Display device

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the utility model, the display device comprises an out-of-domain light-emitting layer and an out-of-domain light-emitting layer, a first pixel including a first light emitting layer connected to the out-of-domain light emitting layer; and a second pixel including a second light-emitting layer connected to the first light-emitting layer, the extraterritorial light-emitting layer, the first light-emitting layer, and the second light-emitting layer being formed of the same material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a display device. Background Technology

[0002] A display device may include a plurality of pixels arranged in a defined form, each pixel including a light-emitting layer that emits light of a specific color and a color filter that converts light from a light source into the specific color. The light-emitting layer or color filter is formed by vapor deposition, but recently it has become more common to form them using solution processes such as inkjet printing. However, in inkjet printing and similar processes, pixel alignment is crucial; as resolution increases, alignment errors increase, raising the likelihood of defects. Utility Model Content

[0003] The problem this invention aims to solve is to reduce alignment errors and facilitate operation when forming the light-emitting layer or color filter of a display device.

[0004] A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an off-domain light-emitting layer; a first pixel including a first light-emitting layer connected to the off-domain light-emitting layer; and a second pixel including a second light-emitting layer connected to the first light-emitting layer, wherein the off-domain light-emitting layer, the first light-emitting layer, and the second light-emitting layer are formed of the same material.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first pixel and the second pixel may be located in the display area, and the off-domain light-emitting layer may be located in the non-display area.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first light-emitting layer and the second light-emitting layer may each have an entrance that is narrower than other parts, the entrance of the first light-emitting layer is connected to the external light-emitting layer, and the entrance of the second light-emitting layer is connected to the first light-emitting layer.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cross-sectional areas of the first light-emitting layer and the second light-emitting layer may increase as they move away from the entrance.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first light-emitting layer and the second light-emitting layer may each have a bottom surface that decreases in height as they move away from the inlet.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first light-emitting layer and the second light-emitting layer may each have a flat bottom surface.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the display device may further include a data line, and the first pixel may further include: a pixel electrode connected to the light-emitting layer of the first pixel; a first electrode connected to the pixel electrode; and a pixel circuit connected between the first electrode and the data line, which converts the data signal from the data line into an electrical signal and transmits it to the first electrode.

[0011] A display device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes: a first off-domain light-emitting layer; a first pixel including a first light-emitting layer connected to the first off-domain light-emitting layer; a second pixel including a second light-emitting layer connected to the first light-emitting layer; a second off-domain light-emitting layer located on the opposite side of the first off-domain light-emitting layer; a third pixel including a third light-emitting layer connected to the second off-domain light-emitting layer; and a fourth pixel including a fourth light-emitting layer connected to the third light-emitting layer. The first off-domain light-emitting layer, the first light-emitting layer, and the second light-emitting layer are formed of the same material, and the second off-domain light-emitting layer, the third light-emitting layer, and the fourth light-emitting layer are formed of the same material. The third light-emitting layer and the fourth light-emitting layer emit light of a different color than the first light-emitting layer and the second light-emitting layer.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first pixel to the fourth pixel may be located in the display area, and the first off-domain light-emitting layer and the second off-domain light-emitting layer may be located in the non-display area.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first to the fourth light-emitting layers may each have an entrance that is narrower than the other parts. The entrance of the first light-emitting layer is connected to the first external light-emitting layer, the entrance of the second light-emitting layer is connected to the first light-emitting layer, the entrance of the third light-emitting layer is connected to the second external light-emitting layer, and the entrance of the fourth light-emitting layer is connected to the third light-emitting layer.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first light-emitting layer to the fourth light-emitting layer may increase as they move away from the entrance.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first to the fourth light-emitting layers may each have a bottom surface that decreases in height as it moves away from the inlet.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first to the fourth light-emitting layers may each have a flat bottom surface.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the display device may further include a data line, and the first pixel may further include: a pixel electrode connected to the light-emitting layer of the first pixel; a first electrode connected to the pixel electrode; and a pixel circuit connected between the first electrode and the data line, which converts the data signal from the data line into an electrical signal and transmits it to the first electrode.

