the first common intermediate layer COM1 and the second common intermediate layer COM2 may be referred to as a common intermediate layer EL_COM.

[0087] The light emitting layer EML may be provided in each sub-pixel SP, and the common intermediate layer EL_COM may be commonly provided in all or a portion of the plurality of sub-pixels SP.

[0088] The light emitting layer EML may be disposed in each light emitting region, and the common intermediate layer EL_COM may be commonly disposed in all or a portion of the plurality of light emitting regions and in all or a portion of the plurality of non-light emitting regions.

[0089] For example, the first common intermediate layer COM1 may include a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), etc. The second common intermediate layer COM2 may include an electron transport layer (ETL), an electron injection layer (EIL), etc.

[0090] The hole injection layer can inject holes from the pixel electrode PE into the hole transport layer, and the hole transport layer can transport holes to the light-emitting layer EML. The electron injection layer can inject electrons from the common electrode CE into the electron transport layer, and the electron transport layer can transport electrons to the light-emitting layer EML.

[0091] For example, the common electrode CE may be electrically connected to a second common drive voltage line VSSL. A second common drive voltage VSSS (which is a common pixel drive voltage) may be applied to the common electrode CE via the second common drive voltage line VSSL. The pixel electrode PE may be electrically connected directly or indirectly (via another transistor) to the first node N1 of the corresponding drive transistor DRT of each sub-pixel SP. Here, the second common drive voltage VSS may also be referred to as a "base voltage," and the second common drive voltage line VSSL may also be referred to as a "low power supply voltage line," a "low voltage line," or a "base voltage line."

[0092] Each light-emitting element ED can be formed by overlapping the corresponding pixel electrode PE, the corresponding light-emitting layer in the intermediate layer EL, and a portion of the common electrode CE. Each light-emitting element ED can form a separate light-emitting region. For example, the light-emitting region of each light-emitting element ED may include a region where the corresponding pixel electrode PE, the corresponding light-emitting layer in the intermediate layer EL, and a portion of the common electrode CE overlap.

[0093] In some aspects, each light-emitting element ED may be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), an inorganic light-emitting diode (iLED), a quantum dot light-emitting element (QLED), etc. In the example where each light-emitting element ED is an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), the intermediate layer EL of the corresponding light-emitting element ED may be a layer containing an organic material.

[0094] The driving transistor DRT may be a transistor configured to supply a driving current to the light emitting element ED. The driving transistor DRT may be connected between the first common driving voltage line VDDL and the light emitting element ED.

[0095] The driving transistor DRT may include a first node N1, a second node N2, and a third node N3. The first node N1 may be electrically connected to the light emitting element ED. A data signal VDATA may be applied to the second node N2. A first common driving voltage VDD may be applied to the third node N3 via a first common driving voltage line VDDL.

[0096] In the driving transistor DRT, the second node N2 may be a gate node, the first node N1 may be a source node or a drain node, and the third node N3 may be a drain node or a source node. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation only, a discussion may be provided based on an example in which the first node, the second node, and the third node (N1, N2, and N3) of the driving transistor DRT are a source node, a gate node, and a drain node, respectively. However, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0097] Figure 2 The scan transistor SCT included in the sub-pixel circuit SPC shown in may be a switching transistor that enables a data signal VDATA, which is an image signal, to be supplied to the second node N2, which is the gate node of the driving transistor DRT.

[0098] The scanning transistor SCT can be turned on or off by a scanning signal SC (a gate signal) carried by a scanning line SCL (a gate line GL), and controls the electrical connection between the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT and the data line DL. The drain or source of the scanning transistor SCT can be electrically connected to the data line DL. The source or drain of the scanning transistor SCT can be electrically connected to the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT. The gate of the scanning transistor SCT can be electrically connected to the scanning line SCL.

[0099] The storage capacitor Cst may be electrically connected between the first node N1 and the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT. The storage capacitor Cst may include a first capacitor electrode electrically connected to or corresponding to the first node N1 of the driving transistor DRT, and a second capacitor electrode electrically connected to or corresponding to the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT.

[0100] In some aspects, the storage capacitor Cst, which may exist between the first node N1 and the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT, may be an external capacitor intentionally configured or designed to be located outside the driving transistor DRT, rather than an internal capacitor such as a parasitic capacitor (e.g., a gate-source capacitor Cgs, a gate-drain capacitor Cgd, etc.).

[0101] Each of the driving transistor DRT and the scanning transistor SCT may be an n-type transistor or a p-type transistor.

[0102] The display panel 110 may have a top emission structure or a bottom emission structure.

[0103] In an example where the display panel 110 has a top emission structure, at least a portion of the sub-pixel circuit SPC may overlap at least a portion of the light-emitting element ED in a vertical direction. In this configuration, the area or size of the corresponding light-emitting region may be increased, and the corresponding aperture ratio may be increased.

[0104] In an example where the display panel 110 has a bottom emission structure, the sub-pixel circuit SPC may not overlap with the light emitting element ED in a vertical direction.

[0105] like Figure 2 As shown, the sub-pixel circuit SPC may include two transistors (2T: DT and ST) and one capacitor (1C: Cst), which may be referred to as a "2T1C structure." In some embodiments, the sub-pixel circuit SPC may further include one or more transistors and / or one or more capacitors.

[0106] For example, the sub-pixel circuit SPC may have a 3T1C structure including 3 transistors and 1 capacitor. In another example, the sub-pixel circuit SPC may have a 6T2C structure including 6 transistors and 2 capacitors. In yet another example, the sub-pixel circuit SPC may have a 7T1C structure including 7 transistors and 1 capacitor. In yet another example, the sub-pixel circuit SPC may have an 8T1C structure including 8 transistors and 1 capacitor.

[0107] The type and number of gate signals provided to the sub-pixel SP, and / or the type and number of gate lines connected to the sub-pixel SP, may vary depending on the structure of the corresponding sub-pixel circuit SPC. In addition, the type and number of common pixel driving voltages provided to the sub-pixel SP may vary depending on the structure of the corresponding sub-pixel circuit SPC.

[0108] Since the circuit elements included in each sub-pixel SP (particularly, the light-emitting element ED implemented by an organic light-emitting diode containing an organic material) are affected by external moisture or oxygen, an encapsulation layer ENCAP may be provided in the display panel 110 to prevent external moisture or oxygen from penetrating into these circuit elements. The encapsulation layer 200 may be provided in various shapes or configurations to prevent the light-emitting element ED from contacting moisture or oxygen. For example, the encapsulation layer 200 may include two or more layers in which organic layers and inorganic layers are alternately stacked, but aspects of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0109] Figure 3 is a plan view showing example four sub-pixels disposed in the active area AA of the display device 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 3 In the discussion of the configuration of the reference, for the convenience of description, the configuration of the reference is omitted or briefly described. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Discussion of features and examples that are identical, substantially identical, or similar to the features and examples described.

[0110] Reference Figure 3 In one or more aspects, the display device 100 may include a first subpixel SP1, a second subpixel SP2, a third subpixel SP3, and a fourth subpixel SP4. The first subpixel, the second subpixel, the third subpixel, and the fourth subpixel (SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4) may include light-emitting regions that emit light of different colors.

[0111] For example, the first subpixel SP1 may include a light emitting region emitting red light, the second subpixel SP2 may include a light emitting region emitting white light, the third subpixel SP3 may include a light emitting region emitting blue light, and the fourth subpixel SP4 may include a light emitting region emitting green light.

[0112] In one or more aspects, each of the one or more light emitting regions EA disposed in the active area AA of the display device 100 may include a first light emitting region and a second light emitting region.

[0113] The first light-emitting region may be a region corresponding to a region in which a first electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode are stacked in sequence and overlap with each other. The first light-emitting region may be a region in which a portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting layer is guided to the outside of the display panel 110 or the display device 100 in the opening region. The first light-emitting region may be referred to as a main light-emitting region. The second light-emitting region may be a region in which a portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting layer is reflected from the inclined surface and emitted to the outside of the display panel 110 or the display device 100. For example, the second light-emitting region may be a region in which a portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting layer is reflected from a portion of the second electrode disposed on the inclined surface and emitted to the outside of the display panel 110 or the display device 100. The second light-emitting region may be referred to as an auxiliary light-emitting region.

[0114] The first subpixel, the second subpixel, the third subpixel and the fourth subpixel (SP1, SP2, SP3 and SP4) may include respective circuit areas CA for driving light emitting elements provided in the first subpixel, the second subpixel, the third subpixel and the fourth subpixel (SP1, SP2, SP3 and SP4).

[0115] Reference Figure 3 Each of the first, second, third, and fourth subpixels (SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4) may include a plurality of transistors (T1, T2, T3) and a storage capacitor Cst disposed in a corresponding circuit area CA. For example, the circuit area CA of each of the first, second, third, and fourth subpixels (SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4) may include a first transistor T1, a second transistor T2, a third transistor T3, and a storage capacitor Cst.

