Display device

Abstract

The display device includes: a substrate including a light emitting area and a non-light emitting area; a connection electrode on the substrate; an anode electrode on the connection electrode in a portion overlapping the light emitting region; a cathode electrode on the anode electrode; a pixel defining layer on the connection electrode in a portion overlapping the non-emission region, and defining a first opening; and a bank structure on the pixel defining layer and including a first bank layer and a second bank layer, in which the first bank layer is electrically connected to the connection electrode through the bank contact hole.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0050580, filed on April 16, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0004] With the development of the information society, the demand for display devices for displaying images is increasing in various forms. For example, display devices are already used in various electronic devices such as smartphones, digital cameras, laptops, navigation devices, and smart TVs. Display devices can be flat panel displays such as liquid crystal displays, field emission displays, or organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays. In flat panel displays, the light-emitting display element can include a light-emitting element in which each pixel of the display panel can emit its own light, thereby displaying images without a backlight unit that provides light to the display panel.

[0005] With the recent development of various electronic devices, the demand for display devices with high aperture ratios and high resolutions is increasing. Because display devices with high aperture ratios and high resolutions require high pixel density, there is a need for display devices and methods for manufacturing them that meet these requirements.

[0006] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute prior art. Utility Model Content

[0007] This disclosure relates to high-resolution display devices.

[0008] This disclosure also relates to a display device that significantly reduces (e.g., resolves) light emission defects in pixels.

[0009] However, the aspects of this disclosure are not limited to those set forth herein. These and other aspects of the disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the detailed description of the disclosure given below.

[0010] Details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device is provided, comprising: a substrate including a light-emitting region and a non-light-emitting region; a connecting electrode located on the substrate; an anode electrode located on the connecting electrode in a portion overlapping with the light-emitting region; a cathode electrode located on the anode electrode; a pixel defining layer located on the connecting electrode in a portion overlapping with the non-light-emitting region and defining a first opening; and a dam structure located on the pixel defining layer and including a first dam layer and a second dam layer, wherein the first dam layer is electrically connected to the connecting electrode through a dam contact hole.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second dam layer includes a tip that protrudes toward the first opening from the side surface of the first dam layer facing the light-emitting area.

[0013] In some embodiments, the connecting electrode includes: a first portion that overlaps with the light-emitting region but does not overlap with the non-light-emitting region; and a second portion that overlaps with the non-light-emitting region but does not overlap with the light-emitting region.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first part and the second part are spaced apart from each other.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first portion and the second portion are formed in the same layer in a direction parallel to the substrate.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first portion and the second portion are formed on different layers in a direction parallel to the substrate.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cathode electrode is in contact with the first dam layer, and the cathode electrode and the first dam layer are electrically connected to each other.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cathode electrode is electrically connected to the second portion via a first dam layer.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first dam layer has higher conductivity than the second dam layer.

[0020] In some embodiments, the pixel-defining layer is positioned around the embankment contact hole.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second embankment includes a recessed portion in the portion overlapping the non-light-emitting region, recessed in the direction toward the pixel-defining layer.

[0022] In some embodiments, the recessed portion of the second dam layer overlaps with the dam contact hole and the connecting electrode in a direction perpendicular to the substrate.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device is provided, comprising: a substrate including a light-emitting region and a non-light-emitting region; a connecting electrode located in the non-light-emitting region of the substrate and not overlapping with the light-emitting region; a pixel defining layer located on the connecting electrode and defining a first opening; a dam contact hole passing through the pixel defining layer; and a dam structure located on the pixel defining layer, defining a second opening and filling the dam contact hole, wherein, in a plan view, the dam structure completely covers the connecting electrode.

[0024] In some embodiments, in a plan view, the embankment structure covers a portion of the pixel-defined layer.

[0025] In some embodiments, in a plan view, the pixel defining layer exposes the embankment contact hole, and in a plan view, the pixel defining layer completely surrounds the connection electrode.

[0026] The display device according to some embodiments can be provided as a high-resolution display device by including a dam structure that overlaps with the non-light-emitting area. Furthermore, the display device according to some embodiments can significantly reduce (e.g., resolve) light-emitting defects in pixels by including a separate connection electrode directly connected to the dam structure.

[0027] However, the effects of the embodiments are not limited to those set forth herein. The above and other effects of the embodiments will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon which the embodiments pertain by referring to the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The above and other aspects and features of this disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description of embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 According to some embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device;

[0031] Figure 3 The illustrations are of some embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 2 A plan view of the display layer in the middle;

[0032] Figure 4 The illustrations are of some embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 3 A planar diagram showing the arrangement of multiple pixels;

[0033] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The illustrations are of some other embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 3 A planar diagram showing the arrangement of multiple pixels;

[0034] Figure 7 It is according to some embodiments of this disclosure along Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display layer taken by line X1-X1';

[0035] Figure 8 According to some embodiments of this disclosure Figure 7 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the display element layer and thin-film encapsulation layer that overlap with the first light-emitting region;

[0036] Figure 9 According to some embodiments of this disclosure Figure 7 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the display element layer and thin-film encapsulation layer that overlap with the non-light-emitting area located between the first and third light-emitting areas;

[0037] Figure 10 The illustrations are of some embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 9 A plan view showing the arrangement of the connecting electrodes, pixel limiting layer, and embankment structure.

[0038] Figure 11 It is based on some other embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 7 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the display element layer and thin-film encapsulation layer overlapping the non-light-emitting region located between the first and third light-emitting regions; and

[0039] Figure 12 It is according to some other embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the line X1-X1'. Detailed Implementation

[0040] This disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some embodiments thereof. However, this disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0041] It should also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "on" another layer or substrate, it may be directly on that other layer or substrate, or one or more intervening layers may be present. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same parts.

[0042] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. For example, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element without departing from the teachings of this disclosure. Similarly, the second element may also be referred to as the first element.

[0043] Additionally, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "between" two layers, it can be the only layer between those two layers, or there can be one or more intermediary layers.

[0044] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular form “a” is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” indicate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0045] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items. For example, the expression "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B. Expressions such as "one or more of" and "at least one of" modify the entire list of elements, not individual elements in the list, when following a list of elements. For example, the expressions "one or more of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C" mean only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, or all A, B, and C.

[0046] Furthermore, when describing embodiments of this disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of this disclosure." Moreover, the term "exemplary" indicates an example or illustration.

[0047] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, "connected" to another element or layer, "attached" to another element or layer, or "adjacent" to another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, attached to, or adjacent to that other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may exist. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on" another element or layer, "directly connected" to another element or layer, "directly attached" to another element or layer, "in contact" with another element or layer, "in direct contact" with another element or layer, or "immediately adjacent" to another element or layer, there is no intervening element or layer.

[0048] As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by a person skilled in the art. Furthermore, if the term “substantially” is used in conjunction with a feature that can be expressed numerically, the term “substantially” indicates a range of + / - 5% of the value centered on that value. Additionally, specific quantities or ranges recited in this written description or claims may also cover inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by a person skilled in the art.

[0049] As used herein, the term “use” and its variants can be considered synonymous with the term “utilize” and its variants, respectively.

[0050] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should also be understood that terms as defined in common dictionaries shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the prior art, and that unless expressly defined herein, these terms shall not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense.

[0051] In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0053] refer to Figure 1 The display device 10 displays moving or still images. The display device 10 can refer to any electronic device that provides a display screen. For example, the display device 10 may include televisions, laptops, monitors, billboards, Internet of Things devices, mobile phones, smartphones, tablet PCs, electronic watches, smartwatches, watch phones, head-mounted displays, mobile communication terminals, electronic notebooks, e-books, portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation devices, game consoles, digital cameras, and camcorders, etc.

