Display device and electronic device

Abstract

A display device and an electronic device are disclosed. The display device includes: a substrate; a pixel layer disposed on the substrate and including an organic light emitting diode; the packaging component is used for sealing the pixel layer; and a refractive layer disposed on the encapsulation member and including a first refractive pattern and a second refractive pattern. The second refractive pattern includes a second transmissive region through which a first portion of the light emitted from the organic light emitting diode passes and a second reflective side surface reflecting a second portion of the light emitted from the organic light emitting diode. A first portion and a second portion of light emitted from the organic light emitting diode form transmitted light. The first refractive pattern is disposed to overlap with the second refractive pattern, and the first refractive pattern includes a first transmissive region through which a first portion of the transmitted light passes, and a first reflective side surface reflecting a second portion of the transmitted light.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0116010, filed on August 28, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to display devices and electronic devices including display devices. Background Technology

[0004] Recently, display devices have been used for a wide variety of purposes. Furthermore, as display devices become thinner and lighter, their applications are expanding. With their use across various fields, the demand for display devices that deliver high-quality images is increasing.

[0005] Display elements included in a display device can emit light and display images. Light emitted from the display device can travel in a direction perpendicular to the front surface of the display device or in a direction inclined to the front surface of the display device.

[0006] The information disclosed above in the background section of this disclosure is intended only to improve the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute background information. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure can provide display devices and electronic devices with controllable viewing angles.

[0008] However, the technical problem to be solved by this disclosure is not limited to the problem described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of this disclosure below.

[0009] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments presented in this disclosure.

[0010] An embodiment of the display device includes: a substrate; a pixel layer disposed on the substrate and including pixels, the pixels including organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs); an encapsulation member for sealing the pixel layer; and a refractive layer disposed on the encapsulation member and including a second refractive pattern and a first refractive pattern, wherein the second refractive pattern includes a second penetrating region and a second reflective side surface, a first portion of light emitted from the OLED passes through the second penetrating region, the second reflective side surface reflects a second portion of light emitted from the OLED, and the first and second portions of light emitted from the OLED form transmitted light; and the first refractive pattern is configured to overlap with the second refractive pattern, and the first refractive pattern includes a first penetrating region and a first reflective side surface, the first portion of transmitted light passes through the first penetrating region, and the first reflective side surface reflects the second portion of transmitted light.

[0011] The second refractive pattern can be disposed between the encapsulation component and the first refractive pattern.

[0012] The second refractive pattern can be set to be spaced apart from the first refractive pattern.

[0013] The display device may further include: a first light-blocking pattern configured to overlap with a second refractive pattern or a first refractive pattern.

[0014] The first refractive pattern or the second refractive pattern can be set to cover the first light-blocking pattern.

[0015] The first and second reflective surfaces may each include an inclined surface.

[0016] The first and second penetrating regions can each overlap with the emission region of the organic light-emitting diode.

[0017] The first and second penetration regions can overlap.

[0018] The width of the first penetrating region can be the same as the width of the second penetrating region.

[0019] The width of the first penetrating region can be greater than the width of the second penetrating region.

[0020] The display device may further include: a first planarization layer formed to cover the first refractive pattern.

[0021] The refractive index of the first planarization layer may be different from the refractive index of the first refractive pattern.

[0022] The display device may further include a second planarization layer, formed to cover the second refractive pattern.

[0023] The refractive index of the second planarization layer can be different from that of the second refractive pattern.

[0024] The width of the first refractive pattern between pixels and adjacent pixels can be the same as the width of the second refractive pattern between pixels and adjacent pixels.

[0025] The width of the first refractive pattern between pixels and adjacent pixels can be smaller than the width of the second refractive pattern between pixels and adjacent pixels.

[0026] The width of the first refractive pattern between pixels and adjacent pixels can be greater than the width of the first light-blocking pattern between pixels and adjacent pixels.

[0027] The display device may further include a third refractive pattern between the second refractive pattern and the encapsulation member.

[0028] The second refractive pattern can cover the second light-blocking pattern.

[0029] The first refractive pattern can cover the first light-blocking pattern, and the width of the second light-blocking pattern between pixels and adjacent pixels is the same as the width of the first light-blocking pattern between pixels and adjacent pixels.

[0030] Embodiments of the electronic device include: a display module, a processor, a memory, and a power module, wherein the display module includes: a substrate; a pixel layer disposed on the substrate and including pixels, the pixels including organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs); an encapsulation member sealing the pixel layer; and a refractive layer disposed on the encapsulation member and including a second refractive pattern and a first refractive pattern, wherein the second refractive pattern includes a second penetration region and a second reflective side surface, a first portion of light emitted from the OLED passes through the second penetration region, the second reflective side surface reflects a second portion of light emitted from the OLED, the first portion and the second portion of light emitted from the OLED form transmitted light, and the first refractive pattern is configured to overlap with the second refractive pattern, and the first refractive pattern includes a first penetration region and a first reflective side surface, the first portion of transmitted light passes through the first penetration region, and the first reflective side surface reflects the second portion of transmitted light. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The following accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description of the present disclosure below, serve to further understand the technical concept of the present disclosure; therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the things described in such drawings, wherein:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an example of the cross-section of line I-I';

[0034] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic plan view of an example of a display device;

[0035] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 A circuit diagram of an example pixel of a display device;

[0036] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the section of line II-II';

[0037] Figure 6 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the section of line II-II';

[0038] Figure 7 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the section of line II-II';

[0039] Figure 8 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of another example of a section of line II-II';

[0040] Figure 9 It is a graph showing the relative brightness according to the viewing angle;

[0041] Figure 10 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of another example of a section of line II-II';

[0042] Figure 11 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of another example of a section of line II-II';

[0043] Figure 12 It is a graph showing the relative efficiency based on the difference between the distances from the center of the emission region to multiple refractive patterns;

[0044] Figure 13 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of another example of a section of line II-II';

[0045] Figure 14 This is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment; and

[0046] Figure 15 Schematic diagrams of electronic devices according to various embodiments are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout. In this regard, the embodiments may take different forms and should not be construed as limited to the description set forth herein. Therefore, embodiments are described below only by reference to the accompanying drawings to illustrate aspects. As used herein, unless the context otherwise indicates, the word “or” means logical “or,” such that the expression “A, B, or C” means “A and B and C,” “A and B but no C,” “A and C but no B,” “B and C but no A,” “A but no B and no C,” “B but no A and no C,” and “C but no A and no B.” When following a list of elements, expressions such as “at least one of…” modify the entire list of elements and do not modify individual elements in the list.

[0048] This disclosure may include various embodiments and modifications, and embodiments of this disclosure will be illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in detail herein. The effects and features of this disclosure and its accompanying methods will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below and may be embodied in various modes.

[0049] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used in this document to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0050] As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “one,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms.

[0051] It will also be understood that the terms “comprising” and “including” (and variations such as “containing”) used herein indicate the presence of the stated features or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features or components.

[0052] It will be understood that when a layer, area, or component is referred to as being "formed" "on" another layer, area, or component, the layer, area, or component may be formed directly or indirectly on the other layer, area, or component. That is, for example, an intermediary layer, area, or component may exist.

[0053] In the examples below, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as connection or combination do not necessarily imply a direct or fixed connection or combination of two components, and do not exclude the presence of another component between the two components.

[0054] For ease of illustration, the dimensions of the elements in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated. In other words, since the dimensions or thicknesses of the components in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for ease of illustration, the following embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0055] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of the same elements will not be given again.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an example of the cross section of line I-I'.

[0057] Reference Figure 1 The display device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display area DA and a peripheral area PA. The peripheral area PA is arranged outside the display area DA to surround the display area DA. Various wiring and driving circuits for transmitting electrical signals to be applied to the display area DA may be arranged in the peripheral area PA. The display device 1 can provide a predetermined image by using light emitted from a plurality of pixels arranged in the display area DA. Although not shown, the display device 1 can be bent by including a bending region in a portion of the peripheral area PA.

[0058] Display device 1 can be a display device such as an organic light-emitting display device, an inorganic light-emitting display device (or an inorganic electroluminescent (EL) display device), or a quantum dot light-emitting display device. The following description is based on an organic light-emitting display device as an example. Display device 1 can be implemented as various types of electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptop computers, or smartwatches.