[0116] For example, the gate 245 and the first active layer 220 included in the first transistor T1, the second active layer 230 included in the second transistor T2, and the third active layer 240 included in the third transistor T3 may be provided in the circuit region CA. In addition, a light shield 210, which may be one of the electrodes of the storage capacitor Cst, may be provided in the circuit region CA.

[0117] Reference Figure 3, a plurality of signal lines (201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208) required to drive the light-emitting elements may be provided in the circuit area CA. For example, the first signal line 201 may be a first common drive voltage line VDDL for transmitting a first common drive voltage VDD. The second and third signal lines (202 and 203) may be data lines DL for transmitting a data signal VDATA. The fourth signal line 204 may be a reference voltage line for transmitting a reference voltage. The fifth and sixth signal lines (205 and 206) may be connection patterns for distributing the first common drive voltage VDD transmitted through the first common drive voltage line VDDL to one or more sub-pixels in the sub-pixel. The seventh signal line 207 may be a scan line SCL for transmitting a scan signal SC. The eighth signal line 208 may be a sensing line for transmitting a sensing signal.

[0118] One or more of the signal lines ( 201 , 202 , 203 , 204 , 205 , 206 , 207 , 208 ) may serve as a source, a drain, or a gate of each of the transistors ( T1 , T2 , and T3 ).

[0119] Figure 4 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 Example cross-sectional view taken along line AB. Figure 4 In the discussion of the configuration of the reference, for the convenience of description, the configuration of the reference is omitted or briefly described. Figures 1 to 3 Discussion of features and examples that are identical, substantially identical, or similar to the features and examples described.

[0120] Reference Figure 4 In one or more aspects, the display device 100 may include a substrate 301 , a first insulating layer 320 including at least one recess 321 , a second insulating layer 330 including at least one opening 331 , and at least one light emitting element 250 .

[0121] A plurality of sub-pixels may be provided on the substrate 301. For example, a first sub-pixel, a second sub-pixel, a third sub-pixel, and a fourth sub-pixel (SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4) may be provided on the substrate 301. The first sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel, the third sub-pixel, and the fourth sub-pixel (SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4) may include light-emitting regions that emit light of different colors.

[0122] The substrate 301 may include an insulating material. The substrate 301 may include glass or plastic. The substrate 301 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. In an example in which the substrate 301 has a multi-layer structure, the substrate 301 may include a first substrate and a second substrate, and may further include an intermediate layer between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate and the second substrate may include the same material. For example, the first substrate and the second substrate may be polyimide (PI) substrates. The intermediate layer may be an inorganic layer consisting of a single layer or multiple layers including silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx). Since the intermediate layer is arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate, it is possible to prevent moisture from penetrating into the transistor through the first substrate arranged below the transistor, thereby improving the reliability of the display device.

[0123] The second signal line 202 and the third signal line 203 may be provided on the substrate 301. Each of the second signal line 202 and the third signal line 203 may include a conductive material. For example, the second signal line and the third signal line (202 and 203) may include any one of a metal such as aluminum (Al), gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), tantalum (Ta), titanium (Ti), or one or more alloys thereof, but aspects of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0124] A protective layer 302 may be provided on the second signal line and the third signal line (202 and 203). The protective layer 302 may include an inorganic insulating material. For example, the protective layer 302 may be formed by depositing at least one inorganic insulating material selected from silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNy), and silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy) on the substrate 301 on which the second signal line and the third signal line (202 and 203) are provided. The protective layer 302 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. For example, the protective layer 302 may include a single layer including an inorganic insulating material selected from silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNy), and silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy), or a multi-layer including at least one inorganic insulating material selected from silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNy), and silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy).

[0125] A color filter layer including at least one color filter may be disposed on the protective layer 302 .

[0126] Reference Figure 4The color filter layer may be configured to overlap with one or more of the signal lines (201, 202, 203, and 204) or respective portions of the one or more signal lines (201, 202, 203, and 204). The color filter layer may include color filters corresponding to the colors of light emitted in the first, second, third, and fourth subpixels (SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4).

[0127] For example, a red (R) color filter 311 may be set in the region of the first sub-pixel SP1 including the light-emitting region emitting red (R) light, a blue (B) color filter 312 may be set in the region of the third sub-pixel SP3 including the light-emitting region emitting blue (B) light, and a green (G) color filter 313 may be set in the region of the fourth sub-pixel SP4 including the light-emitting region emitting green (G) light.

[0128] A separate color filter may not be provided in the region of the second sub-pixel SP2 including the light-emitting region emitting white (W) light. For example, an insulating layer may be provided in the region of the second sub-pixel SP2 including the light-emitting region emitting white (W) light. For example, the insulating layer, protective layer 302, etc. provided or stacked in the region of the second sub-pixel SP2 may include a transparent material, and therefore, a separate color filter may not be provided in the region of the second sub-pixel SP2.

[0129] A first insulating layer 320 may be disposed on the color filter layer and the protective layer 302 .

[0130] The first insulating layer 320 may have a stepped lower portion or an uneven lower surface due to signal lines, color filters, etc. disposed below the first insulating layer 320. The first insulating layer 320 may be formed with a flat surface to alleviate the difference in height or thickness caused by the step in the lower portion or the uneven lower surface.

[0131] The first insulating layer 320 may also serve to prevent outgassing generated from color filters respectively corresponding to sub-pixel configurations from affecting at least one light emitting element 250 disposed on the first insulating layer 320 .

[0132] The first insulating layer 320 may include at least one recess 321 between adjacent sub-pixels among the sub-pixels ( SP1 , SP2 , SP3 , and SP4 ).

[0133] Reference Figure 4, the first insulating layer 320 may include a recessed portion 321 disposed between the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2. For example, the first insulating layer 320 may include a recessed portion 321 disposed in the non-emission area NFA between the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2. The recessed portion 321 may be defined as a region including a region where a portion of the first insulating layer 320 is removed and a surrounding region.

[0134] For example, the recessed portion 321 may include a flat portion 322 , an inclined portion 323 surrounding the flat portion 322 , and a peripheral portion 324 extending from the inclined portion 323 .

[0135] The flat portion 322 of the recessed portion 321 may be disposed closer to the substrate 301 than the peripheral portion 324 of the recessed portion 321 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the substrate 301 .

[0136] The flat portion 322 of the recessed portion 321 may be a portion whose surface is parallel to any surface of the substrate 301. The inclined portion 323 of the recessed portion 321 may be a portion that surrounds the flat portion 322 and whose surface has a predetermined angle with respect to any surface of the substrate 301. The inclined portion 323 of the recessed portion 321 may be configured to extend from and surround the flat portion 322. The peripheral portion 324 of the recessed portion 321 may be a portion that extends from the inclined portion 323 and whose surface is parallel to any surface of the substrate 301. The peripheral portion 324 of the recessed portion 321 may correspond to the upper surface of the first insulating layer 320.

[0137] Reference Figure 4 The recess included in the recessed portion 321 may have a width representing the distance between the inclined portion 323 disposed adjacent to the first sub-pixel SP1 and the inclined portion 323 disposed adjacent to the second sub-pixel SP2. The width of the recess of the recessed portion 321 may increase as the recess of the recessed portion 321 extends away from the substrate 301. For example, the width of the recess at the top of the recessed portion 321 (or the width between the inner edge or outer edge of the peripheral portion 324 of the recessed portion 321) may be greater than the width of the flat portion 322 at the bottom of the recessed portion 321. The recessed portion 321 may have a first width w1, which is the width of the recess at the top of the recessed portion 321. The first width w1 may be the maximum width of the recess of the recessed portion 321.

[0138] Reference Figure 4The recessed portion 321 may be configured to overlap one or more of the signal lines (201, 202, 203, and 204) or portions of one or more of the signal lines. The recessed portion 321 may be configured to overlap portions of at least two signal lines, for example, the second signal line and the third signal line (202 and 203). The recessed portion 321, including the flat portion 322, the inclined portion 323, and the peripheral portion 324, may be configured to partially overlap at least one of the second signal line and the third signal line (202 and 203). The flat portion 322 of the recessed portion 321 may be configured to partially overlap at least one signal line (for example, the third signal line 203). The first width w1 of the recessed portion 321 may be smaller than the width of the third signal line.

[0139] Reference Figure 4 , the recessed portion 321 may be configured to partially overlap with the color filter layer. For example, the recessed portion 321 may be configured to partially overlap with the red (R) color filter 311. For example, the flat portion 322 and the inclined portion 323 of the recessed portion 321 may partially overlap with the red (R) color filter 311.

[0140] When the thickness of the first insulating layer 320 is thin, the recessed portion 321 of the first insulating layer 320 may be disposed to be inclined toward a region of the second sub-pixel SP2 emitting white (W) light.

