Organic light emitting display device

Abstract

An organic light emitting display device includes a substrate including a first sub-pixel area, a second sub-pixel area, and a third sub-pixel area; a first color filter disposed in the first sub-pixel area; a second color filter disposed in the second sub-pixel area; a third color filter disposed in the third sub-pixel area; and a bank disposed between adjacent sub-pixel areas, wherein the first color filter, the second color filter, and the third color filter overlap in an area between adjacent sub-pixel areas, wherein the bank covers an uppermost color filter among the first color filter, the second color filter, and the third color filter in the area between adjacent sub-pixel areas, and wherein a top surface of the uppermost color filter disposed in the area between adjacent sub-pixel areas is located at a higher position than a top surface of the first color filter disposed in the first sub-pixel area.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on August 23, 2021, with application number 202110966263.8 and invention title "Organic Light Emitting Display Device". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an organic light-emitting display device, and more specifically, to an organic light-emitting display device in which light leakage defects are suppressed and the lifespan of organic light-emitting elements is increased. Background Technology

[0003] With the development of the information society, the demand for display devices is increasing in various forms. In response to this demand, display devices using various display panels such as liquid crystal display panels, plasma display panels, and organic light-emitting diode display panels are being researched and commercialized.

[0004] Organic light-emitting display devices (OLEDs) that utilize organic light-emitting display panels are self-emissive display devices. Unlike liquid crystal displays (LCDs), OLEDs do not require a separate light source, making them relatively thin and light. Furthermore, OLEDs operate at low voltage and possess excellent characteristics in color reproduction, response speed, viewing angle, and contrast ratio, leading to their widespread adoption in recent years.

[0005] Conventionally, black matrices are used in organic light-emitting display devices to prevent light leakage defects. However, recently, research has been actively conducted on organic light-emitting display devices employing black banks, which are more advantageous in terms of widening viewing angles, preventing light leakage defects, and achieving high brightness. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) devices with black diaphragms offer superior light leakage prevention compared to those with black matrices. Because the black diaphragm material is black, it can act as a polarizer attached to the surface of the OLED device. Therefore, OLED devices using black diaphragms do not experience a reduction in transmittance due to polarizers, thus achieving high brightness. However, due to the nature of the material, black diaphragms have a higher probability of out-gassing than transparent diaphragms. Therefore, when black diaphragms are applied to OLED devices, there is a problem of deterioration in the efficiency and lifespan of the organic light-emitting elements due to out-gassing.

[0007] The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and therefore one object of the present invention is to provide an organic light-emitting display device that can improve light leakage defects between adjacent sub-image regions, thereby achieving excellent color gamut and color reproduction range.

[0008] Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide an organic light-emitting display device that can reduce the outgassing of the dam and thereby increase the lifespan of the organic light-emitting element.

[0009] The objectives of the invention are not limited to those described above. Other objectives and advantages of the invention not mentioned herein may be understood based on the following description and may be more clearly understood based on embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, it will be readily understood that the objectives and advantages of the invention may be achieved using the means and combinations thereof shown in the claims.

[0010] According to embodiments of the present invention, an organic light-emitting display device in which light leakage defects are suppressed and the lifespan of the organic light-emitting element is increased can be provided.

[0011] An organic light-emitting display device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a substrate, the substrate including a first sub-pixel region, a second sub-pixel region, and a third sub-pixel region; a first color filter disposed in the first sub-pixel region; a second color filter disposed in the second sub-pixel region; a third color filter disposed in the third sub-pixel region; a planarization layer disposed on the first color filter, the second color filter, and the third color filter; and a dam layer disposed on the planarization layer and disposed between light-emitting regions of adjacent sub-pixel regions, wherein a portion of the second color filter protrudes upward beyond the top surface of the planarization layer, and wherein the dam layer covers the portion of the second color filter that protrudes upward beyond the top surface of the planarization layer.

[0012] An organic light-emitting display device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a substrate, the substrate including a first sub-pixel region, a second sub-pixel region, a third sub-pixel region, and a fourth sub-pixel region; a first color filter disposed in the first sub-pixel region; a second color filter disposed in the third sub-pixel region; a third color filter disposed in the fourth sub-pixel region; a planarization layer covering the first color filter, the second color filter, and the third color filter; and a dam layer disposed on the planarization layer and between light-emitting regions of adjacent sub-pixel regions, wherein a portion of the second color filter protrudes upward beyond the top surface of the planarization layer and is inserted into the dam layer.

[0013] An organic light-emitting display device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a substrate including a plurality of sub-pixel regions; a plurality of color filters respectively disposed in the plurality of sub-pixel regions; a planarization layer covering the plurality of color filters; and a dam layer disposed on the planarization layer and disposed between light-emitting regions of two adjacent sub-pixel regions, wherein a portion of a first color filter among the plurality of color filters protrudes upward beyond the top surface of the planarization layer and is inserted into the dam layer.

