Display device

Abstract

The utility model provides a display device. The display device includes a substrate, a light-emitting element layer disposed on the substrate and including a plurality of light-emitting elements emitting light, and a light control layer disposed on the light-emitting element layer, the light control layer including a light-transmitting film transmitting the light and a light-shielding film blocking the light, the light-transmitting film includes a first low-refractive-index transmission film disposed on the light-shielding film, and a first high-refractive-index transmission film disposed alternately with the light-shielding film, the refractive index of the first low-refractive-index transmission film being smaller than the refractive index of the first high-refractive-index transmission film.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a display device. Background Art

[0002] With the development of the information society, the demand for display devices for displaying images increases in various forms. The display device may be a flat panel display device such as a liquid crystal display device (Liquid Crystal Display), a field emission display device (Field Emission Display), a light emitting display panel (Light Emitting Display), etc. The light emitting display device may include an organic light emitting display device including an organic light emitting diode element as a light emitting element, or a light emitting diode display device including an inorganic light emitting diode element such as a light emitting diode (Light Emitting Diode, LED) as a light emitting element.

[0003] In the case of a vehicle display device, when the image displayed on the vehicle display device arranged in front of the driver or the passenger at night irradiates the front windshield, it may interfere with the driving of the driver. Therefore, it is urgent to control the viewing angle of the image displayed in the vehicle display device. Also, in order to protect personal privacy, it is urgent to control the viewing angle of the image displayed in the vehicle display device to prevent the image displayed in the vehicle display device arranged in front of the driver from being seen by the passenger. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the utility model is to provide a display device with improved brightness and light extraction efficiency within the effective viewing angle range.

[0005] Another technical problem to be solved by the utility model is to provide a display device with improved uniformity of brightness and uniformity of light extraction efficiency within the effective viewing angle range.

[0006] The technical problems of the utility model are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned from the following description.

[0007] According to an embodiment for solving the above technical problem, the display device includes a substrate, a light emitting element layer disposed on the substrate and including a plurality of light emitting elements that emit light, and a light control layer disposed on the light emitting element layer. The light control layer includes a light transmissive film that transmits light and a light blocking film that blocks light. The light transmissive film includes a first low refractive index transmissive film disposed on the light blocking film and a first high refractive index transmissive film disposed alternately with the light blocking film. The refractive index of the first low refractive index transmissive film is less than the refractive index of the first high refractive index transmissive film.

[0008] The first low-refractive-index transmissive film may overlap with the light-shielding film in the thickness direction of the substrate.

[0009] The first high-refractive-index transmissive film may not overlap with the light-shielding film in the thickness direction of the substrate.

[0010] The first high-refractive-index transmissive film and the first low-refractive-index transmissive film may be alternately arranged.

[0011] At least a part of the side surface of the first high-refractive-index transmissive film may be in direct contact with the side surface of the first low-refractive-index transmissive film to form a first interface.

[0012] A part of the light may be configured to be totally reflected at the first interface.

[0013] A part of the light may be configured to refract in the front direction at the first interface.

[0014] The angle formed by the side surface and the bottom surface of the first low-refractive-index transmissive film may be 90 degrees.

[0015] The thickness of the first low-refractive-index transmissive film may be less than the thickness of the light-shielding film.

[0016] The thickness of the light-shielding film may be 1.5 to 10 times the thickness of the first low-refractive-index transmissive film.

[0017] The thickness of the first low-refractive-index transmissive film may be 10 μm or less.

[0018] The refractive index of the first low-refractive-index transmissive film may be within 97% of the refractive index of the first high-refractive-index transmissive film.

[0019] The difference between the refractive index of the first low-refractive-index transmissive film and the refractive index of the first high-refractive-index transmissive film may be 0.05 or more.

[0020] The refractive index of the first low-refractive-index transmissive film may be 1.5 or less.

[0021] The light-transmissive film may further include a second low-refractive-index transmissive film disposed on the first low-refractive-index transmissive film and the first high-refractive-index transmissive film.

[0022] The side surface of the first high-refractive-index transmissive film may be in direct contact with the side surface of the first low-refractive-index transmissive film to form a first interface, and the upper surface of the first high-refractive-index transmissive film may be in direct contact with the lower surface of the second low-refractive-index transmissive film to form a second interface.

[0023] A part of the light can be configured to refract in the front direction at the first interface, and another part of the light can be configured to refract in the side direction at the second interface.

[0024] The light-transmitting film may further include a second high-refractive-index transmissive film disposed on the first low-refractive-index transmissive film and the first high-refractive-index transmissive film.

[0025] The side surface of the first low-refractive-index transmissive film may be in direct contact with the side surface of the first high-refractive-index transmissive film to form a first interface, and the upper surface of the first low-refractive-index transmissive film may be in direct contact with the lower surface of the second high-refractive-index transmissive film to form a second interface.

[0026] A part of the light can be configured to refract in the front direction at the first interface and the second interface.

[0027] According to the display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the brightness and the light extraction efficiency can be improved within the effective viewing angle range.

[0028] According to the display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the uniformity of brightness and the uniformity of light extraction efficiency can be improved within the effective viewing angle range.

[0029] The effects according to the embodiments are not limited to the above-exemplified contents, and more various effects are included in this specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2 is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0033] Figure 4 is along Figure 2 a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line I-I' of

[0034] Figure 5 is a schematic view when the display device according to an embodiment is applied to a vehicle.

[0035] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a display panel according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 7a is a plan view showing a part of a display area according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 7bis a plan view showing a part of a display area according to another embodiment.

[0038] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel and a light control layer according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a light control layer according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 10 is a graph showing the light extraction efficiency corresponding to the viewing angle of the light control layer according to an embodiment and a comparative embodiment.

[0041] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel and a light control layer according to another embodiment.

[0042] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel and a light control layer according to still another embodiment.

[0043] Description of Reference Numerals

[0044] 10: Display device; 100: Display panel; 250: Display driving circuit; 300: Circuit board; 400: Touch driving circuit; LCL: Light control layer; LSA: Non-opening area; OA: Opening area; LT: Transparent film; HLT: High-refractive-index transparent film; LLT: Low-refractive-index transparent film; LS: Light-shielding film; IFC: Interface Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0045] By comparing with the attached Figure 1 and referring to the embodiments described in detail below, the advantages, features, and methods for implementing the present invention can be clearly understood. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but will be implemented in various different forms. Only, these embodiments are intended to completely disclose the present invention and to fully inform those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains of the scope of the present invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the appended claims.

[0046] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, it includes the case where it is directly on the other element or the case where other layers or other elements are provided therebetween. Similarly, being referred to as "below", "left", and "right" includes the case where it is directly adjacent to another element or the case where other layers or other elements are provided therebetween. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same components.

[0047] Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0048] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0049] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , the display device 10 is a device for displaying video or still images, which can be used not only as a display screen of portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, smart phones, tablet personal computers, smart watches, watch phones, mobile communication terminals, electronic manuals, e-books, portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation devices, Ultra-Mobile PCs (UMPCs), etc., but also as a display screen of various products such as televisions, notebook computers, monitors, advertising boards, and the Internet of Things (IOT). The display device 10 can be one of an organic light-emitting display device, a liquid crystal display device, a plasma display device, a field emission display device, an electrophoretic display device, an electro-wetting display device, a quantum dot light-emitting display device, and a micro-LED display device. Hereinafter, the case where the display device 10 is an organic light-emitting display device will be mainly described, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0050] The display device 10 according to an embodiment may include a display panel 100, a display driving circuit 250, a circuit board 300, and a touch driving circuit 400.

[0051] The display panel 100 may include a plurality of pixels PX arranged in a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. Each of the pixels PX may have a planar shape such as a rectangle, a square, or a rhombus. For example, as shown in the figure, each of the pixels PX may have a square planar shape. However, it is not limited thereto, and various shapes such as other polygons, circles, and ellipses may be provided on the plane.

[0052] In the illustrated drawings, the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 are respectively horizontal directions and intersect each other. For example, the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may be orthogonal to each other. And, a third direction DR3 may intersect with respect to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, and may be, for example, a vertical direction orthogonal to them.

[0053] The display panel 100 may include a main area MA and a protruding area PA protruding from one side of the main area MA.