[0141] Reference Figure 4 , the first insulating layer 320 may be provided between the recessed portion 321 and the color filter layer. For example, the first insulating layer 320 may be provided continuously without interruption between the recessed portion 321 and the red (R) color filter 311. When the recessed portion 321 is deeply recessed to the extent that the red (R) color filter 311 may be exposed, outgassing generated in the color filter may damage the corresponding light-emitting layer, and thus, the reliability of the display device 100 may be reduced.

[0142] The first insulating layer 320 may include an organic insulating material or an inorganic insulating material. For example, the organic insulating material may be at least one material selected from polyimide, benzocyclobutene, acrylate, and photoacrylate, but aspects of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The inorganic insulating material may be at least one material selected from silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNy), and silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy), but aspects of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0143] The second insulating layer 330 may be disposed on the first insulating layer 320. The second insulating layer 330 may be disposed in regions corresponding to the sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4).

[0144] Reference Figure 4The second insulating layer 330 may include at least one opening 331 between adjacent sub-pixels among the sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP3, and / or SP4). The second insulating layer 330 may be disposed on the peripheral portion 324 of the first insulating layer 320 such that the opening 331 may be located in a region corresponding to the recessed portion 321 of the first insulating layer 320.

[0145] Reference Figure 4 , the second insulating layer 330 may include an opening 331 located between the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 and in a region corresponding to the recessed portion 321 of the first insulating layer 320. For example, the opening 331 of the second insulating layer 330 may be located in the non-emission area NFA between the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 and configured to overlap with the recessed portion 321 of the first insulating layer 320 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the substrate 301. The opening 331 of the second insulating layer 330 may define a region including a region from which a portion of the second insulating layer 330 is removed and a surrounding region.

[0146] For example, the opening 331 may include an inclined portion 333 and a peripheral portion 334 extending from the inclined portion 333 .

[0147] The inclined portion 333 of the opening 331 may be a portion in which a surface of the inclined portion 333 has a predetermined angle with respect to any surface of the substrate 301. The inclined portion 333 of the opening 331 may be located at the peripheral portion 324 of the recessed portion 321. The peripheral portion 334 of the opening 331 may be a portion extending from the inclined portion 333 and having a surface parallel to any surface of the substrate 301. The peripheral portion 334 of the opening 331 may be a light-emitting region.

[0148] Reference Figure 4 The opening portion included in the opening 331 may have a width representing the distance between the inclined portion 333 disposed adjacent to the first sub-pixel SP1 and the inclined portion 333 disposed adjacent to the second sub-pixel SP2. The width of the opening portion of the opening 331 may increase as the opening portion of the opening 331 extends away from the substrate 301. For example, the width of the opening portion at the top of the opening 331 may be greater than the width of the opening portion at the bottom of the opening 331. The opening 331 may have a second width w2, which is the width of the opening portion at the bottom of the opening 331. The second width w2 may be the minimum width of the opening portion of the opening 331.

[0149] A first width w1 of the recessed portion 321 may be less than or equal to a second width w2 of the opening 331 .

[0150] Reference Figure 4, the opening 331 can be configured to overlap with one or more of the signal lines (201, 202, 203, and 204). The opening 331 can be configured to overlap with the recessed portion 321 and one or more of the signal lines (201, 202, 203, and 204). For example, the opening 331 can be configured to partially overlap with the recessed portion 321 and the second and third signal lines (202 and 203). For example, the opening portion of the inclined portion 333 and the opening 331 can be configured to partially overlap with the recessed portion 321 and the second and third signal lines (202 and 203).

[0151] Reference Figure 4 , the opening 331 may be configured to partially overlap with the color filter layer. The opening 331 may be configured to partially overlap with the recessed portion 321 and the color filter layer. For example, the opening 331 may be configured to partially overlap with the recessed portion 321 and the red (R) color filter 311. For example, the opening portion of the inclined portion 333 and the opening 331 may be configured to partially overlap with the recessed portion 321 and the red (R) color filter 311.

[0152] The second insulating layer 330 may include an organic insulating material or an inorganic insulating material. For example, the organic insulating material may be at least one material selected from polyimide, benzocyclobutene, acrylate, and photoacrylate, but aspects of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The inorganic insulating material may be at least one material selected from silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNy), and silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy), but aspects of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0153] The first insulating layer 320 and the second insulating layer 330 may include the same material or different materials.

[0154] The light emitting element 250 including a first electrode 251 , a light emitting layer 253 , and a second electrode 255 may be provided on the second insulating layer 330 .

[0155] The first electrode 251 may be disposed on the second insulating layer 330 .

[0156] Reference Figure 4 The first electrode 251 may be disposed on the outer portion 334 of the second insulating layer 330. The first electrode 251 may be disposed on the outer portion 334 of the second insulating layer 330 and in a region parallel to any one surface of the substrate 301. The first electrode 251 may be disposed at a position higher than the recessed portion 321 from the substrate 301.

[0157] One end or edge of the first electrode 251 may have a regular tapered shape, an inverted tapered shape, or a vertical shape. In an example where the first electrode 251 is not covered by the bank, the end or edge of the first electrode 251 may have a regular tapered shape.

[0158] The first electrode 251 may include a conductive material that can transmit or semi-transmit light. For example, the first electrode 251 may include at least one type of transparent conductive oxide, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), zinc oxide, tin oxide, etc., or may include a semi-transmitting metal, such as magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), an alloy of magnesium and silver, etc. For example, in the example where the first electrode 251 includes a semi-transmitting metal, the thickness of the first electrode 251 may be less than the thickness of the second electrode 255.

[0159] However, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, as for the material included in the first electrode 251, any material having high light transmittance and high electrical conductivity may suffice.

[0160] The light emitting layer 253 may be disposed on the first electrode 251 .

[0161] Reference Figure 4 , the light emitting layer 253 may be configured to extend from a portion of the light emitting layer 253 disposed on the first electrode 251 to the recessed portion 321. The light emitting layer 253 may be configured to extend from the portion of the light emitting layer 253 disposed on the first electrode 251 to the outer portion 334 and the inclined portion 333 of the opening 331, as well as the outer portion 324, the inclined portion 323, and the flat portion 322 of the recessed portion 321. The light emitting layer 253 may be provided in common in the sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4).

[0162] The second electrode 255 may be disposed on the light emitting layer 253 .

[0163] Reference Figure 4 , the second electrode 255 may be configured to extend from a portion of the second electrode 255 disposed on the light emitting layer 253 to the recessed portion 321. The second electrode 255 may be configured to extend from the portion of the second electrode 255 disposed on the light emitting layer 253 to the outer periphery 334 and the inclined portion 333 of the opening 331, and the outer periphery 324, the inclined portion 323, and the flat portion 322 of the recessed portion 321. The second electrode 255 may be commonly disposed in the sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4).

[0164] The second electrode 255 may include a conductive material capable of reflecting light. For example, the second electrode 255 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), tantalum (Ta), titanium (Ti), or one or more alloys thereof, but aspects of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0165] An encapsulation layer (not shown) may be disposed on the second electrode 255 of the light emitting element 250 .

[0166] The encapsulation layer may be a layer configured to prevent moisture or oxygen from penetrating into the light emitting element 250 disposed below the encapsulation layer. For example, the encapsulation layer may include a single layer or multiple layers.

[0167] The encapsulation layer may include, for example, a first encapsulation layer, a second encapsulation layer, and a third encapsulation layer. The first encapsulation layer and the third encapsulation layer may be inorganic layers including inorganic insulating materials, and the second encapsulation layer may be an organic layer including organic insulating materials.

[0168] Reference Figure 4 The recessed portion 321 of the first insulating layer 320 and the opening 331 of the second insulating layer 330 may be configured to overlap each other and be disposed between the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2. Since the first insulating layer 320 has the recessed portion 321, the second electrode 255, which serves as a reflective electrode, may be located in the recessed portion 321. In this embodiment, for example, the first width w1 of the recessed portion 321 may be less than or equal to half the second width w2 of the opening 331.

[0169] A laterally oriented portion of the light L2 emitted from the light-emitting layer 253 of the light-emitting element 250 can be reflected from the second electrode 255 and move to the outside of the display device 100. Thus, the light extraction efficiency of the display device 100 can be improved. For example, because the recessed portion 321 of the first insulating layer 320 includes a recess having a predetermined depth d, the area of ​​the second electrode 255 can be increased by the area corresponding to the inclined portion 323 of the recessed portion 321. Due to the increased area of ​​the second electrode 255, the amount of the portion of the light L2 emitted from the light-emitting layer 253 of the light-emitting element 250 that is reflected from the second electrode 255 and moves to the outside of the display device 100 can be increased. Thus, the light extraction efficiency of the display device 100 can be improved.

