Display device

Abstract

To improve an opening ratio and a brightness of a light-emitting region.SOLUTION: A display device according to an embodiment, contains: a display region that contains a plurality of first pixels and a plurality of second pixels in which a first pixel and a second pixel are alternately arranged to a first direction; and a plurality of light-emitting elements of which color of the first and second pixels are different, and the first and second pixels may be different in an arrangement of at least any one of light-emitting regions of the plurality of light-emitting elements. At least one of the light-emitting regions of the first pixel and any one of the light-emitting regions of the second pixel to be adjacent to a first direction are separated by the maximum distance, and any one of the light-emitting regions of the second pixel and any one of the light-emitting regions of the other first pixel to be adjacent to the first direction can be separated by the minimum distance that is smaller than the maximum distance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a display device.

Background Art

[0002] An electroluminesence display device has the advantages of high luminance, low driving voltage, being capable of being ultrathin, and being realizable in a free form by using a light-emitting element.

[0003] An electroluminesence display device can include a light-cutting film (LCF) built into the display panel to cut off and limit the vertical viewing angle according to the application.

[0004] In an electroluminesence display device with an LCF built in, in each sub-pixel, the light-emitting region of the light-emitting element can have a stripe form that is long in the left-right direction, and the light-emitting regions of the same color can be arranged along the left-right direction.

[0005] Since there is a minimum interval margin, which is a dead zone, between the openings of a fine metal mask (FMM) used when forming the light-emitting layer of the light-emitting element, the longest light-emitting region in the left-right direction among the plurality of light-emitting regions is limited in increasing the aperture ratio and luminance.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] This specification provides a display device capable of improving the aperture ratio and luminance of a light-emitting region.

[0007] The problems to be solved in various embodiments of this specification are not limited to the above-mentioned problems. Other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the technical idea of this specification belongs from the following description.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] A display device according to an embodiment includes a display area including a plurality of first pixels and a plurality of second pixels in which the first pixels and the second pixels are alternately arranged in a first direction. Each of the first pixels and the second pixels includes a plurality of light-emitting elements having different colors, and the first pixels and the second pixels may have different arrangements of at least any one of the light-emitting areas of the plurality of light-emitting elements. Any one light-emitting area of a first pixel and any one light-emitting area of a second pixel adjacent to the first pixel in the first direction are separated by a maximum distance, and any one light-emitting area of a second pixel and any one light-emitting area of another first pixel adjacent to the second pixel in the first direction can be separated by a minimum distance smaller than the maximum distance.

[0009] A display device according to an embodiment includes a pixel circuit, a pixel array including a plurality of sub-pixels including light-emitting elements connected to the pixel circuit, a sealing layer arranged to seal the pixel array and a light-emitting element layer including light-emitting elements on the pixel array, a touch sensor array including a black matrix and a sensor electrode arranged on the sealing layer and overlapping a non-light-emitting area of the pixel array, and a light control array including a light control element arranged on the touch sensor array and overlapping the light-emitting element. The pixel array has a light-emitting element with the largest light-emitting area separated by a first distance from the first direction in the (N - 1)th (N is an integer of 2 or more) pixel and the Nth pixel adjacent in the first direction, and the light-emitting elements with the largest light-emitting area in the Nth pixel and the (N + 1)th pixel adjacent in the first direction can be separated by a second distance smaller than the first distance in the first direction.

[0010] Specific matters according to various embodiments other than the means for solving the above-mentioned problems are included in the following description and drawings.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] In a display device according to an embodiment, a plurality of light-emitting regions of the same color arranged along a certain direction are arranged so as to alternately have a maximum interval and a minimum interval, and the light-emitting regions with the minimum interval can be formed through an integrated opening of a mask.

[0012] Thereby, in the display device according to an embodiment, the minimum interval between the light-emitting regions can be made smaller than the minimum interval (dead zone) between the openings of the mask, so that the dead zone limit of the mask can be overcome, the aperture ratio of the light-emitting regions can be improved, and the luminance can be improved.

[0013] The display device according to an embodiment can improve the display performance by improving the aperture ratio and luminance of the light-emitting regions.

[0014] In the display device according to an embodiment, by improving the aperture ratio of the light-emitting regions, the current density of the light-emitting regions can be decreased. Therefore, the deterioration of the light-emitting regions can be reduced, the lifespan can be extended, and the low power consumption effect can be achieved.

[0015] The effects obtained in this specification are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this specification belongs from the following description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] The advantages and features of this specification, and the methods for achieving them, will become apparent by referring to the embodiments described in detail hereinafter together with the accompanying drawings. However, this specification is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be embodied in various different forms, and the embodiments are merely provided to make the disclosure of this specification complete and to fully inform those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this specification pertains of the scope of the invention. This specification is only defined by the scope of the claims.

[0018] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the figures for explaining the embodiments of this specification are exemplary, and this specification is not limited to the matters shown in the figures. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components. In addition, in the description of this specification, when it is determined that the specific description of related known technologies may unnecessarily obscure the gist of this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. When terms such as "including", "having", "consisting of", etc. mentioned in this specification are used, other parts can be added unless "only" is used. When a component is expressed in the singular, it can include a plurality unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0019] In interpreting a component, even if there is no separate explicit description regarding the error range, it is interpreted as including the error range.

[0020] In the case of an explanation regarding the positional relationship, for example, when the positional relationship between two parts is explained by "on ~", "above ~", "below ~", "beside ~", etc., unless the expressions "immediately" or "directly" are used, one or more other parts can also be located between the two parts.

[0021] In the case of an explanation regarding the time relationship, for example, when the chronological relationship is explained by "after ~", "subsequent to ~", "next ~", "before ~", etc., unless the expressions "immediately" or "directly" are used, it can include cases that are not continuous.

[0022] The terms such as "first", "second", etc. are used to describe various components, but these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, the first component mentioned below may also be the second component within the technical concept of this specification.