[0014] An organic light-emitting display device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a substrate, the substrate including a first sub-pixel region, a second sub-pixel region, and a third sub-pixel region; a first color filter disposed in the first sub-pixel region; a second color filter disposed in the second sub-pixel region; a third color filter disposed in the third sub-pixel region; and a dam disposed between adjacent sub-pixel regions, wherein the first color filter, the second color filter, and the third color filter overlap in the region between adjacent sub-pixel regions, wherein the dam covers the uppermost color filter among the first color filter, the second color filter, and the third color filter in the region between adjacent sub-pixel regions, wherein the top surface of the uppermost color filter disposed in the region between adjacent sub-pixel regions is at a higher position than the top surface of the first color filter disposed in the first sub-pixel region.

[0015] According to the present invention, the display device may have a stacked structure of a blue filter protruding upward beyond the top surface of the planarization layer and a dam covering that portion, thereby absorbing light incident on the dam through various paths, thereby suppressing light leakage between adjacent sub-pixel areas and improving the lifetime of the organic light-emitting element. Therefore, the color gamut and color reproduction range of the image displayed by the organic light-emitting display device can be improved.

[0016] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the amount of pigment in the dam can be reduced, thereby preventing the lifespan of the organic light-emitting element from deteriorating due to the venting of the dam layer.

[0017] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description other effects not mentioned. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is an enlarged view of a pixel region of an organic light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which schematically shows a plane of the pixel region of a three-color (R, G, B) organic light-emitting display device.

[0019] Figure 2 It shows along Figure 1 A cross-section of an organic light-emitting display device cut by the A-A'-A'' tangent.

[0020] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view of a pixel region of an organic light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which schematically shows a plane of the pixel region of a four-color (R, W, G, B) organic light-emitting display device.

[0021] Figure 4 It shows along Figure 3 A cross-section of an organic light-emitting display device cut by a B-B'-B'' tangent.

[0022] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a graph showing the transmittance of a blue filter, a dam, and their stacked structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a method for forming a blue color filter according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] See below and appendix for reference. Figure 1 The advantages, features, and implementation methods of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the embodiments described below. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various different forms. Therefore, these embodiments are described only to make the disclosure of the present invention complete and to fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art, to which the present invention is limited only by the scope of the claims.

[0025] The shapes, dimensions, ratios, angles, quantities, etc., disclosed in the accompanying drawings for the purpose of describing embodiments of the invention are merely exemplary, and the invention is not limited thereto. Like reference numerals throughout refer to like elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, descriptions and details of well-known steps and elements have been omitted. Moreover, in the following detailed description of the invention, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the invention.

[0026] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. It will be further understood that, when used in this application, the terms “comprising,” “having,” and “including” specify the presence of the described features, integrals, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, operations, elements, components, and / or portions thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one or more of the associated listed items and all combinations thereof. Expressions such as “at least one” preceding a list of elements may modify the entire list of elements rather than individual elements in the list. Errors or tolerances may exist in the interpretation of numerical values, even if not explicitly described.

[0027] Furthermore, it will be understood that when a first element or layer is referred to as existing "on" a second element or layer, the first element may be directly disposed on the second element, or the first element may be indirectly disposed on the second element if a third element or layer is disposed between the first and second elements or layers. It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "connected to" or "joined to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly connected to, or joined to the other element or layer, or one or more intermediate elements or layers may exist. Furthermore, it will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, it may be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intermediate elements or layers may exist.

[0028] Furthermore, as used herein, when a layer, membrane, region, plate, etc., is disposed "on" or "on top" of another layer, membrane, region, plate, etc., the former can directly contact the latter, or a further layer, membrane, region, plate, etc., can be disposed between the former and the latter. As used herein, when a layer, membrane, region, plate, etc., is directly disposed "on" or "on top" of another layer, membrane, region, plate, etc., the former directly contacts the latter, and no further layer, membrane, region, plate, etc., is disposed between the former and the latter. Furthermore, as used herein, when a layer, membrane, region, plate, etc., is disposed "below" or "below" another layer, membrane, region, plate, etc., the former can directly contact the latter, or a further layer, membrane, region, plate, etc., can be disposed between the former and the latter. As used herein, when a layer, membrane, region, plate, etc., is directly disposed "below" or "below" another layer, membrane, region, plate, etc., the former directly contacts the latter, and no further layer, membrane, region, plate, etc., is disposed between the former and the latter.

[0029] When describing temporal relationships, such as the chronological order between two events, such as "after," "following," or "before," another event may occur between them unless it is specified that "immediately after," "immediately following," or "immediately before."

[0030] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the first element, component, region, layer, or portion described below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or portion.

[0031] The features of the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other in part or in whole, and can be technically related to or operable with each other. The embodiments can be implemented independently of each other, or they can be implemented together in a related manner.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the inventive concept pertains. It will also be understood that terms such as those defined in common dictionaries shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as their meaning in the context of the relevant field, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formalized manner unless expressly defined herein.

[0033] The organic light-emitting display device according to various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0034] Generally, organic light-emitting display devices can be divided into top-emitting devices and bottom-emitting devices according to the direction of light emission.