[0170] A portion of the light L1 emitted from the light-emitting layer 253 of the light-emitting element 250 that travels toward the side can be reflected from the second electrode 255 and move to the outside of the display device 100, or pass through the color filter 211 and exit the display device 100. Therefore, light leakage in the display device 100 can be eliminated or reduced. In this manner, since the recessed portion 321 of the first insulating layer 320 includes a recess having a predetermined depth d, and the second electrode 255 is provided at a depth increased by the depth d, the light L1 emitted from the light-emitting layer 253 of the light-emitting element 250 can be prevented from traveling toward the side, thereby eliminating or reducing light leakage defects in the display device 100.

[0171] Reference Figure 4Each subpixel may include at least one emission area EA and a non-emission area NEA. The at least one emission area EA may include an area corresponding to the inclined portion 333 and the peripheral portion 334 of the opening 331. The at least one emission area EA may include a first emission area EA1 and a second emission area EA2. The first emission area EA1 may include an area overlapping with the first electrode 251 disposed in the peripheral portion 334 of the opening 331. The second emission area EA2 may include an area corresponding to the inclined portion 333 of the opening 331. The second emission area EA2 may include an area where light emitted from the emission layer 253 is reflected from the second electrode 255 disposed at the inclined portion 333 of the opening 331 and moves outside the display device 100. The second emission area EA2 may further include an area that does not overlap with the first electrode 251 disposed in the peripheral portion 334 of the opening 331. The second emission area EA2 may further include an area where light emitted from the emission layer 253 is reflected from the second electrode 255 disposed at the peripheral portion 334 of the opening 331 and moves outside the display device 100. The non-emission area NEA may include an area corresponding to the area between the emission areas EA. The non-emission area NEA may include areas corresponding to areas between the second emission areas EA2 or portions of the second emission areas EA2.

[0172] Figures 5 and 6 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 Other example cross-sectional views taken along line AB of FIG. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the discussion of the configuration of the reference, for the convenience of description, the configuration of the reference is omitted or briefly described. Figures 1 to 4 Discussion of features and examples that are identical, substantially identical, or similar to the features and examples described.

[0173] Reference Figure 5 For example, the first width w1, which is the upper width of the recess included in the recessed portion 321, may be greater than half the second width w2, which is the lower width of the opening portion included in the opening 331, and less than 1. In such an embodiment, the inclined portion 323 of the recessed portion 321 may be disposed adjacent to the inclined portion 323 of the opening 331.

[0174] Because the inclined portion 323 of the recessed portion 321 is positioned adjacent to the inclined portion 323 of the opening 331, the second electrode 255 positioned on the inclined portion 323 of the recessed portion 321 can also be positioned adjacent to the inclined portion 323 of the opening 331. In this way, the second electrode 255 positioned on the inclined portion 323 of the recessed portion 321 can be positioned adjacent to the corresponding light-emitting region. Due to the aforementioned structure, the amount of light L2 emitted from the light-emitting layer 253 of the light-emitting element 250 that is reflected from the second electrode 255 and moves outside the display device 100 can be increased. Consequently, the light extraction efficiency of the display device 100 can be improved. Furthermore, the sideward portion of light L1 emitted from the light-emitting layer 253 of the light-emitting element 250 can be reflected from the second electrode 255 positioned adjacent to the light-emitting region and move outside the display device 100, or can pass through the color filter 211 and exit the display device 100. Consequently, light leakage defects in the display device 100 can be eliminated or reduced.

[0175] Reference Figure 5 Each sub-pixel may include at least one emission area EA and a non-emission area NEA. The at least one emission area EA may include an area corresponding to the inclined portion 333 and the peripheral portion 334 of the opening 331. The at least one emission area EA may include a first emission area EA1 and a second emission area EA2. The first emission area EA1 may include an area overlapping with the first electrode 251 disposed in the peripheral portion 334 of the opening 331. The second emission area EA2 may include an area corresponding to the inclined portion 333 of the opening 331. The second emission area EA2 may further include an area that does not overlap with the first electrode 251 disposed in the peripheral portion 334 of the opening 331. The non-emission area NEA may include an area corresponding to an area between the emission areas EA. The non-emission area NEA may include an area corresponding to an area between the second emission areas EA2 or portions of the second emission areas EA2.

[0176] Reference Figure 5 The recessed portion 321 may be configured to overlap one or more or portions of one or more signal lines (201, 202, 203, and 204). The recessed portion 321 may be configured to overlap portions of at least two signal lines (e.g., the second signal line and the third signal line (202 and 203)). The recessed portion 321, including the flat portion 322, the inclined portion 323, and the peripheral portion 324, may be configured to partially overlap at least one of the second signal line and the third signal line (202 and 203). The flat portion 322 of the recessed portion 321 may be configured to partially overlap at least one signal line (e.g., the third signal line 203). The first width w1 of the recessed portion 321 may be greater than the width of the third signal line.

[0177] Reference Figure 6 For example, the first width w1 as the upper width of the recess included in the recessed portion 321 may be equal to the second width w2 as the lower width of the opening included in the opening 331. In this embodiment, the inclined portion 323 of the recessed portion 321 and the inclined portion 333 of the opening 331 may be provided on the same inclined surface.

[0178] Because the inclined portion 323 of the recess 321 and the inclined portion 323 of the opening 331 are arranged on the same inclined surface, the second electrode 255 disposed on the inclined portion 323 of the recess 321 can also be disposed on the same inclined surface as the second electrode 255 disposed on the inclined portion 323 of the opening 331. In this way, the second electrode 255 disposed on the inclined portion 323 of the recess 321 can be disposed adjacent to the corresponding light-emitting region. Due to the aforementioned structure, the amount of light L2 emitted from the light-emitting layer 253 of the light-emitting element 250 that is reflected from the second electrode 255 and travels outside the display device 100 can be increased. Consequently, the light extraction efficiency of the display device 100 can be improved. Furthermore, a sideways portion of the light L1 emitted from the light-emitting layer 253 of the light-emitting element 250 can be reflected from the second electrode 255 disposed adjacent to the light-emitting region and travel outside the display device 100, or can pass through the color filter 211 and exit the display device 100. Consequently, light leakage defects in the display device 100 can be eliminated or reduced.

[0179] Reference Figure 6 Each subpixel may include at least one emission area EA and a non-emission area NEA. The at least one emission area EA may include an area corresponding to the inclined portion 333 and the peripheral portion 334 of the opening 331, and an area corresponding to the inclined portion 323 of the recess 321. The at least one emission area EA may include a first emission area EA1 and a second emission area EA2. The first emission area EA1 may include an area overlapping with the first electrode 251 disposed in the peripheral portion 334 of the opening 331. The second emission area EA2 may include an area corresponding to the inclined portion 333 of the opening 331. The second emission area EA2 may further include an area that does not overlap with the first electrode 251 disposed in the peripheral portion 334 of the opening 331. The second emission area EA2 may further include an area corresponding to the inclined portion 323 of the recess 321. The non-emission area NEA may include an area corresponding to the area between the emission areas EA. The non-emission area NEA may include an area corresponding to the area between the second emission areas EA2.

[0180] Reference Figure 6The recessed portion 321 may be configured to overlap one or more or portions of one or more signal lines (201, 202, 203, and 204). The recessed portion 321 may be configured to overlap portions of at least two signal lines (e.g., the second and third signal lines (202 and 203)). The recessed portion 321, including the flat portion 322, the inclined portion 323, and the peripheral portion 324, may be configured to partially overlap at least one of the second and third signal lines (202 and 203). The flat portion 322 of the recessed portion 321 may be configured to overlap at least one signal line (e.g., the third signal line 203). The first width w1 of the recessed portion 321 may be greater than the width of the third signal line.

[0181] Figure 7 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 Another example cross-sectional view taken along line AB. Figure 7 In the discussion of the configuration of the reference, for the convenience of description, the configuration of the reference is omitted or briefly described. Figures 1 to 6 Discussion of features and examples that are identical, substantially identical, or similar to the features and examples described.

[0182] Reference Figure 7 A bank 440 may be provided on the first insulating layer 320 , the second insulating layer 330 , and a portion of the first electrode 251 .

[0183] like Figure 7 The respective configurations of the substrate 301, the second and third signal lines (202 and 203), the protective layer 302, the color filter 311, the first insulating layer 320 and the second insulating layer 330 shown may be different from those of FIG. Figure 4 The configurations of the corresponding elements shown in FIG. 1 are substantially the same or similar. Therefore, a detailed discussion thereof is omitted for simplicity.

[0184] Reference Figure 7 , a light emitting element 250 including a first electrode 251 , a light emitting layer 253 and a second electrode 255 may be provided on the second insulating layer 330 .

[0185] The first electrode 251 may be disposed on the second insulating layer 330 .

[0186] The first electrode 251 may be disposed on the outer portion 334 of the second insulating layer 330. The first electrode 251 may be disposed on the outer portion 334 of the second insulating layer 330 and in a region parallel to any one surface of the substrate 301. The first electrode 251 may be disposed at a position higher than the recessed portion 321 from the substrate 301.