[0054] The main area MA may be formed of a planar shape of a rectangle having a short side in a first direction DR1 and a long side in a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. The corner where the short side in the first direction DR1 and the long side in the second direction DR2 intersect may be formed to be rounded with a predetermined curvature, or may be formed as a right angle. The planar shape of the display device 10 is not limited to a quadrilateral, but may be formed as other polygons, circles, or ellipses. The main area MA may be formed flat, but is not limited thereto, and may include curved surface portions formed at the left and right ends. In this case, the curved surface portions may have a constant curvature or a varying curvature.

[0055] The main area MA may include a display area DA in which pixels PX are formed to display an image and a non-display area NDA that is a peripheral area of the display area DA.

[0056] In the display area DA, not only pixels PX may be arranged, but also scan lines, data lines, and power lines connected to the pixels PX may be arranged. In the case where the main area MA includes curved surface portions, the display area DA may be arranged in the curved surface portions. In this case, the image of the display panel 100 may also be observed in the curved surface portions.

[0057] The non-display area NDA may be defined as an area from the outside of the display area DA to the edge of the display panel 100. In the non-display area NDA, a scan driving unit for applying a scan signal to the scan lines and connection lines connecting the data lines and the display driving circuit 250 may be arranged.

[0058] The protruding area PA may protrude from one side of the main area MA. For example, as Figure 2 shown, the protruding area PA may protrude from the lower side of the main area MA. The length of the protruding area PA in the first direction DR1 may be less than the length of the main area MA in the first direction DR1.

[0059] The protruding area PA may include a bending area BA and a pad area PDA. In this case, the pad area PDA may be arranged at one side of the bending area BA, and the main area MA is arranged at the other side of the bending area BA. For example, the pad area PDA may be arranged at the lower side of the bending area BA, and the main area MA is arranged at the upper side of the bending area BA.

[0060] The display panel 100 can be formed to be flexible so that it can be bent, twisted, curved, folded, or curled. Accordingly, the display panel 100 can be bent in the thickness direction (i.e., the third direction DR3) in the bending region BA. In this case, before the display panel 100 is bent, one side of the pad region PDA of the display panel 100 faces upward, and after the display panel 100 is bent, one side of the pad region PDA of the display panel 100 faces downward. Thus, since the pad region PDA is disposed below the main region MA, it can overlap with the main region MA.

[0061] Pads can be disposed in the pad region PDA of the display panel 100 and are electrically connected to the display driving circuit 250 and the circuit board 300.

[0062] The display driving circuit 250 outputs signals and voltages for driving the display panel 100. For example, the display driving circuit 250 can supply data voltages to data lines. Also, the display driving circuit 250 can supply power voltages to power lines and supply scan control signals to the scan driving unit. The display driving circuit 250 can be formed as an integrated circuit (IC) and can be mounted on the display panel 100 in the pad region PDA in a chip on glass (COG) manner, a chip on plastic (COP) manner, or an ultrasonic bonding manner, but is not limited thereto. For example, the display driving circuit 250 can be mounted on the circuit board 300.

[0063] The pads can include display pads electrically connected to the display driving circuit 250 and touch pads electrically connected to touch lines.

[0064] The circuit board 300 can be attached to the pads using an anisotropic conductive film. Accordingly, the leads of the circuit board 300 can be electrically connected to the pads. The circuit board 300 can be a flexible film such as a flexible printed circuit board, a printed circuit board, or a chip on film.

[0065] The touch driving circuit 400 can be connected to the touch electrodes of the touch sensor layer TSU (refer to Figure 4 ) of the display panel 100. The touch driving circuit 400 supplies to the touch sensor layer TSU (refer to Figure 4) A drive signal is applied to the touch electrode, and the capacitance value of the touch electrode is measured. The drive signal may be a signal having a plurality of drive pulses. The touch drive circuit 400 can not only determine whether a touch input is present based on the capacitance value, but also calculate the touch coordinates where a touch is input.

[0066] The touch drive circuit 400 may be disposed on the circuit board 300. The touch drive circuit 400 may be formed as an integrated circuit (IC) and mounted on the circuit board 300.

[0067] In the display device 10 according to the present embodiment, the display panel 100 may further include a light control layer LCL.

[0068] The light control layer LCL may be directly disposed on the main area MA of the display panel 100. For example, the light control layer LCL may be built into the display panel 100 and directly disposed on the main area MA of the display panel 100. By building the light control layer LCL into the display panel 100, compared with the case of attaching an additional light control film, it has the advantages of being able to reduce the thickness and manufacturing cost of the display device 10.

[0069] In several embodiments, the light control layer LCL may be disposed on the display area DA of the main area MA. The light control layer LCL can adjust the viewing angle of the light emitted from the display panel 100.

[0070] The light control layer LCL may include an opening area OA arranged in a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2, and a non-opening area LSA surrounding the opening area OA.

[0071] The opening area OA may be an area where the light shielding film LS (refer to Figure 7a ) is not arranged. The opening area OA, as an area for transmitting light, may penetrate along a third direction DR3.

[0072] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, each of the opening areas OA may have a quadrilateral shape in a plane, but is not limited thereto. Each of the opening areas OA may have a circular, elliptical or other polygonal shape in a plane.

[0073] In another embodiment, the opening area OA may be a shape extending in the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2. As an example, in Figure 3 , the opening area OA may extend in the first direction DR1 and be arranged along the second direction DR2. As another example, the opening area OA may also extend in the second direction DR2 and be arranged along the first direction DR1.

[0074] AsFigure 1 As shown, when the opening region OA is arranged along the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, the viewing angle can be controlled in both the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. As Figure 3 shown, when the opening region OA is arranged along the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2, the viewing angle can be controlled in the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2. That is, according to the required viewing angle control direction, various deformations can be made to the arrangement and shape of the opening region OA.

[0075] The non-opening region LSA can be the remaining region of the light control layer LCL other than the opening region OA. The non-opening region LSA can be a region where the light-shielding film LS (refer to Figure 7a ) is arranged.

[0076] The light control layer LCL can include a light-shielding film LS that blocks the light emitted from the light-emitting layer 172 (refer to Figure 6 ) of the display panel 100, and a light-transmitting film LT that transmits the light. A description of the detailed structure of the light control layer LCL will be given later with reference to Figure 7a etc.

[0077] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device taken along the line I-I' of Figure 2 .

[0078] Referring to Figure 4 , the display device 10 may include a display panel 100 with a built-in light control layer LCL. The display panel 100 may include a substrate member BS, a thin film transistor layer TFTL, a light-emitting element layer EML, a thin film encapsulation layer TFEL, a touch sensor layer TSU, and a light control layer LCL.

[0079] The base member BS may include a substrate. The substrate may be made of an insulating material such as glass, quartz, or a polymer resin. Examples of the polymer material may include polyethersulphone (PES), polyacrylate (PA), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene napthalate (PEN), polyethylene terepthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyallylate, polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (CAT), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the substrate may also contain a material of a metal material.

[0080] The substrate may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate that can be bent, folded, rolled, etc. In the case where the substrate is a flexible substrate, although it may be formed of polyimide (PI), it is not limited thereto.

[0081] The thin film transistor layer TFTL may be disposed on the base member BS. In the thin film transistor layer TFTL, not only thin film transistors for each of the pixels may be formed, but also scan lines, data lines, power supply lines, scan control lines, and connection lines connecting the pads and the data lines may be formed. Each of the thin film transistors may include a gate electrode, a semiconductor layer, a source electrode, and a drain electrode.

[0082] The thin film transistor layer TFTL may be disposed in the display area DA and the non-display area NDA. Specifically, the thin film transistors, scan lines, data lines, and power supply lines for each of the pixels of the thin film transistor layer TFTL may be disposed in the display area DA. The scan control lines and connection lines of the thin film transistor layer TFTL may be disposed in the non-display area NDA.

[0083] An emission element layer EML may be disposed on a thin film transistor layer TFTL. The emission element layer EML may include pixels each including a first electrode, an emission layer, and a second electrode, and a pixel defining film defining the pixels. The emission layer may be an organic emission layer including an organic material. In this case, the emission layer may include a hole transporting layer, an organic light emitting layer, and an electron transporting layer. When a predetermined voltage is applied to the first electrode and a cathode voltage is applied to the second electrode through a thin film transistor of the thin film transistor layer TFTL, holes and electrons move to the organic light emitting layer through the hole transporting layer and the electron transporting layer, respectively, and combine with each other in the organic light emitting layer to emit light. The pixels of the emission element layer EML may be disposed in a display area DA.