[0023] In describing the components of this specification, terms such as "first", "second", "A", "B", "a", "b", etc. can be used. Such terms are only for distinguishing the components from each other, and the essence, order, sequence, or number of the components, etc. are not limited by the terms. When a component is described as "connected", "coupled", or "connected" to another component, the component can be directly connected or coupled to the other component, but it must be understood that other components can "intervene" between the components that can be indirectly connected or coupled without specific explicit description.

[0024] The term "at least one" should be understood to include all combinations of one or more of the related components. For example, the meaning of "at least one of the first, second, and third components" can be considered to include not only the first, second, or third components alone, but also all combinations of two or more of the first, second, and third components.

[0025] The features of each of several embodiments of this specification can be partially or wholly combined or combined with each other, and various linkages and drives are technically possible. Each embodiment can be implemented independently of each other or can be implemented together in an associated relationship.

[0026] The embodiments of this specification are described in detail below through the accompanying drawings and examples as follows. The scale of the components shown in the drawings has a scale different from the actual one for the convenience of explanation, and thus is not limited to the scale shown in the drawings.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a display device according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a display panel according to an embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a sub-pixel configuration according to an embodiment.

[0028] A display device 1000 according to an embodiment can provide both a display function for displaying an image and a touch sensing function for sensing the presence or absence of a user's touch and / or touch coordinates.

[0029] A display device 1000 according to an embodiment can be an electroluminescent display device including a touch sensor or a micro light emitting diode (Micro LED) display device. The electroluminescent display device including a touch sensor can be an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device, a quantum dot light emitting diode display device, or an inorganic light emitting diode display device.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, the display device 1000 can include a display panel 100, a display driving circuit 200 for driving the display panel 100, and a touch sensing circuit 300 for driving and sensing a touch sensor array built in the display panel 100. The display device 1000 can further include a power management circuit that generates and supplies a plurality of power supply voltages necessary for the operations of the display panel 100, the display driving circuit 200, and the touch sensing circuit 300.

[0031] The display panel 100 can be a Rigid display panel or a Flexible display panel capable of shape deformation such as a Foldable, Bendable, Rollable, or Strechable display panel.

[0032] The display panel 100 can include a display area (DA) for displaying an image and a non-display area (NDA) that is a bezel area located in the outer contour surrounding the display area (DA).

[0033] The display panel 100 can further include a touch sensor array disposed in the display area (DA) for sensing a user's touch.

[0034] The display panel 100 can display an image using a display area (DA) in which a plurality of sub-pixels are arranged in a matrix form. The pixel array of the display area (DA) can include a plurality of Row lines each consisting of a plurality of sub-pixels arranged in a first direction (X), and a plurality of Column lines each consisting of a plurality of sub-pixels arranged in a second direction (Y). The display panel 100 can include a plurality of signal lines including a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of data lines, a plurality of power lines, etc., connected to the plurality of sub-pixels.

[0035] The display driving circuit 200 can include a data driver that supplies data signals to a plurality of data lines of the display panel 100, a gate driver that supplies gate signals to a plurality of gate lines, a timing controller that controls the operations of the data driver and the gate driver, etc.

[0036] The touch sensing circuit 300 can include a touch driving circuit that supplies a touch driving signal to a touch sensor array built in the display panel 100 and receives a lead-out signal from the touch sensor array to generate sensing data, and a touch controller that detects the presence or absence of a touch and the touch coordinate position based on the sensing data supplied from the touch driving circuit.

[0037] The touch sensor array can use a self-capacitance method that senses changes in self-capacitance due to touch, or a mutual-capacitance method that senses changes in mutual capacitance due to touch.

[0038] The plurality of pixels of the display panel 100 can include a first pixel (PX1) and a second pixel (PX2) in which the light-emitting region arrangement of at least one sub-pixel among the plurality of sub-pixels is different.

[0039] Each of the first pixel (PX1) and the second pixel (PX2) can include a plurality of sub-pixels in which the emission colors of the light-emitting elements are different from each other. The plurality of sub-pixels can include a first sub-pixel including a first-color light-emitting element, a second sub-pixel including a second-color light-emitting element, and a third sub-pixel including a third-color light-emitting element. The light-emitting elements of the first to third colors can be, but are not limited to, red, green, and blue light-emitting elements. The plurality of sub-pixels can further include a fourth sub-pixel including a white light-emitting element.

[0040] The light-emitting regions (EAk1, EAk2) of the respective sub-pixels in the first pixel (PX1) and the second pixel (PX2) can have a stripe form including a long side in the first direction (X) and a short side in the second direction (Y), but are not limited thereto and can have various forms.

[0041] In at least one color-emitting region (EAk1, EAk2) of the plurality of light-emitting regions in each of the first pixel (PX1) and the second pixel (PX2) according to an embodiment, it can have an arrangement structure shifted in the first direction (X) or the opposite direction in the first direction (X) of each pixel region.

[0042] Accordingly, in the first and second pixels (PX1, PX2) (the (N−1)th and Nth pixels, where N is an integer of 2 or more), the light-emitting regions (EAk1, EAk2) adjacent in the first direction (X) can have a maximum interval in the first direction (X), and in the second and first pixels (PX2, PX1) (the Nth and (N + 1)th pixels), the light-emitting regions (EAk2, EAk1) in the first direction (X) can have a minimum interval in the first direction (X). In one embodiment, among the plurality of light-emitting regions of each pixel, the light-emitting regions (EAk1, EAk2) can have a light-emitting area with a maximum length in the first direction (X).

[0043] In the pixel array of the display panel 100, in the first pixel line in the first direction (X), the first pixel (PX1) and the second pixel (PX2) are alternately arranged along the first direction (X), and in the second pixel line adjacent to the first pixel (PX1) in the second direction (Y), the second pixel (PX2) and the first pixel (PX1) can have a structure alternately arranged along the first direction (X). In the display panel 100 according to an embodiment, the plurality of light-emitting regions (EAk1, EAk2) arranged in the first direction (X) can be arranged to alternately have a maximum interval and a minimum interval, and can be arranged in a zigzag form with different positions in the first direction (X) along the second direction (Y).