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, the display device 1 may include a substrate 100, a pixel layer PXL including organic light-emitting diodes on the substrate 100, an encapsulation component 300 encapsulating the pixel layer PXL, a refractive layer 400 on the encapsulation component 300, and a functional layer FL on the refractive layer 400, wherein the substrate 100, the pixel layer PXL, the encapsulation component 300, the refractive layer 400, and the functional layer FL are stacked sequentially in the thickness direction (z direction).

[0060] The substrate 100 may comprise a glass material or a polymer resin. For example, the substrate 100 may comprise a glass material containing SiO2 as a main component, or may comprise various materials having flexible or bendable properties (e.g., resins such as reinforced plastics). Although not shown, the substrate 100 may be bent by including a bending region in a portion of the peripheral region PA.

[0061] A pixel layer PXL can be disposed on the substrate 100. The pixel layer PXL may include a display element layer DPL and a pixel circuit layer PCL. The display element layer DPL includes multiple display elements respectively arranged in multiple pixels, and the pixel circuit layer PCL includes multiple pixel circuits respectively arranged in multiple pixels and multiple insulating layers. The display element layer DPL is disposed on top of the pixel circuit layer PCL, and the multiple insulating layers may be disposed between the pixel circuits and the display elements. Some of the wiring in the pixel circuit layer PCL and some of the insulating layers may extend to the peripheral area PA.

[0062] The encapsulation member 300 may be a thin-film encapsulation layer. The thin-film encapsulation layer may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer. When the display device 1 includes a substrate 100 comprising a polymer resin and an encapsulation member 300 as a thin-film encapsulation layer comprising an inorganic encapsulation layer and an organic encapsulation layer, the flexibility of the display device 1 can be improved.

[0063] The refractive layer 400 can control the path of light emitted from the display element in the display element layer DPL, thereby improving the emission efficiency of the display device 1. As described below, the refractive layer 400 can change the path of light emitted from the display element to increase the light extraction efficiency of the display device 1.

[0064] The functional layer FL may include a polarization layer. In the light emitted from the display element of the display element layer DPL, the polarization layer transmits light through a portion having an electric field in the direction of the polarization axis, and absorbs or reflects light through a portion having an electric field perpendicular to the polarization axis. Furthermore, the functional layer FL may also include optical films, windows, etc., for reflecting external light.

[0065] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic plan view of an example of a display device, and Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 A circuit diagram of an example pixel of a display device.

[0066] Reference Figure 3 The substrate 100 may include a display area DA and a peripheral area PA. The peripheral area PA may be located outside the display area DA and may surround the display area DA.

[0067] On the upper part of the substrate 100, in the display area DA, multiple pixels PX can be arranged in a predetermined pattern in a first direction (x direction, row direction) and a second direction (y direction, column direction).

[0068] On the upper portion of the substrate 100, in the peripheral region PA, a scan driver SDR that provides scan signals to each pixel PX, a data driver DDR that provides data signals to each pixel PX, and a drive voltage ELVDD (see reference) can be arranged. Figure 4 ) and common voltage ELVSS (refer to Figure 4 The main power lines (not shown). The pad unit 140, which is arranged to connect to multiple signal pads SP of multiple data lines DL, can be positioned in the peripheral area PA on the upper part of the substrate 100.

[0069] Scan driver SDRs can include oxide semiconductor gate (OSG) driver circuitry or amorphous silicon gate (ASG) driver circuitry. Although Figure 3 An example is shown in which the scan driver SDR is positioned adjacent to one side of the substrate 100, but according to an embodiment, the scan driver SDR may be positioned adjacent to the two sides of the substrate 100 that face each other.

[0070] Figure 3 This illustration shows a scheme in which the data driver DDR is disposed on a film flip-flop (COF) electrically connected to a signal pad SP disposed on the upper portion of the substrate 100. According to another embodiment, the data driver DDR can be directly disposed on the substrate 100 using a glass flip-flop (COG) scheme or a plastic flip-flop (COP) scheme. The data driver DDR can be electrically connected to a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0071] Reference Figure 4 A pixel (PX) may include a pixel circuit (PC) and an organic light-emitting device (OLED) electrically connected to the pixel circuit (PC).

[0072] like Figure 4 As shown, the pixel circuit PC may include multiple transistors T1 to T7 and a storage capacitor Cst. Transistors T1 to T7 and the storage capacitor Cst may be connected to signal lines SL, SL-1, SL+1, EL and DL, a first initialization voltage line VL1, a second initialization voltage line VL2, and a drive voltage line PL.

[0073] Signal lines SL, SL-1, SL+1, EL, and DL may include a scan line SL for transmitting the scan signal Sn, a previous scan line SL-1 for transmitting the previous scan signal Sn-1 to the first initialization transistor T4, a subsequent scan line SL+1 for transmitting the subsequent scan signal Sn+1 to the second initialization transistor T7, an emit control line EL for transmitting the emit control signal En to the operation control transistor T5 and the emit control transistor T6, and a data line DL that intersects with the scan line SL and transmits the data signal Dm. The drive voltage line PL can transmit the drive voltage ELVDD to the drive transistor T1, the first initialization voltage line VL1 can transmit the initialization voltage Vint to the first initialization transistor T4, and the second initialization voltage line VL2 can transmit the initialization voltage Vint to the second initialization transistor T7.

[0074] The driving gate electrode G1 of driving transistor T1 is connected to the lower electrode CE1 of storage capacitor Cst. The driving source electrode S1 of driving transistor T1 is connected to the driving voltage line PL via operation control transistor T5, and the driving drain electrode D1 of driving transistor T1 is electrically connected to the pixel electrode of organic light-emitting device OLED via emitter control transistor T6. Driving transistor T1 receives data signal Dm according to the switching operation of switching transistor T2 and drives current I. OLED Supply to organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs).

[0075] The switching gate electrode G2 of switching transistor T2 is connected to the scan line SL, the switching source electrode S2 of switching transistor T2 is connected to the data line DL, and the switching drain electrode D2 of switching transistor T2 is connected to the driving source electrode S1 of driving transistor T1 and is connected to the driving voltage line PL via the operation control transistor T5. Switching transistor T2 is turned on according to the scan signal Sn received through the scan line SL and performs a switching operation to transmit the data signal Dm transmitted through the data line DL to the driving source electrode S1 of driving transistor T1.

[0076] The compensation gate electrode G3 of the compensation transistor T3 is connected to the scan line SL, the compensation source electrode S3 of the compensation transistor T3 is connected to the driving drain electrode D1 of the driving transistor T1 and is connected to the pixel electrode of the organic light-emitting device OLED via the emission control transistor T6, and the compensation drain electrode D3 of the compensation transistor T3 is connected to the lower electrode CE1 of the storage capacitor Cst, the first initialization drain electrode D4 of the first initialization transistor T4, and the driving gate electrode G1 of the driving transistor T1. The compensation transistor T3 is turned on according to the scan signal Sn received through the scan line SL and electrically connects the driving gate electrode G1 and the driving drain electrode D1 of the driving transistor T1, thereby making the driving transistor T1 connected in a diode manner.

[0077] The first initialization gate electrode G4 of the first initialization transistor T4 is connected to the previous scan line SL-1, the first initialization source electrode S4 of the first initialization transistor T4 is connected to the first initialization voltage line VL1, and the first initialization drain electrode D4 of the first initialization transistor T4 is connected to the lower electrode CE1 of the storage capacitor Cst, the compensation drain electrode D3 of the compensation transistor T3, and the driving gate electrode G1 of the driving transistor T1. The first initialization transistor T4 is turned on according to the previous scan signal Sn-1 received through the previous scan line SL-1 and performs an initialization operation to transfer the initialization voltage Vint to the driving gate electrode G1 of the driving transistor T1 to initialize the voltage of the driving gate electrode G1 of the driving transistor T1.

[0078] The operating control gate electrode G5 of the operating control transistor T5 is connected to the emitter control line EL, the operating control source electrode S5 of the operating control transistor T5 is connected to the drive voltage line PL, and the operating control drain electrode D5 of the operating control transistor T5 is connected to the drive source electrode S1 of the drive transistor T1 and the switch drain electrode D2 of the switch transistor T2.