[0035] In the following description, for ease of description, it is assumed that the organic light-emitting display device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a bottom-emitting device. However, the key features of the present invention described below can be equivalently applied to top-emitting devices.

[0036] Figure 1 This is an enlarged view of a pixel region of an organic light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which schematically shows a plane of the pixel region of a three-color (R, G, B) organic light-emitting display device.

[0037] Reference Figure 1 Signal lines, including gate line GL, data line DL, and drive voltage line VDD, are disposed on substrate 110. Gate line GL, data line DL, and drive voltage line VDD intersect each other.

[0038] According to this embodiment, on the substrate 110, the red sub-pixel region SP_R, the blue sub-pixel region SP_B, and the green sub-pixel region SP_G can be defined by the aforementioned signal lines.

[0039] For example, each of the red sub-pixel region SP_R and the green sub-pixel region SP_G can be defined by two parallel gate lines GL and driving voltage lines VDD and data lines DL intersecting the gate lines GL. Similarly, the blue sub-pixel region SP_B can be defined by two parallel gate lines GL and two data lines DL intersecting them. The arrangement order of the pixel regions, as well as the type and number of signal lines extending between adjacent pixel regions, can be varied as needed.

[0040] The red sub-pixel region SP_R, the blue sub-pixel region SP_B, and the green sub-pixel region SP_G, which are defined on the substrate 110, respectively include the red light-emitting region EA_R, the blue light-emitting region EA_B, and the green light-emitting region EA_G.

[0041] In this respect, the red luminous region EA_R, the blue luminous region EA_B, and the green luminous region EA_G can be defined as the undamped area ( Figure 2 The area covered by 190 (in the diagram). That is to say, the remaining area except for the red glowing area EA_R, the blue glowing area EA_B, and the green glowing area EA_G can be covered by the embankment 190.

[0042] Figure 2 It shows along Figure 1 A cross-section of an organic light-emitting display device cut by the A-A'-A'' tangent.

[0043] Specifically, a cross-section cut along the A-A' tangent represents a cross-section of the circuit region of the organic light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a driving thin-film transistor DTr is mounted. Furthermore, a cross-section cut along the A'-A'' tangent represents a cross-section of the light-emitting region of the organic light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] First, referring to the cross-section cut along the A-A' tangent, the light-shielding layer LS, buffer layer 130, driving thin film transistor DTr, interlayer insulating film 140, passivation layer 150, planarization layer 160, dam (or dam layer) 190, color filters CF_R, CF_B and CF_G, virtual blue color filter CF_B', first electrode 170, organic light-emitting layer 175 and second electrode 180 can be disposed on the substrate 110.

[0045] A light-shielding layer LS may be disposed on the substrate 110 to overlap with the driving thin-film transistor DTr. The light-shielding layer LS may be made of a metal such as molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), and silver (Ag), or an alloy thereof. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The light-shielding layer LS may be made of various materials known in the art. The light-shielding layer LS prevents external light from damaging the driving thin-film transistor DTr.

[0046] A buffer layer 130 may be disposed on and cover the light-shielding layer LS. According to one example, the buffer layer 130 may be formed by stacking multiple inorganic layers. For example, the buffer layer 130 may be composed of a silicon oxide layer (SiO2). x SiN nitride layer x The buffer layer 130 is formed by vertically stacking at least two inorganic layers in the silicon oxide (SiON) layer. This buffer layer 130 may be formed on the entire top surface of the substrate 110 to prevent moisture from penetrating through the substrate 110 into the organic light-emitting element.

[0047] A driving thin-film transistor (DTr) may be disposed on the top surface of the buffer layer 130. According to one example, the driving thin-film transistor DTr may include an active layer AC, a gate electrode G, a drain electrode D, and a source electrode S. The active layer AC may be disposed on the buffer layer 130 and overlap with the light-shielding layer LS. The active layer AC may be in direct contact with the drain electrode D and the source electrode S. The active layer AC and the gate electrode G may be spaced apart from each other with a gate insulating film GI sandwiched between them. The gate insulating film GI may be disposed only between the gate electrode G and the active layer AC. Alternatively, the gate insulating film GI may be disposed on the active layer AC and the buffer layer 130. The gate electrode G may be disposed on the gate insulating film GI. The gate electrode G and the active layer AC may overlap while the gate insulating film GI is sandwiched between them.

[0048] An interlayer insulating film 140 may be disposed on the gate electrode G, the active layer AC, and the buffer layer 130. The interlayer insulating film 140 protects the driving thin-film transistor DTr and insulates the drain electrode D and the source electrode S from the gate electrode G. The interlayer insulating film 140 may be partially removed to allow contact between the active layer AC and the source electrode S or the drain electrode D. For example, the interlayer insulating film 140 may include contact holes through which the source electrode S and the drain electrode D pass.

[0049] The drain electrode D and the source electrode S are separated from each other and disposed on the interlayer insulating film 140. The drain electrode D can contact one side of the active layer AC through a contact hole disposed in the interlayer insulating film 140, while the source electrode S can contact the opposite side of the active layer AC through a corresponding contact hole disposed in the interlayer insulating film 140.