[0044] Accordingly, the display panel 100 according to an embodiment can form the light-emitting regions (EAk2, EAk1) having a minimum interval in the first direction (X) through any one opening (OA) of the mask, so that the minimum interval between the light-emitting regions (EAk2, EAk1) can be reduced to be smaller than the dead zone, which is the minimum interval between the openings (OA) of the mask.

[0045] Therefore, the display panel 100 according to one embodiment can overcome the dead zone limit of the mask, improve the aperture ratio of the light emitting regions (EAk1, EAk2), and improve the luminance by improving the aperture ratio.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 2, the display panel 100 according to one embodiment includes a pixel array 140 including a circuit element layer 120 including a plurality of transistors and a plurality of signal lines disposed on a substrate 110 and a light emitting element layer 130 including a plurality of light emitting elements (EL) disposed on the circuit element layer 120. The display panel 100 may include a sealing layer 150 disposed to seal the light emitting element layer 130 on the pixel array 140. The display panel 100 may include a touch sensor array 160 including a plurality of sensor electrodes disposed on the sealing layer 150 and an optical control array 170 including a plurality of optical control elements (L) disposed on the touch sensor array 160 to control a viewing angle. The touch sensor array 160 according to one embodiment may include sensor electrodes, bridges, and black matrices disposed to overlap with non-light emitting regions of the light emitting elements (EL). The display panel 100 may further include a cover substrate 190 coupled by an optical clear adhesive (OCA) 180 on the optical control array 170.

[0047] The display panel 100 according to one embodiment may include a viewing angle cut-off function of restricting the viewing angle in one of the first and second directions (X, Y) within a cut-off angle using the optical control element (L) for controlling the viewing angle.

[0048] The optical control element (L) can emit light having a first viewing angle by restricting the traveling path of the light emitted from the light emitting element (EL) within a specific cut-off angle in the second direction (Y), and can emit light having a second viewing angle wider than the first viewing angle without being limited within a specific angle in the first direction (X).

[0049] The first viewing angle can be represented by a narrow viewing angle, and the second viewing angle can be represented by a wide viewing angle. The light control array 170 can be represented as a Light Cutting Film (LCF) that limits the viewing angle in the second direction (Y).

[0050] The first direction (X) indicates the left - right direction (horizontal direction) of the display panel 100, the second direction (Y) indicates the up - down direction (vertical direction) of the display panel 100, and the third direction (Z) can indicate the front - rear direction (thickness direction) of the display panel 100.

[0051] The display panel 100 according to an embodiment can limit the viewing angle of the video displayed in the display area (DA) with respect to the second direction (Y) within the cut - off angle and provide it within the range of the first viewing angle, and the viewing angle with respect to the first direction (X) can be provided within the range of a second viewing angle wider than the first viewing angle.

[0052] Therefore, when the display device 1000 is applied to an automobile in one embodiment, by blocking the video displayed on the display device 1000 from traveling to the front windshield of the automobile located in the second direction (Y), it is possible to prevent the reflected light from interfering with the driver's front view. In one embodiment, the display device 1000 can be applied to an in - vehicle display device arranged on the dashboard of the automobile. The in - vehicle display device can include a Cluster, a Center Information Display (CID), a Co - driver Display (CDD), etc.

[0053] The display device 1000 according to an embodiment can be applied not only to in - vehicle display devices but also to various display devices such as mobile displays, IT displays, and TV displays that require viewing angle limitation for privacy protection and information protection.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 3, each sub-pixel (SP) can include a light-emitting element (EL) and a pixel circuit 10 that drives the light-emitting element (EL), and a light control element (L, FIG. 2) for viewing angle control on the light-emitting element (EL) can be superimposed and arranged.

[0055] The sub-pixel (SP) according to one embodiment can receive the supply of a data voltage (Vdata) via any one of the data lines 22 from the data driver of the display driving circuit 200. The sub-pixel (SP) can receive the supply of a scan signal (SCAN) via at least one gate line 12 from the gate driver of the display driving circuit 200, and can receive the supply of a light emission control signal (EM) via at least one gate line 16. The sub-pixel (SP) according to one embodiment can receive the supply of a high-potential power supply voltage (ELVDD) via the first power line 32 from the power management circuit, can receive the supply of a low-potential power supply voltage (ELVSS) via the common electrode (cathode electrode, CE) and the second power line 34, and can receive the supply of a reference voltage (Vref) via the reference line 24.

[0056] The gate driver can be built in and arranged in the non-display area (NDA) of the display panel 100, and is not limited thereto, and can be dispersedly arranged in the display area (DA). The gate driver according to one embodiment can be built in the display panel 100 in a GIP (Gate In Panel) type composed of transistors formed in the same process as the transistors in the display area (DA).

[0057] The gate driver can include at least one scan driver 210 that drives at least one of the gate lines 12 and at least one light emission control driver 220 that drives at least one of the gate lines 16. The number of gate lines connected to the sub-pixel (SP), the number of scan drivers 210, and the number of light emission control drivers 220 can be variously changed according to the detailed configuration of the pixel circuit constituting the sub-pixel (SP).

[0058] The scan driver 210 can generate and supply at least one scan signal (SCAN) to at least one gate line 12 arranged in each of a plurality of pixel row lines.

[0059] The emission control driver 220 can generate and supply at least one emission control signal (EM) to at least one gate line 16 arranged in each of a plurality of pixel row lines.

[0060] For the display area (DA) of the display panel 100 and the plurality of transistors arranged in the non-display area (NDA) including the gate driver, at least one of an LTPS transistor using a low temperature poly silicon (LTPS) semiconductor and an oxide transistor using a metal oxide semiconductor can be applied. The display panel 100 according to an embodiment can be configured such that an LTPS transistor and an oxide transistor coexist to reduce power consumption.