[0054] exist Figure 1The diagram defines a first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction), a second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction), and a third direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). The first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and the second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) can be perpendicular to each other, the first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and the third direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) can be perpendicular to each other, and the second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) and the third direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) can be perpendicular to each other. It is understood that the first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) refers to the horizontal direction in the diagram, the second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) refers to the vertical direction in the diagram, and the third direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) refers to the up-down direction in the diagram, i.e., the thickness direction. In the following detailed description, unless otherwise specified, the term "direction" can refer to opposite directions extending along the same line. Furthermore, when two "directions" extending to both sides need to be distinguished from each other, one side will be referred to as "one side in that direction," and the other side will be referred to as "the other side in that direction." Figure 1 In Chinese, the direction the arrow pointing indicates is called one side, and the opposite direction is called the other side.

[0055] In the following text, for ease of explanation, when referring to the surface of each component constituting the display device 10, the surface facing the direction of the displayed image (i.e., in a third direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction)) is referred to as the upper surface, and the surface opposite to that surface is referred to as the other surface. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and one surface and the other surface of the component may be referred to as the front surface and the rear surface, or they may be referred to as the first surface and the second surface, respectively. In addition, when describing the relative position of each component of the display device 10, the side in the third direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) may be referred to as the upper side, and the other side in the third direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) may be referred to as the lower side.

[0056] The shape of the display device 10 can be changed in various ways in a suitable manner. For example, the display device 10 can have a shape such as a rectangle with a long width, a rectangle with a long length, a square, a quadrilateral with rounded corners (or vertices), other polygons, or a circle.

[0057] The display device 10 may include a display panel 100, a display driver 200, a circuit board 300, and a touch driver 400.

[0058] The display panel 100 may include a main area MA and a sub-area SBA. The main area MA may include a display area DA containing pixels of the displayed image and a non-display area NDA disposed around the display area DA. The main area MA and the sub-area SBA may include flexible materials that can be bent, folded, or rolled up.

[0059] The display area DA is the area where the image can be displayed, and the non-display area NDA is the area where the image is not displayed. The display area DA can also be called the active area, and the non-display area NDA can also be called the inactive area. The display area DA typically occupies the center of the display device 10. The non-display area NDA can be the area outside the display area DA. The non-display area NDA can be defined as the edge area of ​​the main area MA of the display panel 100. The non-display area NDA may include lines that supply signals to the display area DA and lines that connect the display driver 200 and the display area DA.

[0060] The sub-region SBA can be a region extending from one side of the main region MA. When the sub-region SBA is bent, it can overlap with the main region MA in the thickness direction (e.g., a third direction, such as the Z-axis). The sub-region SBA can include a display driver 200 and display pads connected to the circuit board 300. In some other embodiments, the sub-region SBA can be omitted, and the display driver 200 and display pads can be located in the non-display region NDA.

[0061] The display driver 200 can output signals and voltages for driving the display panel 100. The display driver 200 can be formed as an integrated circuit (IC) and mounted on the display panel 100 using a chip-on-glass (COG) method, a chip-on-plastic (COP) method, or an ultrasonic welding method. For example, the display driver 200 can be disposed in a sub-region SBA and can overlap with the main region MA in the thickness direction by bending the sub-region SBA. As another example, the display driver 200 can be mounted on a circuit board 300.

[0062] An anisotropic conductive film (ACF) can be used to attach the circuit board 300 to the display pads of the display panel 100. The circuit board 300 can be electrically connected to the display pads. The circuit board 300 can be a flexible printed circuit board, a rigid printed circuit board, or a flexible film such as a chip on film.

[0063] The touch driver 400 can be mounted on the circuit board 300. The touch driver 400 can be connected to the touch sensor layer of the display panel 100. Figure 2 (180 in the text).

[0064] Figure 2 According to some embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device.

[0065] refer to Figure 2The display panel 100 may include a display layer DPL, a touch sensor layer 180, and a color filter layer 190. The display layer DPL may include a substrate 110, a thin film transistor layer 130, a display element layer 150, and a thin film encapsulation layer 170.

[0066] The substrate 110 may be a base substrate or a base member. The substrate 110 may be a flexible substrate that can be bent, folded, or rolled. For example, the substrate 110 may include a polymer resin such as polyimide (PI), but is not limited thereto. In some other embodiments, the substrate 110 may include a glass material or a metal material.

[0067] A thin-film transistor layer 130 may be disposed on the substrate 110. The thin-film transistor layer 130 may be located in the portion overlapping the display area DA, the non-display area NDA, and the sub-area SBA. The thin-film transistor layer 130 may include multiple thin-film transistors (…). Figure 7 (TFT in the text).

[0068] The display element layer 150 may be disposed on the thin-film transistor layer 130. The display element layer 150 may be located in the portion overlapping with the display area DA. The display element layer 150 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of organic light-emitting diodes (LEDs) including organic light-emitting layers, quantum dot LEDs including quantum dot light-emitting layers, inorganic LEDs including inorganic semiconductors, and micro LEDs.

[0069] A thin-film encapsulation layer 170 may be located on the display element layer 150. The thin-film encapsulation layer 170 may be located in the portion overlapping the display area DA and the non-display area NDA. The thin-film encapsulation layer 170 may cover the upper and side surfaces of the display element layer 150 and protect the display element layer 150 from external oxygen and moisture. The thin-film encapsulation layer 170 may include at least one inorganic film and at least one organic film for encapsulating the display element layer 150.

[0070] Touch sensor layer 180 can be disposed on thin-film encapsulation layer 170. Touch sensor layer 180 can be located in the portion overlapping the display area DA and the non-display area NDA. Touch sensor layer 180 can sense the user's touch using mutual capacitance or self-capacitance methods.

[0071] A color filter layer 190 may be disposed on the touch sensor layer 180. The color filter layer 190 may be located in the portion overlapping the display area DA and the non-display area NDA. The color filter layer 190 may absorb a portion of the light introduced from the outside of the display device 10 to reduce reflected light caused by external light. Therefore, the color filter layer 190 may prevent color distortion caused by reflection of external light.

[0072] When the color filter layer 190 is directly disposed on the touch sensor layer 180, the display device 10 may not require a separate substrate for the color filter layer 190. Therefore, the display device 10 can have a relatively small thickness. Depending on the embodiment, the color filter layer 190 may also be omitted.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, the portion of the display layer DPL that overlaps with the sub-region SBA can be bent. When a portion of the display layer DPL is bent, the display driver 200, the circuit board 300, and the touch driver 400 can overlap with the main region MA in a third direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction).

[0074] Figure 3 The illustrations are of some embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 2 A plan view of the display layer in the image.

[0075] refer to Figure 3 According to some embodiments, the display layer DPL may include multiple pixels PX, multiple scan lines SL, multiple data lines DL, and multiple second power lines VL2 in the display area DA.

[0076] Each of the multiple pixels PX can be defined as the smallest unit of light emission. Each of the multiple pixels PX can be connected to at least one scan line SL, at least one data line DL, and at least one power line VL.

[0077] Multiple scan lines SL can supply scan signals applied in each horizontal cell from scan driver 210 to multiple pixels PX. The multiple scan lines SL can extend in a first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and can be spaced apart from each other in a second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction).

[0078] Multiple data lines DL can supply data voltage received from the display driver 200 to multiple pixels PX. The multiple data lines DL can extend in a second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) and can be spaced apart from each other in a first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction).