[0084] A thin film encapsulation layer TFEL may be disposed on the emission element layer EML. The thin film encapsulation layer TFEL may serve to prevent oxygen or moisture from penetrating into the emission element layer EML. To this end, the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL may include at least one inorganic film. The inorganic film may be a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer, but is not limited thereto. Also, the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL may serve to protect the emission element layer EML from foreign substances such as dust. To this end, the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL may include at least one organic film. The organic film may be an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, or a polyimide resin, but is not limited thereto.

[0085] The thin film encapsulation layer TFEL may be disposed in both a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. Specifically, the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL may be disposed to cover the emission element layer EML in the display area DA and the non-display area NDA and to cover the thin film transistor layer TFTL in the non-display area NDA.

[0086] A touch sensor layer TSU may be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL. By directly disposing the touch sensor layer TSU on the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL, there is an advantage in that the thickness of the display device 10 can be reduced as compared with a case where an additional touch panel including the touch sensor layer TSU is attached to the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL.

[0087] The touch sensor layer TSU may include touch electrodes for capacitively sensing a user's touch, and touch lines connecting the connection pads and the touch electrodes. For example, the touch sensor layer TSU may sense a user's touch in a self-capacitance manner or a mutual capacitance manner.

[0088] The touch electrodes of the touch sensor layer TSU may be arranged in a touch sensor area overlapping with the display area DA. The touch lines of the touch sensor layer TSU may be arranged in a touch peripheral area overlapping with the non-display area NDA.

[0089] A light control layer LCL may be arranged on the touch sensor layer TSU. The light control layer LCL may be arranged to overlap with the display area DA. The light control layer LCL may function to absorb or block light traveling at an angle relative to the third direction DR3 from the light emitting element layer EML. That is, the light control layer LCL may control the viewing angle.

[0090] Although not shown, the display device 10 may further include a cover window. The cover window may be additionally arranged on the light control layer LCL. In this case, the light control layer LCL and the cover window may be attached by a transparent adhesive member such as an optically clear adhesive (OCA) film.

[0091] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram when the display device according to an embodiment is applied to a vehicle.

[0092] Referring to Figure 5 , the display device 10 according to an embodiment may be, for example, a display device applicable to a vehicle. The vehicle may include a vehicle body constituting the appearance of the vehicle and an interior space defined by the vehicle body. The vehicle body may include a windshield W that protects the driver and passengers from the outside and provides a view for the driver. As Figure 5 shown, the display device 10 may be provided in the interior space.

[0093] In one embodiment, the display device 10 may be arranged in a dashboard provided in the interior space. For example, the display device 10 may be arranged in the dashboard in front of the driver's seat to provide speed information and the like to the driver, or arranged in the dashboard in front of the passenger seat to provide entertainment information and the like to the passenger, or arranged in the center of the dashboard to provide map information and the like. Figure 5 Illustratively shown in is the display device 10 arranged in the dashboard in front of the driver's seat and the driver viewing the display screen of the display device 10.

[0094] The driver can recognize (or observe) the display screen of the display device 10 through the light LGT1 emitted from the display device 10 towards the driver side. However, a part of the light LGT2 in the light emitted from the display device 10 can be reflected by the surrounding front windshield W and provided to the driver. In this case, the image projected onto the front windshield W may interfere with the driver's driving. However, in the case of the display device 10 according to an embodiment, by adjusting the front view angle (the direction facing the driver) of the light LGT1 and LGT2 emitted from the display device 10, especially the vertical view angle, it is possible to prevent in advance a part of the light LGT2 in the light emitted from the display device 10 from being reflected by the surrounding front windshield W and provided to the driver.

[0095] Moreover, a part of the light LGT2 in the light emitted from the display device 10 can be provided towards the passenger side. In this case, the display device 10 may be relatively vulnerable to personal privacy protection. However, in the case of the display device 10 according to an embodiment, by adjusting the front view angle (the direction facing the driver) of the light LGT1 and LGT2 emitted from the display device 10, especially the horizontal view angle, it is possible to prevent the image displayed on the display device 10 arranged in front of the driver from being provided to the passenger.

[0096] The view angle can be adjusted by the light control layer LCL. The view angle can be restricted to a predetermined angular range by the light control layer LCL. As an example, when an imaginary line extending in a direction perpendicular to the display surface of the display device 10 and facing the driver is set as the normal line, the view angle can be an angle within 35° from the normal line. In several embodiments, the angle within 35° from the normal line can be defined as the effective view angle, but it is not limited thereto.

[0097] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a display panel according to an embodiment.

[0098] Refer to Figure 6 , the display panel 100 may include a display layer DU and a touch sensor layer TSU. The display layer DU may include a substrate member BS, a thin film transistor layer TFTL, a light emitting element layer EML, and a thin film encapsulation layer TFEL.

[0099] The substrate member BS may include a first substrate SUB1, a first buffer film BF1 disposed on the first substrate SUB1, and a second substrate SUB2 disposed on the first buffer film BF1.

[0100] The first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 may be made of an insulating material such as glass, quartz, or a polymer resin. Examples of the polymer material may include polyethersulphone (PES), polyacrylate (PA), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyallylate, polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (CAT), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the substrate may also contain a material of a metal material.

[0101] The first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate that can be bent, folded, rolled, etc. In the case where the substrate is a flexible substrate, although it may be formed of polyimide (PI), it is not limited thereto.

[0102] The first buffer film BF1 is a film for protecting the first thin film transistor ST1 and the light emitting layer 172 from the influence of moisture permeating through the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 that are not moisture permeable. The first buffer film BF1 may be composed of a plurality of inorganic films stacked alternately. For example, the first buffer film BF1 may be formed of a multilayer film in which one or more inorganic films such as a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, and an aluminum oxide layer are stacked alternately.

[0103] The thin film transistor layer TFTL may include a lower metal layer BML, a second buffer film BF2, a first thin film transistor ST1, a first gate insulating film GI1, a first interlayer insulating film 141, a first capacitor electrode CAE1, a second interlayer insulating film 142, a first anode connection electrode ANDE1, a first organic film 160, a second anode connection electrode ANDE2, and a second organic film 180.

[0104] The lower metal layer BML may be disposed on the second substrate SUB2. The lower metal layer BML may be disposed to overlap with the first active layer ACT1 of the first thin film transistor ST1 in the third direction DR3 to prevent leakage current from occurring when light is incident on the first active layer ACT1 of the first thin film transistor ST1. The lower metal layer BML may be formed as a single layer or multiple layers composed of one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu) or an alloy thereof. The lower metal layer BML may be omitted.

[0105] The second buffer film BF2 may be disposed on the lower metal layer BML. The second buffer film BF2 is a film for protecting the first thin film transistor ST1 and the light emitting layer 172 from moisture permeating through the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 that are not moisture permeable. The second buffer film BF2 may be composed of multiple inorganic films stacked alternately. For example, the second buffer film BF2 may be formed as a multilayer film in which one or more inorganic films among a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, and an aluminum oxide layer are stacked alternately.

[0106] The first active layer ACT1 of the first thin film transistor ST1 may be disposed on the second buffer film BF2. The first active layer ACT1 of the first thin film transistor ST1 includes polycrystalline silicon, single crystal silicon, low temperature polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, or an oxide semiconductor. Since the first active layer ACT1 of the first thin film transistor ST1 that is exposed without being covered by the first gate insulating film GI1 is doped with impurities or ions, it can have conductivity. Therefore, the first source electrode TS1 and the first drain electrode TD1 of the first active layer ACT1 of the first thin film transistor ST1 can be formed.

[0107] The first gate insulating film GI1 may be disposed on the first active layer ACT1 of the first thin film transistor ST1. In Figure 5 it is illustrated that the first gate insulating film GI1 is disposed between the first gate electrode TG1 and the first active layer ACT1 of the first thin film transistor ST1, but it is not limited thereto. The first gate insulating film GI1 may also be disposed between the first interlayer insulating film 141 and the first active layer ACT1, and between the first interlayer insulating film 141 and the second buffer film BF2. The first gate insulating film GI1 may be formed of an inorganic film, such as a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer.

[0108] On the first gate insulating film GI1, the first gate electrode TG1 of the first thin film transistor ST1 may be disposed. The first gate electrode TG1 of the first thin film transistor ST1 may overlap with the first active layer ACT1 in the third direction DR3. The first gate electrode TG1 of the first thin film transistor ST1 may be formed as a single layer or multiple layers composed of one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu) or an alloy thereof.