[0018] A method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a step of forming a frame including an introduction portion and a plurality of pixel portions sequentially connected to the introduction portion; and a step of supplying light-emitting material to the introduction portion so that the light-emitting material flows sequentially into the plurality of pixel portions.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of pixel portions may be located in the display area of ​​the display device, and the lead-in portion may be located in the non-display area of ​​the display device.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of pixel portions may have an entrance that is narrower than the other portions.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of pixel portions may have a larger cross-sectional area as it moves away from the entrance.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of pixel portions may have a bottom surface that decreases in height as it moves away from the entrance.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of pixel portions may have a flat bottom surface.

[0024] By supplying luminescent material to the luminescent material introduction section and allowing the luminescent material to flow into the pixel section connected to the luminescent material introduction section, a luminescent layer can be easily formed even if luminescent material is not supplied to each pixel individually. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a simplified diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c These are simplified perspective, plan view, and cross-sectional view of the frame of the empty space corresponding to the outer light-emitting layer and the inner light-emitting layer of the pixel in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3a as well as Figure 3bThese are a simplified plan view and a cross-sectional view of the frame of the display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a simplified plan view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5a This is a simplified cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5b Is it when manufacturing Figure 5a The diagram shown is a simplified representation of the intermediate process of filling the frame with luminescent material in the display device.

[0030] (Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram)

[0031] 10, 50, 80: Framework

[0032] 12, 52, 82: Introduction Section

[0033] 14, 54, 84: Pixels

[0034] 22, 56: Entrance

[0035] 24, 58: Bottom surface

[0036] 30, 90: Luminescent materials

[0037] 60, 70, 100: Display devices

[0038] 72: Second electrode (pixel electrode)

[0039] 74: First electrode

[0040] 75: Pixel Circuit

[0041] 76: Data cable

[0042] 78: Insulation layer

[0043] 79: Emissive layer

[0044] 110: Display area

[0045] 20: Non-display area

[0046] 64, 140: pixels

[0047] 62, 150: Extraterrestrial luminescent layer Detailed Implementation

[0048] The display device and its manufacturing method according to various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can easily implement it. The present invention can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0049] To clearly illustrate this utility model, parts unrelated to the description have been omitted. Throughout the specification, identical or similar components are labeled with the same reference numerals. In the drawings, dimensions are shown enlarged or reduced to clearly indicate the parts.

[0050] When it is said that a layer, membrane, region, plate, or other part is "above" or "on" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly" "above" another part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Conversely, when it is said that any part is "directly" "above" another part, it means that there is no other part in between. In addition, saying that it is "above" or "on" the part that serves as a reference means that it is located above or below the part that serves as a reference, and does not mean that it must be located "above" or "on" in the opposite direction of gravity.

[0051] Throughout the specification, when it is said that any part "includes" any constituent element, unless specifically stated to the contrary, this does not exclude other constituent elements, meaning that other constituent elements may be added.

[0052] Throughout the instruction manual, when it says "on a plane," it means the part of the object viewed from above; when it says "on a cross section," it means the cross section of the object viewed from the side, which is a vertical section of the object.

[0053] Throughout the specification, terms such as "first" and "second" are used as modifiers for subsequent nouns. However, unless explicitly defined, they are used only according to the order of description and do not imply any type of configuration (e.g., specific spatial, temporal, or logical). Furthermore, parts with the same or similar functions in two or more figures may be shown with the same reference numerals. However, this is only for the sake of simplicity and ease of explanation, and does not imply that parts shown with the same reference numerals are structurally or functionally identical in all embodiments.

[0054] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly known to a person of ordinary knowledge in the art to which this invention pertains. Unless otherwise defined herein, commonly used terms shall be interpreted as meaning as used in the relevant technical field or as appearing in a dictionary, and shall not be interpreted as having an overly narrow or formal meaning.

[0055] First, refer to Figure 1The display device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a simplified diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Reference Figure 1 The display device 100 according to this embodiment may include a plurality of pixels 140 including an emissive layer and a plurality of off-domain emissive layers 150 connected thereto. Alternatively, the plurality of pixels 140 may be disposed within a display area 110 that displays a picture to the user, and the off-domain emissive layers 150 may be disposed outside the pixels 140, for example, in a non-display area 120 outside the display area 110. However, the off-domain emissive layers 150 may also be disposed among the pixels 140 within the display area 110, depending on the situation.