[0079] Multiple second power lines VL2 can supply power voltage received from the first power line VL1 to multiple pixels PX. The power voltage can be at least one of a drive voltage, an initialization voltage, and a reference voltage. The multiple second power lines VL2 can extend in a second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) and can be spaced apart from each other in a first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction).

[0080] In some embodiments, the display layer DPL may include a first power line VL1 and a scan driver 210 in the non-display area NDA.

[0081] The first power line VL1 can supply the power voltage received from the display driver 200 to the multiple pixels PX via the second power line VL2.

[0082] The scan driver 210 may include a first scan driver 211 and a second scan driver 213. The first scan driver 211 may be disposed on one side (e.g., the left side) of the display layer DPL and the second scan driver 213 may be disposed on the other side (e.g., the right side) of the display layer DPL, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. Each of the first scan driver 211 and the second scan driver 213 may receive a scan control signal from the display driver 200, generate a scan signal according to the scan control signal, and output the scan signal to multiple scan lines SL.

[0083] In some embodiments, the display layer DPL may include a display driver 200 and a plurality of pad electrodes PD in the portion overlapping with the sub-region SBA. The plurality of pad electrodes PD may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction), and each pad electrode PD may be connected to a different line. (Already referenced...) Figure 3 The display driver 200 is described, and its description need not be repeated.

[0084] Figure 4 The illustrations are of some embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 3 A planar diagram showing the arrangement of multiple pixels.

[0085] refer to Figure 4 According to some embodiments, the display area DA may include a light-emitting area EA and a non-light-emitting area NLA.

[0086] The light-emitting region EA may include a first light-emitting region EA1, a second light-emitting region EA2, and a third light-emitting region EA3 that emit different colors of light. Each of the first to third light-emitting regions EA1, EA2, and EA3 may emit red, green, or blue light, and the color of the light emitted by each of the first to third light-emitting regions EA1, EA2, and EA3 may depend on the light-emitting element ( Figure 7 The type of light emission (ED) varies, which will be described in more detail later. As an example, the first emitting region EA1 can emit red light, the second emitting region EA2 can emit green light, and the third emitting region EA3 can emit blue light, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0087] The first luminous region EA1 and the second luminous region EA2 can be located on the same line in a second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) and can be spaced apart from each other. The first luminous region EA1 and the third luminous region EA3 can be adjacent to each other in a first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and can be spaced apart from each other. Furthermore, the second luminous region EA2 and the third luminous region EA3 can be adjacent to each other in the first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and can be spaced apart from each other. However, the arrangement of each of the first to third luminous regions EA1, EA2, and EA3 is not limited to this and can be freely adjusted according to desired characteristics.

[0088] Each of the first to third light-emitting regions EA1, EA2, and EA3 can have a quadrilateral shape. However, the shape of each of the first to third light-emitting regions EA1, EA2, and EA3 is not limited to this and can be freely adjusted according to desired characteristics.

[0089] In some embodiments, at least one first light-emitting region EA1, at least one second light-emitting region EA2, and at least one third light-emitting region EA3 arranged adjacent to each other can form a pixel group PXG. The pixel group PXG can be the smallest unit that emits white light. The type and / or number of the first to third light-emitting regions EA1, EA2, and EA3 constituting the pixel group PXG can vary depending on the embodiment.

[0090] The luminescent region EA can be defined by a first opening OP1 and a second opening OP2. In a plan view, the second opening OP2 can completely surround the first opening OP1, and in a plan view, the second opening OP2 can be completely surrounded by a dam structure 160 located in the non-luminescent region NLA. The dam structure 160 will be described below.

[0091] The non-emitting region (NLA) can be configured to surround the emitting region (EA). The non-emitting region (NLA) can block each light emitted from the multiple first emitting regions to the third emitting regions EA1, EA2, and EA3. The non-emitting region (NLA) can help prevent the light emitted from each of the first emitting regions to the third emitting regions EA1, EA2, and EA3 from being mixed.

[0092] In a planar view, the connecting electrode SD can be located in the portion overlapping with the non-emitting region NLA. The connecting electrode SD may include a first connecting electrode ( Figure 7 SD1 in the middle), the second connecting electrode ( Figure 7 SD2) and the third connecting electrode ( Figure 12 (SD3 in the document), which will be described in more detail later.

[0093] In the planar view, the connecting electrodes SD can extend with a constant or substantially constant width in a second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). In the planar view, multiple connecting electrodes SD arranged adjacent to each other can be spaced apart from each other in a first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction), with the light-emitting region EA located between them. In the planar view, the connecting electrodes SD can be arranged with… Figure 3 The data lines DL overlap. The connecting electrodes SD can be... Figure 3 The data line DL receives electrical signals.

[0094] In the plan view, the embankment structure 160 may be located in the portion overlapping with the non-luminescent region NLA. The embankment structure 160 may not overlap with the luminescent region EA. The embankment structure 160 may be positioned to completely surround the second opening OP2.

[0095] In a plan view, the embankment structure 160 may overlap with the connecting electrode SD in a third direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). In a plan view, the embankment structure 160 may completely cover the connecting electrode SD.

[0096] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The illustrations are of some other embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 3 A planar diagram showing the arrangement of multiple pixels.

[0097] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The light-emitting regions EA included in display devices 11 and 13 may have different shapes and arrangements than the light-emitting regions EA included in display device 10. In the following text, the commonalities between the light-emitting regions EA included in display device 10 and those included in display devices 11 and 13 will be omitted, and the differences will be described in more detail later.

[0098] Each of the first to third light-emitting regions EA1, EA2, and EA3 included in display devices 11 and 13 can be, for example, Diamond. Type structure The structure can be configured in various ways. For example, the first light-emitting region EA1 and the third light-emitting region EA3 can be alternately arranged in a first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and a second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction).

[0099] The second luminous region EA2 may be spaced apart from an adjacent second luminous region EA2 in a first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and a second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction), and may lie on the same line as the adjacent second luminous region EA2. Multiple second luminous regions EA2 may be repeatedly arranged along the first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and the second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). The second luminous region EA2 may not overlap with adjacent first luminous regions EA1 and third luminous regions EA3 in the first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and the second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). That is, the second luminous region EA2 may not lie on the same line as adjacent first luminous regions EA1 and third luminous regions EA3.

[0100] Display devices 11 and 13 may include at least one first light-emitting region EA1, at least two second light-emitting regions EA2, and at least one third light-emitting region EA3, and may constitute a pixel group PXG. The pixel group PXG may be the smallest unit that emits white light.

[0101] In the plan view, the connecting electrodes SD included in the display device 11 can extend with a constant or substantially constant width in a second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). In the plan view, a plurality of connecting electrodes SD arranged adjacent to each other can be spaced apart from each other in a first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction), with the light-emitting region EA between them. In the plan view, the connecting electrodes SD can be arranged with... Figure 3 The data lines DL overlap. The connecting electrodes SD can be... Figure 3 The data line DL receives electrical signals. In the plan view, the embankment structure 160 included in the display device 11 can completely cover the connecting electrode SD.

[0102] In the plan view, the connecting electrode SD included in the display device 13 may be located in the portion overlapping with the non-light-emitting region NLA, and may not overlap with the light-emitting region EA. In the plan view, the connecting electrode SD may extend in the fourth direction DR4, and multiple connecting electrodes SD arranged adjacent to each other may be spaced apart in the fifth direction DR5, with the light-emitting region EA located between them. In the plan view, the connecting electrode SD may be arranged with… Figure 3 The data lines DL overlap. The connecting electrodes SD can be... Figure 3 The data line DL receives electrical signals.