[0050] Figure 2 The diagram shows a driving thin-film transistor (DTr) with a top-gate structure. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The driving thin-film transistor (DTr) may have a bottom-gate structure or a dual-gate structure.

[0051] A passivation layer 150 may be disposed on the interlayer insulating film 140 and the driving thin-film transistor DTr. The passivation layer 150 protects the driving thin-film transistor DTr. The passivation layer 150 may be made of inorganic insulating materials such as silicon oxide and silicon nitride, or organic insulating materials such as photoacrylic or benzocyclobutene.

[0052] A planarization layer 160 may be disposed on the passivation layer 150 to remove unevenness caused by driving the thin-film transistor DTr. The planarization layer 160 may be made of an organic insulating material such as optical acrylic or benzocyclobutene.

[0053] A first electrode 170 is disposed on the planarization layer 160, and the first electrode 170 is electrically connected to the source electrode S of the driving thin film transistor DTr through the planarization layer 160 and the passivation layer 150.

[0054] As described above, a dam 190 is provided along the edge of the first electrode 170 to define the light-emitting area of ​​each pixel region. An organic light-emitting layer 175 and a second electrode 180 are sequentially and vertically disposed on the dam 190 and the first electrode 170. At this point, the first electrode 170, the organic light-emitting layer 175, and the second electrode 180 constitute an organic light-emitting element. The organic light-emitting layer 175 can emit white light.

[0055] Next, referring to a cross-section cut along the A'-A'' tangent, a buffer layer 130 and an interlayer insulating film 140 are disposed on the substrate 110. Signal lines defining each sub-pixel region are located on the interlayer insulating film 140. For example, a data line DL may be located between a red emitting region EA_R and a blue emitting region EA_B, and between a blue emitting region EA_B and a green emitting region EA_G. A driving voltage line VDD may be located between a green emitting region EA_G and an adjacent red emitting region EA_R.

[0056] The red color filter CF_R is located in the red emitting region EA_R, the blue color filter CF_B is located in the blue emitting region EA_B, and the green color filter CF_G is located in the green emitting region EA_G. The color filters CF_R, CF_B, and CF_G are disposed on the passivation layer 150 covering the data line DL and the drive voltage line VDD.

[0057] On the passivation layer 150, a planarization layer 160 is provided that covers at least a portion of each of the color filters CF_R, CF_B and CF_G.

[0058] The portion of the blue filter CF_B located between two adjacent sub-pixel regions (or two adjacent light-emitting regions) may protrude upwards beyond the top surface of the planarization layer 160. For example, the portion of the blue filter CF_B located between the red sub-pixel region SP_R and the blue sub-pixel region SP_B may protrude upwards beyond the top surface of the planarization layer 160 while covering the end of the red filter CF_R. The portion of the blue filter CF_B located between the light-emitting regions of the blue sub-pixel region SP_B and the green sub-pixel region SP_G may protrude upwards beyond the top surface of the planarization layer 160 while covering the end of the green filter CF_G. The portion of the blue filter CF_B protruding upwards beyond the top surface of the planarization layer 160 may be covered by the embankment 190.

[0059] Sub-pixel regions can be periodically arranged to form a matrix. Therefore, a virtual blue filter CF_B' can be additionally disposed between the light-emitting areas of the green sub-pixel region SP_G and the red sub-pixel region SP_R. The additional virtual blue filter CF_B' can protrude upwards beyond the top surface of the planarization layer 160 while covering the ends of the green filter CF_G and the red filter CF_R. The virtual blue filter CF_B' disposed between the green sub-pixel region SP_G and the red sub-pixel region SP_R and protruding upwards beyond the top surface of the planarization layer 160 can be completely covered by the embankment 190. According to the present invention, a "virtual blue filter" can refer to a blue filter made of the same material as the blue filter CF_B disposed in the blue sub-pixel region SP_B but disposed outside the blue sub-pixel region SP_B.

[0060] In other words, the portions of the blue filter CF_B and the virtual blue filter CF_B' that protrude upwards beyond the top surface of the planarization layer 160 can be respectively positioned between the red sub-pixel region SP_R and the blue sub-pixel region SP_B, between the blue sub-pixel region SP_B and the green sub-pixel region SP_G, and between the green sub-pixel region SP_G and the red sub-pixel region SP_R, and can be inserted into the embankment 190.

[0061] The dam 190 refers to a layer made of a light-absorbing material that prevents light emitted through the organic light-emitting layer 175 in a sub-pixel region from intruding into adjacent sub-pixel regions via various paths.

[0062] In one embodiment, the dam 190 may be made of a resin containing a black pigment. The dam 190 may be made of a composition containing a black pigment, a binder resin, a solvent, and a dispersant. For example, carbon black may be used as the black pigment. The black pigment may be present in a weight percentage (%) to 25% relative to the weight of the binder resin constituting the dam 190. The transmittance (light transmittance) of the dam 190 may be in the range of 40% to 60% in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 650 nm (its optical density is approximately 0.65). This content of black pigment is reduced to approximately half the content of black pigment constituting a conventional black dam (with a transmittance of less than or equal to 5% in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 650 nm and an optical density of 1.3).