[0061] FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram illustrating a sub-pixel configuration in a display panel according to an embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating drive waveforms of sub-pixels according to an embodiment.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 4, the sub-pixel (SP) can include a light emitting element (EL) and a pixel circuit 10 that drives the light emitting element (EL). In one embodiment, the pixel circuit 10 can include a driving transistor (DT), a plurality of switching transistors (T1 to T5), and a storage capacitor (Cst), and is not limited to this configuration.

[0063] The pixel circuit 10 can receive the supply of the first scan signal (SCAN1) from the first scan driver 210 via the first gate line 12, and can receive the supply of the second scan signal (SCAN2) from the second scan driver 212 via the second gate line 14.

[0064] The pixel circuit 10 can receive the supply of a light emission control signal (EM) from the light emission control driver 220 via the third gate line 16.

[0065] The pixel circuit 10 can receive the supply of a data signal (Vdata) from the data driver of the display driving circuit 200 (FIG. 1) via the data line 22. The pixel circuit 10 can receive the supply of a high-potential power supply voltage (ELVDD) from the power management circuit of the display driving circuit 200 (FIG. 1) via the first power line 32, receive the supply of a low-potential power supply voltage (ELVSS) via the second power line 34 and the common electrode (CE), and receive the supply of a reference voltage (Vref) via the reference line 24.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 5, the sub-pixel (SP) can be driven to include an initialization (Initial) period (t1), a sampling and writing (Writing) period (t2), and a light emission (Emision) period (t3) for each frame period.

[0067] Each of the driving transistor (DT) and the plurality of switching transistors (T1 to T5) of the pixel circuit 10 includes a gate electrode, a source electrode, and a drain electrode. Since the source electrode and the drain electrode are not fixed and can be changed according to the direction of the voltage and current applied to the gate electrode, either the source electrode or the drain electrode can be represented by the first electrode, and the other one can be represented by the second electrode. The driving transistor (DT) and the plurality of switching transistors (T1 to T5) of the pixel circuit 10 can use at least any one of a polysilicon semiconductor, an amorphous silicon semiconductor, and an oxide semiconductor, and can be of P-type or N-type, or can mix P-type and N-type.

[0068] The light-emitting element (EL) can include an anode electrode (AE) connected to the fourth switching transistor (T4), a cathode electrode (CE) connected to the second power supply line 34 that supplies a low-potential power supply voltage (ELVSS), and a light-emitting layer between the anode electrode (AE) and the cathode electrode (CE). When a drive current is supplied to the light-emitting element (EL) from the drive transistor (DT) via the fourth switching transistor (T4), electrons from the cathode electrode (CE) are injected into the light-emitting layer, holes from the anode electrode (AE) are injected into the organic light-emitting layer, and fluorescence or phosphorescence substances are emitted by recombination of electrons and holes in the light-emitting layer, so that light with brightness proportional to the current value of the drive current can be emitted.

[0069] The gate electrode of the drive transistor (DT) is connected to the storage capacitor (Cst), the first electrode is connected to the first power supply line 32 that supplies a high-potential power supply voltage (ELVDD), and the second electrode can be connected to the first electrode of the fourth switching transistor (T4). The drive transistor (DT) is connected to the light-emitting element (EL) via the fourth switching transistor (T4) and can drive the light-emitting element (EL) via the fourth switching transistor (T4). The drive transistor (DT) can control the light-emitting intensity of the light-emitting element (EL) via the fourth switching transistor (T4) by controlling the drive current according to the drive voltage charged in the storage capacitor (Cst).

[0070] The storage capacitor (Cst) is connected between the second electrode of the first switching transistor (T1) and the gate electrode of the drive transistor (DT) and can charge a drive voltage corresponding to the data voltage (Vdata). The storage capacitor (Cst) can hold the charged drive voltage during the light-emitting period (t3) when the first switching transistor (T1) is off and supply it to the drive transistor (DT).

[0071] The first switching transistor (T1) can be turned on or off in response to a first scan signal (SCAN1) of a first gate line 12 arranged in the i-th pixel row line (i is a natural number). The first switching transistor (T1) can supply the data voltage (Vdata) supplied via the data line 22 to the first electrode of the storage capacitor (Cst) during a sampling and writing period (t2) in which the first scan signal (SCAN1) has a gate-on voltage (VON). The switching transistor (T1) can be turned off during an initialization period (t1) and a light emission period (t3) in which the first scan signal (SCAN1) has a gate-off voltage (VOFF).

[0072] The second and fifth switching transistors (T2, T5) can be turned on or off in response to a second scan signal (SCAN2) supplied to a second gate line 14 of the i-th pixel row line. The second and fifth switching transistors (T2, T5) can be turned on during an initialization period (t1) and a sampling and writing period (t2) in which the second scan signal (SCAN2) has a gate-on voltage (VON), and can be turned off during a light emission period (t3) in which the second scan signal (SCAN2) has a gate-off voltage (VOFF).

[0073] The second switching transistor (T2) can connect the gate electrode and the second electrode of the driving transistor (DT) during the initialization period (t1) and the sampling and writing period (t2) in response to the second scan signal (SCAN2), thereby connecting the driving transistor (DT) in a diode structure. The second switching transistor (T2) can charge and compensate the threshold voltage (Vth) of the driving transistor (DT) in the storage capacitor (Cst). Thereby, the storage capacitor (Cst) can charge the data voltage in which the threshold voltage (Vth) of the driving transistor (DT) is compensated.

[0074] The fifth switching transistor (T5) can supply the reference voltage (Vref) supplied via the reference line 24 to the anode electrode (AE) of the light-emitting element (EL) between the initialization period (t1) and the sampling and writing period (t2) in response to the second scan signal (SCAN2).