[0187] One end or edge of the first electrode 251 may have a regular tapered shape, an inverted tapered shape, or a vertical shape. In an example where the first electrode 251 is not covered by the bank, the end or edge of the first electrode 251 may have an inverted tapered shape.

[0188] The first electrode 251 may include a conductive material that can transmit or semi-transmit light. For example, the first electrode 251 may include at least one type of transparent conductive oxide, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), zinc oxide, tin oxide, etc., or may include a semi-transmitting metal, such as magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), an alloy of magnesium and silver, etc. For example, in the example where the first electrode 251 includes a semi-transmitting metal, the thickness of the first electrode 251 may be less than the thickness of the second electrode 255.

[0189] The embankment 440 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the first electrode 251 and extend to the recess 321. The embankment 440 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the first electrode 251 and extend to the opening 331 of the second insulating layer 330 and the recess 321 of the first insulating layer 320. For example, the embankment 440 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the first electrode 251 and extend to the peripheral portion 334 and the inclined portion 333 of the opening 331, as well as the peripheral portion 324 of the recess 321.

[0190] The light emitting layer 253 may be disposed on the first electrode 251 and the bank 440 .

[0191] The light-emitting layer 253 may be configured to extend from a portion of the light-emitting layer 253 disposed on the first electrode 251 to the recessed portion 321. The light-emitting layer 253 may be configured to extend from the portion of the light-emitting layer 253 disposed on the first electrode 251 to the bank 440, as well as the outer portion 324, the inclined portion 323, and the flat portion 322 of the recessed portion 321. The light-emitting layer 253 may be provided in common in the sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4).

[0192] The second electrode 255 may be disposed on the light emitting layer 253 .

[0193] The second electrode 255 may be configured to extend from a portion of the second electrode 255 disposed on the light emitting layer 253 to the recessed portion 321. The second electrode 255 may be configured to extend from the portion of the second electrode 255 disposed on the light emitting layer 253 to the bank 440, and the outer portion 324, the inclined portion 323, and the flat portion 322 of the recessed portion 321. The second electrode 255 may be commonly disposed in the sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4).

[0194] The second electrode 255 may include a conductive material capable of reflecting light. For example, the second electrode 255 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), tantalum (Ta), titanium (Ti), or one or more alloys thereof, but aspects of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0195] A portion of the light L2 emitted from the light-emitting layer 253 of the light-emitting element 250 that travels toward the side can be reflected from the second electrode 255 and move to the outside of the display device 100. Therefore, the light extraction efficiency of the display device 100 can be improved. For example, because the recessed portion 321 of the first insulating layer 320 includes a recess having a predetermined depth d, the area of ​​the second electrode 255 can be increased by the area corresponding to the inclined portion 323 of the recessed portion 321. Due to the increased area of ​​the second electrode 255, the amount of the portion of the light L2 emitted from the light-emitting layer 253 of the light-emitting element 250 that is reflected from the second electrode 255 and moves to the outside of the display device 100 can be increased. Therefore, the light extraction efficiency of the display device 100 can be improved.

[0196] A portion of the light L1 emitted from the light-emitting layer 253 of the light-emitting element 250 toward the side can be reflected from the second electrode 255 and move to the outside of the display device 100, or pass through the color filter 211 and exit the display device 100. Therefore, light leakage from the display device 100 can be eliminated or reduced. In this manner, since the recessed portion 321 of the first insulating layer 320 includes a recess having a predetermined depth d, and the second electrode 255 is provided at a depth increased by the depth d, the light L1 emitted from the light-emitting layer 253 of the light-emitting element 250 can be prevented from radiating toward the side, thereby eliminating or reducing light leakage defects in the display device 100.

[0197] Reference Figure 7 The bank 440 may include an open bank area BOA and a non-open bank area NBOA. The open bank area BOA may include a first open bank area BOA1 corresponding to a region where a portion of the first electrode 251 is exposed, and a second open bank area BOA2 corresponding to a region where the bank 440 and the recessed portion 331 do not overlap with each other. The non-open bank area NBOA may include a region in which the bank 440 is provided.

[0198] Reference Figure 7 Each sub-pixel may include at least one emission area EA and a non-emission area NEA. The at least one emission area EA may include an area corresponding to the first opening bank area BOA1 and the non-opening bank area NBOA. The non-emission area NEA may include an area corresponding to the second opening bank area BOA2.

[0199] Reference Figure 7 The at least one emission area EA may include a first emission area EA1 corresponding to the first opening bank area BOA1, and a second emission area EA2 corresponding to the non-opening bank area NBOA. The first emission area EA1 may include an area overlapping with the first electrode 251 disposed in the peripheral portion 334 of the opening 331. The second emission area EA2 may include an area where light emitted from the emission layer 253 is reflected from the second electrode 255 disposed on the bank 440 and moves to the outside of the display device 100.

[0200] Reference Figure 7 The recess included in the recess portion 331 may have a first width w1, which is an upper width of the recess. The first width w1 may be smaller than a width of the second opening bank area BOA2.

[0201] Figure 8 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 Another example cross-sectional view taken along line AB. Figure 8 In the discussion of the configuration of the reference, for the convenience of description, the configuration of the reference is omitted or briefly described. Figures 1 to 7 Discussion of features and examples that are identical, substantially identical, or similar to the features and examples described.

[0202] Reference Figure 8 , a bank 440 may be provided on the first insulating layer 320 , the second insulating layer 330 , and a portion of the first electrode 251 .

[0203] like Figure 8 The respective configurations of the substrate 301, the second and third signal lines (202 and 203), the protective layer 302, the color filter 311, the first insulating layer 320 and the second insulating layer 330 shown may be different from those of FIG. Figure 4 The configurations of the corresponding elements shown in FIG. 1 are substantially the same or similar. Therefore, a detailed discussion thereof is omitted for simplicity.

[0204] The embankment 440 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the first electrode 251 and extend to the recess 321. The embankment 440 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the first electrode 251 and extend to the opening 331 of the second insulating layer 330 and the recess 321 of the first insulating layer 320. For example, the embankment 440 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the first electrode 251 and extend to the outer periphery 334 and the inclined portion 333 of the opening 331 and the boundary between the outer periphery 324 and the inclined portion 323 of the recess 321.

[0205] A portion of the light L2 emitted from the light-emitting layer 253 of the light-emitting element 250 that travels toward the side can be reflected from the second electrode 255 and move to the outside of the display device 100. Therefore, the light extraction efficiency of the display device 100 can be improved. For example, because the recessed portion 321 of the first insulating layer 320 includes a recess having a predetermined depth d, the area of ​​the second electrode 255 can be increased by the area corresponding to the inclined portion 323 of the recessed portion 321. Due to the increased area of ​​the second electrode 255, the amount of the portion of the light L2 emitted from the light-emitting layer 253 of the light-emitting element 250 that is reflected from the second electrode 255 and moves to the outside of the display device 100 can be increased. Therefore, the light extraction efficiency of the display device 100 can be improved.

[0206] A portion of the light L1 emitted from the light-emitting layer 253 of the light-emitting element 250 that is directed toward the side can be reflected from the second electrode 255 and move to the outside of the display device 100, or pass through the color filter 211 and be emitted from the display device 100. Therefore, light leakage from the display device 100 can be eliminated or reduced. In this manner, since the recessed portion 321 of the first insulating layer 320 includes a recess having a predetermined depth d, and the second electrode 255 is provided at a depth increased by the depth d, the light L1 emitted from the light-emitting layer 253 of the light-emitting element 250 can be prevented from being directed toward the side, thereby eliminating or reducing light leakage defects in the display device 100.

[0207] Reference Figure 8 The bank 440 may include an open bank area BOA and a non-open bank area NBOA. The open bank area BOA may include a first open bank area BOA1 corresponding to a region where a portion of the first electrode 251 is exposed, and a second open bank area BOA2 corresponding to a region where the bank 440 and the recessed portion 331 do not overlap with each other. The non-open bank area NBOA may include a region in which the bank 440 is provided.

[0208] Reference Figure 8 Each sub-pixel may include at least one emission area EA and a non-emission area NEA. The at least one emission area EA may include an area corresponding to the first opening bank area BOA1 and the non-opening bank area NBOA. The non-emission area NEA may include an area corresponding to the second opening bank area BOA2.

[0209] Reference Figure 8The at least one emission area EA may include a first emission area EA1 corresponding to the first opening bank area BOA1, and a second emission area EA2 corresponding to the non-opening bank area NBOA. The first emission area EA1 may include an area overlapping with the first electrode 251 disposed in the peripheral portion 334 of the opening 331. The second emission area EA2 may include an area where light emitted from the emission layer 253 is reflected from the second electrode 255 disposed on the bank 440 and moves to the outside of the display device 100.

[0210] Reference Figure 8 , the recess included in the recess portion 331 may have a first width w1 as an upper width of the recess. The first width w1 may be smaller than a width of the second opening bank area BOA2.