[0079] The emission control gate electrode G6 of the emission control transistor T6 is connected to the emission control line EL, the emission control source electrode S6 of the emission control transistor T6 is connected to the driving drain electrode D1 of the driving transistor T1 and the compensation source electrode S3 of the compensation transistor T3, and the emission control drain electrode D6 of the emission control transistor T6 is electrically connected to the second initialization source electrode S7 of the second initialization transistor T7 and the pixel electrode of the organic light-emitting device OLED.

[0080] Based on the transmit control signal En received via the transmit control line EL, the operation control transistor T5 and the transmit control transistor T6 are simultaneously turned on, allowing the drive voltage ELVDD to be transmitted to the organic light-emitting device OLED to enable the drive current I. OLED It flows to the organic light-emitting device OLED.

[0081] The second initialization gate electrode G7 of the second initialization transistor T7 is connected to the subsequent scan line SL+1, the second initialization source electrode S7 of the second initialization transistor T7 is connected to the emission control drain electrode D6 of the emission control transistor T6 and the pixel electrode of the organic light-emitting device OLED, and the second initialization drain electrode D7 of the second initialization transistor T7 is connected to the second initialization voltage line VL2.

[0082] Subsequent scan line SL+1 can receive signals in the y direction (see reference). Figure 3The subsequent scan signal Sn+1 of the subsequent pixel on the ) is received. The second initialization transistor T7 can be turned on according to the subsequent scan signal Sn+1 received through the subsequent scan line SL+1, and perform the operation of initializing the pixel electrode of the organic light-emitting device OLED.

[0083] The upper electrode CE2 of the storage capacitor Cst is connected to the driving voltage line PL, and the common electrode of the organic light-emitting device (OLED) is connected to the common voltage ELVSS. The OLED can receive a driving current I from the driving transistor T1. OLED It emits light to display images.

[0084] although Figure 4 The diagram shows that the compensation transistor T3 and the first initialization transistor T4 each have dual gate electrodes, but the compensation transistor T3 and the first initialization transistor T4 may each have a single gate electrode.

[0085] Furthermore, despite Figure 4 The structure for the pixel circuit PC is shown, but multiple pixels PX, each having a pixel circuit PC, can be arranged to form multiple rows, and the first initialization voltage line VL1, the previous scan line SL-1, the second initialization voltage line VL2, and the subsequent scan line SL+1 can be shared by pixels in a row.

[0086] In one embodiment, the first initialization voltage line VL1 and the previous scan line SL-1 can be electrically connected to the first initialization thin-film transistor T4 of another pixel circuit PC arranged in the second direction (y direction). Therefore, the previous scan signal Sn-1 applied to the previous scan line SL-1 can be the scan signal of the scan line of the other pixel circuit PC (i.e., the previous pixel circuit PC). Similarly, the second initialization voltage line VL2 and the subsequent scan line SL+1 can be electrically connected to the second initialization thin-film transistor T7 of the other pixel circuit PC arranged in the second direction (y direction) to transmit the subsequent scan signal Sn+1 to the scan line of the other pixel circuit PC (i.e., the subsequent pixel circuit PC).

[0087] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the section of line II-II'.

[0088] Reference Figure 5 The buffer layer 111 can be formed on the substrate 100 to prevent impurities from penetrating into the semiconductor layer of the thin-film transistor.

[0089] The substrate 100 may comprise various materials such as glass, metal, or plastic. According to embodiments, the substrate 100 may be a flexible substrate and, for example, may comprise polymeric resins such as polyethersulfone (PES), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), or cellulose acetate propionate (CAP).

[0090] The buffer layer 111 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon nitride or silicon oxide, and may be a single layer or multiple layers.

[0091] A thin-film transistor (TFT), a capacitor Cst, and an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) 200 electrically connected to the TFT can be disposed on the substrate 100. The OLED 200 being electrically connected to the TFT can be understood as the pixel electrode 211 being electrically connected to the TFT. The TFT can be... Figure 4 The driving transistor T1.

[0092] A thin-film transistor (TFT) may include a semiconductor layer 132, a gate electrode 134, a source electrode 136S, and a drain electrode 136D. The semiconductor layer 132 may include an oxide semiconductor material. The semiconductor layer 132 may include amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, or an organic semiconductor material. Considering adhesion to adjacent layers, surface flatness of the stacked layers, and processability, the gate electrode 134 may be formed as a single layer or multiple layers using one or more materials selected from aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), and copper (Cu).

[0093] A gate insulating layer 112, comprising an inorganic material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride, may be provided between the semiconductor layer 132 and the gate electrode 134. A first interlayer insulating layer 113 and a second interlayer insulating layer 114, comprising an inorganic material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride, may be disposed between the gate electrode 134 and the source electrode 136S and the drain electrode 136D. The source electrode 136S and the drain electrode 136D may be electrically connected to the semiconductor layer 132 through contact holes formed in the gate insulating layer 112, the first interlayer insulating layer 113, and the second interlayer insulating layer 114, respectively.

[0094] The source electrode 136S and drain electrode 136D can be formed as a single layer or multiple layers using one or more materials selected from aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), and copper (Cu).

[0095] The capacitor Cst includes a lower electrode CE1 and an upper electrode CE2 that overlap each other, and a first interlayer insulating layer 113 is located between the lower electrode CE1 and the upper electrode CE2. The capacitor Cst can be overlapped with a thin-film transistor (TFT). Figure 5 The diagram shows that the gate electrode 134 of the thin-film transistor TFT is the lower electrode CE1 of the capacitor Cst. According to another embodiment, the capacitor Cst may not overlap with the thin-film transistor TFT. The capacitor Cst may be covered by a second interlayer insulating layer 114.

[0096] Pixel circuitry, including a thin-film transistor (TFT) and a capacitor (Cst), can be covered by a first insulating layer 115 and a second insulating layer 116. The first insulating layer 115 and the second insulating layer 116 are planarization insulating layers and may be organic insulating layers. The first insulating layer 115 and the second insulating layer 116 may comprise organic insulators containing, for example, general-purpose polymers (such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polystyrene (PS)), polymer derivatives having phenolic groups, acrylic polymers, imide polymers, aryl ether polymers, amide polymers, fluorinated polymers, p-xylene polymers, vinyl alcohol polymers, and mixtures thereof. According to an embodiment, the first insulating layer 115 and the second insulating layer 116 may comprise polyimide.

[0097] A display element (e.g., an organic light-emitting diode 200) may be disposed on the second insulating layer 116. The organic light-emitting diode 200 may include a pixel electrode 211, an intermediate layer 231, and a counter electrode 251.

[0098] Pixel electrode 211 is disposed on the second insulating layer 116 and can be connected to the thin-film transistor (TFT) via a connection electrode 181 on the first insulating layer 115. (See also: data line DL). Figure 4 ) and drive voltage line PL (refer to Figure 4 The wiring 183 can be arranged on the first insulating layer 115.

[0099] Pixel electrode 211 may include a conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In2O3), indium gallium oxide (IGO), or zinc aluminum oxide (AZO). According to another embodiment, pixel electrode 211 may include a reflective film comprising silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), or compounds thereof. According to another embodiment, pixel electrode 211 may also include a film comprising ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In2O3 above / below the reflective film described above.

[0100] A third insulating layer 117 may be disposed on the second insulating layer 116. The third insulating layer 117 may be a pixel defining film that defines a pixel by covering the edge portion of the pixel electrode 211 and having an opening OP that partially exposes the pixel electrode 211. The opening OP may correspond to the emission region A1. The region that does not correspond to the opening OP may be referred to as the non-emission region A2.

[0101] The third insulating layer 117 can prevent electric arcing at the edge of the pixel electrode 211 by increasing the distance between the edge of the pixel electrode 211 and the counter electrode 251. The third insulating layer 117 may include organic materials such as polyimide (PI) or hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO).

[0102] The intermediate layer 231 includes an emitting layer. The emitting layer may include a polymer or low-molecular-weight organic material that emits light of a predetermined color. According to an embodiment, the intermediate layer 231 may include a first functional layer disposed below the emitting layer or a second functional layer disposed above the emitting layer. The first or second functional layer may include a layer that serves as a single body across a plurality of pixel electrodes 211, or may include a layer patterned to correspond to each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 211.