[0075] The third and fourth switching transistors (T3, T4) can be turned on or off in response to the light emission control signal (EM) supplied to the third gate line 16 of the i-th pixel row line. The third and fourth switching transistors (T3, T4) can be turned on during the initialization period (t1) and the light emission period (t3) in which the light emission control signal (EM) has the gate-on voltage (VON). The third and fourth switching transistors (T3, T4) can be turned off during the sampling and writing period (t2) having the gate-off voltage (VOFF) and during the period between the sampling and writing period (t2) and the light emission period (t3).

[0076] The third switching transistor (T3) can supply the reference voltage (Vref) supplied via the reference line 24 to the first electrode of the storage capacitor (Cst) between the initialization period (t1) and the light emission period (t3) in response to the light emission control signal (EM).

[0077] The fourth switching transistor (T4) can connect the driving transistor (DT) to the light-emitting element (EL) between the initialization period (t1) and the light emission period (t3) in response to the light emission control signal (EM).

[0078] During the light emission period (t3) of each frame (N), the driving transistor (DT) can drive the light-emitting element (EL) via the fourth switching transistor (T4).

[0079] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of a plurality of pixel regions in a display panel according to an embodiment, FIGS. 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views schematically showing the structures of a plurality of second sub-pixel regions along the I-I' cutting line of FIG. 6 and a plurality of third sub-pixel regions by the II-II' cutting line, and FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of a pixel region or a light-emitting region according to an embodiment shown in FIG. 6.

[0080] A display panel 100 according to an embodiment includes a plurality of pixel regions or light-emitting regions. For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 6, the arrangement structure of a plurality of sub-pixels constituting a plurality of row lines (RLn1 to RLn6) and a plurality of column lines (CLm1 to CLm6) is shown. Each sub-pixel includes one light-emitting element, and each light-emitting element can include one light-emitting region.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 6, a display area (DA) of the display panel 100 can include a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels (PX1, PX2) are arranged in a matrix form. The plurality of pixels (PX1, PX2) can include a first pixel (PX1) and a second pixel (PX2) in which the arrangement structures of the light-emitting regions (EA3: EA31, EA32) of at least one sub-pixel (SP3: SP31, SP32) among the plurality of sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP3) are different.

[0082] The first pixel (PX1) and the second pixel (PX2) can be alternately arranged along the first direction (X) and can be alternately arranged along the second direction (Y).

[0083] Among the pixel lines adjacent to the second direction (Y), any one of the pixel lines can be arranged such that the order of the first pixel (PX1) and the second pixel (PX2) is repeated along the first direction (X). The other pixel line can be arranged such that the order of the second pixel (PX2) and the first pixel (PX1) is repeated along the first direction (X). Among the two pixel lines adjacent to the first direction (X), any one of the pixel lines can be arranged such that the order of the first pixel (PX1) and the second pixel (PX2) is repeated along the second direction (Y). In the other pixel line, the order of the second pixel (PX2) and the first pixel (PX1) can be arranged to be repeated along the first direction (X).

[0084] A pixel group including the first and second pixels (PX1, PX2) adjacent to the first direction (X), the second pixel (PX2) adjacent to the first pixel (PX1) in the second direction (Y), and the first pixel (PX1) adjacent to the second pixel (PX2) in the second direction (Y) can be repeatedly arranged in the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y).

[0085] Each of the first pixel (PX1) and the second pixel (PX2) can include a plurality of sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP3) having different emission colors of the light emitting elements (EL1, EL2, EL3). The plurality of sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP3) can include a first sub-pixel (SP1) including a first color light emitting element (EL1), a second sub-pixel (SP2) including a second color light emitting element (EL2), and a third sub-pixel (SP3) including a third color light emitting element (EL3). The first to third color light emitting elements (EL1, EL2, EL3) can be, but are not limited to, red, green, and blue light emitting elements.

[0086] In each of the first pixel (PX1) and the second pixel (PX2), a plurality of light-emitting elements (EL1, EL2, EL3) of a plurality of sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP3) can be arranged in parallel in the second direction (Y), and the light-emitting elements of the same color can be arranged in alignment in the first direction (X).

[0087] The light-emitting regions (EA1, EA2, EA3) of the light-emitting elements (EL1, EL2, EL3) of the plurality of sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP3) are arranged such that the light-emitting regions of the same color are aligned along the first direction (X), and the light-emitting regions (EA1, EA2, EA3) of different colors can be arranged alternately along the second direction (Y).

[0088] In one embodiment, the first row line (RLn1) or the fourth row line (RLn4) can include a plurality of first sub-pixels (SP1) in which a plurality of first light-emitting regions (EA1) are arranged along the first direction (X). The second row line (RLn2) or the fifth row line (RLn5) can include a plurality of second sub-pixels (SP2) in which a plurality of second light-emitting regions (EA2) are arranged along the first direction (X). The third row line (RLn3) can include a plurality of first third sub-pixels (SP31) and second third sub-pixels (SP32) in which a first third light-emitting region (EA31) and a second third light-emitting region (EA32) are arranged alternately along the first direction (X). The sixth row line (RLn6) can include, contrary to the third row line (RLn3), a plurality of second third sub-pixels (SP32) and first third sub-pixels (SP31) in which the second third light-emitting region (EA32) and the first third light-emitting region (EA31) are arranged alternately along the first direction (X).

[0089] In one embodiment, each of the odd-numbered column lines (CLm1, CLm3, CLm5) can include a plurality of first to third sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP31, SP32) in which the first to third-1 light-emitting regions (EA1, EA2, EA31) and the first to third-2 light-emitting regions (EA1, EA2, EA32) are alternately arranged along the second direction (X). In one embodiment, each of the even-numbered column lines (CLm2, CLm4, CLm6) can include a plurality of first to third sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP32, SP31) in which the first to third-2 light-emitting regions (EA1, EA2, EA32) and the first to third-1 light-emitting regions (EA1, EA2, EA31) are alternately arranged along the second direction (X).