[0211] Figure 9 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 Another example cross-sectional view taken along line AB. Figure 9 In the discussion of the configuration of the reference, for the convenience of description, the configuration of the reference is omitted or briefly described. Figures 1 to 8 Discussion of features and examples that are identical, substantially identical, or similar to the features and examples described.

[0212] Reference Figure 9 , a bank 440 may be provided on the first insulating layer 320 , the second insulating layer 330 , and a portion of the first electrode 251 .

[0213] like Figure 9 The respective configurations of the substrate 301, the second and third signal lines (202 and 203), the protective layer 302, the color filter 311, the first insulating layer 320 and the second insulating layer 330 shown may be different from those of FIG. Figure 5 The configurations of the corresponding elements shown in FIG. 1 are substantially the same or similar. Therefore, a detailed discussion thereof is omitted for simplicity.

[0214] The embankment 440 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the first electrode 251 and extend to the recess 321. The embankment 440 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the first electrode 251 and extend to the opening 331 of the second insulating layer 330 and the recess 321 of the first insulating layer 320. For example, the embankment 440 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the first electrode 251 and extend to the outer periphery 334 and the inclined portion 333 of the opening 331, as well as the outer periphery 324, the inclined portion 323, and the flat portion of the recess 321.

[0215] Since the inclined portion 323 of the recessed portion 321 is disposed adjacent to the inclined portion 323 of the opening 331, the second electrode 255 disposed on the bank 440 can be disposed adjacent to the light-emitting region. Due to the aforementioned configuration, the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting layer 253 of the light-emitting element 250 that is reflected from the second electrode 255 and moves to the outside of the display device 100 can be increased. Therefore, the light extraction efficiency of the display device 100 can be improved. Furthermore, a portion of the light L1 emitted from the light-emitting layer 253 of the light-emitting element 250 that is directed toward the side can be reflected from the second electrode 255 disposed adjacent to the light-emitting region and move to the outside of the display device 100, or can pass through the color filter 211 and be emitted from the display device 100. Therefore, light leakage defects in the display device 100 can be eliminated or reduced.

[0216] Reference Figure 9 The bank 440 may include an open bank area BOA and a non-open bank area NBOA. The open bank area BOA may include a first open bank area BOA1 corresponding to a region where a portion of the first electrode 251 is exposed, and a second open bank area BOA2 corresponding to a region where the bank 440 and the recessed portion 331 do not overlap with each other. The non-open bank area NBOA may include a region in which the bank 440 is provided.

[0217] Reference Figure 9 Each sub-pixel may include at least one emission area EA and a non-emission area NEA. The at least one emission area EA may include an area corresponding to the first opening bank area BOA1 and the non-opening bank area NBOA. The non-emission area NEA may include an area corresponding to the second opening bank area BOA2.

[0218] Reference Figure 9 The at least one emission area EA may include a first emission area EA1 corresponding to the first opening bank area BOA1, and a second emission area EA2 corresponding to the non-opening bank area NBOA. The first emission area EA1 may include an area overlapping with the first electrode 251 disposed in the peripheral portion 334 of the opening 331. The second emission area EA2 may include an area where light emitted from the emission layer 253 is reflected from the second electrode 255 disposed on the bank 440 and moves to the outside of the display device 100.

[0219] Reference Figure 9 , the recess included in the recess portion 331 may have a first width w1 as an upper width of the recess. The first width w1 may be greater than a width of the second opening bank area BOA2.

[0220] Figure 10 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 Another example cross-sectional view taken along line AB. Figure 10 In the discussion of the configuration of the reference, for the convenience of description, the configuration of the reference is omitted or briefly described. Figures 1 to 9 Discussion of features and examples that are identical, substantially identical, or similar to the features and examples described.

[0221] Reference Figure 10 , a bank 440 may be provided on the first insulating layer 320 , the second insulating layer 330 , and a portion of the first electrode 251 .

[0222] like Figure 10 The respective configurations of the substrate 301, the second and third signal lines (202 and 203), the protective layer 302, the color filter 311, the first insulating layer 320 and the second insulating layer 330 shown may be different from those of FIG. Figure 6 The configurations of the corresponding elements shown in FIG. 1 are substantially the same or similar. Therefore, a detailed discussion thereof is omitted for simplicity.

[0223] The embankment 440 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the first electrode 251 and extend to the recess 321. The embankment 440 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the first electrode 251 and extend to the opening 331 of the second insulating layer 330 and the recess 321 of the first insulating layer 320. For example, the embankment 440 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the first electrode 251 and extend to the peripheral portion 334 and the inclined portion 333 of the opening 331, and the inclined portion 323 and the flat portion of the recess 321.

[0224] Because the inclined portion 323 of the recess 321 and the inclined portion 323 of the opening 331 are arranged on the same inclined surface, the second electrode 255 provided on the bank 440 can be arranged adjacent to the light-emitting region. Due to the application of the aforementioned configuration, the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting layer 253 of the light-emitting element 250 that is reflected from the second electrode 255 and moves to the outside of the display device 100 can be increased. Therefore, the light extraction efficiency of the display device 100 can be improved. In addition, a portion of the light L1 emitted from the light-emitting layer 253 of the light-emitting element 250 toward the side can be reflected from the second electrode 255 arranged adjacent to the light-emitting region and move to the outside of the display device 100, or pass through the color filter 211 and be emitted from the display device 100. Therefore, light leakage defects in the display device 100 can be eliminated or reduced.

[0225] Reference Figure 10The bank 440 may include an open bank area BOA and a non-open bank area NBOA. The open bank area BOA may include a first open bank area BOA1 corresponding to a region where a portion of the first electrode 251 is exposed, and a second open bank area BOA2 corresponding to a region where the bank 440 and the recessed portion 331 do not overlap with each other. The non-open bank area NBOA may include a region in which the bank 440 is provided.

[0226] Reference Figure 10 Each sub-pixel may include at least one emission area EA and a non-emission area NEA. The at least one emission area EA may include an area corresponding to the first opening bank area BOA1 and the non-opening bank area NBOA. The non-emission area NEA may include an area corresponding to the second opening bank area BOA2.

[0227] Reference Figure 10 The at least one emission area EA may include a first emission area EA1 corresponding to the first opening bank area BOA1, and a second emission area EA2 corresponding to the non-opening bank area NBOA. The first emission area EA1 may include an area overlapping with the first electrode 251 disposed in the peripheral portion 334 of the opening 331. The second emission area EA2 may include an area where light emitted from the emission layer 253 is reflected from the second electrode 255 disposed on the bank 440 and moves to the outside of the display device 100.

[0228] Reference Figure 10 The recess included in the recessed portion 331 may have a first width w1 as the upper width of the recess. The first width w1 may be greater than the width of the second opening bank area BOA2. The inclined portion 323 of the recessed portion 321 and the inclined portion 333 of the opening 331 may be provided on the same inclined surface.

[0229] Figure 11 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 Example cross-sectional view taken along line CD. Figure 11 In the discussion of the configuration of the reference, for the convenience of description, the configuration of the reference is omitted or briefly described. Figures 1 to 10 Discussion of features and examples that are identical, substantially identical, or similar to the features and examples described.

[0230] Reference Figure 11 In one or more aspects, the display device 100 may include a substrate 301, a plurality of sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4) arranged on the substrate 301, a first insulating layer 320 including at least one recess 321, a second insulating layer 330 including at least one opening 331, and at least one light-emitting element 250.

[0231] Reference Figure 11 , a plurality of signal lines ( 201 , 202 , 203 , 204 ) may be provided on a substrate 301 . A protective layer 302 may be provided on the plurality of signal lines ( 201 , 202 , 203 , 204 ) and the substrate 301 .

[0232] Reference Figure 11 , each of all or a portion of the first subpixel, the second subpixel, the third subpixel, and the fourth subpixel (SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4) may include a color filter (311, 312, or 313) corresponding to the color of light emitted from the corresponding subpixel.

[0233] For example, a red (R) color filter 311 may be provided in an area of ​​the first sub-pixel SP1 including a light-emitting area emitting red (R) light, a blue (B) color filter 312 may be provided in an area of ​​the third sub-pixel SP3 including a light-emitting area emitting blue (B) light, and a green (G) color filter 313 may be provided in an area of ​​the fourth sub-pixel SP4 including a light-emitting area emitting green (G) light.

[0234] A separate color filter may not be provided in the region of the second sub-pixel SP2 including the light emitting region emitting white (W) light. For example, an insulating layer may be provided in the region of the second sub-pixel SP2 including the light emitting region emitting white (W) light. For example, a first insulating layer 320 may be provided or stacked in the region of the second sub-pixel SP2.

[0235] The second insulating layer 330 , the protective layer 302 , and the like may include a transparent material, and thus, a separate color filter may not be provided in the region of the second sub-pixel SP2 .