[0058] In the case of an active light-emitting display device such as an organic light-emitting display, the light-emitting layer of pixel 140 generates light itself. However, in the case of a passive (or transmissive) light-emitting device such as a liquid crystal display, the light-emitting layer of pixel 140 does not directly generate light but receives light from a separate light source and converts it into a specific color. The term "light-emitting layer" used in this specification can be applied to both the former and the latter cases. That is, the light-emitting layer can either directly generate light or receive light from an external light source and convert it into a specific color. However, since the off-site light-emitting layer 150 is disposed in the non-display area 120, even if it is formed of a light-emitting material, it may not emit light during the operation of the display device and may not receive light from an external light source.

[0059] Each pixel 140 can emit a specific color of light, such as red, green, or blue, and pixels emitting the same color of light can be configured in the same column. For example, as Figure 1 As shown, a red pixel R emitting red light can be arranged in the first column, a green pixel G emitting green light in the second column, and a blue pixel B emitting blue light in the third column, with this structure repeated in the row direction. Alternatively, red pixels R, green pixels G, and blue pixels B can be alternately arranged in a single row. However, this configuration is merely an example, and embodiments of this invention are not limited to this.

[0060] Refer again Figure 1 Pixels 140 of the same color in the same row can be connected to each other, wherein at least one pixel 140 (e.g., the pixel 140 closest to the off-domain emissive layer 150) can be connected to the off-domain emissive layer 150. The off-domain emissive layer 150 and the pixels 140 directly or indirectly connected thereto can contain the same material, i.e., luminescent material.

[0061] If, during the manufacturing of the display device, a frame (bank) is formed defining the empty spaces corresponding to the light-emitting layers of the outer light-emitting layer 150 and the pixel 140, and then ink or the like, which is a liquid-phase light-emitting material, is supplied to the frame portion corresponding to the outer light-emitting material, then light-emitting material can flow into the light-emitting layer frame portion of the pixel 140, which is directly or indirectly connected to it. Therefore, even if light-emitting material is not supplied directly to the light-emitting layer frame portion separately within each pixel, light-emitting material can be filled into the light-emitting layer frame portion of the pixel 140 to form an inner-pixel light-emitting layer.

[0062] The display device according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to FIG2.

[0063] Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c These are simplified perspective, plan view, and cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, defining the empty space frame corresponding to the outer light-emitting layer and the inner light-emitting layer of the pixel.

[0064] Referring to FIG2, the frame 10 of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an introduction portion 12 corresponding to an external light-emitting layer and a plurality of pixel portions 14 corresponding to an internal light-emitting layer.

[0065] The pixel portion 14 of the frame 10 has a narrow entrance 22 and a sloping bottom surface 24. The entrance 22 of the pixel portion 14 can be the narrowest compared to other portions and can be located above the introduction portion 12. It can be configured such that the entrance 22 of the pixel portion most adjacent to the introduction portion 12, i.e., the adjacent pixel portion 14, is connected to the introduction portion 12, and the entrance 22 of the pixel portion second adjacent to the introduction portion 12, i.e., the next adjacent pixel portion 14, is connected to the adjacent pixel portion 14. In other words, starting from the next adjacent pixel portion 14, the entrance 22 can be connected to the previous pixel portion 14 in the direction of the introduction portion 12.

[0066] The bottom surface 24 of the pixel portion 14 can become lower (or deeper) as it moves away from the inlet 22, and the cross-sectional area or width of the pixel portion 14 can become larger as it moves away from the inlet 22. In FIG2, the planar shape of the pixel portion 14 is shown as a triangle, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0067] In Figure 2, the introduction portion 12 is shown as a right hexahedron, but the appearance of the introduction portion 12 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this, and any three-dimensional appearance is also possible.

[0068] When manufacturing the display device according to this embodiment, a liquid light-emitting layer material, i.e., light-emitting material 30, can be filled into the introduction portion 12 and the pixel portion 14. In detail, if the introduction portion 12 is filled with light-emitting material 30, the light-emitting material 30 flows into the adjacent pixel portion 14 connected to the inlet 22 of the introduction portion 12. If the adjacent pixel portion 14 is completely filled, the light-emitting material 30 flows into the next adjacent pixel portion 14 through the inlet 22 of the next adjacent pixel portion 14. Here, the light-emitting material can also be a material that generates light upon receiving an electrical signal, or it can be a color filter material that receives light from an external light source and converts it into a specific color. The term "light-emitting material" can be used in this sense throughout this specification.