[0063] The type of adhesive resin can vary depending on the curing method. In UV curing methods, the adhesive resin can be an acrylate resin, a Cardo resin, or a polyimide resin. Acrylate resins may include, for example, ethylene glycol diacrylate, 1,4-cyclohexanediol diacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, pentaerythritol triacrylate, tetraethylene glycol diacrylate, dipentaerythritol triacrylate, dipentaerythritol tetraacrylate, sorbitol triacrylate, sorbitol tetraacrylate, vinyl acetate, triallyl cyanurate, etc. When the adhesive resin is UV cured, the embankment may further contain a photoinitiator. A photoinitiator is a material that uses light to generate free radicals to trigger polymerization. The photoinitiator may include one or more selected from acetophenone compounds, biimidazole compounds, triazine compounds, and oxime compounds. Preferably, oxime compounds can be used as photoinitiators. In addition, polyester, polyurethane and epoxy resins can be used as adhesive resins when the adhesive resin is thermosetting.

[0064] Solvents may include ethyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, isobutyl acetate, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, ethylene glycol n-butyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol methyl ethyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether acetate, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, tripropylene glycol n-propyl ether, tripropylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, propylene glycol diacetate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, cyclohexanone, ethyl 3-methoxypropionate, methyl 3-ethoxypropionate, ethyl 3-ethoxypropionate, etc.

[0065] Dispersants are used to prevent pigment components from washing away. Surfactants can be used as dispersants. Examples of dispersants include silicone, fluorinated, ester, cationic, anionic, nonionic, or amphoteric surfactants. Fillers, curing agents, antioxidants, UV absorbers, etc., can be further added to the dike as needed.

[0066] In this embodiment, instead of increasing the transmittance of the dam 190 to the range of 40% to 60%—in other words, instead of reducing the optical density representing the percentage of light blocking—a blue filter CF_B or a virtual blue filter CF_B' protruding upwards beyond the top surface of the planarization layer 160 can be inserted into the lower part of the dam 190, thereby offsetting the increase in the transmittance of the dam 190. In this way, a stacked structure is formed in which the blue filter CF_B or the virtual blue filter CF_B' is inserted into the lower part of the dam 190 such that the dam 190 completely covers the blue filter CF_B or the virtual blue filter CF_B' protruding upwards beyond the top surface of the planarization layer 160. The transmittance of this stacked structure can be reduced. Therefore, this stacked structure can perform a function similar to that of the black dam.

[0067] Figure 5 The transmittance of a stacked structure of a dam and a blue filter according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 5 The transmittance of the blue filter alone and the transmittance of the embankment alone are further shown.

[0068] Reference Figure 5 In the wavelength range of 380 nm to 650 nm, the transmittance of the dam section BNK according to one embodiment of the present invention is approximately 48%. Depending on the content of the black pigment, the transmittance of the dam section can be appropriately adjusted within the range of 40% to 60%. The blue filter CFB has a transmission peak in the wavelength range of 430 nm to 450 nm and transmits almost no light in the wavelength range of 530 nm to 650 nm. In the CFB+BNK structure in which the dam section and the blue filter are stacked, the magnitude of the transmission peak in the wavelength range of 430 nm to 450 nm is reduced to 45% or less and almost no light in the wavelength range of 530 nm to 650 nm is transmitted.

[0069] In this embodiment, blue light from white light emitted from a sub-pixel region partially passes through the CFB+BNK structure, in which the embankment and blue color filter are stacked, and propagates to adjacent sub-pixel regions. However, this blue light can be absorbed by the red or green color filter. Therefore, according to this embodiment, an organic light-emitting display device with excellent color gamut and color reproduction range can be realized.

[0070] When conventional organic light-emitting display devices are exposed to external light or UV for extended periods, negatively charged gaseous compounds generated by outgassing from the diaphragm adjacent to the organic light-emitting element migrate through the diaphragm and react with multiple organic material layers constituting the organic light-emitting element. This reduces the hole injection performance into the organic light-emitting layer, leading to problems such as increased driving voltage, decreased brightness, and shortened lifespan of the organic light-emitting element. Furthermore, when the diaphragm 190 is made of a material including black pigment, the possibility of unreacted material residue is higher due to the composition of the diaphragm 190. Additionally, the diaphragm 190 contains various types of components. Therefore, compared to a transparent diaphragm, a relatively larger amount of outgassing can occur.

[0071] In this embodiment, as described above, the black pigment content of the dam 190 can be reduced, thereby adjusting the transmittance of the dam 190 to approximately 40% to 60%, which reduces gas release from the dam. Therefore, according to this embodiment, problems such as increased driving voltage of the organic light-emitting element, decreased brightness, and shortened lifespan caused by gas release can be eliminated.

[0072] In one embodiment, the embankment 190 does not contain black pigment, but may contain red and green pigment.