[0236] Reference Figure 11 In one or more aspects, the first insulating layer 320 may include a recessed portion 321 disposed between adjacent sub-pixels among the first, second, third, and fourth sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4).

[0237] For example, the first insulating layer 320 may include recessed portions 321 disposed between the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2, between the second sub-pixel SP2 and the third sub-pixel SP3, between the third sub-pixel SP3 and the fourth sub-pixel SP4, and between the fourth sub-pixel SP4 and the first sub-pixel SP1, respectively. In one or more aspects, each recessed portion 321 may be disposed in a non-luminous region between adjacent sub-pixels. The recessed portion 321 may be defined as an area including an area from which a portion of the first insulating layer 320 is removed and a surrounding area. The recessed portion 321 may include a flat portion, an inclined portion surrounding the flat portion, and a peripheral portion extending from the inclined portion.

[0238] Reference Figure 11 In one or more aspects, the second insulating layer 330 may include an opening 331 disposed between adjacent sub-pixels among the first, second, third, and fourth sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4).

[0239] For example, the second insulating layer 330 may include openings 331 disposed between the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2, between the second sub-pixel SP2 and the third sub-pixel SP3, between the third sub-pixel SP3 and the fourth sub-pixel SP4, and between the fourth sub-pixel SP4 and the first sub-pixel SP1, respectively. Each opening 331 of the second insulating layer 330 may be disposed on a peripheral portion of the first insulating layer 320 so as to be located in an area corresponding to an area in which each recessed portion 321 of the first insulating layer 320 is disposed. The opening 331 may be defined as an area including an area from which a portion of the second insulating layer 330 is removed and a surrounding area. For example, the opening 331 may include an inclined portion and a peripheral portion extending from the inclined portion.

[0240] Reference Figure 11 , a light emitting element 250 including a first electrode 251 , a light emitting layer 253 and a second electrode 255 may be provided on the second insulating layer 330 .

[0241] The first electrode 251 may be disposed on the outer periphery of the second insulating layer 330. The first electrode 251 may be disposed on the outer periphery of the second insulating layer 330 and in a region parallel to any surface of the substrate 301. The first electrode 251 may be disposed at a position higher from the substrate 301 than the recessed portion 321. The first electrode 251 may include a light-transmitting conductive material or a semi-light-transmitting conductive material. The first electrode 251 may have a tapered end.

[0242] The light-emitting layer 253 and the second electrode 255 may be configured to be stacked sequentially on the first electrode 251. The light-emitting layer 253 and the second electrode 255 may be configured to extend from respective portions of the light-emitting layer 253 and the second electrode 255 disposed on the first electrode 251 to the recessed portion 321. The light-emitting layer 253 and the second electrode 255 may be configured to extend from respective portions of the light-emitting layer 253 and the second electrode 255 disposed on the first electrode 251 to the periphery and inclined portion of the opening 331, as well as the periphery, inclined portion, and flat portion of the recessed portion 321. The light-emitting layer 253 and the second electrode 255 may be disposed together in the sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4). The second electrode 255 may include a light-reflective conductive material.

[0243] Reference Figure 11, the recessed portion 321 of the first insulating layer 320 and the opening 331 of the second insulating layer 330 can be configured to overlap each other, and the light-emitting element 250 can be located at a position higher than the recessed portion 321 from the substrate 301. In one or more aspects, the second electrode 255 containing a light-reflective conductive material can even be provided on the flat surface of the recessed portion 321. By applying the structure discussed above, light emitted from the light-emitting layer 253 of the light-emitting element 250 can be reflected from the second electrode 255 and move to the outside of the display device 100. Thus, the light extraction efficiency of the display device 100 can be improved, a portion of the light can be prevented from being guided to adjacent sub-pixels, and light leakage defects of the display device 100 can be eliminated or reduced.

[0244] Figure 12 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 Example cross-sectional view taken along line CD. Figure 12 In the discussion of the configuration of the reference, for the convenience of description, the configuration of the reference is omitted or briefly described. Figures 1 to 11 Discussion of features and examples that are identical, substantially identical, or similar to the features and examples described.

[0245] Reference Figure 12 In one or more aspects, the display device 100 may include a plurality of sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4) disposed on a substrate 301, a first insulating layer 320 including at least one recess 321, a second insulating layer 330 including at least one opening 331, a light-emitting element 250, and a dam 440 disposed on a portion of the first electrode 251.

[0246] like Figure 12 The respective configurations of the substrate 301, the plurality of sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4), the protective layer 302, the one or more color filters (311, 312, 313), the first insulating layer 320 and the second insulating layer 330 shown can be different from those of FIG. Figure 11 The configurations of the corresponding elements shown in FIG. 1 are substantially the same or similar. Therefore, a detailed discussion thereof is omitted for simplicity.

[0247] Reference Figure 12 , a light emitting element 250 including a first electrode 251 , a light emitting layer 253 and a second electrode 255 may be provided on the second insulating layer 330 .

[0248] The first electrode 251 may be disposed on the outer periphery of the second insulating layer 330. The first electrode 251 may be disposed on the outer periphery of the second insulating layer 330 and in a region parallel to any surface of the substrate 301. The first electrode 251 may be disposed at a position higher from the substrate 301 than the recessed portion 321. The first electrode 251 may include a light-transmitting conductive material or a semi-light-transmitting conductive material. The first electrode 251 may have an inverted tapered end.

[0249] Reference Figure 12 The embankment 440 may be provided on a portion of the first electrode 251. The embankment 440 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the first electrode 251 and extend to the recess 321. The embankment 440 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the first electrode 251 and extend to the opening 331 of the second insulating layer 330 and the recess 321 of the first insulating layer 320.

[0250] The light-emitting layer 253 and the second electrode 255 may be configured to be stacked sequentially on the first electrode 251 and the bank 440. The light-emitting layer 253 and the second electrode 255 may be configured to extend from their respective portions disposed on the first electrode 251 to the bank 440 and the recess 321. The light-emitting layer 253 and the second electrode 255 may be configured to extend from their respective portions disposed on the first electrode 251 to the bank 440, the periphery and inclined portion of the opening 331, and the periphery, inclined portion, and flat portion of the recess 321. The light-emitting layer 253 and the second electrode 255 may be disposed together in the sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4). The second electrode 255 may include a light-reflective conductive material.

[0251] Reference Figure 12 , the recessed portion 321 of the first insulating layer 320 and the opening 331 of the second insulating layer 330 can be configured to overlap each other, and the light-emitting element 250 can be located at a position higher than the recessed portion 321 from the substrate 301. In one or more aspects, the second electrode 255 containing a light-reflective conductive material can even be provided on the flat portion of the bank 440 and the recessed portion 321. By applying the configuration discussed above, light emitted from the light-emitting layer 253 of the light-emitting element 250 can be reflected from the second electrode 255 and move to the outside of the display device 100. Thus, the light extraction efficiency of the display device 100 can be improved, a portion of the light can be prevented from being guided to adjacent sub-pixels, and light leakage defects of the display device 100 can be eliminated or reduced.

[0252] The exemplary embodiments described above will be briefly described as follows.

[0253] According to example embodiments of the present invention, a display device may be provided, comprising: a substrate on which a plurality of sub-pixels are arranged; a first insulating layer, which is arranged above the substrate and includes at least one recessed portion between the plurality of sub-pixels; a second insulating layer, which is arranged on the first insulating layer and includes at least one opening corresponding to the at least one recessed portion; and a first electrode, which is arranged on the second insulating layer.

[0254] In one or more aspects, the recessed portion may include a flat portion, an inclined portion extending from the flat portion, and a peripheral portion extending from the inclined portion, and the opening may include an inclined portion and a peripheral portion extending from the inclined portion.

[0255] In one or more aspects, the recessed portion may have a first width as an upper width of the recess included in the recessed portion, and the opening may have a second width as a lower width of the opening portion included in the opening. For example, the first width may be less than or equal to the second width.

[0256] For example, the first width may be less than half of the second width.

[0257] For example, the first width may be greater than half of the second width and smaller than the second width.

[0258] For example, the first width may be equal to the second width.

[0259] In one or more aspects, each of the sub-pixels may include at least one light-emitting region and a non-light-emitting region. For example, the at least one light-emitting region may correspond to an inclined portion and a peripheral portion of the opening, and the non-light-emitting region may correspond to a region between adjacent light-emitting regions in the at least one light-emitting region.

[0260] In one or more aspects, the at least one light-emitting region may include a first light-emitting region and a second light-emitting region. For example, the first light-emitting region may correspond to a region overlapping with the first electrode disposed at a peripheral portion of the opening, and the second light-emitting region may be a region corresponding to an inclined portion of the opening.

[0261] In one or more aspects, the second light emitting region may further include a region that does not overlap with the first electrode disposed at a peripheral portion of the opening.

[0262] In one or more aspects, the second light emitting region may further include a region corresponding to the inclined portion of the recessed portion.