[0103] In the plan view, the embankment structure 160 included in the display device 13 can completely cover the connecting electrode SD.

[0104] Figure 7 It is according to some embodiments of this disclosure along Figure 4A schematic cross-sectional view of the display layer taken by line X1-X1'.

[0105] Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the display device 10 overlapping with the display area DA, and it illustrates the cross-sections of the substrate 110, the thin-film transistor layer 130, the display element layer 150, and the thin-film encapsulation layer 170. Since the substrate 110 has already been described, its description need not be repeated.

[0106] refer to Figure 7 The thin-film transistor layer 130 may be located on the substrate 110. The thin-film transistor layer 130 may include a first buffer layer 111, a thin-film transistor TFT, a gate insulating layer 113, a first interlayer insulating layer 121, a capacitor electrode CPE, a second interlayer insulating layer 123, a first connection electrode SD1, a first via layer 125, a second connection electrode SD2, and a second via layer 127.

[0107] A first buffer layer 111 may be disposed on a substrate 110. The first buffer layer 111 may include an inorganic membrane capable of preventing or significantly reducing the penetration of air or moisture. For example, the first buffer layer 111 may include a plurality of inorganic membranes stacked alternately.

[0108] Thin-film transistors (TFTs) can be disposed on the first buffer layer 111 and can constitute the pixel circuit of each of a plurality of pixels. As an example, the TFT can be a driving transistor or a switching transistor of the pixel circuit. The TFT may include an active layer ACT, a source electrode SE, a drain electrode DE, and a gate electrode GE.

[0109] An active layer ACT can be disposed on the first buffer layer 111. The active layer ACT can overlap with the gate electrode GE in a third direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) and can be insulated from the gate electrode GE by the gate insulating layer 113. In a portion of the active layer ACT, the material of the active layer ACT can be made into a conductor to form the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE.

[0110] The gate electrode GE can be disposed on the gate insulating layer 113. The gate electrode GE can overlap with the active layer ACT, and the gate insulating layer 113 is located between the gate electrode GE and the active layer ACT.

[0111] The gate insulating layer 113 may be disposed on the active layer ACT. For example, the gate insulating layer 113 may cover the active layer ACT and the first buffer layer 111, and may insulate the active layer ACT and the gate electrode GE from each other. The gate insulating layer 113 may include a contact hole through which the first connection electrode SD1 passes.

[0112] The first interlayer insulating layer 121 may cover the gate electrode GE and the gate insulating layer 113. The first interlayer insulating layer 121 may include a contact hole through which the first connecting electrode SD1 passes. The contact hole of the first interlayer insulating layer 121 may connect to the contact hole of the gate insulating layer 113 and the contact hole of the second interlayer insulating layer 123.

[0113] The capacitor electrode CPE can be disposed on the first interlayer insulating layer 121. The capacitor electrode CPE can overlap with the gate electrode GE in a third direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). The capacitor electrode CPE and the gate electrode GE can form a capacitor.

[0114] The second interlayer insulating layer 123 may cover the capacitor electrode CPE and the first interlayer insulating layer 121. The second interlayer insulating layer 123 may include a contact hole through which the first connecting electrode SD1 passes. The contact hole of the second interlayer insulating layer 123 may connect to the contact hole of the first interlayer insulating layer 121 and the contact hole of the gate insulating layer 113.

[0115] The first connection electrode SD1 can be disposed on the second interlayer insulating layer 123. The first connection electrode SD1 can electrically connect the drain electrode DE of the thin-film transistor TFT and the second connection electrode SD2 to each other. The first connection electrode SD1 can be inserted into a contact hole formed in the first interlayer insulating layer 121, the second interlayer insulating layer 123 and the gate insulating layer 113, and contact the drain electrode DE of the thin-film transistor TFT.

[0116] The first via layer 125 may cover the first connecting electrode SD1 and the second interlayer insulating layer 123. The first via layer 125 may planarize the underlying structure. The first via layer 125 may include a contact hole through which the second connecting electrode SD2 passes.

[0117] The second connecting electrode SD2 can be disposed on the first via layer 125. The second connecting electrode SD2 can be configured to overlap with the light-emitting region EA and the non-light-emitting region NLA. The second connecting electrode SD2 located in the portion overlapping with the light-emitting region EA can be spaced apart from the second connecting electrode SD2 located in the portion overlapping with the non-light-emitting region NLA.

[0118] The second connecting electrode SD2, located in the portion overlapping with the light-emitting region EA, can be inserted into a contact hole passing through the first via layer 125 and contacting the first connecting electrode SD1. Additionally, the second connecting electrode SD2 can be electrically connected to the anode electrode AE, which is inserted into the anode contact hole CTHA passing through the second via layer 127. In other words, the second connecting electrode SD2 can electrically connect the first connecting electrode SD1 and the anode electrode AE ​​to each other.

[0119] The second connection electrode SD2, located in the portion overlapping with the non-light-emitting region NLA, can be electrically connected to the dam structure 160 inserted into the dam contact hole CTHB. According to some embodiments, the display device 10 can significantly reduce (e.g., resolve) pixel light emission defects caused by contact instability between the cathode electrode CE and the dam structure 160 by electrically connecting the second connection electrode SD2, located in the portion overlapping with the non-light-emitting region NLA, and the dam structure 160 to each other. Further details will be described later.

[0120] The second via layer 127 can cover the second connecting electrode SD2 and the first via layer 125. The second via layer 127 can be penetrated by the anode contact hole CTHA and the dam contact hole CTHB.

[0121] According to some embodiments, the display element layer 150 may be disposed on the thin film transistor layer 130. The display element layer 150 may include a light-emitting element ED, a capping layer CPL, a pixel defining layer 151, a residual pattern 153, and a dam structure 160.

[0122] According to some embodiments, the light-emitting element ED may include a first light-emitting element ED1 disposed in a first light-emitting region EA1, a second light-emitting element ED2 disposed in a second light-emitting region EA2, and a third light-emitting element ED3 disposed in a third light-emitting region EA3.

[0123] The light-emitting element ED may include an anode electrode AE, a light-emitting layer EL, and a cathode electrode CE. As an example, the first light-emitting element ED1 may include a first anode electrode AE1, a first light-emitting layer EL1, and a first cathode electrode CE1; the second light-emitting element ED2 may include a second anode electrode AE2, a second light-emitting layer EL2, and a second cathode electrode CE2; and the third light-emitting element ED3 may include a third anode electrode AE3, a third light-emitting layer EL3, and a third cathode electrode CE3.

[0124] Each of the first to third light-emitting elements ED1, ED2, and ED3 can emit different colors of light depending on the material of the light-emitting layer EL. For example, the first light-emitting element ED1 can emit red light, the second light-emitting element ED2 can emit green light, and the third light-emitting element ED3 can emit blue light.

[0125] According to some embodiments, the anode electrode AE ​​can be disposed on the second via layer 127. The anode electrode AE ​​can be connected to the second connection electrode SD2 through the anode contact hole CTHA, and can be electrically connected to the drain electrode DE of the thin-film transistor TFT through the first connection electrode SD1.

[0126] The anode electrode AE ​​may include a first anode electrode AE1 located in the first light-emitting region EA1, a second anode electrode AE2 located in the second light-emitting region EA2, and a third anode electrode AE3 located in the third light-emitting region EA3. The first anode electrode to the third anode electrode AE1, AE2 and AE3 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other on the second via layer 127.