[0073] Reference Figure 6 The dam section BNK', containing red and green pigments, transmits almost no light in the blue region of the 380nm to 480nm wavelength range, or the dam section BNK' blocks blue light with wavelengths below 480nm. The blue filter CFB has a transmission peak in the 430nm to 450nm wavelength range and transmits almost no light in the 530nm to 650nm wavelength range. The structure CFB+BNK', where the dam section and blue filter are stacked, transmits almost no light in the 380nm to 670nm wavelength range.

[0074] Therefore, according to this embodiment, an organic light-emitting display device with excellent color gamut and color reproduction range can be realized. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the dam 190 has a lower pigment content compared to a conventional black dam (which has a transmittance of 5% or less in the 380nm to 650nm band and an optical density of approximately 1.3), problems such as increased driving voltage of the organic light-emitting element, decreased brightness, and shortened lifespan caused by outgassing can be eliminated.

[0075] In one embodiment, the dam portion 190 may contain a black pigment and a pigment capable of absorbing blue light. The black pigment may comprise 15 to 18 weight percent of the adhesive resin constituting the dam portion 190. The pigment capable of absorbing blue light may comprise 50 weight percent of the black pigment.

[0076] According to this embodiment, an organic light-emitting display device with excellent color gamut and color reproduction range can be realized. Problems such as increased driving voltage of organic light-emitting elements, decreased brightness, and shortened lifespan caused by outgassing can be eliminated.

[0077] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view of a pixel region P of an organic light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which schematically shows a plane of the pixel region of a four-color (R, W, G, B) organic light-emitting display device.

[0078] Reference Figure 3 Signal lines, including gate line GL, data line DL, reference line REF, and drive voltage line VDD, are disposed on the top surface of substrate 110. Gate line GL, data line DL, reference line REF, and drive voltage line VDD intersect each other.

[0079] According to this embodiment, on the substrate 110, a red sub-pixel region SP_R, a white sub-pixel region SP_W, a blue sub-pixel region SP_B, and a green sub-pixel region SP_G can be defined by the aforementioned signal lines.

[0080] For example, each of the red sub-pixel region SP_R and the green sub-pixel region SP_G can be defined by two gate lines GL extending parallel to each other, and by the drive voltage line VDD and the data line DL intersecting the gate lines GL. Similarly, each of the white sub-pixel region SP_W and the blue sub-pixel region SP_B can be defined by two gate lines GL extending parallel to each other, and by the data line DL and the reference line REF intersecting these two gate lines. The arrangement order of the pixel regions, as well as the type and number of signal lines extending between adjacent pixel regions, can be varied as needed.

[0081] The red sub-pixel region SP_R, the white sub-pixel region SP_W, the blue sub-pixel region SP_B, and the green sub-pixel region SP_G, which are defined on the substrate 110, respectively include the red light-emitting region EA_R, the white light-emitting region EA_W, the blue light-emitting region EA_B, and the green light-emitting region EA_G.

[0082] In this respect, the red luminous region EA_R, the white luminous region EA_W, the blue luminous region EA_B, and the green luminous region EA_G can be defined as the undamped area ( Figure 4 The area covered by 190 (in the diagram). That is to say, the remaining area except for the red luminous area EA_R, the white luminous area EA_W, the blue luminous area EA_B, and the green luminous area EA_G can be covered by the embankment 190.

[0083] Figure 4 It shows along Figure 3 A cross-section of an organic light-emitting display device cut by a B-B'-B'' tangent.

[0084] Specifically, a cross-section cut along the B-B' tangent represents a cross-section of the circuit region of the organic light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a driving thin-film transistor DTr is mounted. Furthermore, a cross-section cut along the B'-B'' tangent represents a cross-section of the light-emitting region of the organic light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, [the following is omitted as it is based on...] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The content described.

[0085] Reference Figure 4 The light-shielding layer LS, buffer layer 130, driving thin film transistor DTr, interlayer insulating film 140, passivation layer 150, planarization layer 160, dam 190, color filters CF_R, CF_B and CF_G, virtual blue color filter CF_B', first electrode 170, organic light-emitting layer 175 and second electrode 180 may be disposed on substrate 110.

[0086] A buffer layer 130 and an interlayer insulating film 140 are disposed on the substrate 110. Signal lines defining each sub-pixel region are located on the interlayer insulating film 140. For example, data lines DL may be located between the red emitting region EA_R and the white emitting region EA_W, and between the blue emitting region EA_B and the green emitting region EA_G, respectively. Driving voltage line VDD may be located between the green emitting region EA_G and the adjacent red emitting region EA_R.

[0087] A red color filter CF_R is located in the red emitting region EA_R, a blue color filter CF_B is located in the blue emitting region EA_B, and a green color filter CF_G is located in the green emitting region EA_G. No color filter is provided in the white emitting region EA_W. In the white emitting region EA_W, white light emitted from the organic light-emitting layer 175 is emitted to the outside through the substrate 110 as is. Color filters CF_R, CF_B, and CF_G are disposed on the passivation layer 150 covering the data line DL, the reference line REF, and the drive voltage line VDD.

[0088] On the passivation layer 150, a planarization layer 160 is provided that covers at least a portion of each of the color filters CF_R, CF_B and CF_G.