[0263] In one or more aspects, the first electrode can have a tapered shape.

[0264] In one or more aspects, the display device may further include a light emitting layer disposed on the first electrode and a second electrode disposed on the light emitting layer.

[0265] In one or more aspects, the light emitting layer and the second electrode may be configured to extend from respective portions of the light emitting layer and the second electrode on the first electrode to the recessed portion.

[0266] In one or more aspects, the first electrode may be disposed at a position higher from the substrate than the recessed portion.

[0267] In one or more aspects, the display device may further include at least one signal line disposed on the substrate and partially overlapping the recessed portion.

[0268] In one or more aspects, the at least one signal line may include at least one signal line disposed in a region overlapping with the flat portion of the recessed portion.

[0269] In one or more aspects, the at least one signal line may include at least two signal lines disposed in a region overlapping with the flat portion of the recessed portion.

[0270] In one or more aspects, the recess portion may have a first width that is an upper width of a recess included in the recess portion, and the first width may be smaller than a width of the at least one signal line.

[0271] In one or more aspects, the recess portion may have a first width that is an upper width of a recess included in the recess portion, and the first width may be greater than a width of the at least one signal line.

[0272] In one or more aspects, the display device may further include a color filter layer disposed over the substrate and configured to partially overlap with the at least one signal line.

[0273] In one or more aspects, a first insulating layer may be disposed between the color filter layer and the recess.

[0274] In one or more aspects, the display device may further include a bank configured to cover at least a portion of the first electrode and extend to the recessed portion.

[0275] In one or more aspects, the inclined portion of the opening may be provided on a peripheral portion of the recessed portion.

[0276] In one or more aspects, the bank portion may be configured to extend to a peripheral portion of the recessed portion.

[0277] In one or more aspects, the bank portion may be configured to extend to a boundary between a peripheral portion of the recessed portion and the inclined portion.

[0278] In one or more aspects, the bank portion may be configured to extend to a flat portion of the recessed portion.

[0279] In one or more aspects, the inclined portion of the recess and the inclined portion of the opening may be located on the same inclined surface, and the bank may be configured to extend to a flat portion of the recess.

[0280] In one or more aspects, the embankment may include a first open embankment region corresponding to an area where a portion of the first electrode is exposed, a second open embankment region corresponding to an area where the embankment and the recessed portion do not overlap with each other, and a non-open embankment region where the embankment is provided.

[0281] In one or more aspects, each of the sub-pixels may include at least one light-emitting region and a non-light-emitting region. For example, the at least one light-emitting region may be a region corresponding to the first opening bank region and the non-opening bank region, and the non-light-emitting region may be a region corresponding to the second opening bank region.

[0282] In one or more aspects, the light emitting region may include a first light emitting region corresponding to the first opening bank region and a second light emitting region corresponding to the non-opening bank region.

[0283] In one or more aspects, the recessed portion may have a first width that is an upper width of a recess included in the recessed portion, and the first width may be smaller than a width of the second opening bank region.

[0284] In one or more aspects, the inclined portion of the recess and the inclined portion of the opening may be provided on the same inclined surface.

[0285] In one or more aspects, the recessed portion may have a first width that is an upper width of a recess included in the recessed portion, and the first width may be equal to a width of the second opening bank region.

[0286] In one or more aspects, the recessed portion may have a first width that is an upper width of a recess included in the recessed portion, and the first width may be greater than a width of the second opening bank region.

[0287] In one or more aspects, the first electrode may have an inverted tapered shape.

[0288] According to example embodiments of the present invention, a display device may be provided, including: a substrate; a first insulating layer disposed above the substrate and including a recessed portion including a flat portion, an inclined portion extending from the flat portion, and a peripheral portion extending from the inclined portion; a second insulating layer disposed on the first insulating layer and in an area corresponding to the peripheral portion of the recessed portion; a first electrode disposed on the second insulating layer; a light-emitting layer disposed on the first electrode and on the recessed portion; and a second electrode disposed on the light-emitting layer.

[0289] In one or more aspects, the display device may further include a bank configured to cover at least a portion of the first electrode and extend to the recessed portion.

[0290] According to one or more aspects described herein, a display device may be provided, including a structure in which a recessed portion and an opening are provided between sub-pixels, thereby improving light extraction efficiency.

[0291] According to one or more aspects described herein, a display device may be provided, including a structure in which a recess and an opening are provided between sub-pixels, thereby eliminating or reducing light leakage between sub-pixels.

[0292] According to one or more aspects described herein, a display device capable of improving image quality by increasing light extraction efficiency and eliminating or reducing light leakage between sub-pixels may be provided.

[0293] According to one or more aspects described herein, a display device capable of being driven with low power by improving light extraction efficiency and eliminating or reducing light leakage between sub-pixels may be provided.

[0294] The above description has been presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make, use, and practice the technical features of the present invention, and the above description has been provided as examples in the context of specific applications and their requirements. Various modifications, additions, and substitutions to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles described herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope of the present invention. The above description and accompanying drawings provide examples of the technical features of the present invention for illustrative purposes only. That is, the disclosed embodiments are intended to illustrate the scope of the technical features of the present invention.

Claims

1. A display device comprising: a substrate, on which a plurality of sub-pixels are arranged; a first insulating layer disposed above the substrate and comprising at least one recessed portion between the plurality of sub-pixels; a second insulating layer disposed on the first insulating layer and comprising at least one opening corresponding to the at least one recess; as well as A first electrode is provided on the second insulating layer.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The at least one recessed portion includes a flat portion, an inclined portion extending from the flat portion, and a peripheral portion extending from the inclined portion, and the at least one opening includes an inclined portion and a peripheral portion extending from the inclined portion of the at least one opening.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The at least one recessed portion has a first width which is an upper width of the recess included in the at least one recessed portion, and the at least one opening has a second width which is a lower width of the opening portion included in the at least one opening, and The first width is smaller than or equal to the second width.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein The first width is less than or equal to half of the second width, or The first width is greater than half of the second width and less than the second width, or The first width is equal to the second width.

5. The display device according to claim 2, wherein Each of the plurality of sub-pixels includes at least one light-emitting region and a non-light-emitting region, and The at least one light-emitting region is a region corresponding to the inclined portion and the peripheral portion of the at least one opening, and the non-light-emitting region corresponds to a region between adjacent light-emitting regions in the at least one light-emitting region. The display device according to claim 5 , wherein: The at least one light emitting region includes a first light emitting region and a second light emitting region, and The first light emitting region corresponds to a region overlapping with the first electrode provided at the peripheral portion of the at least one opening, and the second light emitting region is a region corresponding to the inclined portion of the at least one opening.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The second light emitting region further includes a region that does not overlap with the first electrode disposed at the outer peripheral portion of the at least one opening.

8. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The second light emitting region further includes a region corresponding to the inclined portion of the at least one recessed portion.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The first electrode has a conical shape or an inverted conical shape.

10. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a light-emitting layer disposed on the first electrode; as well as a second electrode disposed on the light-emitting layer, The light emitting layer and the second electrode are configured to extend from respective portions of the light emitting layer and the second electrode to the at least one recessed portion.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The first electrode is disposed at a position higher than the at least one recessed portion from the substrate. 12 . The display device according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one signal line provided on the substrate and partially overlapping the at least one recessed portion.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The at least one signal line includes at least one signal line or at least two signal lines disposed in a region overlapping with the flat portion of the at least one recessed portion.

14. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The at least one recessed portion has a first width, which is an upper width of a recess included in the at least one recessed portion, and the first width is smaller than or larger than a width of the at least one signal line. 15 . The display device according to claim 12 , further comprising a color filter layer disposed over the substrate and configured to partially overlap the at least one signal line. 16 . The display device according to claim 2 , further comprising a bank configured to cover at least a portion of the first electrode and extend to the at least one recessed portion.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein: The inclined portion of the at least one opening is provided on the outer periphery of the at least one recessed portion.

18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein: The bank portion is configured to extend to the outer periphery of the at least one recessed portion, a boundary between the outer periphery of the at least one recessed portion and the inclined portion, or the flat portion of the at least one recessed portion.

19. The display device according to claim 16, wherein: The inclined portion of the at least one recess and the inclined portion of the at least one opening are located on the same inclined surface, and The embankment is configured to extend to the flat portion of the at least one recessed portion.

20. A display device comprising: substrate; a first insulating layer disposed above the substrate and comprising a recessed portion, wherein the recessed portion comprises a flat portion, an inclined portion extending from the flat portion, and a peripheral portion extending from the inclined portion; a second insulating layer disposed on the first insulating layer and disposed in a region corresponding to the outer periphery of the recess; a first electrode, wherein the first electrode is disposed on the second insulating layer; a light-emitting layer, the light-emitting layer being disposed on the first electrode and on the recessed portion; as well as A second electrode is provided on the light-emitting layer.

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