[0127] According to some embodiments, a pixel defining layer 151 may be located on the second via layer 127 and the anode electrode AE. The pixel defining layer 151 may define a first opening OP1. The pixel defining layer 151 may expose the anode electrode AE ​​in the portion overlapping with the first opening OP1.

[0128] The pixel defining layer 151 may include an inorganic insulating material. As an example, the pixel defining layer 151 may include aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and / or silicon oxynitride, etc.

[0129] According to some embodiments, a dam structure 160 may be located on a pixel defining layer 151. The dam structure 160 may define a second opening OP2. The dam structure 160 may include a first dam layer 161 and a second dam layer 163 comprising different metallic materials and performing different functions.

[0130] The dam structure 160 may include a tip (or protrusion) projecting toward the light-emitting region EA. Typically, in high-resolution display devices, the spacing (e.g., gaps) between adjacent light-emitting elements ED in a plurality of light-emitting elements ED may be narrow. Therefore, it may be difficult to form a plurality of light-emitting elements ED included in a high-resolution display device using a mask during the manufacturing process. In the display device 10 according to some embodiments, because the dam structure 160 includes the tip, a plurality of light-emitting elements ED overlapping each of the first to third light-emitting regions EA1, EA2, and EA3 can be formed during the manufacturing process without a separate fine metal mask. Therefore, the display device 10 according to some embodiments can be provided as a high-resolution display device.

[0131] According to some embodiments, a light-emitting layer EL can be disposed on an anode electrode AE. The light-emitting layer EL can be an organic light-emitting layer made of organic material and can be formed on the anode electrode AE ​​by a deposition process. In the light-emitting layer EL, when a thin-film transistor (TFT) applies a set or predetermined voltage to the anode electrode AE ​​and the cathode electrode CE receives a common voltage or a cathode voltage, holes and electrons can move to the light-emitting layer EL through the hole transport layer and electron transport layer, respectively, and holes and electrons can recombine with each other in the light-emitting layer EL to emit light.

[0132] The light-emitting layer EL may include a first light-emitting layer EL1, a second light-emitting layer EL2, and a third light-emitting layer EL3 respectively disposed in the first to third light-emitting regions EA1, EA2, and EA3. As an example, the first light-emitting layer EL1 may be a light-emitting layer that emits red light, the second light-emitting layer EL2 may be a light-emitting layer that emits green light, and the third light-emitting layer EL3 may be a light-emitting layer that emits blue light, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0133] According to some embodiments, the residual pattern 153 may be located between the anode electrode AE ​​and the pixel defining layer 151 in a third direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). The residual pattern 153 may overlap with the tip TIP of the embankment structure 160 in a third direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction).

[0134] According to some embodiments, a cathode electrode CE can be disposed on the light-emitting layer EL. The cathode electrode CE may include a transparent conductive material, enabling the emission of light generated in the light-emitting layer EL.

[0135] The cathode electrode CE may include a first cathode electrode CE1, a second cathode electrode CE2, and a third cathode electrode CE3. The first cathode electrode CE1 may be disposed in the first light-emitting region EA1 on the first light-emitting layer EL1, the second cathode electrode CE2 may be disposed in the second light-emitting region EA2 on the second light-emitting layer EL2, and the third cathode electrode CE3 may be disposed in the third light-emitting region EA3 on the third light-emitting layer EL3.

[0136] The first to third cathode electrodes CE1, CE2 and CE3 can be spaced apart from each other, with the dam structure 160 between them. Each of the first cathode electrode CE1, the second cathode electrode CE2 and the third cathode electrode CE3 can contact the first dam layer 161 of the dam structure 160 and can be electrically connected to each other through the first dam layer 161.

[0137] In the display device 10 according to some embodiments, the cathode electrode CE can receive a common voltage or a low potential voltage. When the anode electrode AE ​​receives a voltage corresponding to the data voltage and the cathode electrode CE receives a low potential voltage, the light-emitting layer EL can emit light because a potential difference is formed between the anode electrode AE ​​and the cathode electrode CE. In this case, the first to third cathode electrodes CE1, CE2, and CE3, which are arranged spaced apart from each other and with the dam structure 160 between them, can be electrically connected to each other through the dam structure 160. However, in some cases, due to the contact instability between the cathode electrode CE and the dam structure 160, light emission defects may occur in some pixels included in the display device 10.

[0138] According to some embodiments, the display device 10 can significantly reduce (e.g., resolve) pixel light emission defects caused by contact instability between the cathode electrode CE and the dam structure 160 by applying voltages of different polarities to each of the second connection electrodes SD2, which are arranged to overlap with a plurality of adjacent non-light-emitting regions NLA and with light-emitting regions EA interposed therebetween. As an example, by applying approximately +5V to the second connection electrode SD2 overlapping with a non-light-emitting region NLA on one side and approximately -5V to the second connection electrode SD2 overlapping with a non-light-emitting region NLA on the other side, with the non-light-emitting regions NLA on one side and the non-light-emitting regions NLA on the other side positioned with light-emitting regions EA interposed therebetween, the display device 10 according to some embodiments can stably maintain the electrical connection between the cathode electrode CE and the dam structure 160 by using different potential differences. Accordingly, the display device 10 according to some embodiments can significantly reduce (e.g., resolve) pixel light emission defects caused by contact instability of the dam structure 160.

[0139] The voltage applied to the second connection electrode SD2 can be Figures 3 to 6 The data line DL in the diagram is used for application. However, the voltage applied to the second connection electrode SD2 is not limited to this and can be applied by surrounding it. Figure 3 Various lines are applied to the pixel PX illustrated in the figure. Accordingly, the display device 10 according to some embodiments can provide a display device 10 with excellent reliability.

[0140] According to some embodiments, a capping layer CPL may be located on the cathode electrode CE. The capping layer CPL can prevent multiple light-emitting elements ED from being damaged by external air and can prevent multiple light-emitting elements ED from being peeled off during the manufacturing process of the display device 10.

[0141] The capping layer CPL may include a first capping layer CPL1 disposed in the portion overlapping with the first light-emitting region EA1, a second capping layer CPL2 disposed in the portion overlapping with the second light-emitting region EA2, and a third capping layer CPL3 disposed in the portion overlapping with the third light-emitting region EA3. The first to third capping layers CPL1, CPL2 and CPL3 may be spaced apart from each other, with the pixel defining layer 151 interposed therebetween.

[0142] According to some embodiments, the capping layer CPL may include an inorganic insulating material. As an example, the capping layer CPL may include aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and / or silicon oxynitride, etc.

[0143] According to some embodiments, an organic patterned ELP can be located on the embankment structure 160. The organic patterned ELP can be positioned around the first opening OP1 on the second embankment layer 163. The organic patterned ELP can comprise the same or substantially the same material as each light-emitting layer EL.

[0144] The organic pattern ELP may include a first organic pattern ELP1, a second organic pattern ELP2, and a third organic pattern ELP3. As an example, the first organic pattern ELP1 may comprise the same or substantially the same material as the first light-emitting layer EL1, the second organic pattern ELP2 may comprise the same or substantially the same material as the second light-emitting layer EL2, and the third organic pattern ELP3 may comprise the same or substantially the same material as the third light-emitting layer EL3. Since the embankment structure 160 includes a tip (TIP) during the manufacturing process of the display device 10, the organic pattern ELP may be a trace formed by disconnecting from the light-emitting layer EL.

[0145] According to some embodiments, the electrode pattern CEP can be located on the organic pattern ELP. The electrode pattern CEP can be configured to surround the first opening OP1 on the organic pattern ELP. Each electrode pattern CEP can comprise the same or substantially the same material as the cathode electrode CE.