[0109] On the first gate electrode TG1 of the first thin film transistor ST1, the first interlayer insulating film 141 may be disposed. The first interlayer insulating film 141 may be formed of an inorganic film, such as a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer. The first interlayer insulating film 141 may include multiple inorganic films.

[0110] On the first interlayer insulating film 141, the first capacitor electrode CAE1 may be disposed. The first capacitor electrode CAE1 may overlap with the first gate electrode TG1 of the first thin film transistor ST1 in the third direction DR3. Since the first interlayer insulating film 141 has a predetermined dielectric constant, a capacitor may be formed by the first capacitor electrode CAE1, the first gate electrode TG1, and the first interlayer insulating film 141 disposed therebetween. The first capacitor electrode CAE1 may be formed as a single layer or multiple layers composed of one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu) or an alloy thereof.

[0111] On the first capacitor electrode CAE1, the second interlayer insulating film 142 may be disposed. The second interlayer insulating film 142 may be formed of an inorganic film, such as a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer. The second interlayer insulating film 142 may include multiple inorganic films.

[0112] On the second interlayer insulating film 142, the first anode connection electrode ANDE1 may be disposed. The first anode connection electrode ANDE1 may be connected to the first drain electrode TD1 of the first thin film transistor ST1 through the first anode contact hole ANCT1 that penetrates the first interlayer insulating film 141 and the second interlayer insulating film 142 and exposes the first drain electrode TD1 of the first thin film transistor ST1. The first anode connection electrode ANDE1 may be formed as a single layer or multiple layers composed of one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu) or an alloy thereof.

[0113] A first organic film 160 for planarization may be disposed on the first anode connection electrode ANDE1. The first organic film 160 may be formed of an organic film such as an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, or a polyimide resin.

[0114] A second anode connection electrode ANDE2 may be disposed on the first organic film 160. The second anode connection electrode ANDE2 may be connected to the first anode connection electrode ANDE1 through a second anode contact hole ANCT2 that penetrates the first organic film 160 and exposes the first anode connection electrode ANDE1. The second anode connection electrode ANDE2 may be formed as a single layer or a multilayer composed of one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu) or an alloy thereof.

[0115] A second organic film 180 may be disposed on the second anode connection electrode ANDE2. The second organic film 180 may be formed of an organic film such as an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, or a polyimide resin.

[0116] Although in Figure 6 it is illustrated that the first thin film transistor ST1 is formed in an upper gate (top gate) manner in which the first gate electrode TG1 is located above the first active layer ACT1, it is not limited thereto. The first thin film transistor ST1 may be formed in a lower gate (bottom gate) manner in which the first gate electrode TG1 is located below the first active layer ACT1 or in a double gate manner in which the first gate electrode TG1 is located both above and below the first active layer ACT1.

[0117] An emission element layer EML may be disposed on the second organic film 180. The emission element layer EML may include an emission element 170 and a bank 190. Each of the emission elements 170 may include a first emission electrode 171, an emission layer 172, and a second emission electrode 173.

[0118] The first light-emitting electrode 171 may be formed on the second organic film 180. The first light-emitting electrode 171 may be connected to the second anode connection electrode ANDE2 through a third anode contact hole ANCT3 that penetrates the second organic film 180 to expose the second anode connection electrode ANDE2.

[0119] In a top emission structure that emits light in the direction of the second light-emitting electrode 173 with the light-emitting layer 172 as a reference, the first light-emitting electrode 171 may be formed of a stacked structure (Ti / Al / Ti) of metal materials with high reflectivity such as aluminum and titanium, a stacked structure (ITO / Al / ITO) of aluminum and ITO, an APC alloy, and a stacked structure (ITO / APC / ITO) of an APC alloy and ITO. The APC alloy is an alloy of silver (Ag), palladium (Pd), and copper (Cu).

[0120] The dam 190 may be formed on the second organic film 180 to divide the first light-emitting electrode 171 to serve as a light-emitting region EA definition function. The dam 190 may be formed to cover the edge of the first light-emitting electrode 171. The dam 190 may be formed of an organic film such as an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, or a polyimide resin.

[0121] The light-emitting region EA indicates a region where the first light-emitting electrode 171, the light-emitting layer 172, and the second light-emitting electrode 173 are sequentially stacked so that holes from the first light-emitting electrode 171 and electrons from the second light-emitting electrode 173 are combined with each other in the light-emitting layer 172 to emit light.

[0122] The light-emitting layer 172 is formed on the first light-emitting electrode 171 and the dam 190. The light-emitting layer 172 may include an organic substance to emit a predetermined color. For example, the light-emitting layer 172 may include a hole transporting layer, an organic substance layer, and an electron transporting layer.

[0123] The second light-emitting electrode 173 may be disposed on the light-emitting layer 172. The second light-emitting electrode 173 may be formed to cover the light-emitting layer 172. The second light-emitting electrode 173 may be a common layer commonly formed in all light-emitting regions EA. Although not shown, in several embodiments, a capping layer may be formed on the second light-emitting electrode 173.

[0124] In the upper light-emitting structure, the second light-emitting electrode 173 can be formed of a semi-transmissive conductive material that can transmit light, such as a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) of indium tin oxide (ITO) and indium zinc oxide (IZO), or an alloy such as magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), or magnesium (Mg) and silver (Ag). When the second light-emitting electrode 173 is formed of a semi-transmissive conductive material, the light extraction efficiency can be improved by a micro cavity.

[0125] A thin film encapsulation layer TFEL can be disposed on the second light-emitting electrode 173. The thin film encapsulation layer TFEL can include at least one inorganic film to prevent oxygen or moisture from penetrating into the light-emitting element layer EML. Also, the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL can include at least one organic film to protect the light-emitting element layer EML from foreign substances such as dust. For example, the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL can include a first encapsulation film TFE1, a second encapsulation film TFE2, and a third encapsulation film TFE3.

[0126] The first encapsulation film TFE1 (e.g., the first inorganic encapsulation film) can be disposed on the second light-emitting electrode 173. The first encapsulation film TFE1 can be a single-layer or multi-layer inorganic film. The first encapsulation film TFE1 can be formed of a multi-layer film or a single film in which one or more inorganic films of a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, and an aluminum oxide layer are alternately stacked.

[0127] The second encapsulation film TFE2 (e.g., the first organic encapsulation film) can be disposed on the first encapsulation film TFE1. The second encapsulation film TFE2 can be a single-layer or multi-layer organic film. The second encapsulation film TFE2 can contain a polymer series of substances. The polymer series of materials can include polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyimide, polyethylene sulfonate, polyoxymethylene, polyarylate, hexamethyldisiloxane, acrylic resins (e.g., polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylic acid, etc.), or any combination thereof.

[0128] The third encapsulation film TFE3 (e.g., the second inorganic encapsulation film) can be disposed on the second encapsulation film TFE2. The third encapsulation film TFE3 can be a single-layer or multi-layer inorganic film. The third encapsulation film TFE3 can contain the same substances as the first encapsulation film TFE1. For example, the third encapsulation film TFE3 can be formed of a multi-layer film or a single film in which one or more inorganic films of a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, and an aluminum oxide layer are alternately stacked.

[0129] The thickness of the second encapsulation film TFE2 can be greater than the thicknesses of the first encapsulation film TFE1 and the third encapsulation film TFE3. For example, the thickness of the second encapsulation film TFE2 can be from 3.3 μm to 6.6 μm, and the thicknesses of the first encapsulation film TFE1 and the third encapsulation film TFE3 can be from 0.55 μm to 1.1 μm, but not limited thereto.

[0130] The touch sensor layer TSU can be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL. The touch sensor layer TSU can include a plurality of touch electrodes for capacitively sensing a user's touch, touch lines connecting the plurality of touch electrodes and a touch driving unit. For example, the touch sensor layer TSU can sense a user's touch in a mutual capacitance manner or a self-capacitance manner.

[0131] In another embodiment, the touch sensor layer TSU can be disposed on an additional substrate disposed on the display layer DU. In this case, the substrate for supporting the touch sensor layer TSU can be an encapsulation member for encapsulating the display layer DU.

[0132] The plurality of touch electrodes of the touch sensor layer TSU can be disposed in a touch sensor area overlapping with the display area. The touch lines of the touch sensor layer TSU can be disposed in a touch peripheral area overlapping with the non-display area.