[0090] Each of the light-emitting regions (EA1, EA2, EA3) of the plurality of sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP3) can include a long side in the first direction (X) and a short side in the second direction (Y). The plurality of light-emitting regions (EA1, EA2, EA3) can have different colors, or the same light-emitting area, or at least one color's light-emitting area can be different from that of other colors.

[0091] In one embodiment, the first light-emitting region (EA1) can be smaller than or the same as the second light-emitting region (EA2). The third light-emitting region (EA3: EA31, EA32) can have the largest light-emitting area. In one embodiment, the lengths of the long sides of the first and second light-emitting regions (EA1, EA2) in the first direction (X) can be the same, and the length of the long side of the third light-emitting region (EA3) in the first direction (X) can be the largest. In one embodiment, the lengths of the short sides of the plurality of light-emitting regions (EA1, EA2, EA3) in the second direction (Y) can be the same.

[0092] Light control elements (L) can be superimposed and arranged on the plurality of light-emitting regions (EA1, EA2, EA3) of the first pixel (PX1) and the second pixel (PX2), respectively. The light-incident surface of the light control element (L) can include a long side in the first direction (X) and a short side in the second direction (Y).

[0093] In one embodiment, the light control element (L) can have a semi-cylindrical lens structure that is long in the first direction (X), but is not limited to this lens structure.

[0094] The light control elements (L) respectively arranged on the plurality of light emitting regions (EA1, EA2, EA3) can have the same incident light surface size, or can have different incident light surface sizes according to the light emitting areas of the light emitting regions (EA1, EA2, EA3). The size of the incident light surface of the light control element (L) is set to be larger than the respective light emitting areas of the plurality of light emitting regions (EA1, EA2, EA3), and the light emission efficiency can be improved.

[0095] In the first pixel (PX1), the first light emitting region (EA1) and the second light emitting region (EA2) can be arranged in alignment with the same first center point (x1) in the first direction (X), and the third-first light emitting region (EA31) can be arranged in alignment with a second center point (x2) shifted in the first-1 direction (-X) from the first center point (x1). The light control elements (L) respectively arranged on the plurality of light emitting regions (EA1, EA2, EA31) of the first pixel (PX1) can be arranged in alignment with the first center point (x1). The center point (x2) of the third-first light emitting region (EA31) within the first pixel (PX1) region can be shifted in the first-1 direction (-X) from the center point (x1) of the light control element (L).

[0096] In the second pixel (PX2), the first light-emitting region (EA1) and the second light-emitting region (EA2) can be arranged by being aligned with the same third center point (x3) in the first direction (X), and the third - second light-emitting region (EA32) can be arranged by being aligned with a fourth center point (x4) shifted in the first - second direction (+X) from the third center point (x3). The light control elements (L) respectively arranged on the plurality of light-emitting regions (EA1, EA2, EA32) of the second pixel (PX2) can be arranged by being aligned with the third center point (x3). The center point (x4) of the third - second light-emitting region (EA32) within the second pixel (PX2) region can be shifted in the first - second direction (+X) from the center point (x3) of the light control element (L).

[0097] Thereby, the first light-emitting region (EA1) adjacent in the first direction (X) in the first pixel (PX1) and the second pixel (PX2) can have a first distance (D1), and the second light-emitting region (EA2) adjacent in the first direction (X) can also have a second distance (D2) that is the same as or similar to the first distance (D1).

[0098] In the first pixel (PX1) (the (N - 1)th pixel) and the second pixel (PX2) (the Nth pixel) adjacent in the first direction (X), the third light-emitting regions (EA31, EA32) can have a third distance (D3). In the second pixel (PX2) (the Nth pixel) and the first pixel (PX1) (the (N + 1)th pixel) adjacent in the first direction (X), the third light-emitting regions (EA32, EA31) can have a fourth distance (D4). The third distance (D3) can be greater than or the same as the first and second distances (D1, D2), and can be greater than the fourth distance (D4). The fourth distance (D4) can be smaller than the first and second distances (D1, D2). The third distance (D3) can be the maximum distance in the pixel array, and the fourth distance (D4) can be the minimum distance in the pixel array.

[0099] In a display panel 100 according to an embodiment, a plurality of third light-emitting regions (EA31, EA32) arranged in the first direction (X) can be arranged to alternately have a third distance (D3, maximum distance) and a fourth distance (D4, minimum distance), and can be arranged in a zigzag pattern where the positions in the first direction (X) are different along the second direction (Y).

[0100] Accordingly, since the minimum distance (D4) in the first direction (X) can be formed through any one of the openings (OA) of the mask for the light-emitting regions (EA31, EA32), the minimum distance (D4) between the light-emitting regions (EA31, EA32) can be reduced compared to the dead zone between the openings (OA) of the mask. Therefore, the limit of the dead zone of the mask can be overcome, the aperture ratio of the light-emitting regions (EA31, EA32) having the maximum light-emitting area can be improved, and the luminance can be improved.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, in the light-emitting element layer 130 of the pixel array, a plurality of second light-emitting elements (EL2) arranged in the first direction (X) can include a plurality of second light-emitting regions (EA2) having a second distance (D2) by the bank insulating layer 132. In the light-emitting element layer 130, a plurality of third light-emitting elements (EL31, EL32, EL31) arranged in the first direction (X) include a third-1 light-emitting region (EA31) and a third-2 light-emitting region (EA32) having a third distance (D3) by the bank insulating layer 132, and a third-1 light-emitting region (EA31) having a fourth distance (D4) by the third-2 light-emitting region (EA32) and the bank insulating layer 132.

[0102] A sealing layer 150 can be disposed on the light-emitting element layer 130, and a touch sensor array 160 can be disposed on the sealing layer 150.