[0103] The first functional layer can be a single layer or multiple layers. For example, when the first functional layer comprises a polymer material, the first functional layer can be a hole transport layer (HTL) with a single-layer structure and can include polyethylene dihydroxythiophene, poly(3,4)-ethylene-dihydroxythiophene (PEDOT), or polyaniline (PANI). When the first functional layer comprises a low molecular weight material, the first functional layer can include a hole injection layer (HIL) and an HTL.

[0104] A second functional layer is not always provided. For example, when the first functional layer and the emitting layer comprise polymer materials, a second functional layer can be formed to improve the characteristics of the organic light-emitting device. The second functional layer can be a single layer or multiple layers. The second functional layer may include an electron transport layer (ETL) or an electron injection layer (EIL).

[0105] Counter electrode 251 is positioned facing pixel electrode 211, and intermediate layer 231 is located between counter electrode 251 and pixel electrode 211. Counter electrode 251 may include a conductive material with a low work function. For example, counter electrode 251 may include a (semi-)transparent layer comprising silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), or alloys thereof. Alternatively, counter electrode 251 may also include a layer comprising ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In2O3 on a (semi-)transparent layer comprising the materials described above.

[0106] Counter electrode 251 can be disposed on the intermediate layer 231 and the third insulating layer 117. Counter electrode 251 can be disposed in the display area DA (refer to...). Figure 3 The entire structure is formed within multiple organic light-emitting diodes 200 and can face multiple pixel electrodes 211.

[0107] Figure 6 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the section of line II-II', and Figure 7 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the section of line II-II'.

[0108] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 Display device 1 (refer to) Figure 3 The pixel electrode 211 can be divided into an emitting region A1 and a non-emitting region A2. The emitting region A1 can be connected to an opening OP in the third insulating layer 117 that exposes a portion of the pixel electrode 211 (see reference). Figure 5 More specifically, the emitting region A1 can be a region corresponding to the intermediate layer 231 of the organic light-emitting diode 200. In other words, the intermediate layer 231 can overlap with the emitting region A1. Light can be emitted from the emitting region A1.

[0109] The region that does not correspond to the opening OP (in particular, the region that does not correspond to the intermediate layer 231) can be called the non-emission region A2. The non-emission region A2 can be adjacent to the emission region A1.

[0110] A thin-film encapsulation layer can be disposed on the counter electrode 251 as an encapsulation component 300. The thin-film encapsulation layer protects the organic light-emitting diode 200 from external moisture or oxygen. The thin-film encapsulation layer can have a multilayer structure.

[0111] Functional layers FL, such as refractive layer 400, polarizing layer, and window, can be disposed on organic light-emitting diode 200 (e.g., disposed on encapsulation component 300).

[0112] The refractive layer 400 can control the path of light emitted from the emission layer of the organic light-emitting diode 200. The refractive layer 400 can change the path of light propagating laterally (e.g., in directions other than the z-direction) emitted from the emission layer of the organic light-emitting diode 200, such that the light propagates approximately in the z-direction, which is the forward direction.

[0113] When people view screen images in public places, they want to prevent information from being shared. In other words, they desire a special display device whose brightness decreases beyond a certain viewing angle. This can be achieved by applying a separate film to reduce brightness beyond a specific viewing angle, or by adjusting the viewing angle using light-blocking components. However, such techniques may increase the thickness of the display device or reduce brightness in the forward direction.

[0114] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a display device in which the topmost refractive pattern covers a light-blocking pattern, avoiding a significant increase in the thickness of the display device, increasing brightness in the forward direction, and reducing brightness at a certain angle (or a large angle) from the normal to ensure privacy.

[0115] Reference Figure 6 The refractive layer 400 may be disposed between the encapsulation member 300 and the functional layer FL. The refractive layer 400 may include a first refractive pattern 411 and a second refractive pattern 421 configured to overlap with the first refractive pattern 411.

[0116] The first refractive pattern 411 can be disposed between the second refractive pattern 421 and the functional layer FL. The first refractive pattern 411 can be configured to overlap with the second refractive pattern 421 in the z-direction. The first refractive pattern 411 can focus light traveling outward at a high angle in the forward direction.

[0117] The first refractive pattern 411 may not overlap with the emission region A1 in the z-direction. In other words, the first refractive pattern 411 may overlap with the non-emission region A2 in the z-direction.

[0118] The first refractive pattern 411 can be configured to cover the first light-blocking pattern 412. In other words, the width of the first refractive pattern 411 between adjacent pixels can be greater than the width of the first light-blocking pattern 412 between adjacent pixels. The first light-blocking pattern 412 can be disposed on the second planarization layer 423, and the first refractive pattern 411 can be disposed on the first light-blocking pattern 412 to cover the first light-blocking pattern 412. A region of the first refractive pattern 411 can contact the second planarization layer 423.

[0119] The first light-blocking pattern 412 can block light. Specifically, the first light-blocking pattern 412 can block light emitted at a high angle. For example, the first light-blocking pattern 412 may include chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), or chromium oxide (CrO). x ), molybdenum oxide (MoO) x ), carbon pigments, black resin, etc.

[0120] A first planarization layer 413 covers the first refractive pattern 411 and may be disposed on a second planarization layer 423. According to an embodiment, the first planarization layer 413 may have a flat top surface and comprise an organic material. The first planarization layer 413 and the first refractive pattern 411 may have different refractive indices. The first refractive pattern 411 may comprise an organic material different from the organic material constituting the first planarization layer 413. According to an embodiment, the refractive index of the first planarization layer 413 may be higher than the refractive index of the first refractive pattern 411. Therefore, light reaching the first reflective side surface 415 of the first refractive pattern 411 from the first planarization layer 413 can be totally internally reflected, and light emitted through the side surface can be guided in the forward direction, thereby increasing brightness in the forward direction.

[0121] The first refractive pattern 411 may include a first penetrating region 414 and a first reflective side surface 415, wherein at least some of the light emitted from the organic light-emitting diode 200 passes through the first penetrating region 414 and the first reflective side surface 415 reflects at least some of the light emitted by the organic light-emitting diode 200.

[0122] The first penetrating region 414 may overlap with the emitting region A1. The first reflective side surface 415 may include a sloping surface. According to an embodiment, the angle between the sloping surface and the second planarization layer 423 may be 45° or greater and 90° or less. According to another embodiment, the angle between the sloping surface and the second planarization layer 423 may be 60° or greater and 70° or less.

[0123] The second refractive pattern 421 may be disposed between the first refractive pattern 411 and the encapsulation member 300. The second refractive pattern 421 may be configured to overlap with the first refractive pattern 411 in the z-direction. According to an embodiment, the width of the second refractive pattern 421 between adjacent pixels may be the same as the width of the first refractive pattern 411 between adjacent pixels.

[0124] The second refractive pattern 421 can focus light traveling outward at a high angle onto the forward direction. In other words, by overlapping and stacking the first refractive pattern 411 and the second refractive pattern 421 on the second refractive pattern 421, light traveling outward at a high angle is focused onto the forward direction, and thus the brightness in the forward direction can be increased and the brightness in the lateral direction can be decreased. Furthermore, by overlapping and stacking the first refractive pattern 411 on the second refractive pattern 421, light emitted at an angle greater than or equal to a certain angle is blocked by the first light-blocking pattern 412, and thus the light-blocking pattern can be omitted from the second refractive pattern 421. Therefore, the thickness of the display device 1 can be reduced. However, according to an embodiment, the display device 1 may also include a second light-blocking pattern covered by the second refractive pattern 421.

[0125] The second refractive pattern 421 may not overlap with the emission region A1 in the z-direction. In other words, the second refractive pattern 421 may overlap with the non-emission region A2 in the z-direction.

[0126] A second planarization layer 423 may be disposed on the second refractive pattern 421, thereby arranging the first refractive pattern 411 and the second refractive pattern 421 spaced apart from each other. The second planarization layer 423 covers the second refractive pattern 421 and may be disposed on the encapsulation member 300. According to an embodiment, the second planarization layer 423 may have a flat top surface, and the first refractive pattern 411 may be disposed on the top surface of the second planarization layer 423.