[0089] The portion of the blue filter CF_B located between two adjacent sub-pixel regions (or two adjacent light-emitting regions) may protrude upwards beyond the top surface of the planarization layer 160. For example, the portion of the blue filter CF_B located between the white sub-pixel region SP_W and the blue sub-pixel region SP_B, for example, located on the reference line REF, may protrude upwards beyond the top surface of the planarization layer 160. The portion of the blue filter CF_B located between the blue sub-pixel region SP_B and the green sub-pixel region SP_G, for example, located on the data line DL, may protrude upwards beyond the top surface of the planarization layer 160 while covering the end of the green filter CF_G. The portion of the blue filter CF_B that protrudes upwards beyond the top surface of the planarization layer 160 may be completely covered by the embankment 190.

[0090] A virtual blue filter CF_B' can be additionally set between the red sub-pixel region SP_R and the white sub-pixel region SP_W, for example, on the data line DL. The additional virtual blue filter CF_B' can cover the end of the red filter CF_R while protruding upwards beyond the top surface of the planarization layer 160. The virtual blue filter CF_B', which protrudes upwards beyond the top surface of the planarization layer 160 and is set between the red sub-pixel region SP_R and the white sub-pixel region SP_W, can be completely covered by the embankment 190.

[0091] Sub-pixel regions are periodically arranged to form a matrix. Therefore, a virtual blue filter CF_B' can be additionally placed between the green sub-pixel region SP_G and the red sub-pixel region SP_R. The virtual blue filter CF_B' can be placed between the green sub-pixel region SP_G and the red sub-pixel region SP_R, for example, on the driving voltage line VDD, and protrude upwards beyond the top surface of the planarization layer 160 while covering the ends of both the green filter CF_G and the red filter CF_R. The virtual blue filter CF_B', placed between the green sub-pixel region SP_G and the red sub-pixel region SP_R and protruding upwards beyond the top surface of the planarization layer 160, can be completely covered by the embankment 190.

[0092] In other words, portions of the blue filter CF_B located between the white sub-pixel region SP_W and the blue sub-pixel region SP_B, and between the blue sub-pixel region SP_B and the green sub-pixel region SP_G, protruding upwards beyond the top surface of the planarization layer 160, can be inserted into the embankment 190. Portions of each virtual blue filter CF_B' located between the red sub-pixel region SP_R and the white sub-pixel region SP_W, and between the green sub-pixel region SP_G and the red sub-pixel region SP_R, protruding upwards beyond the top surface of the planarization layer 160, can be inserted into the embankment 190.

[0093] In one embodiment, the dam 190 may be made of a resin containing a black pigment. The dam 190 may be made of a composition containing a black pigment, a binder resin, a solvent, and a dispersant. For example, carbon black may be used as the black pigment. The black pigment may comprise 15 to 18 weight percent relative to the weight of the binder resin constituting the dam 190. The transmittance of the dam 190 may be in the range of 40% to 60% in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 650 nm (its optical density is approximately 0.65). This content of black pigment is reduced to approximately half the content of black pigment constituting a conventional black dam (with a transmittance of less than or equal to 5% and an optical density of 1.3 in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 650 nm).

[0094] In this embodiment, instead of increasing the transmittance of the dam 190 to the range of 40% to 60%—in other words, instead of reducing the optical density representing the percentage of light blocking—a blue filter CF_B or a virtual blue filter CF_B' protruding upwards beyond the top surface of the planarization layer 160 can be inserted into the lower part of the dam 190, thereby offsetting the increase in the transmittance of the dam 190. In this way, a stacked structure is formed in which the blue filter CF_B or the virtual blue filter CF_B' is inserted into the lower part of the dam 190 such that the dam 190 completely covers the blue filter CF_B or the virtual blue filter CF_B' protruding upwards beyond the top surface of the planarization layer 160. The transmittance of this stacked structure can be reduced. Therefore, this stacked structure can perform a function similar to that of the black dam.

[0095] In this embodiment, as described above, the black pigment content of the dam 190 can be reduced, thereby adjusting the transmittance of the dam 190 to approximately 40% to 60%, which reduces gas release from the dam. Therefore, according to the present invention, problems such as increased driving voltage of the organic light-emitting element, decreased brightness, and shortened lifespan caused by gas release can be eliminated.

[0096] In one embodiment, the dam 190 does not contain black pigment, but may contain red and green pigment. According to this embodiment, since the total pigment content is reduced compared to the amount of black pigment contained in a conventional black dam, an organic light-emitting display device with excellent color gamut and color reproduction range can be achieved. Furthermore, problems such as increased driving voltage of the organic light-emitting element, decreased brightness, and shortened lifespan caused by outgassing can be eliminated.

[0097] In one embodiment, the dam 190 may contain black pigment and pigment capable of absorbing blue light. According to this embodiment, since the total pigment content is reduced compared to the amount of black pigment contained in a conventional black dam, an organic light-emitting display device with excellent color gamut and color reproduction range can be achieved. Furthermore, problems such as increased driving voltage of the organic light-emitting element, decreased brightness, and shortened lifespan caused by outgassing can be eliminated.