[0146] The electrode pattern CEP may include a first electrode pattern CEP1, a second electrode pattern CEP2, and a third electrode pattern CEP3. As an example, the first electrode pattern CEP1 may comprise the same or substantially the same material as the first cathode electrode CE1, the second electrode pattern CEP2 may comprise the same or substantially the same material as the second cathode electrode CE2, and the third electrode pattern CEP3 may comprise the same or substantially the same material as the third cathode electrode CE3. Since the embankment structure 160 includes a tip TIP during the manufacturing process of the display device 10, the electrode pattern CEP may be a trace formed by disconnecting from the cathode electrode CE.

[0147] According to some embodiments, a capping pattern CP may be located on an electrode pattern CEP. The capping pattern CP may be positioned around a first opening OP1 on the electrode pattern CEP. Each capping pattern CP may comprise the same or substantially the same material as the capping layer CPL.

[0148] The capping pattern CP may include a first capping pattern CP1, a second capping pattern CP2, and a third capping pattern CP3. As an example, the first capping pattern CP1 may comprise the same or substantially the same material as the first capping layer CPL1, the second capping pattern CP2 may comprise the same or substantially the same material as the second capping layer CPL2, and the third capping pattern CP3 may comprise the same or substantially the same material as the third capping layer CPL3. Since the embankment structure 160 includes a tip TIP during the manufacturing process of the display device 10, the capping pattern CP may be a trace formed by disconnecting from the capping layer CPL.

[0149] According to some embodiments, the organic pattern ELP, electrode pattern CEP, and capping pattern CP may have a trench portion TP in the portion overlapping with the non-light-emitting region NLA. During the manufacturing process of the display device 10, the materials forming the organic pattern ELP, the electrode pattern CEP, and the capping pattern CP may be formed to completely cover the second embankment 163 located in the portion overlapping with the non-light-emitting region NLA, and may then be formed into the shape currently illustrated by removing a portion of it via a subsequent etching process. That is, the organic pattern ELP, electrode pattern CEP, and capping pattern CP including the trench portion TP in the portion overlapping with the non-light-emitting region NLA may indicate that the organic pattern ELP, electrode pattern CEP, and capping pattern CP have undergone an etching process during the manufacturing process of the display device 10.

[0150] According to some embodiments, a thin-film encapsulation layer 170 may be located on the display element layer 150. The thin-film encapsulation layer 170 can prevent oxygen or moisture from penetrating into the display element layer 150 or significantly reduce such penetration, and protect the display element layer 150 from foreign matter such as dust. The thin-film encapsulation layer 170 may include a first encapsulation layer 171, a second encapsulation layer 173, and a third encapsulation layer 175 stacked in sequence. The first encapsulation layer 171 and the third encapsulation layer 175 may include one or more inorganic insulating materials, and the second encapsulation layer 173 may include a polymeric organic material.

[0151] According to some embodiments, the first encapsulation layer 171 may include a first inorganic layer to a third inorganic layer 171-1, 171-2, and 171-3. The first inorganic layer to the third inorganic layer 171-1, 171-2, and 171-3 may be located in the portions overlapping with the first light-emitting regions EA1, EA2, and EA3, respectively. As an example, the first inorganic layer 171-1 may cover a first capping layer CPL1 in the portion overlapping with the first light-emitting region EA1 and a first capping pattern CP1 in the portion overlapping with the non-light-emitting region NLA; the second inorganic layer 171-2 may cover a second capping layer CPL2 in the portion overlapping with the second light-emitting region EA2 and a second capping pattern CP2 in the portion overlapping with the non-light-emitting region NLA; and the third inorganic layer 171-3 may cover a third capping layer CPL3 in the portion overlapping with the third light-emitting region EA3 and a third capping pattern CP3 in the portion overlapping with the non-light-emitting region NLA. Each of the first to third inorganic layers 171-1, 171-2 and 171-3 can be spaced apart from each other in the portion that overlaps with the non-luminescent NLA region.

[0152] The accompanying drawings illustrate that the first to third inorganic layers 171-1, 171-2, and 171-3 are formed in the same layer, but these layers can be formed in different processes. For example, the first inorganic layer 171-1 can be formed after the formation of the first capping layer CPL1, the second inorganic layer 171-2 can be formed after the formation of the second capping layer CPL2, and the third inorganic layer 171-3 can be formed after the formation of the third capping layer CPL3.

[0153] According to some embodiments, the first to third inorganic layers 171-1, 171-2, and 171-3 may include trench portions TP in the portions overlapping with the non-light-emitting region NLA. During the manufacturing process of the display device 10, the material forming the first to third inorganic layers 171-1, 171-2, and 171-3 may be formed to completely cover the second embankment 163 located in the portions overlapping with the non-light-emitting region NLA, and may then be formed into the shape currently illustrated by removing a portion of it via a subsequent etching process. That is, the first to third inorganic layers 171-1, 171-2, and 171-3 including the trench portions TP in the portions overlapping with the non-light-emitting region NLA may indicate that the first to third inorganic layers 171-1, 171-2, and 171-3 have undergone an etching process during the manufacturing process of the display device 10.

[0154] According to some embodiments, a second encapsulation layer 173 may be located on the first encapsulation layer 171. The second encapsulation layer 173 may planarize the horizontal difference formed by the first inorganic layer to the third inorganic layers 171-1, 171-2 and 171-3 in the portions overlapping with the first light-emitting region to the third light-emitting region EA1, EA2 and EA3 and the non-light-emitting region NLA.

[0155] The second encapsulation layer 173 may include a polymeric material. As an example, the second encapsulation layer 173 may include acrylic resin, silicone resin, silicone-acrylic resin, and / or epoxy resin, etc. The second encapsulation layer 173 may be formed by curing monomers or coating polymers.

[0156] According to some embodiments, a third encapsulation layer 175 may be located on top of and completely cover the second encapsulation layer 173. The third encapsulation layer 175 may include inorganic materials and may include the same or substantially the same materials as the first encapsulation layer 171. Redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0157] Figure 8 According to some embodiments of this disclosure Figure 7 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the display element layer and thin film encapsulation layer that overlap with the first light-emitting region.

[0158] refer to Figure 8 According to some embodiments, the second connecting electrode SD2 may include a first portion SD2A located in the portion overlapping with the light-emitting region EA. The first portion SD2A of the second connecting electrode SD2 may not overlap with the non-light-emitting region NLA. The first portion SD2A may be electrically connected to the anode electrode AE ​​inserted into the anode contact hole CTHA.

[0159] According to some embodiments, the pixel defining layer 151 may be spaced apart from the first anode electrode AE1 in a third direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) in the portion overlapping with the second opening OP2. A residual pattern 153 may be located in the portion where the pixel defining layer 151 and the first anode electrode AE1 are spaced apart from each other. The residual pattern 153 may be arranged to overlap with the tip TIP of the second embankment layer 163 in a third direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction).

[0160] During the manufacturing process, the display device 10 may include a sacrificial layer located between the pixel defining layer 151 and the anode electrode AE. The sacrificial layer may be disposed between the pixel defining layer 151 and the anode electrode AE, and then partially removed by a subsequent etching process. In this case, the remaining portion of the sacrificial layer may be retained as a residual pattern 153 between the pixel defining layer 151 and the anode electrode AE. The residual pattern 153 may contact the pixel defining layer 151, the anode electrode AE, and the light-emitting layer EL, and may be completely surrounded by the pixel defining layer 151, the anode electrode AE, and the light-emitting layer EL.