[0127] The second planarization layer 423 may include an organic material. The second planarization layer 423 and the second refractive pattern 421 may have different refractive indices. The second refractive pattern 421 may include an organic material different from the organic material constituting the second planarization layer 423. According to an embodiment, the refractive index of the second planarization layer 423 may be higher than the refractive index of the second refractive pattern 421. Therefore, light reaching the second reflective side surface 425 of the second refractive pattern 421 from the second planarization layer 423 can be totally internally reflected, and light emitted through the side surface can be guided in the forward direction, thereby increasing brightness in the forward direction.

[0128] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the second planarization layer 423 may comprise the same material as the first planarization layer 413, and the second refractive pattern 421 may comprise the same material as the first refractive pattern 411.

[0129] The second refractive pattern 421 may include a second penetration region 424 and a second reflective side surface 425. At least some light emitted from the organic light-emitting diode 200 passes through the second penetration region 424, and the second reflective side surface 425 reflects at least some of the light emitted from the organic light-emitting diode 200. In other words, a first portion of the light emitted from the organic light-emitting diode 200 can pass through the second penetration region, and a second portion of the light can be reflected from the second reflective side surface 425. The first and second portions of the light may be referred to as transmitted light. Furthermore, the first portion of the transmitted light can pass through the first penetration region 414 of the first refractive pattern 411, and the second portion of the transmitted light can be reflected from the first reflective side surface 415 of the first refractive pattern 411.

[0130] The second penetrating region 424 may overlap with the emitting region A1. The second reflective side surface 425 may include a sloped surface. According to one embodiment, the angle between the sloped surface and the encapsulation member 300 may be 45° or greater and 90° or less. According to another embodiment, the angle between the sloped surface and the encapsulation member 300 may be 60° or greater and 70° or less.

[0131] The first penetrating region 414 and the second penetrating region 424 may overlap each other in the z-direction. According to an embodiment, the width of the first penetrating region 414 and the width of the second penetrating region 424 may be the same as each other.

[0132] Reference Figure 7 Some light emitted from the organic light-emitting diode 200 can pass through the refractive layer 400 and the functional layer FL. However, some of the light can be blocked by the first light-blocking pattern 412.

[0133] According to one embodiment, light emitted from the organic light-emitting diode 200 may pass through the functional layer FL after being reflected by the first reflective side surface 415 of the first refractive pattern 411. According to another embodiment, light emitted from the organic light-emitting diode 200 may be blocked by the first light-blocking pattern 412 after being reflected by the second reflective side surface 425 of the second refractive pattern 421, or it may pass through the functional layer FL after being refracted by the first refractive pattern 411.

[0134] By arranging a light-blocking pattern only on the topmost refractive pattern (that is, by setting a first light-blocking pattern 412 only on the first refractive pattern 411 and not setting a light-blocking pattern on the second refractive pattern 421), brightness loss can be reduced, brightness in the forward direction can be improved, and brightness at high viewing angles can be reduced.

[0135] If a light-blocking pattern is provided for each refractive pattern, the overall thickness and size of the refractive layer 400 increase, thereby reducing the opening area through which light can pass. In other words, by covering the light-blocking pattern with the refractive pattern, brightness loss caused by multiple stacked light-blocking patterns can be reduced. However, it may be better to provide a light-blocking pattern only below the topmost refractive pattern to prevent brightness loss in the forward direction.

[0136] Figure 8 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of another example of a portion of the section of line II-II', and Figure 9 It is a graph showing the relative brightness according to the viewing angle.

[0137] Reference Figure 8 The display device 1 according to the embodiment (refer to) Figure 3 It may include a refractive layer 500, which includes a first refractive pattern 511, a second refractive pattern 521 and a third refractive pattern 531.

[0138] The first refractive pattern 511, the second refractive pattern 521, the first light-blocking pattern 512, the first planarization layer 513, the second planarization layer 523, the first penetrating region 514, the second penetrating region 524, the first reflective side surface 515, and the second reflective side surface 525 of the refractive layer 500 can be respectively connected to... Figure 6 The first refractive pattern 411, the second refractive pattern 421, the first light blocking pattern 412, the first planarization layer 413, the second planarization layer 423, the first penetration area 414, the second penetration area 424, the first reflective side surface 415, and the second reflective side surface 425 correspond to each other.

[0139] However, the refractive layer 500 may also include a third refractive pattern 531 and a third planarization layer 533, the third planarization layer 533 covering the third refractive pattern 531, the third planarization layer 533 being between the second refractive pattern 521 and the encapsulation member 300.

[0140] The third refractive pattern 531 may be disposed between the second refractive pattern 521 and the encapsulation member 300. The third refractive pattern 531 may be configured to overlap with the first refractive pattern 511 and the second refractive pattern 521 in the z-direction. According to an embodiment, the width of the third refractive pattern 531 between adjacent pixels may be the same as each of the width of the second refractive pattern 521 between adjacent pixels and the width of the first refractive pattern 511 between adjacent pixels.

[0141] The third refractive pattern 531 can focus light traveling outward at a high angle onto the forward direction. In other words, by overlapping and stacking the second refractive pattern 521 with the third refractive pattern 531 and stacking the first refractive pattern 511 with the second refractive pattern 521, light traveling outward at a high angle is focused onto the forward direction, and thus the brightness in the forward direction can be increased and the brightness in the lateral direction can be decreased.

[0142] Furthermore, since light emitted beyond a certain angle is blocked by the first light-blocking pattern 512, the light-blocking pattern can be omitted in the third refractive pattern 531, and thus the thickness of the display device 1 can be reduced. However, according to an embodiment, the display device 1 may also include a third light-blocking pattern covered by the third refractive pattern 531 or a second light-blocking pattern covered by the second refractive pattern 521.

[0143] The third refractive pattern 531 may not overlap with the emission region A1 in the z-direction. In other words, the third refractive pattern 531 may overlap with the non-emission region A2 in the z-direction.

[0144] A third planarization layer 533 covers the third refractive pattern 531 and may be disposed on the encapsulation member 300. The third planarization layer 533 may be disposed on the third refractive pattern 531 such that the third refractive pattern 531 and the second refractive pattern 521 are spaced apart from each other. According to an embodiment, the third planarization layer 533 may have a flat top surface, and the second refractive pattern 521 may be disposed on the top surface of the third planarization layer 533.

[0145] The third planarization layer 533 may include an organic material. The third refractive pattern 531 may include an organic material different from the organic material constituting the third planarization layer 533. The third planarization layer 533 and the third refractive pattern 531 may have different refractive indices. According to an embodiment, the refractive index of the third planarization layer 533 may be higher than the refractive index of the third refractive pattern 531. Therefore, light reaching the third reflective side surface 535 of the third refractive pattern 531 from the third planarization layer 533 can be totally internally reflected, and light emitted through the side surface can be guided in the forward direction, thereby increasing brightness in the forward direction.

[0146] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the third planarization layer 533 may include the same material as the second planarization layer 523 and the first planarization layer 513, and the third refractive pattern 531 may include the same material as the second refractive pattern 521 and the first refractive pattern 511.

[0147] The third refractive pattern 531 may include a third penetrating region 534 and a third reflective side surface 535, through which at least some light emitted from the organic light-emitting diode 200 passes and the third reflective side surface 535 reflects at least some of the light emitted from the organic light-emitting diode 200.

[0148] The third penetrating region 534 may overlap with the emitting region A1. The third reflective side surface 535 may include a sloped surface. According to one embodiment, the angle between the sloped surface and the encapsulation member 300 may be 45° or greater and 90° or less. According to another embodiment, the angle between the sloped surface and the encapsulation member 300 may be 60° or greater and 70° or less.

[0149] The third penetrating region 534 may overlap with the first penetrating region 514 and the second penetrating region 524 in the z-direction. According to an embodiment, the width of the third penetrating region 534 may be the same as the width of each of the first penetrating region 514 and the second penetrating region 524.

[0150] See Figures 6 to 9 , Figure 9 This is a graph showing the relative brightness of the viewing angle for each of the following: a single-light-blocking pattern having only one light-blocking pattern and no refractive pattern; a birefringent pattern having a first light-blocking pattern 412 disposed only below the first refractive pattern 411; a trirefringent pattern having a first light-blocking pattern 512 disposed only below the first refractive pattern 511; and a double-light-blocking pattern having only double-stacked light-blocking patterns and no refractive pattern. The results of evaluations of the wide-angle display (WAD) characteristics of the refractive layer according to various embodiments are reviewed below. Figure 9 In the diagram, L refers to brightness in the horizontal direction, and L-O refers to brightness in the forward direction.