[0133] The touch sensor layer TSU can include a first touch insulating film SIL1, a first touch electrode REL, a second touch insulating film SIL2, a second touch electrode TEL, and a third touch insulating film SIL3.

[0134] The first touch insulating film SIL1 can be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL. The first touch insulating film SIL1 can have insulating and optical functions. The first touch insulating film SIL1 can include at least one inorganic film. For example, the first touch insulating film SIL1 can be an inorganic film including at least one of a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, and an aluminum oxide layer. Optionally, the first touch insulating film SIL1 can be omitted.

[0135] The first touch electrode REL may be disposed on the first touch insulating film SIL1. The first touch electrode REL may not overlap with the light-emitting element 170. The first touch electrode REL may be formed as a single layer of molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), indium tin oxide (ITO), or may be formed as a stacked structure of aluminum and titanium (Ti / Al / Ti), a stacked structure of aluminum and ITO (ITO / Al / ITO), an APC alloy, and a stacked structure of an APC alloy and ITO (ITO / APC / ITO).

[0136] In one embodiment, as Figure 6 shown, the first touch electrode REL may not overlap with the light-emitting region EA in the third direction DR3, but may overlap with the dam 190.

[0137] The second touch insulating film SIL2 may cover the first touch electrode REL and the first touch insulating film SIL1. The second touch insulating film SIL2 may have insulating and optical functions. For example, the second touch insulating film SIL2 may be composed of the substances exemplified in the first touch insulating film SIL1.

[0138] The second touch electrode TEL may be disposed on the second touch insulating film SIL2. The second touch electrode TEL may not overlap with the light-emitting element 170. The second touch electrode TEL may be formed as a single layer of molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), ITO (indium tin oxide), or may be formed as a stacked structure of aluminum and titanium (Ti / Al / Ti), a stacked structure of aluminum and ITO (ITO / Al / ITO), an APC alloy, and a stacked structure of an APC alloy and ITO (ITO / APC / ITO).

[0139] In one embodiment, as Figure 6 shown, the second touch electrode TEL may not overlap with the light-emitting region EA in the third direction DR3, but may overlap with the dam 190.

[0140] The third touch insulating film SIL3 may cover the second touch electrode TEL and the second touch insulating film SIL2. The third touch insulating film SIL3 may have insulating and optical functions. The third touch insulating film SIL3 may be composed of the substances exemplified in the second touch insulating film SIL2.

[0141] The first touch insulating film SIL1, the second touch insulating film SIL2, and the third touch insulating film SIL3 are inorganic films, and their refractive indices can be greater than or equal to the refractive index of the first encapsulation film TFE1 and the refractive index of the third encapsulation film TFE3, respectively. For example, the refractive indices of the first touch insulating film SIL1, the second touch insulating film SIL2, and the third touch insulating film SIL3 can be 1.55 to 1.7. In this specification, the refractive index can be a value measured using light of approximately 550 nm under standard conditions of approximately 20 °C and 1 atmosphere.

[0142] In several embodiments, the first touch insulating film SIL1, the second touch insulating film SIL2, and the third touch insulating film SIL3 can be organic films. For example, the first touch insulating film SIL1, the second touch insulating film SIL2, and the third touch insulating film SIL3 can be organic films such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, and polyimide resin.

[0143] When the first touch insulating film SIL1, the second touch insulating film SIL2, and the third touch insulating film SIL3 are organic films, the first touch insulating film SIL1, the second touch insulating film SIL2, and the third touch insulating film SIL3 can be high-refractive-index organic films with a high refractive index. For example, the refractive indices of the first touch insulating film SIL1, the second touch insulating film SIL2, and the third touch insulating film SIL3 can be 1.55 to 1.7, but are not limited thereto.

[0144] When the first touch insulating film SIL1, the second touch insulating film SIL2, and the third touch insulating film SIL3 are organic films, in order to increase the refractive index, nanoparticles such as zirconium oxide (ZrOx) and titanium oxide (TiOx) can be included. The size of the nanoparticles can be within approximately 50 μm.

[0145] The touch sensor layer TSU can further include a planarization film PAS for planarization. The planarization film PAS can be formed as an organic film such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, or polyimide resin.

[0146] The refractive index of the planarization film PAS may be the same as that of one of the first touch insulating film SIL1, the second touch insulating film SIL2, and the third touch insulating film SIL3. For example, the refractive index of the planarization film PAS may be 1.55 to 1.7, but is not limited thereto.

[0147] When the planarization film PAS is an organic film, in order to increase the refractive index, it may include nanoparticles such as zirconium oxide (ZrOx) and titanium oxide (TiOx). The size of the nanoparticles may be within approximately 50 μm.

[0148] Figure 7a It is a plan view showing a part of a display area according to an embodiment. Figure 7b It is a plan view showing a part of a display area according to another embodiment. Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view of a display panel and a light control layer according to an embodiment. Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view of a light control layer according to an embodiment.

[0149] Refer to together Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 7a to 9 , the display area DA of the display device 10 may include a plurality of light emitting areas EA. The light emitting area EA may be an area that emits the light generated in the light emitting element 170 to the outside.

[0150] The plurality of light emitting areas EA may be defined by dams 190. For example, the plurality of light emitting areas EA may be areas overlapping with the light emitting layer 172 disposed within the openings of the dams 190. The light emitting area EA may be an area where the first light emitting electrode 171, the light emitting layer 172, and the second light emitting electrode 173 are sequentially stacked in an overlapping state.

[0151] In several embodiments, the plurality of light emitting areas EA may include a first light emitting area EA1, a second light emitting area EA2, and a third light emitting area EA3. Although it is shown in the drawings that three types of light emitting areas EA are included in the display area DA, it is not limited thereto.

[0152] The first light emitting area EA1 may emit light of a first color, the second light emitting area EA2 may emit light of a second color, and the third light emitting area EA3 may emit light of a third color. The light of the first color may be light in the red wavelength band, the light of the second color may be light in the green wavelength band, and the light of the third color may be light in the blue wavelength band. The red wavelength band may be a wavelength band of approximately 600 nm to 750 nm, the green wavelength band is a wavelength band of approximately 480 nm to 560 nm, and the blue wavelength band is a wavelength band of approximately 370 nm to 460 nm, but is not limited thereto.

[0153] The first light-emitting region EA1, the second light-emitting region EA2, and the third light-emitting region EA3 may each have a planar shape of a rectangle, a square, or a rhombus. For example, as shown in the drawings, the first light-emitting region EA1, the second light-emitting region EA2, and the third light-emitting region EA3 may each be a rectangular shape with rounded corners, but are not limited thereto.

[0154] In one embodiment, as Figure 7a shown, the areas of the first light-emitting region EA1, the second light-emitting region EA2, and the third light-emitting region EA3 may be different from each other. For example, the area of the third light-emitting region EA3 may be greater than the area of the second light-emitting region EA2, and the area of the second light-emitting region EA2 may be greater than the area of the first light-emitting region EA1.

[0155] And, in one embodiment, as Figure 7a shown, the first light-emitting region EA1 and the second light-emitting region EA2 may be arranged side by side in a first direction DR1. The third light-emitting region EA3 may be arranged side by side with the first light-emitting region EA1 and the second light-emitting region EA2 in a second direction DR2.

[0156] In another embodiment, as Figure 7b shown, the areas of the first light-emitting region EA1, the second light-emitting region EA2, and the third light-emitting region EA3 may be the same as each other. And, the first light-emitting region EA1, the second light-emitting region EA2, and the third light-emitting region EA3 may each extend in a first direction DR1 and be arranged side by side with each other in a second direction DR2. In still another embodiment, the first light-emitting region EA1, the second light-emitting region EA2, and the third light-emitting region EA3 may also each extend in a second direction DR2 and be arranged side by side with each other in a first direction DR1.

[0157] In addition, in Figure 7a and Figure 7b the display device 10 according to the present embodiment is illustrated as an example showing the case where the opening region OA and the non-opening region LSA extend in the first direction DR1 in the same manner as the display device 10 according to the Figure 3 embodiment.

[0158] The light-emitting region EA of the display region DA may overlap with the opening region OA and the non-opening region LSA in a third direction DR3. For example, the first light-emitting region EA1, the second light-emitting region EA2, and the third light-emitting region EA3 may overlap with the opening region OA and the non-opening region LSA.