[0098] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a method for forming a blue filter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8First, a light-shielding layer LS, a buffer layer 130, a driving thin-film transistor DTr, an interlayer insulating film 140, and a passivation layer 150 are formed vertically on a substrate 110 in the following order. Then, a red filter component is coated onto the passivation layer 150 and dried to form a film. A red filter CF_R is then formed via an exposure and development process. Next, a green filter component is coated onto the passivation layer 150 and the red filter CF_R and dried to form a film. A green filter CF_G is then formed via an exposure and development process. At this point, the green filter CF_G may cover one end of the red filter CF_R.

[0100] Then, a blue filter material is coated onto the passivation layer 150, the red filter CF_R, and the green filter CF_G, and then dried to form the film CF_BF. After performing an exposure process on the film CF_BF using a halftone mask, a development process is performed on it. The halftone mask includes: a light-shielding pattern made of a material such as chromium to form a light-shielding area on a substrate made of quartz; and a translucent pattern made of a material such as metal oxide, metal-silicon, etc., and formed in a portion of the translucent area to form a translucent area on a substrate made of quartz.

[0101] When a halftone mask is applied to an exposure process, a relatively thick pattern can be obtained in the portion corresponding to the transmissive area of ​​the mask, while a relatively thin pattern can be obtained in the portion corresponding to the semi-transmissive area of ​​the mask. In this embodiment, the semi-transmissive area of ​​the halftone mask is formed only in the region corresponding to the blue emitting area.

[0102] Therefore, refer to Figure 8 The thickness of the inner region (corresponding to the blue emitting region) of the blue color filter CF_B, which corresponds to the semi-transparent region, is less than the thickness of the outer region (corresponding to the region between the blue and green emitting regions, and the region between the blue and white emitting regions, or the signal line). In other words, the outer region of the blue color filter CF_B can be formed to protrude more than the inner region of the blue color filter CF_B. Using exposure and development processes, a virtual blue color filter CF_B' is formed between the red and white emitting regions, covering the end of the red color filter CF_R. Furthermore, the virtual blue color filter CF_B' is formed between the green and red emitting regions while simultaneously covering the ends of both the green and red color filters CF_G and CF_R.

[0103] Alternatively, the passivation layer 150 may have steps in the region corresponding to the signal lines on the substrate 110. A blue filter with a similar structure can be formed without using a halftone mask by increasing the viscosity of the blue filter's composition or reducing its flowability. In this case, the vertical dimension of the blue filter CF_B protruding upwards beyond the top surface of the planarization layer 160 can be determined based on the vertical dimension of the steps in the passivation layer 150.

[0104] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments. The invention can be implemented in various modifications without departing from the inventive concept. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to limit the inventive concept, but rather to describe the invention. The scope of the inventive concept is not limited by the embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of protection of the invention should be interpreted through the claims, and all inventive concepts within the scope of the invention should be interpreted as included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An organic light-emitting display device, comprising: A substrate, the substrate comprising a first sub-pixel region, a second sub-pixel region, and a third sub-pixel region; A first color filter is set in the first sub-pixel region; A second color filter is set in the second sub-pixel region; A third color filter is set in the third sub-pixel region; as well as A dike is set between adjacent sub-pixel regions. The first color filter, the second color filter, and the third color filter overlap in the region between adjacent sub-pixel regions. The embankment covers the uppermost of the first, second, and third color filters in the region between adjacent sub-pixel regions. The top surface of the uppermost color filter in the region between adjacent sub-pixel regions is located at a higher position than the top surface of the first color filter in the first sub-pixel region.

2. The organic light-emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein the uppermost color filter is a blue color filter.

3. The organic light-emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein the uppermost color filter is a red color filter or a green color filter.

4. The organic light-emitting display device according to claim 1 further includes a signal line disposed in the region between adjacent sub-pixel regions.

5. The organic light-emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein the embankment comprises a black pigment and a binder resin, and comprises 15 to 25 percent black pigment relative to the weight of the binder resin.

6. The organic light-emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein the light transmittance of the embankment is in the range of 40% to 60% in the wavelength range of 380nm to 650nm.

7. The organic light-emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein the embankment comprises red pigment, green pigment and adhesive resin.

8. The organic light-emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein the embankment comprises a black pigment, a pigment capable of absorbing blue light, and a binder resin.

9. The organic light-emitting display device according to claim 8, wherein the adhesive resin comprises 15 to 18 weight percent of black pigment relative to its weight, and comprises 50 weight percent of a pigment capable of absorbing blue light relative to its weight.

10. The organic light-emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion of the second color filter is respectively disposed between the first sub-pixel region and the second sub-pixel region and between the second sub-pixel region and the third sub-pixel region. The embankment covers the protruding portion of the second color filter.

11. The organic light-emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein the dam blocks blue light having a wavelength of less than 480 nm.

12. The organic light-emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein the substrate further includes a fourth sub-pixel region, wherein no color filter is disposed in the fourth sub-pixel region.

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