[0151] The graphs show the brightness in the forward direction as the viewing angle decreases, and the brightness in the lateral direction as the viewing angle increases. When viewing screen images in public places, to prevent information from being shared with others, the brightness in the lateral direction should be low and the brightness in the forward direction should be high, thus ensuring high visibility and high light efficiency.

[0152] A single-light-blocking pattern, which has only one light-blocking pattern and no refractive pattern, exhibits higher relative brightness at high viewing angles than double-light-blocking, birefringent, and triple-refringent patterns, and therefore makes it difficult to maintain privacy.

[0153] A double-light-blocking pattern is a pattern in which light-blocking patterns are stacked in doubles without any refractive patterns, and the distance between the light-blocking patterns is constant. Because the reduction in relative brightness at high viewing angles is very small compared to birefringent and trirefringent patterns, maintaining privacy is challenging.

[0154] Because birefringent patterns have lower relative brightness at high viewing angles compared to birefringent patterns, the birefringent pattern, in which the first light-blocking pattern 412 is only disposed on the first refractive pattern 411, can protect privacy. However, the relative brightness in the forward direction is lower than that of a trirefringent pattern, and therefore the light efficiency of birefringent patterns can be relatively low. However, since birefringent patterns do not include a third refractive pattern or a third planarization layer like trirefringent patterns, display devices that are thinner and lighter than trirefringent patterns can be manufactured.

[0155] The first light-blocking pattern 512 is disposed only on the first refractive pattern 511, and the third refractive pattern 531 is further included between the second refractive pattern 521 and the encapsulation member 300. The trirefractive pattern exhibits the lowest brightness at high viewing angles, thus providing optimal privacy protection. In addition, the trirefractive pattern exhibits higher brightness in the forward direction than the birefractive pattern, thus exhibiting good light efficiency.

[0156] In other words, compared to a dual-light-blocking pattern where two light-blocking patterns are stacked together but no refractive patterns are absent, a birefringent or trirefringent pattern where the first refractive pattern 411 or 511, as the topmost layer, only covers the first light-blocking pattern 412 or 512 exhibits lower brightness at high viewing angles and reduces brightness beyond a certain angle, thereby preventing information from being shared with others when viewing screen images and protecting privacy. When multiple refractive patterns are stacked, brightness at high viewing angles can be reduced without increasing the thickness of the display device.

[0157] Figure 10 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of another example of a section of line II-II'.

[0158] Display device 1 according to another embodiment (refer to) Figure 3 It may include a refractive layer 600, which includes a first refractive pattern 611 and a second refractive pattern 621 having a width different from that of the first refractive pattern 611.

[0159] Reference Figure 10 The refractive layer 600 may be disposed between the encapsulation member 300 and the functional layer FL. The refractive layer 600 may include a first refractive pattern 611 and a second refractive pattern 621 configured to overlap with the first refractive pattern 611.

[0160] The first refractive pattern 611 can be disposed between the second refractive pattern 621 and the functional layer FL. The first refractive pattern 611 can be configured to overlap with the second refractive pattern 621 in the z-direction. The first refractive pattern 611 can focus light traveling outward at a high angle in the forward direction.

[0161] The first refractive pattern 611 may not overlap with the emission region A1 in the z-direction. In other words, the first refractive pattern 611 may overlap with the non-emission region A2 in the z-direction.

[0162] The first refractive pattern 611 can be configured to cover the first light-blocking pattern 612. In other words, the width of the first refractive pattern 611 can be greater than the width of the first light-blocking pattern 612. The first light-blocking pattern 612 can be disposed on the second planarization layer 623, and the first refractive pattern 611 can be disposed on the first light-blocking pattern 612 to cover the first light-blocking pattern 612. In other words, a region of the first refractive pattern 611 can contact the second planarization layer 623.

[0163] The first light-blocking pattern 612 can block light. Specifically, the first light-blocking pattern 612 can block light emitted at a high angle. For example, the first light-blocking pattern 612 may include chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), or chromium oxide (CrO). x ), molybdenum oxide (MoO) x ), carbon pigments, black resin, etc.

[0164] A first planarization layer 613 covers the first refractive pattern 611 and may be disposed on a second planarization layer 623. According to an embodiment, the first planarization layer 613 may have a flat top surface and comprise an organic material. The first refractive pattern 611 may comprise an organic material different from the organic material constituting the first planarization layer 613. The first planarization layer 613 and the first refractive pattern 611 may have different refractive indices. According to an embodiment, the refractive index of the first planarization layer 613 may be higher than the refractive index of the first refractive pattern 611. Therefore, light reaching the first reflective side surface 615 of the first refractive pattern 611 from the first planarization layer 613 can be totally internally reflected, and light emitted through the side surface can be guided in the forward direction, thereby increasing brightness in the forward direction.

[0165] The first refractive pattern 611 may include a first penetrating region 614 and a first reflective side surface 615, through which at least some light emitted from the organic light-emitting diode 200 passes and the first reflective side surface 615 reflects at least some of the light emitted from the organic light-emitting diode 200.

[0166] The first penetrating region 614 may overlap with the emitting region A1. The first reflective side surface 615 may include a sloping surface. According to an embodiment, the angle between the sloping surface and the second planarization layer 623 may be 45° or greater and 90° or less. According to another embodiment, the angle between the sloping surface and the second planarization layer 623 may be 60° or greater and 70° or less.

[0167] The second refractive pattern 621 can be disposed between the first refractive pattern 611 and the encapsulation member 300. The second refractive pattern 621 can be configured to overlap with the first refractive pattern 611 in the z-direction.

[0168] The second refractive pattern 621 can focus light traveling outward at a high angle in the forward direction. In other words, by overlapping and stacking the first refractive pattern 611 and the second refractive pattern 621 on the second refractive pattern 621, light traveling outward at a high angle is continuously focused in the forward direction, and thus the brightness in the forward direction can be increased and the brightness in the lateral direction can be decreased.

[0169] The width of the second refractive pattern 621 between adjacent pixels can be greater than the width of the first refractive pattern 611 between adjacent pixels. In other words, when measuring the distance in the x-direction from the center of the emission region A1, the distance from the center of the emission region A1 to the first refractive pattern 611 can be greater than the distance from the center of the emission region A1 to the second refractive pattern 621. Therefore, the amount of light emitted in the forward direction can be increased.

[0170] By overlapping and stacking the first refractive pattern 611 with the second refractive pattern 621 on top of the second refractive pattern 621, light emitted at an angle greater than or equal to a specific angle is blocked by the first light-blocking pattern 612, and therefore the light-blocking pattern can be omitted from the second refractive pattern 621. Thus, the thickness of the display device 1 can be reduced. However, according to an optional embodiment, the display device 1 may further include a second light-blocking pattern covered by the second refractive pattern 621.

[0171] The second refractive pattern 621 may not overlap with the emission region A1 in the z-direction. In other words, the second refractive pattern 621 may overlap with the non-emission region A2 in the z-direction.

[0172] A second planarization layer 623 may be disposed on the second refractive pattern 621, thereby arranging the first refractive pattern 611 and the second refractive pattern 621 spaced apart from each other. The second planarization layer 623 covers the second refractive pattern 621 and may be disposed on the encapsulation member 300. According to an embodiment, the second planarization layer 623 may have a flat top surface, and the first refractive pattern 611 may be disposed on the top surface of the second planarization layer 623.

[0173] The second planarization layer 623 may include an organic material. The second refractive pattern 621 may include an organic material different from the organic material constituting the second planarization layer 623. The second planarization layer 623 and the second refractive pattern 621 may have different refractive indices. According to an embodiment, the refractive index of the second planarization layer 623 may be higher than the refractive index of the second refractive pattern 621. Therefore, light reaching the second reflective side surface 625 of the second refractive pattern 621 from the second planarization layer 623 can be totally internally reflected, and light emitted through the side surface can be guided in the forward direction, thereby increasing brightness in the forward direction.

[0174] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the second planarization layer 623 may comprise the same material as the first planarization layer 613, and the second refractive pattern 621 may comprise the same material as the first refractive pattern 611.