[0159] The opening region OA may be a region of the light-shielding film LS where the light control layer LCL is not arranged. The non-opening region LSA may be a region of the light-shielding film LS where the light control layer LCL is arranged.

[0160] The light control layer LCL may be disposed on the touch sensor layer TSU. The light control layer LCL may control the viewing angle of the light emitted from the light emitting layer 172. For example, in the case where the light emitted from the light emitting layer 172 travels at an angle equal to or less than a predetermined angle with respect to the third direction DR3, it may emit light to the outside. On the other hand, in the case where the light emitted from the light emitting layer 172 travels at an angle exceeding the predetermined angle with respect to the third direction DR3, it may be absorbed or blocked by the light shielding film LS and not emit light to the outside.

[0161] The light control layer LCL may include a light transmissive film LT and a light shielding film LS.

[0162] The light shielding film LS may be disposed in the non-opening region LSA. The light shielding film LS may be disposed between the touch sensor layer TSU and the low refractive index transmissive film LLT in the third direction DR3. The upper surface of the light shielding film LS may be in direct contact with the lower surface of the low refractive index transmissive film LLT. In one embodiment, the area of the upper surface of the light shielding film LS may be the same as the area of the lower surface of the low refractive index transmissive film LLT, but is not limited thereto.

[0163] In one embodiment, as Figure 1 shown, the light shielding film LS may include a plurality of openings disposed in the opening region OA. In this case, the light shielding film LS may surround at least a part of the high refractive index transmissive film HLT disposed in the opening of the opening region OA. In another embodiment, as Figure 3 shown, the light shielding film LS may be alternately disposed with the high refractive index transmissive film HLT in the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2.

[0164] The light shielding film LS may absorb or block the light emitted from the light emitting layer 172. The light shielding film LS may contain a light shielding organic substance. For example, the light shielding film LS is a photosensitive resin that can absorb or block light, and it may include an organic substance containing an organic black pigment such as carbon black.

[0165] In several embodiments, the light shielding film LS may overlap both the light emitting region EA and the non-light emitting region other than the light emitting region EA in the third direction DR3. For example, the light shielding film LS may overlap not only the light emitting layer 172 disposed in the light emitting region EA but also the dam 190 disposed in the non-light emitting region in the third direction DR3.

[0166] The light transmissive film LT may be disposed on the touch sensor layer TSU. For example, the light transmissive film LT may be disposed on the planarization film PAS of the touch sensor layer TSU. The light transmissive film LT may be disposed in the opening region OA and the non-opening region LSA.

[0167] The light-transmitting film LT can transmit the light emitted from the light-emitting layer 172. The light-transmitting film LT can include a transparent organic material. For example, the light-transmitting film LT can include an organic film such as an acryl resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, or a polyimide resin. In another embodiment, the light-transmitting film LT can include silicon oxynitride or silicon oxide.

[0168] The light-transmitting film LT can include a high-refractive-index transmission film HLT and a low-refractive-index transmission film LLT. The high-refractive-index transmission film HLT can be disposed in the opening region OA, and the low-refractive-index transmission film LLT can be disposed in the non-opening region LSA.

[0169] The low-refractive-index transmission film LLT can be disposed in the non-opening region LSA. The low-refractive-index transmission film LLT can be spaced apart from the touch sensor layer TSU in the third direction DR3 and disposed on the light-shielding film LS. The lower surface of the low-refractive-index transmission film LLT can be in direct contact with the upper surface of the light-shielding film LS. In one embodiment, the area of the lower surface of the low-refractive-index transmission film LLT can be the same as the area of the upper surface of the light-shielding film LS, but it is not limited thereto.

[0170] In one embodiment, similar to the light-shielding film LS, the low-refractive-index transmission film LLT can include Figure 1 a plurality of openings disposed in the opening region OA as shown. In this case, the low-refractive-index transmission film LLT can surround at least a part of the high-refractive-index transmission film HLT disposed within the opening of the opening region OA. In another embodiment, the low-refractive-index transmission film LLT can be alternately disposed with the high-refractive-index transmission film HLT in the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2 as shown. Figure 3

[0171] The high-refractive-index transmission film HLT can be in direct contact with the touch sensor layer TSU. The high-refractive-index transmission film HLT can be disposed between the light-shielding films LS and between the low-refractive-index transmission films LLT in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the third direction DR3. For example, the high-refractive-index transmission film HLT can be disposed within the openings of the light-shielding film LS and the low-refractive-index transmission film LLT. In one embodiment, the high-refractive-index transmission film HLT can be in the form of a polygonal prism such as a cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, or a quadrangular prism.

[0172] In several embodiments, the high-refractive-index transmission film HLT can be formed into a plurality and disposed spaced apart from each other. For example, a plurality of high-refractive-index transmission films HLT can be disposed within the opening region OA and spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the third direction DR3. The spacing distances between the plurality of high-refractive-index transmission films HLT can all be the same, but it is not limited thereto. ​

[0173] As shown Figure 9 in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the third direction DR3, the first distance D1, which is the distance between the high refractive index transmissive films HLT, can be the same as the width LS_W of the light shielding film LS and the width LLT_W of the low refractive index transmissive film LLT arranged between the high refractive index transmissive films HLT. In one embodiment, the first distance D1 can be approximately 1 μm to 4 μm.

[0174] The first width W1, which is the width HLT_W of the high refractive index transmissive film HLT, can be greater than the first distance D1. In one embodiment, the first width W1 can be approximately 5 μm to 10 μm.

[0175] In the display device 10 according to the present embodiment, the refractive index of the low refractive index transmissive film LLT can be less than the refractive index of the high refractive index transmissive film HLT. Thereby, within the effective viewing angle range of the display device 10 according to the present embodiment, the brightness, light extraction efficiency, uniformity of brightness, and uniformity of light extraction efficiency can be improved. The effective viewing angle range can refer to the range within which the light emitted from the light emitting layer 172 is not blocked by the light control layer LCL but can reach the effective viewing angle of the user. Hereinafter, although the case where the effective viewing angle is 35° is illustrated as an example, it is not limited thereto.

[0176] Specifically, the refractive index of the low refractive index transmissive film LLT can be less than the refractive index of the high refractive index transmissive film HLT. Thereby, the first light L1 emitted from the light emitting layer 172 and incident on the interface IFC between the low refractive index transmissive film LLT and the high refractive index transmissive film HLT at the first angle θ1 can pass through the interface IFC between the low refractive index transmissive film LLT and the high refractive index transmissive film HLT to become the second light L2, or be reflected on the interface IFC between the low refractive index transmissive film LLT and the high refractive index transmissive film HLT to become the third light L3.

[0177] The third light L3 can be the light totally reflected by the first light L1 on the interface IFC between the low refractive index transmissive film LLT and the high refractive index transmissive film HLT. When the first angle θ1 is less than (90° - critical angle of total reflection), the first light L1 can be totally reflected in the form of the third light L3. The critical angle represents the angle formed by the first light L1 and the normal line perpendicular to the interface IFC between the low refractive index transmissive film LLT and the high refractive index transmissive film HLT. The third light L3 can exit from the interface IFC between the low refractive index transmissive film LLT and the high refractive index transmissive film HLT at the third angle θ3, which is the same angle as the first angle θ1.

[0178] In the display device 10 according to the present embodiment, when the first angle θ1 is less than the effective viewing angle, the first light L1 can exit to the outside by total reflection like the third light L3. Thus, under the action of the light having the first angle θ1 within the range less than the effective viewing angle, the brightness of the display device 10 can be increased within the effective viewing angle range. Therefore, the light extraction efficiency of the display device 10 can be increased within the effective viewing angle range.

[0179] The second light L2 can be the light transmitted by the first light L1 at the interface IFC between the low-refractive-index transmission film LLT and the high-refractive-index transmission film HLT. When the first angle θ1 is greater than (90° - the critical angle of total reflection), the first light L1 can be transmitted in the form of the second light L2. The second light L2 can exit at a second angle θ2 which is less than the first angle θ1 at the interface IFC between the low-refractive-index transmission film LLT and the high-refractive-index transmission film HLT.

[0180] In the display device 10 according to the present embodiment, when the first angle θ1 is greater than the effective viewing angle, on the interface IFC between the low-refractive-index transmission film LLT and the high-refractive-index transmission film HLT, the first light L1 can exit at a second angle θ2 which is less than the effective viewing angle like the second light L2. That is, the first light L1 having the first angle θ1 greater than the effective viewing angle can be converted into the second light L2 having the second angle θ2 within the effective viewing angle and exit to the outside. Thus, by converting the light having the first angle θ1 greater than the effective viewing angle into the light having the second angle θ2 within the effective viewing angle range, the brightness of the display device 10 can be increased within the effective viewing angle range. Therefore, the light extraction efficiency of the display device 10 can be increased within the effective viewing angle range.