[0103] According to one embodiment, a touch sensor array 160 is disposed to overlap with a non-light-emitting region of a pixel array, that is, a non-light-emitting region excluding light-emitting regions (EA: EA1, EA2, EA31, EA32) of sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP31, SP32), and includes a bridge electrode (BE), a black matrix (BM), and a sensor electrode (SE) laminated on a sealing layer 150 with at least one insulating layer interposed therebetween. The bridge electrode (BE), the black matrix (BM), and the sensor electrode (SE) can function as barriers disposed in the non-light-emitting region to block light. In one embodiment, the sensor electrode (SE) and the black matrix (BM) can be disposed to overlap with a non-light-emitting region surrounding a light-emitting region (EA) of the pixel array.

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the bridge electrode (BE) disposed to overlap with a non-light-emitting region of the sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP31, SP32) can be electrically connected to the sensor electrode (SE) via a contact portion (CNT). At the contact portion (CNT), the sensor electrode (SE) can be connected to the bridge electrode (BE) via a contact hole penetrating through a plurality of touch insulating layers 166, 164. The black matrix (BM) can be non-overlapping with the contact portion (CNT).

[0105] In one embodiment, the contact portion (CNT) can be disposed in a non-light-emitting region between a second sub-pixel (SP2) and a third sub-pixel (SP3) adjacent in a second direction (Y). In one embodiment, the contact portion (CNT) can be disposed in a non-light-emitting region that is diagonally opposite to a second light-emitting region (EA2) and a third-1 light-emitting region (EA31) among non-light-emitting regions between a second sub-pixel (SP2) and a third-1 sub-pixel (SP31) adjacent in the second direction (Y).

[0106] A bridge electrode (BE) can be disposed on the sealing layer 150, and a black matrix (BM) can be disposed on the bridge electrode (BE) with any one of the touch insulating layers 164 interposed therebetween. A sensor electrode (SE) can be disposed on the black matrix (BM) with any one of the touch insulating layers 166 interposed therebetween. Any one of the touch insulating layers 168 can be disposed on the sensor electrode (SE).

[0107] The sensor electrode (SE) superimposed and disposed in the non-light-emitting region of the sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP31, SP32) can include an opening that overlaps with the light-emitting regions (EA: EA1, EA2, EA31, EA32) of the light-emitting elements (EL: EL1, EL2, EL31, EL32) and the light control element (L).

[0108] In one embodiment, the end of the opening of the sensor electrode (SE) can overlap with the end of the light incident surface of the light control element (L) in the second direction (Y), and can further overlap with the end in the first direction (X). In one embodiment, the overlapping portion of the sensor electrode (SE) and the light control element (L) is disposed adjacent to the light-emitting region (EA: EA1, EA2, EA31, EA32) in the second direction (Y), and the radiation angle of the light emitted from the light-emitting region (EA: EA1, EA2, EA31, EA32) can be limited within the first cut-off angle (first viewing angle) in the second direction (Y), and light leakage can be blocked. In one embodiment, the overlapping portion of the sensor electrode (SE) and the light control element (L) is spaced apart from the light-emitting region (EA: EA1, EA2, EA31, EA32) in the first direction (X), and the radiation angle of the light emitted from the light-emitting region (EA: EA1, EA2, EA31, EA32) can be controlled within the second cut-off angle (second viewing angle) larger than the first cut-off angle (first viewing angle) in the first direction (X), and light leakage can be blocked.

[0109] The black matrix (BM) superimposed on the non-light-emitting regions of the sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP31, SP32) can have openings that overlap with the light-emitting regions (EA: EA1, EA2, EA31, EA32) of the light-emitting elements (EL: EL1, EL2, EL31, EL32) and the light control element (L). The size of the opening (OH1) of the sensor electrode (SE) may be smaller or larger than the size of the opening of the black matrix (BM). In one embodiment, the end adjacent to the opening of the black matrix (BM) can be non-overlapping with the light-incident surface of the light control element (L).

[0110] The bridge electrode (BE) superimposed on the non-light-emitting regions of the sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP31, SP32) can be provided with openings that overlap with the light-emitting regions (EA: EA1, EA2, EA31, EA32) of the light-emitting elements (EL: EL1, EL2, EL31, EL32) and the light control element (L). The plurality of bridge electrodes (BE) can extend along the second direction (Y), and the openings of the bridge electrodes (BE) can be located between the plurality of bridge electrodes (BE) adjacent in the first direction (X). The bridge electrode (BE) superimposed on the black matrix (BM) may have a line width smaller than that of the black matrix (BM) in the first direction (X).

[0111] A light control array 170 including a plurality of light control elements (L1) can be arranged on the touch sensor array 160. The plurality of light control elements (L1) can be arranged to individually overlap with the light-emitting regions (EA: EA1, EA2, EA31, EA32) of the plurality of light-emitting elements (EL: EL1, EL2, EL31, EL32). The light control array 170 can further include a protective layer 172 that covers the light control element (L) arranged on the touch sensor array 160.

[0112] In one embodiment, the center points (x1, x3) of the light control element (L) in the first direction (X) can be aligned with the center points (x1, x3) of the first and second light emitting regions (EA1, EA2) respectively in the first direction (X). The plurality of first light emitting regions (EA1) can be arranged at the same first distance (D1) along the first direction (X), and the plurality of second light emitting regions (EA2) can be arranged at the same second distance (D2) along the first direction (X).

[0113] In one embodiment, the center point (x2) of the third - 1 light emitting region (EA31) in the first direction (X) can be shifted in the first - 1 direction (-X) from the center point (x1) of the first direction (X) within the region of the light control element (L). The center point (x4) of the third - 2 light emitting region (EA32) in the first direction (X) can be shifted in the first - 2 direction (+X) from the center point (x3) of the first direction (X) within the region of the light control element (L). The plurality of third light emitting regions (EA31, EA32) can be arranged to alternately have a third distance (D3, maximum distance) and a fourth distance (D4, minimum distance) along the first direction (X).