[0175] The second refractive pattern 621 may include a second penetration region 624 and a second reflective side surface 625, through which at least some light emitted from the organic light-emitting diode 200 passes and the second reflective side surface 625 reflects at least some of the light emitted from the organic light-emitting diode 200.

[0176] The second penetrating region 624 may overlap with the emitting region A1. The second reflective side surface 625 may include a sloped surface. According to an embodiment, the angle between the sloped surface and the encapsulation member 300 may be 45° or greater and 90° or less. According to another embodiment, the angle between the sloped surface and the encapsulation member 300 may be 60° or greater and 70° or less.

[0177] The first penetrating region 614 and the second penetrating region 624 can overlap each other in the z-direction. However, the width of the first penetrating region 614 can be greater than the width of the second penetrating region 624, and therefore the brightness in the forward direction can be increased.

[0178] Figure 11 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of another example of a portion of the section of line II-II', and Figure 12 It is a graph showing the relative efficiency based on the difference between the distances from the center of the emission region to multiple refractive patterns.

[0179] Display device 1 according to another embodiment (refer to) Figure 3 It may include a refractive layer 700, which includes a first refractive pattern 711, a second refractive pattern 721 and a third refractive pattern 731.

[0180] The first refractive pattern 711, the second refractive pattern 721, the first light-blocking pattern 712, the first planarization layer 713, the second planarization layer 723, the first penetrating region 714, the second penetrating region 724, the first reflective side surface 715, and the second reflective side surface 725 of the refractive layer 700 can be respectively connected to... Figure 10 The first refractive pattern 611, the second refractive pattern 621, the first light blocking pattern 612, the first planarization layer 613, the second planarization layer 623, the first penetration region 614, the second penetration region 624, the first reflective side surface 615, and the second reflective side surface 625 correspond to each other.

[0181] However, the refractive layer 700 may also include a third refractive pattern 731 and a third planarization layer 733, the third planarization layer 733 covering the third refractive pattern 731, the third planarization layer 733 being between the second refractive pattern 721 and the encapsulation member 300.

[0182] The third refractive pattern 731 can be disposed between the second refractive pattern 721 and the encapsulation member 300. The third refractive pattern 731 can be configured to overlap with the first refractive pattern 711 and the second refractive pattern 721 in the z-direction.

[0183] The width of the third refractive pattern 731 between adjacent pixels can be greater than each of the widths of the second refractive pattern 721 and the first refractive pattern 711 between adjacent pixels. In other words, when measuring the distance in the x-direction from the center of the emission region A1, the distance from the center of the emission region A1 to the third refractive pattern 731 can be less than the distances from the center of the emission region A1 to the second refractive pattern 721 and the distances from the center of the emission region A1 to the first refractive pattern 711. Therefore, the amount of light emitted in the forward direction can be increased.

[0184] The third refractive pattern 731 can focus light traveling outward at a high angle onto the forward direction. In other words, by overlapping and stacking the second refractive pattern 721 with the third refractive pattern 731 and stacking the first refractive pattern 711 with the second refractive pattern 721, light traveling outward at a high angle is continuously focused onto the forward direction, and thus the brightness in the forward direction can be increased and the brightness in the lateral direction can be decreased.

[0185] Furthermore, since light emitted beyond a certain angle is blocked by the first light-blocking pattern 712, the blocking pattern can be omitted from the third refractive pattern 731, and thus the thickness of the display device 1 can be reduced. However, according to an optional embodiment, the display device 1 may also include a third light-blocking pattern covered by the third refractive pattern 731 or a second light-blocking pattern covered by the second refractive pattern 721.

[0186] The third refractive pattern 731 may not overlap with the emission region A1 in the z-direction. In other words, the third refractive pattern 731 may overlap with the non-emission region A2 in the z-direction.

[0187] A third planarization layer 733 covers the third refractive pattern 731 and may be disposed on the encapsulation member 300. The third planarization layer 733 may be disposed on the third refractive pattern 731 such that the third refractive pattern 731 and the second refractive pattern 721 are spaced apart from each other. According to an embodiment, the third planarization layer 733 may have a flat top surface, and the second refractive pattern 721 may be disposed on the top surface of the third planarization layer 733.

[0188] The third planarization layer 733 may include an organic material. The third refractive pattern 731 may include an organic material different from the organic material constituting the third planarization layer 733. The third planarization layer 733 and the third refractive pattern 731 may have different refractive indices. According to an embodiment, the refractive index of the third planarization layer 733 may be higher than the refractive index of the third refractive pattern 731. Therefore, light reaching the third reflective side surface 735 of the third refractive pattern 731 from the third planarization layer 733 can be totally internally reflected, and light emitted through the side surface can be guided in the forward direction, thereby increasing brightness in the forward direction.

[0189] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the third planarization layer 733 may comprise the same material as the second planarization layer 723 and the first planarization layer 713, and the third refractive pattern 731 may comprise the same material as the second refractive pattern 721 and the first refractive pattern 711.

[0190] The third refractive pattern 731 may include a third penetrating region 734 and a third reflective side surface 735, through which at least some light emitted from the organic light-emitting diode 200 passes and the third reflective side surface 735 reflects at least some of the light emitted from the organic light-emitting diode 200.

[0191] The third penetrating region 734 may overlap with the emitting region A1. The third reflective side surface 735 may include a sloped surface. According to one embodiment, the angle between the sloped surface and the encapsulation member 300 may be 45° or greater and 90° or less. According to another embodiment, the angle between the sloped surface and the encapsulation member 300 may be 60° or greater and 70° or less.

[0192] The third penetrating region 734 may overlap with the first penetrating region 714 and the second penetrating region 724 in the z-direction. However, the width of the third penetrating region 734 is smaller than the width of each of the first penetrating region 714 and the second penetrating region 724, and therefore the brightness in the forward direction can be increased.

[0193] Figure 12 This shows that when measuring the distance in the x-direction from the center of the emission region A1, based on the distance from the center of the emission region A1 to the third refraction pattern ( Figure 11 The distance between the third refractive pattern 731 and the distance from the center of the emission region A1 to the first refractive pattern ( Figure 11 A graph showing the relative efficiency of brightness in the forward direction for the difference between the distances of the first refractive pattern 711).

[0194] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 When the width of the third refractive pattern 731 is the same as the width of the first refractive pattern 711 (that is, when the width of the first penetration region 714 is the same as the width of the third penetration region 734) is set to correspond to 100% brightness in the forward direction, the relative efficiency is approximately 113% when the difference between the distance from the center of the emission region A1 to the third refractive pattern 731 and the distance from the center of the emission region A1 to the first refractive pattern 711 is 1 μm. When the difference between the distance from the center of the emission region A1 to the third refractive pattern 731 and the distance from the center of the emission region A1 to the first refractive pattern 711 is 2 μm, the relative efficiency increases to approximately 116%.

[0195] In other words, when multiple refractive patterns are stacked in a refractive layer, the distance from the center of the emission region A1 to the upper refractive pattern in the x-direction can be increased to improve brightness in the forward direction.

[0196] Figure 13 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of another example of a section of line II-II'.

[0197] Display device 1 according to another embodiment (refer to) Figure 3 The refractive layer 800 may include a first refractive pattern 811 and a refractive layer having a refractive pattern 811. Figure 10 The first refractive pattern 611 has a different width and covers the second refractive pattern 821 of the second light blocking pattern 822.

[0198] The first refractive pattern 811, the second refractive pattern 821, the first light-blocking pattern 812, the first planarization layer 813, the second planarization layer 823, the first penetrating region 814, the second penetrating region 824, the first reflective side surface 815, and the second reflective side surface 825 of the refractive layer 800 can be respectively connected to... Figure 10 The first refractive pattern 611, the second refractive pattern 621, the first light blocking pattern 612, the first planarization layer 613, the second planarization layer 623, the first penetration region 614, the second penetration region 624, the first reflective side surface 615, and the second reflective side surface 625 correspond to each other.