[0181] For example, the light outside the effective viewing angle range can be blocked from exiting to the outside by increasing the thickness LS_H of the light-shielding film LS to control the viewing angle. In this case, the brightness and light extraction efficiency of the display device 10 may decrease. On the other hand, as in the display device 10 according to the present embodiment, by including the low-refractive-index transmission film LLT and the high-refractive-index transmission film HLT, the light outside the effective viewing angle range can be converted into the light within the effective viewing angle range and exit, so that the brightness and light extraction efficiency of the display device 10 can be increased.

[0182] In several embodiments, the refractive index of the low-refractive-index transmission film LLT may be within approximately 97% of the refractive index of the high-refractive-index transmission film HLT. In one embodiment, the refractive index of the low-refractive-index transmission film LLT may be 1.5 or less. In this specification, the refractive index value may be a value measured using light with a wavelength of 550 nm under standard conditions of 20 °C and 1 atmosphere. In several embodiments, the difference between the refractive index of the low-refractive-index transmission film LLT and the refractive index of the high-refractive-index transmission film HLT may be 0.05 or more.

[0183] When the refractive index of the low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT is greater than 97% of the refractive index of the high-refractive-index transmissive film HLT, or the difference between the refractive index of the low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT and the refractive index of the high-refractive-index transmissive film HLT is less than 0.05, light having a first angle θ1 greater than the effective viewing angle may not exit at a second angle θ2 within the effective viewing angle range. Therefore, in order to increase the brightness of the display device 10 within the effective viewing angle range, the refractive index of the low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT may be within 97% of the refractive index of the high-refractive-index transmissive film HLT, or the difference between the refractive index of the low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT and the refractive index of the high-refractive-index transmissive film HLT may be 0.05 or more.

[0184] In addition, the thickness LS_H of the light-shielding film LS may be greater than the thickness LLT_H of the low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT. For example, the thickness LS_H of the light-shielding film LS may be approximately 1.5 times to 10 times the thickness LLT_H of the low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT. In one embodiment, the thickness LS_H of the light-shielding film LS may be approximately 15 μm to 40 μm, and the thickness LLT_H of the low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT may be 10 μm or less.

[0185] The thickness HLT_H of the high-refractive-index transmissive film HLT may be the same as the sum of the thickness LS_H of the light-shielding film LS and the thickness LLT_H of the low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT. In one embodiment, the thickness HLT_H of the high-refractive-index transmissive film HLT may be approximately 25 μm to 50 μm.

[0186] When the thickness LS_H of the light-shielding film LS is 1.5 times or more the thickness LLT_H of the low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT, the viewing angle control can be improved by preventing light outside the effective viewing angle range from exiting to the outside. When the thickness LS_H of the light-shielding film LS is 10 times or less the thickness LLT_H of the low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT, the range of the first angle θ1 of the first light L1 that can reach the interface IFC between the low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT and the high-refractive-index transmissive film HLT can be increased. Therefore, the degree to which light outside the effective viewing angle range is converted into light within the effective viewing angle range increases, thereby further increasing the brightness and light extraction efficiency of the display device 10.

[0187] In several embodiments, the angle θa formed by the side surface and the bottom surface of the low refractive index transmissive film LLT may be 90 degrees. That is, the side surface of the low refractive index transmissive film LLT may be a vertical surface. Thus, by vertically forming the interface IFC between the low refractive index transmissive film LLT and the high refractive index transmissive film HLT, the first light L1 passing through the interface IFC between the low refractive index transmissive film LLT and the high refractive index transmissive film HLT can exit with a second angle θ2 greater than 0 degrees. That is, all of the first light L1 passing through the interface IFC between the low refractive index transmissive film LLT and the high refractive index transmissive film HLT can exit within the effective viewing angle range not at the front viewing angle (i.e., a viewing angle of 0 degrees), but can exit with a second angle θ2 that must be greater than 0 degrees. Therefore, the uniformity of brightness and the uniformity of light extraction efficiency can be improved within the effective viewing angle range.

[0188] Figure 10 It is a graph showing the light extraction efficiency corresponding to the viewing angle of the light control layer according to an embodiment and a comparative example.

[0189] Refer to together Figure 8 and Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the first curve G1 is the case where the thickness LCL_H of the light control layer LCL is 15 μm, which shows the light extraction efficiency corresponding to the viewing angle of the light control layer LCL according to the first comparative example. The second curve G2 is the case where the thickness LCL_H of the light control layer LCL is 25 μm, which shows the light extraction efficiency corresponding to the viewing angle of the light control layer LCL according to the second comparative example.

[0190] In the first comparative example and the second comparative example, the light control layer LCL does not include the low refractive index transmissive film LLT, but the high refractive index transmissive film HLT and the light shielding film LS are arranged alternately. In the first comparative example, the thickness HLT_H of the high refractive index transmissive film HLT and the thickness LS_H of the light shielding film LS are 15 μm, and in the second comparative example, the thickness HLT_H of the high refractive index transmissive film HLT and the thickness LS_H of the light shielding film LS are 25 μm.

[0191] The third curve GA is the case where the thickness LCL_H of the light control layer LCL is 25 μm, which shows the light extraction efficiency corresponding to the viewing angle of the light control layer LCL according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment illustrated by the third curve GA, as an example, the thickness HLT_H of the high refractive index transmissive film HLT is 25 μm, the thickness LS_H of the light shielding film LS is 15 μm, and the thickness LLT_H of the low refractive index transmissive film LLT is 10 μm.

[0192] As an example, it is shown that the refractive index of the high refractive index transmissive film HLT in the light control layer LCL according to the first comparative embodiment, the second comparative embodiment, and the present embodiment is 1.532, and the refractive index of the low refractive index transmissive film LLT in the light control layer LCL according to the present embodiment is 1.47.

[0193] It can be confirmed that in region A around 35 degrees, which is the effective viewing angle, the third curve GA has a lower light extraction efficiency value than the first curve G1. That is, even though the light control layer LCL according to the present embodiment has the same thickness LS_H of the light shielding film LS as the light control layer LCL according to the first comparative embodiment, it exhibits a lower light extraction efficiency near the effective viewing angle.

[0194] Moreover, it can be confirmed that in region A around 35 degrees, which is the effective viewing angle, the third curve GA has a light extraction efficiency value similar to that of the second curve G2. That is, even though the light control layer LCL according to the present embodiment has a lower thickness LS_H of the light shielding film LS than the light control layer LCL according to the second comparative embodiment, it exhibits a similar light extraction efficiency near the effective viewing angle.

[0195] From this, it can be seen that compared with the first comparative embodiment and the second comparative embodiment, the light control layer LCL according to the present embodiment has an improved viewing angle control effect by including the high refractive index transmissive film HLT and the low refractive index transmissive film LLT.

[0196] It can be confirmed that in region B within the range of the effective viewing angle, the third curve GA has a higher light extraction efficiency value than the first curve G1 and the second curve G2. That is, even though the light control layer LCL according to the present embodiment has the same or lower thickness LS_H of the light shielding film LS as the light control layer LCL according to the comparative embodiment, it exhibits a higher light extraction efficiency within the range of the effective viewing angle.

[0197] From this, it can be seen that compared with the comparative embodiment, the light control layer LCL according to the present embodiment has an improved brightness and light extraction efficiency within the range of the effective viewing angle by including the high refractive index transmissive film HLT and the low refractive index transmissive film LLT.

[0198] In addition, it can be confirmed that the light extraction efficiency value of the third curve GA rises sharply between region A and region B. From this, it can be seen that by making the angle θa formed by the side surface and the bottom surface of the low refractive index transmissive film LLT of the light control layer LCL according to the present embodiment 90 degrees, the uniformity of brightness and the uniformity of light extraction efficiency within the range of the effective viewing angle are improved.

[0199] Next, other embodiments of the display device according to one embodiment will be described. In the following embodiments, the same structural elements as those in the previously described embodiments will be given the same reference numerals, redundant descriptions will be omitted or simplified, and the description will focus on the differences.