[0069] Thus, by filling the introduction portion 12 with light-emitting material 30, all pixel portions 14 directly or indirectly connected to the introduction portion 12 can be filled with light-emitting material 30, thereby forming a light-emitting layer for all pixels. The pixel-in-pixel light-emitting layer thus formed can have a substantially identical appearance to the pixel portion 14.

[0070] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, if the capillary effect of the light-emitting material 30 generated by narrowing the inlet 22 of the pixel portion 14 and gradually increasing the cross-sectional area or width is utilized, the light-emitting material 30 can easily flow into the pixel portion 14, which is far away from the inlet portion 12 and where it is difficult for the light-emitting material 30 to flow in.

[0071] In addition, by tilting the bottom surface 24 of the pixel portion 14, it is easier for the light-emitting material 30 to flow in.

[0072] This method prevents the increase in defect probability caused by increased error as resolution increases when supplying light-emitting material pixel by pixel using methods such as inkjet printing. Furthermore, the method in this embodiment, which utilizes the capillary effect, is even more effective when resolution increases while pixel size decreases.

[0073] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG3, a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0074] Figure 3a as well as Figure 3b These are a simplified plan view and a cross-sectional view of the frame of the display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] The frame 50 of the display device shown in FIG3 can have a structure generally similar to that shown in FIG2. That is, it can include a plurality of pixel portions 54 connected to each other and an inlet portion 52 connected thereto. The inlet 56 of each pixel portion 54 can be narrow, and the cross-sectional area or width of the pixel portion 54 can increase as it moves away from the inlet 56. However, unlike the embodiment shown in FIG2, the bottom surface 58 of each pixel portion 54 can be flat and not inclined.

[0076] Thus, if the pixel portion 54 has a flat bottom surface 58, the bottom surface of the light-emitting layer of that pixel can also become flat. A display device with a flat bottom surface of the light-emitting layer within the pixel can exhibit improved characteristics compared to a display device with a tilted bottom surface of the light-emitting layer within the pixel, as shown in FIG2.

[0077] Below, refer to Figure 4 The display device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0078] Figure 4 This is a simplified plan view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Reference Figure 4 According to another embodiment of the present invention, the display device 60 and Figure 1 The display device 100 shown is similar. That is, it may include multiple columns of pixels 64 containing light-emitting layers and multiple off-domain light-emitting layers 62 connected thereto.

[0080] However, in Figure 1 In the display device 100, the off-field light-emitting layer 150 is disposed only on one side; conversely, in... Figure 4 In the display device 60, the off-domain light-emitting layer 62 can be disposed on both sides. This is the framework portion defining the off-domain light-emitting layer 62, i.e., the introduction portion is disposed separately on both sides, thus creating free space and thereby widening the area of ​​the introduction portion. Therefore, the error caused when supplying light-emitting material to the introduction portion can be reduced, the amount of light-emitting material contained in the introduction portion can be increased, and thus the time for filling the pixel portion with light-emitting material can be reduced.

[0081] Each column of pixels 64 can be connected to either of the two outer emissive layers 62. Pixels 64 in adjacent columns can be connected to different outer emissive layers 62, and adjacent columns of pixels 64 can emit light of different colors. Adjacent columns of pixels 64 can have... Figure 4 The vertical direction is symmetrical to each other, so the 64 pixels can be arranged more densely.

[0082] The display device according to another embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to FIG5.

[0083] Figure 5a This is a simplified cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5b Is it when manufacturing Figure 5a The diagram shown is a simplified representation of the intermediate process of filling a frame with luminescent material in the display device. Figure 5b The topmost part is the plan view, and the cross-sectional views taken along lines 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D in the plan view are shown below it as 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D.

[0084] Reference Figure 5a The display device 70 according to this embodiment may include a data line 76, a first electrode 74, a second electrode (or pixel electrode) 72, an insulating layer 78, and a light-emitting layer 79. A common electrode (not shown) may be disposed on the light-emitting layer 79. The second electrode 72 may have a flat top surface, thereby the bottom surface of the light-emitting layer 79 may also be flat.