[0161] According to some embodiments, a first dam layer 161 may be located on the pixel defining layer 151. The first dam layer 161 may include a metal with high conductivity. As an example, the first dam layer 161 may include aluminum (Al).

[0162] In some embodiments, the first dam layer 161 may include a side surface 1c. The side surface 1c is a surface facing the first opening OP1 and may be positioned to be recessed from the pixel defining layer 151 in the direction toward the non-light-emitting region NLA (i.e., on one side in the first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction)).

[0163] According to some embodiments, the first cathode electrode CE1 can contact the side surface 1c of the first dam layer 161. In the display device 10 according to some embodiments, as the contact area Wce between the cathode electrode CE and the side surface 1c increases, the resistance formed between the cathode electrode CE and the dam structure 160 can be reduced. The contact area Wce between the cathode electrode CE and the side surface 1c can be adjusted depending on the desired characteristics of the display device 10.

[0164] The accompanying drawings illustrate that the first light-emitting layer EL1 and the first capping layer CPL1 are in contact with the side surface 1c of the first embankment layer 161, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. Depending on the process conditions, the first light-emitting layer EL1 and the first capping layer CPL1 may not be in contact with the side surface 1c.

[0165] According to some embodiments, a second dam layer 163 may be located on a first dam layer 161. The second dam layer 163 may comprise a material having an etch rate lower than that of the first dam layer 161. As an example, the second dam layer 163 may comprise titanium (Ti).

[0166] The second dam layer 163 may include a pointed tip that protrudes from the side surface 1c of the first dam layer 161 toward the first opening OP1. An undercut may be formed between the pointed tip of the second dam layer 163 and the side surface 1c of the first dam layer 161. In the display device 10 according to some embodiments, because the second dam layer 163 includes the pointed tip, during the manufacturing process, spaced-apart light-emitting elements ED can be formed in the portions overlapping each light-emitting region EA without the need for separate fine metal masks.

[0167] According to some embodiments, the first organic pattern ELP1, the first electrode pattern CEP1, and the first capping pattern CP1 can be arranged to overlap with the tip TIP and residual pattern 153 of the second embankment 163 in a third direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction).

[0168] According to some embodiments, the first inorganic layer 171-1 can completely cover the first light-emitting element ED1 in the portion overlapping with the first opening OP1, and can completely cover the side surface 1c of the first dam layer 161 and the tip TIP of the second dam layer 163 in the portion overlapping with the second opening OP2. Additionally, according to some embodiments, the first inorganic layer 171-1 can cover a portion of the first organic pattern ELP1, a portion of the first electrode pattern CEP1, and a portion of the first capping pattern CP1 in the portion overlapping with the non-light-emitting region NLA.

[0169] According to some embodiments, the second encapsulation layer 173 may be located on the first inorganic layer 171-1 and may completely cover the first inorganic layer 171-1. Additionally, the second encapsulation layer 173 may completely cover the second dam layer 163 and may contact the second dam layer 163 in the portion overlapping with the non-light-emitting region NLA. The second encapsulation layer 173 may also completely cover the trench portion TP formed by the first organic pattern ELP1, the first electrode pattern CEP1, the first capping pattern CP1, and the first inorganic layer 171-1.

[0170] Although the display element layer 150 and the thin film encapsulation layer 170 located in the portion overlapping with the first light-emitting region EA1 are illustrated and described for ease of explanation, the structure and characteristics of the display element layer 150 and the thin film encapsulation layer 170 located in the portion overlapping with the second light-emitting region EA2 and the third light-emitting region EA3 may be the same as the structure and characteristics described above.

[0171] Figure 9 According to some embodiments of this disclosure Figure 7 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the display element layer and thin film encapsulation layer that overlap with the non-light-emitting area located between the first light-emitting area and the third light-emitting area.

[0172] refer to Figure 9According to some embodiments, the second connecting electrode SD2 may include a second portion SD2B located in the portion overlapping with the non-light-emitting region NLA. The second portion SD2B of the second connecting electrode SD2 may not overlap with the light-emitting region EA. The second portion SD2B may be electrically connected to the dam structure 160 inserted into the dam contact hole CTHB.

[0173] According to some embodiments, the dam contact hole CTHB can pass through the pixel defining layer 151 and the second via layer 127. The pixel defining layer 151 can be positioned to surround the dam contact hole CTHB in the portion overlapping with the non-light-emitting region NLA.

[0174] According to some embodiments, the first dam layer 161 can be inserted into the dam contact hole CTHB, and as a result, the second portion SD2B of the second connecting electrode SD2 and the first dam layer 161 can be electrically connected to each other. As described above, the cathode electrode CE according to some embodiments can be electrically connected through the first dam layer 161. Therefore, the cathode electrode CE according to some embodiments can be electrically connected to the second portion SD2B of the second connecting electrode SD2 through the first dam layer 161.

[0175] The display device 10 according to some embodiments can significantly reduce (e.g., resolve) pixel light emission defects caused by contact instability between the cathode electrode CE and the first dam layer 161 by electrically connecting the cathode electrode CE, the first dam layer 161, and the second connecting electrode SD2. Redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0176] According to some embodiments, the first light-emitting element ED1 and the third light-emitting element ED3 may be spaced apart from each other, with the pixel defining layer 151 and the first dam layer 161 interposed therebetween. Additionally, according to some embodiments, the first capping layer CPL1 and the third capping layer CPL3 may be spaced apart from each other, with the pixel defining layer 151 and the first dam layer 161 interposed therebetween.

[0177] Compared to the first dam layer 161, the second dam layer 163 according to some embodiments may include pointed tips protruding from both sides toward the light-emitting region EA. The first organic pattern ELP1, the first electrode pattern CEP1, and the first capping pattern CP1 may be located on the pointed tips protruding toward the first light-emitting region EA1, and the third organic pattern ELP3, the third electrode pattern CEP3, and the third capping pattern CP3 may be located on the pointed tips protruding toward the third light-emitting region EA3.

[0178] The first organic pattern ELP1, the first electrode pattern CEP1, and the first capping pattern CP1 may be spaced apart from the third organic pattern ELP3, the third electrode pattern CEP3, and the third capping pattern CP3 in a first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction), with the second encapsulation layer 173 interposed in the portion overlapping with the non-light-emitting region NLA.

[0179] According to some embodiments, the first inorganic layer 171-1 and the third inorganic layer 171-3 may be spaced apart from each other, with the dam structure 160 interposed therebetween. The first inorganic layer 171-1 and the third inorganic layer 171-3 may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction), with the second encapsulation layer 173 interposed therebetween in the portion overlapping with the non-light-emitting region NLA.

[0180] In the portion overlapping with the non-luminescent region NLA, a portion of the upper surface 163b of the second dam layer 163 may be exposed, and the exposed portion of the upper surface 163b of the second dam layer 163 may contact the second encapsulation layer 173.

[0181] Although the display element layer 150 and the thin film encapsulation layer 170 located in the portion overlapping the first light-emitting region EA1 and the third light-emitting region EA3 are illustrated and described for ease of explanation, the structure and characteristics of the display element layer 150 and the thin film encapsulation layer 170 located in the portion overlapping the second light-emitting region EA2 may be the same as the structure and characteristics described above.

[0182] Figure 10 The illustrations are of some embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 9 A plan view showing the arrangement of the connecting electrodes, pixel limiting layer, and embankment structure.

[0183] refer to Figure 10 In the plan view, the second connecting electrode SD2, which is positioned to overlap with the non-luminescent region NLA, can be exposed at the portion that overlaps with the embankment contact hole CTHB.