[0200] Figure 11 FIG. is a cross-sectional view of a display panel and a light control layer according to another embodiment.

[0201] Referring to Figure 11 and, different from the display device 10 according to one embodiment described with reference to Figure 8 etc., the display device 10 according to the present embodiment further includes a second low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT2.

[0202] More specifically, the low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT may include a first low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT1 and a second low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT2. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the first low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT1 and the second low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT2 are described separately, but the first low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT1 and the second low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT2 may be a physically connected single structure.

[0203] Since the first low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT1 is the same as the low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT of the display device 10 according to one embodiment described with reference to Figure 8 etc., the related description thereof will be omitted.

[0204] The second low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT2 may be disposed on the high-refractive-index transmissive film HLT and the first low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT1. The second low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT2 may be disposed across the entire surface on the high-refractive-index transmissive film HLT and the first low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT1.

[0205] At least a part of the side surface of the high-refractive-index transmissive film HLT may be in direct contact with the first low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT1. At least a part of the upper surface of the high-refractive-index transmissive film HLT may be in direct contact with the second low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT2.

[0206] The interface IFC between the low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT and the high-refractive-index transmissive film HLT may include a first interface IFC1 and a second interface IFC2. The first interface IFC1 may be the boundary surface where the side surface of the high-refractive-index transmissive film HLT meets the first low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT1. The second interface IFC2 may be the boundary surface where the upper surface of the high-refractive-index transmissive film HLT meets the second low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT2.

[0207] Since the light passing through the first interface IFC1 is the same as that with reference to Figure 8The first light L1 of the display device 10 according to an embodiment travels in the same manner as described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0208] On the second interface IFC2, the fourth light L4 may be incident at a fourth angle θ4 with respect to the normal perpendicular to the second interface IFC2. The fourth light L4 passing through the second interface IFC2 may exit at a fifth angle θ5 greater than the fourth angle θ4, like the fifth light L5. Thus, in the display device 10 according to the present embodiment, the uniformity of brightness and the uniformity of light extraction efficiency can be improved within the effective viewing angle range.

[0209] Specifically, in a comparative embodiment that does not include the low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT and the high-refractive-index transmissive film HLT, the fourth light L4 may not pass through the second interface IFC. Since the amount of the fourth light L4 incident at a smaller viewing angle is larger than the amount of the first light L1 incident at a larger viewing angle, within the effective viewing angle range, the larger the viewing angle, the greater the brightness and luminous efficiency can be.

[0210] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, in the case of the fourth light L4, it can be incident on the interface IFC between the low-refractive-index transmissive film LLT and the high-refractive-index transmissive film HLT at a viewing angle smaller than Figure 8 that of the first light L1. Therefore, under the action of the fifth light L5 exiting at a fifth angle θ5 greater than the fourth angle θ4, which is the incident angle of the fourth light L4, the brightness and light extraction efficiency at a larger viewing angle can be compensated by the light with a smaller incident angle. Thus, the uniformity of brightness and the uniformity of light extraction efficiency can be improved within the effective viewing angle range.

[0211] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel and a light control layer according to another embodiment.

[0212] Referring to Figure 12 , different from the display device 10 according to the foregoing embodiment described with reference to Figure 8 etc., the display device 10 according to the present embodiment further includes a second high-refractive-index transmissive film HLT2.

[0213] More specifically, the high-refractive-index transmissive film HLT may include a first high-refractive-index transmissive film HLT1 and a second high-refractive-index transmissive film HLT2. Hereinafter, although for convenience of description, the first high-refractive-index transmissive film HLT1 and the second high-refractive-index transmissive film HLT2 are described separately, the first high-refractive-index transmissive film HLT1 and the second high-refractive-index transmissive film HLT2 may be a physically connected single structure.

[0214] The first high-refractive-index transmissive film HLT1 is the same as that referred to in Figure 8The high refractive index transmissive film HLT of the display device 10 according to an embodiment is the same as that described above, so the description related thereto will be omitted.

[0215] The second high refractive index transmissive film HLT2 may be disposed on the first high refractive index transmissive film HLT1 and the low refractive index transmissive film LLT. The second high refractive index transmissive film HLT2 may be disposed across the entire surface on the first high refractive index transmissive film HLT1 and the low refractive index transmissive film LLT.

[0216] At least a part of the side surface of the first high refractive index transmissive film HLT1 may be in direct contact with at least a part of the side surface of the low refractive index transmissive film LLT. At least a part of the lower surface of the second high refractive index transmissive film HLT2 may be in direct contact with at least a part of the upper surface of the low refractive index transmissive film LLT.

[0217] The interface IFC between the low refractive index transmissive film LLT and the high refractive index transmissive film HLT may include a first interface IFC1 and a second interface IFC2. The first interface IFC1 may be the boundary surface where the side surface of the first high refractive index transmissive film HLT1 meets the side surface of the low refractive index transmissive film LLT. The second interface IFC2 may be the boundary surface where the lower surface of the second high refractive index transmissive film HLT2 meets the upper surface of the low refractive index transmissive film LLT.

[0218] On the first interface IFC1, the sixth light L6 may be incident at a sixth angle θ6. The sixth light L6 passing through the first interface IFC1 may exit at a seventh angle θ7 smaller than the sixth angle θ6 like the seventh light L7. And the seventh light L7 passing through the second interface IFC2 may exit at an eighth angle θ8 smaller than the seventh angle θ7 like the eighth light L8. Thus, in the display device 10 according to the present embodiment, the brightness and the light extraction efficiency can be improved within the effective viewing angle range.

[0219] Specifically, in the display device 10 according to the present embodiment, when the sixth angle θ6 is greater than the effective viewing angle, the sixth light L6 exits as the seventh light L7 on the first interface IFC1, and the seventh light L7 exits as the eighth light L8 on the second interface IFC2, so that it can exit at an eighth angle θ8 smaller than the effective viewing angle. That is, the sixth light L6 having a sixth angle θ6 greater than the effective viewing angle can be converted into the eighth light L8 having an eighth angle θ8 smaller than the effective viewing angle and exit to the outside. Thus, by converting the light having a sixth angle θ6 greater than the effective viewing angle into the eighth angle θ8 within the effective viewing angle range, the brightness of the display device 10 can be improved within the effective viewing angle range. Therefore, the light extraction efficiency of the display device 10 can be improved within the effective viewing angle range.

[0220] Although the embodiments of the present utility model have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present utility model pertains should understand that it can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential technical features of the present utility model. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A display device, characterized in that: include: substrate; a light emitting element layer disposed on the substrate and including a plurality of light emitting elements that emit light; as well as a light control layer, the light control layer being arranged on the light emitting element layer, The light control layer includes a light-transmitting film that transmits the light and a light-shielding film that blocks the light. The light-transmitting film comprises: a first low-refractive transmissive film, wherein the first low-refractive transmissive film is arranged on the light-shielding film; as well as a first high-refractive transmissive film, wherein the first high-refractive transmissive film and the light-shielding film are arranged alternately, A refractive index of the first low-refractive transmissive film is smaller than a refractive index of the first high-refractive transmissive film.

2. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first low-refractive transmissive film overlaps with the light-shielding film in a thickness direction of the substrate.

3. The display device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first high-refractive transmissive film and the light-shielding film do not overlap in a thickness direction of the substrate.

4. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first high-refractive transmissive films and the first low-refractive transmissive films are arranged alternately.

5. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that At least a portion of a side surface of the first high-refractive transmissive film is in direct contact with a side surface of the first low-refractive transmissive film to form a first interface.

6. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thickness of the first low-refractive transmissive film is smaller than the thickness of the light-shielding film.

7. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light-transmitting film further comprises: A second low-refractive transmissive film is disposed on the first low-refractive transmissive film and the first high-refractive transmissive film.

8. The display device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The side surface of the first high-refractive transmissive film is in direct contact with the side surface of the first low-refractive transmissive film to form a first interface. The upper surface of the first high-refractive transmissive film is in direct contact with the lower surface of the second low-refractive transmissive film to form a second interface.

9. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light-transmitting film further comprises: A second high-refractive transmissive film is disposed on the first low-refractive transmissive film and the first high-refractive transmissive film.

10. The display device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The side surface of the first low-refractive transmissive film is in direct contact with the side surface of the first high-refractive transmissive film to form a first interface. The upper surface of the first low-refractive transmissive film is in direct contact with the lower surface of the second high-refractive transmissive film to form a second interface.

Images