[0085] The light-emitting layer 79 can emit light corresponding to the electrical signal supplied by the second electrode 72. The second electrode 72 can be connected to the first electrode 74 to receive the electrical signal, and the first electrode 74 can be connected to the data line 76 via the pixel circuit 75. The pixel circuit 75 can convert the data signal from the data line 76 into an electrical signal supplied to the light-emitting layer 79 and transmit it to the first electrode 74, so that the light-emitting layer 79 can emit light of an intensity corresponding to the data signal or transmit external light at a brightness corresponding to the data signal. In the latter case, the light-emitting layer 79 may include a color filter that transmits light of a specific color and a brightness adjustment layer (e.g., a liquid crystal layer) that adjusts the brightness of the incident light. The pixel circuit 75 can be varied depending on the display device.

[0086] Reference Figure 5b During manufacturing, the second electrode 72 and the insulating layer 78 can correspond to the frame 80 defining the space for filling the light-emitting material 90 in order to form the light-emitting layer 79. Specifically, the introduction portion 82 of the frame can be formed by the insulating layer 78, the side surface of the pixel portion 84 can be formed by the insulating layer 78, and the bottom surface of the pixel portion 84 can be formed by the pixel electrode 72. Figure 5b The diagram shows a state where the pixel portion 84 of the nearest neighboring pixel is completely filled with the light-emitting material 90, and the pixel portion 84 of the next nearest neighboring pixel is only partially filled with the light-emitting material 90.

[0087] The embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail above, but the scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present utility model as defined in the appended claims also fall within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A display device, characterized in that, include: Extraterrestrial luminescent layer; The first pixel includes a first light-emitting layer connected to the off-domain light-emitting layer; as well as The second pixel includes a second light-emitting layer connected to the first light-emitting layer. The extra-domain light-emitting layer, the first light-emitting layer, and the second light-emitting layer are formed of the same material.

2. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pixel and the second pixel are located in the display area. The off-domain luminescent layer is located in the non-display area.

3. The display device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first light-emitting layer and the second light-emitting layer each have an entrance that is narrower than the other parts. The entrance of the first light-emitting layer is connected to the off-domain light-emitting layer. The entrance of the second light-emitting layer is connected to the first light-emitting layer.

4. The display device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of ​​the first light-emitting layer and the second light-emitting layer increases as they move away from the entrance.

5. The display device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first light-emitting layer and the second light-emitting layer each have a bottom surface that decreases in height as they move away from the entrance.

6. The display device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first light-emitting layer and the second light-emitting layer each have a flat bottom surface.

7. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display device also includes a data cable. The first pixel also includes: A pixel electrode is connected to the light-emitting layer of the first pixel; A first electrode, connected to the pixel electrode; and A pixel circuit is connected between the first electrode and the data line, and converts the data signal from the data line into an electrical signal and transmits it to the first electrode.

8. A display device, characterized in that, include: First extra-domain luminescent layer; The first pixel includes a first light-emitting layer connected to the first off-domain light-emitting layer; The second pixel includes a second light-emitting layer connected to the first light-emitting layer; The second extra-domain emitting layer is located on the opposite side of the first extra-domain emitting layer; The third pixel includes a third light-emitting layer connected to the second off-domain light-emitting layer; as well as The fourth pixel includes a fourth light-emitting layer connected to the third light-emitting layer. The first extra-domain light-emitting layer, the first light-emitting layer, and the second light-emitting layer are formed of the same material. The second, third, and fourth light-emitting layers are formed of the same material. The third and fourth light-emitting layers emit light of a different color than the first and second light-emitting layers.

9. The display device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first to the fourth pixels are located in the display area. The first and second off-domain emitting layers are located in the non-display area.

10. The display device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first to the fourth light-emitting layers each have an entrance that is narrower than the others. The entrance of the first light-emitting layer is connected to the first off-domain light-emitting layer. The entrance of the second light-emitting layer is connected to the first light-emitting layer. The entrance of the third light-emitting layer is connected to the second external light-emitting layer. The entrance of the fourth light-emitting layer is connected to the third light-emitting layer.

11. The display device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of ​​the first to the fourth light-emitting layers increases as they move further away from the entrance.

12. The display device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first to the fourth light-emitting layers each have a bottom surface that decreases in height as they move away from the entrance.

13. The display device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first to the fourth light-emitting layers each have a flat bottom surface.

14. The display device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The display device also includes a data cable. The first pixel also includes: A pixel electrode is connected to the light-emitting layer of the first pixel; A first electrode, connected to the pixel electrode; and A pixel circuit is connected between the first electrode and the data line, and converts the data signal from the data line into an electrical signal and transmits it to the first electrode.

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