[0199] However, the refractive layer 800 may also include a second light-blocking pattern 822 covered by the second refractive pattern 821. To reduce reflectivity in the lateral direction, the second refractive pattern 821 may be configured to cover the second light-blocking pattern 822. The width of the second refractive pattern 821 between adjacent pixels may be greater than the width of the second light-blocking pattern 822 between adjacent pixels. The second light-blocking pattern 822 may be disposed on the encapsulation member 300, and the second refractive pattern 821 may be disposed on the second light-blocking pattern 822 to cover it.

[0200] The second light-blocking pattern 822 can block light. Specifically, the second light-blocking pattern 822 can block light emitted at a high angle. For example, the second light-blocking pattern 822 may include chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), or chromium oxide (CrO). x ), molybdenum oxide (MoO) x ), carbon pigments, black resin, etc.

[0201] The first light-blocking pattern 812 and the second light-blocking pattern 822 can have the same width. In other words, when measuring the distance in the x-direction from the center of the emission region A1, the distance from the center of the emission region A1 to the first light-blocking pattern 812 can be equal to the distance from the center of the emission region A1 to the second light-blocking pattern 822. Therefore, the loss of light efficiency can be reduced.

[0202] The display device 1 according to the embodiment can be applied to various electronic devices 1000 (see reference 1000). Figure 14 The electronic device 1000 according to the embodiment may include the display device 1 described above, and may also include modules or devices with additional functions in addition to the display device 1.

[0203] Figure 14This is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 14 The electronic device 1000 according to the embodiment may include a display module 1100, a processor 1200, a memory 1300, and a power module 1400.

[0204] The processor 1200 may include at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a communication processor (CP), an image signal processor (ISP), and a controller.

[0205] The memory 1300 can store data information required for the operation of the processor 1200 or the display module 1100. When the processor 1200 executes an application stored in the memory 1300, image data signals or input control signals can be transmitted to the display module 1100, and the display module 1100 can output image information via the display screen by processing the received signals.

[0206] The power module 1400 may include a power supply module such as a power adapter or battery device, and a power conversion module that converts the power supplied by the power supply module to generate the power required for the operation of the electronic device 1000.

[0207] At least one of the components of the electronic device 1000 may be included in the display device 1 (see above) according to the embodiments described above. Figure 1 In some embodiments, some of the individual modules that are functionally included in the module may be included in the display device 1, while others of the individual modules may be provided separately from the display device 1. For example, the display device 1 may include a display module 1100, and the processor 1200, memory 1300, and power module 1400 may be provided in the electronic device 1000 as other devices besides the display device 1.

[0208] Figure 15 Schematic diagrams of individual electronic devices according to various embodiments are shown.

[0209] Reference Figure 15The various electronic devices used in the display device 1 according to the embodiments may include: electronic devices for displaying images, such as smartphones 1000.1a, tablet PCs 1000.1b, laptop computers 1000.1c, televisions (TVs) 1000.1d, and desktop monitors 1000.1e; wearable electronic devices including display modules, such as smart glasses 1000.2a, head-mounted displays 1000.2b, and smartwatches 1000.2c; and electronic devices 1000.3 for vehicles including display modules, such as central information displays (CIDs) arranged on the dashboard, center console, or instrument panel of a vehicle, and rearview mirror displays.

[0210] Each of the multiple embodiments described above can be implemented independently, but there is no doubt that the structure of each embodiment can be applied in combination with other embodiments.

[0211] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments, it will be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the true scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the technical concept of the appended claims.

[0212] The specific implementations described in the embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the embodiments in any way. Furthermore, unless specifically mentioned as "necessary" or "important," a component may not be absolutely essential to the application of this disclosure.

[0213] The use of the term "described" and similar reference terms in the description of the embodiments (particularly in the claims) may refer to both the singular and the plural. Furthermore, when a scope is described in the embodiments, it is understood that (unless otherwise stated) this disclosure includes a single value falling within that scope, and it is equivalent to the description of each single value constituting that scope in the detailed description. Finally, unless explicitly described, the steps constituting the method according to the embodiments may be performed in any suitable order. The embodiments are not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps are described above. Unless otherwise defined by the claims, any use of exemplary or illustrative terms in the embodiments is intended only to describe the embodiments in detail and is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, combinations, and variations can be made according to design conditions and factors within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

[0214] According to embodiments of this disclosure, by using refractive patterns and light-blocking patterns to control the viewing angle, it is possible to prevent or reduce the sharing of information provided by the display device with others.

[0215] However, the effects that can be obtained through this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of this disclosure.

[0216] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects within each embodiment should generally be considered applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. Although embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, wherein, The display device includes: a substrate; a pixel layer disposed on the substrate and including a pixel including an organic light emitting diode; an encapsulation member sealing the pixel layer; and a refractive layer disposed on the encapsulation member and including a second refractive pattern and a first refractive pattern, wherein the second refractive pattern includes a second penetration region through which a first portion of light emitted from the organic light emitting diode passes and a second reflection side surface that reflects a second portion of the light emitted from the organic light emitting diode, the first portion and the second portion of the light emitted from the organic light emitting diode forming transmitted light, and the first refractive pattern is disposed to overlap the second refractive pattern, and the first refractive pattern includes a first penetration region through which a first portion of the transmitted light passes and a first reflection side surface that reflects a second portion of the transmitted light.

2. The display device of claim 1, wherein the second refractive pattern is disposed between the encapsulation member and the first refractive pattern.

3. The display device of claim 1, wherein, the second refractive pattern is disposed to be spaced apart from the first refractive pattern.

4. The display device of claim 1, wherein the display device further includes a first light blocking pattern disposed to overlap the second refractive pattern or the first refractive pattern.

5. The display device of claim 4, wherein the first refractive pattern or the second refractive pattern is disposed to cover the first light blocking pattern.

6. The display device of claim 1, wherein the first reflection side surface and the second reflection side surface each include an inclined surface.

7. The display device of claim 1, wherein the first penetration region and the second penetration region each overlap an emission region of the organic light emitting diode.

8. The display device of claim 1, wherein the first penetration region and the second penetration region overlap each other.

9. The display device of claim 1, wherein a width of the first penetration region is the same as a width of the second penetration region.

10. The display device of claim 1, wherein a width of the first penetration region is greater than a width of the second penetration region.

11. The display device of claim 1, wherein the display device further includes a first planarization layer formed to cover the first refractive pattern.

12. The display device of claim 11, wherein a refractive index of the first planarization layer is different from a refractive index of the first refractive pattern.

13. The display device of claim 1, wherein the display device further includes a second planarization layer formed to cover the second refractive pattern.

14. The display device of claim 13, wherein, a refractive index of the second planarization layer is different from a refractive index of the second refractive pattern.

15. The display device of claim 1, wherein A width between the pixel and the adjacent pixel of the first refractive pattern is the same as a width between the pixel and the adjacent pixel of the second refractive pattern.

16. The display device of claim 1, wherein, A width between the pixel and the adjacent pixel of the first refractive pattern is less than a width between the pixel and the adjacent pixel of the second refractive pattern.

17. The display device of claim 4, wherein A width between the pixel and the adjacent pixel of the first refractive pattern is greater than a width between the pixel and the adjacent pixel of the first light-blocking pattern.

18. The display device of claim 1, wherein The display device further includes a third refractive pattern between the second refractive pattern and the encapsulation member.

19. The display device of claim 1, wherein The second refractive pattern covers a second light-blocking pattern, The first refractive pattern covers a first light-blocking pattern, and A width between the pixel and the adjacent pixel of the second light-blocking pattern is the same as a width between the pixel and the adjacent pixel of the first light-blocking pattern.

20. An electronic device, comprising: The electronic device includes: a display module, a processor, a memory, and a power module, wherein the display module includes: a substrate; a pixel layer disposed on the substrate and including a pixel, the pixel including an organic light emitting diode; an encapsulation member sealing the pixel layer; and a refractive layer disposed on the encapsulation member and including a second refractive pattern and a first refractive pattern, wherein the second refractive pattern includes a second penetration area through which a first portion of light emitted from the organic light emitting diode passes and a second reflection side surface that reflects a second portion of the light emitted from the organic light emitting diode, the first portion and the second portion of the light emitted from the organic light emitting diode forming transmitted light, and the first refractive pattern is disposed to overlap the second refractive pattern, and the first refractive pattern includes a first penetration area through which a first portion of the transmitted light passes and a first reflection side surface that reflects a second portion of the transmitted light.

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