[0184] In the plan view, the pixel defining layer 151, positioned to overlap with the non-light-emitting region NLA, can expose the dam contact hole CTHB and can be positioned around the edge of the dam contact hole CTHB. In other words, in the plan view, the pixel defining layer 151 can be positioned to completely surround the second connection electrode SD2.

[0185] In a plan view, the dam structure 160, positioned to overlap with the non-light-emitting region NLA, can cover the second connection electrode SD2 and the pixel defining layer 151. For example, in a plan view, the dam structure 160 can completely cover the second connection electrode SD2 and can cover a portion of the pixel defining layer 151.

[0186] Figure 11 It is based on some other embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 7 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the display element layer and thin film encapsulation layer that overlap with the non-light-emitting area located between the first light-emitting area and the third light-emitting area.

[0187] refer to Figure 11The shape of the second dam layer 163 included in the display device 30 may differ from the shape of the second dam layer 163 included in the display device 10. In the following, the description of the common structure of the display device 10 and the display device 30 will not be repeated, and their differences will be described.

[0188] The second dam layer 163 included in the display device 30 may include a recessed portion R in the portion overlapping with the non-light-emitting region NLA. The recessed portion R may refer to a portion of the second dam layer 163 that is recessed in the direction toward the pixel defining layer 151. The recessed portion R included in the second dam layer 163 may be formed when the first dam layer 161 fills the dam contact hole CTHB. The recessed portion R included in the second dam layer 163 may be positioned to overlap with the second portion SD2B of the second connecting electrode SD2 and the dam contact hole CTHB in a third direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction).

[0189] The recessed portion R included in the second dam layer 163 may be located between the first organic pattern ELP1, the first electrode pattern CEP1, the first capping pattern CP1 and the first inorganic layer 171-1 and the third organic pattern ELP3, the third electrode pattern CEP3, the third capping pattern CP3 and the third inorganic layer 171-3.

[0190] The recessed portion R included in the second dam layer 163 may be filled with the second encapsulation layer 173. Other redundant descriptions need not be repeated.

[0191] According to some embodiments, the display device 30 can significantly reduce (e.g., resolve) pixel light emission defects caused by contact instability between the cathode electrode CE and the first dam layer 161 by electrically connecting the cathode electrode CE, the first dam layer 161, and the second connecting electrode SD2. Further redundant descriptions are unnecessary.

[0192] Figure 12 It is according to some other embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the line X1-X1'.

[0193] refer to Figure 12 The difference between display device 50 and display device 10 lies in the fact that it includes a third connection electrode SD3. In the following description, the common structure of display device 10 and display device 50 will not be repeated, and their differences will be described.

[0194] The second connection electrode SD2 included in the display device 50 can be disposed on the first via layer 125. The second connection electrode SD2 can be located in the portion overlapping with the light-emitting region EA, and may not overlap with the non-light-emitting region NLA.

[0195] The second connecting electrodes SD2, located in the portions overlapping the first to third light-emitting regions EA1, EA2, and EA3, can be spaced apart from each other. The second connecting electrodes SD2 can be inserted into contact holes formed in the first via layer 125 and contact the first connecting electrode SD1. Additionally, the second connecting electrode SD2 can contact the anode electrode AE ​​inserted through the anode contact hole CTHA. Therefore, the second connecting electrode SD2 can electrically connect the first connecting electrode SD1 and the anode electrode AE ​​to each other.

[0196] The second via layer 127 may cover the second connection electrode SD2 and the first via layer 125. The second via layer 127 may include an anode contact hole CTHA passing through the second via layer 127.

[0197] A third connecting electrode SD3, included in the display device 50, may be disposed on the second via layer 127. The third connecting electrode SD3 may be located in the portion overlapping with the non-light-emitting region NLA, and may not overlap with the light-emitting region EA. The third connecting electrodes SD3 may be spaced apart from each other in the portions overlapping with each non-light-emitting region NLA. The third connecting electrode SD3 may comprise the same or substantially the same material as the first connecting electrode SD1 and the second connecting electrode SD2.

[0198] By forming the connecting electrode SD connected to the anode electrode AE ​​in a layer separate from the connecting electrode SD connected to the dike structure 160, the display device 50 can be easily manufactured as a high-resolution display device.

[0199] The dam contact hole CTHB included in the display device 50 can pass through the pixel defining layer 151 and the third via layer 129. The pixel defining layer 151 can be positioned to surround the dam contact hole CTHB in the portion that overlaps with the non-light-emitting region NLA.

[0200] The third connecting electrode SD3 included in the display device 50 can contact the dam structure 160 through the dam contact hole CTHB. For example, the first dam layer 161 included in the display device 50 can be inserted into the dam contact hole CTHB, and as a result, the third connecting electrode SD3 and the first dam layer 161 can be electrically connected to each other. The cathode electrode CE included in the display device 50 can be electrically connected to the first dam layer 161. Therefore, the cathode electrode CE included in the display device 50 can be electrically connected to the third connecting electrode SD3 through the first dam layer 161.

[0201] The display device 50 can significantly reduce (e.g., resolve) pixel light emission defects caused by contact instability between the cathode electrode CE and the first dam layer 161 by electrically connecting the cathode electrode CE, the first dam layer 161, and the third connecting electrode SD3. Further redundant descriptions are unnecessary.

[0202] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are to be considered in a descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects within each embodiment should generally be considered applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. Although one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A display device, characterized in that, The display device includes: The substrate includes light-emitting and non-light-emitting areas; Connecting electrodes are located on the substrate; The anode electrode is located on the connecting electrode in the portion that overlaps with the light-emitting region; Cathode electrode, on the anode electrode; A pixel defining layer, located on the connecting electrode in the portion overlapping the non-light-emitting region, and defining a first opening; and A dam structure, located on the pixel defining layer and comprising a first dam layer and a second dam layer, The first dam layer is electrically connected to the connecting electrode through a dam contact hole.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The second dam layer includes a tip that protrudes toward the first opening from the side surface of the first dam layer facing the light-emitting area.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The connecting electrode includes: The first part overlaps with the light-emitting area but does not overlap with the non-light-emitting area; and The second part overlaps with the non-luminous area but does not overlap with the luminous area.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The first part and the second part are spaced apart from each other.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The first portion and the second portion are formed in the same layer in a direction parallel to the substrate.

6. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The first portion and the second portion are formed on different layers in a direction parallel to the substrate.

7. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The cathode electrode is in contact with the first embankment layer. The cathode electrode and the first dam layer are electrically connected to each other. The cathode electrode is electrically connected to the second part through the first dam layer, and The first dam layer has higher conductivity than the second dam layer.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The pixel-defining layer is positioned to surround the embankment contact hole. The second embankment includes a recessed portion in the part overlapping the non-light-emitting area, recessed in the direction toward the pixel defining layer, and Wherein, the recessed portion of the second dam layer overlaps with the dam contact hole and the connecting electrode in a direction perpendicular to the substrate.

9. A display device, characterized in that, The display device includes: The substrate includes light-emitting and non-light-emitting areas; The connecting electrode is located in the non-light-emitting region of the substrate and does not overlap with the light-emitting region; A pixel defining layer is located on the connecting electrode and defines a first opening; The contact hole extends through the pixel defining layer; and A dam structure, located on the pixel defining layer, defines a second opening and fills the dam contact hole. In the plan view, the embankment structure completely covers the connecting electrode, and In the plan view, the embankment structure covers a portion of the pixel-defining layer.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein, In the plan view, the pixel defining layer exposes the embankment contact hole, and in the plan view, the pixel defining layer completely surrounds the connection electrode.

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