[0114] FIGS. 10 to 12 are plan views illustrating first to third masks according to one embodiment, FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a method of depositing a second light emitting layer of a display device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a method of depositing a third light emitting layer of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, the first to third masks 410, 420, 430 according to one embodiment can be fine metal masks (FMM).

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 10, the plurality of first light-emitting elements (EL1) can include a first light-emitting layer deposited in a pattern form on a plurality of first light-emitting regions (EA1) through a first opening (OA1) of a first mask 410. The first opening (OA1) of the first mask 410 can overlap with the first light-emitting region (EA1), and the first opening (OA1) can have an area larger than that of the first light-emitting region (EA1). The plurality of first light-emitting regions (EA1) can be arranged at a first distance (D1) in a first direction (X).

[0117] Referring to FIGS. 6, 11, and 13, the plurality of second light-emitting elements (EL2) can include a second light-emitting layer 322G deposited in a pattern form on a plurality of second light-emitting regions (EA2) through a second opening (OA2) of a second mask 420. The second opening (OA2) of the second mask 420 can overlap with the second light-emitting region (EA2), and the second opening (OA2) can have an area larger than that of the second light-emitting region (EA2). The plurality of first light-emitting regions (EA2) can be arranged at a second distance (D2) in the first direction (X).

[0118] The evaporation source 520 can evaporate the second light-emitting material and eject it as vaporized deposition vapor. The ejected deposition vapor can pass through the second opening (OA2) between the ribs 422 of the second mask 420 and be deposited in a pattern form on the work substrate (SUB) to form the second light-emitting layer 322G. The work substrate (SUB) can be an intermediate process substrate on which an anode electrode and a bank insulating layer 132 are disposed on a circuit element layer 120 of the substrate 110. A spacer for supporting the ribs 422 of the mask 420 can be further disposed on the bank insulating layer 132.

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 6, 12, and 14, a plurality of third-2 and third-1 light-emitting elements (EL32, EL31) can include a third light-emitting layer 322B deposited in a pattern form connected to third-2 and third-1 light-emitting regions (EA32, EA31) through a third opening (OA3) of a third mask 430. The third opening (OA3) of the third mask 430 can overlap with third-2 and third-1 light-emitting regions (EA32, EA31) adjacent in the first direction (X), and the third opening (OA3) can have an area larger than the integrated area of the third-2 and third-1 light-emitting regions (EA32, EA31). The third opening (OA3) can be represented as an integrated opening.

[0120] A deposition source 530 can evaporate a third light-emitting material and eject it as deposition vapor. The ejected deposition vapor passes through the third opening (OA3) between ribs 432 of the third mask 430 and can be deposited on a work substrate (SUB) in a pattern form to form a third light-emitting layer 322B. The third mask 430 can further include a fourth opening (OA4) overlapping with any one of the third-1 and third-2 light-emitting regions (EA31, EA32). The work substrate (SUB) can be a substrate in an intermediate process where an anode electrode and a bank insulating layer 132 are disposed on a circuit element layer 120 of a substrate 110. A spacer for supporting ribs 422 of the mask 420 can be further disposed on the bank insulating layer 132.

[0121] The third light-emitting layer 322B deposited on the third-2 and third-1 light-emitting regions (EA32, EA31) through the third opening (OA3) of the third mask 430 can also be deposited on the bank insulating layer 132 between the third-2 and third-1 light-emitting regions (EA32, EA31). Since the third light-emitting layer 322B deposited on the bank insulating layer 132 does not contact the anode electrode, the third-2 and third-1 light-emitting regions (EA32, EA31) can emit light separately and independently.

[0122] Thus, in a display device according to an embodiment, the third-2 and third-1 light-emitting regions (EA32, EA31) adjacent in the first direction (X) can be formed through the integrated opening (OA3) of the third mask 430. As a result, the minimum distance (D4) between the third-2 and third-1 light-emitting regions (EA32, EA31) can be reduced from the minimum interval (dead zone) between the openings (OA3) of the mask 430, so that the dead zone limit of the mask can be overcome, the aperture ratio of the light-emitting regions (EA32, EA31) having the largest light-emitting area in the first direction (X) can be improved, and the luminance can also be improved.

[0123] 15 and 16 are cross-sectional views showing the structure of a second sub-pixel region according to an embodiment taken along the cutting line III-III' of FIG. 6 and a third sub-pixel region according to an embodiment taken along the cutting line IV-IV', and FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing another structure of the third sub-pixel region according to an embodiment.

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 15 to 17, a display panel 100 according to an embodiment may include a pixel array 140 including a circuit element layer 120 disposed on a substrate 110 and a light-emitting element layer 130 disposed on the circuit element layer 120, a sealing layer 150 disposed on the pixel array 140 to seal the light-emitting element layer 130, a touch sensor array 160 disposed on the sealing layer 150, and a light control array 170 disposed on the touch sensor array 160. The display panel 100 may further include a polarizing plate (POL), an optical clear adhesive (OCA, 180), a cover substrate 190, etc. disposed on the light control array 170.

[0125] The substrate 110 may include an insulating material such as glass or plastic. The plastic substrate can be formed of a flexible material. For example, the substrate 110 may include at least any one of organic insulating materials such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, siloxane resin, polyimide resin, and polyamide resin.

[0126] The circuit element layer 120 according to an embodiment can include a plurality of insulating layers stacked on the substrate 110. For example, the plurality of insulating layers can include a buffer layer 121, a gate insulating layer 122, an interlayer insulating layer 123, a protection layer 124, and a planarization layer 125.

[0127] The buffer layer 121 can have a single-layer or multi-layer structure including an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), or aluminum oxide (Al2O3). The buffer layer 121 can prevent impurities such as hydrogen from flowing into the semiconductor layer 221 through the substrate 110.

[0128] In one embodiment, the buffer layer 121 can include a multi-buffer layer and an active buffer layer. In this case, the multi-buffer layer can be disposed on the substrate 110, and the active buffer layer can be disposed on the multi-buffer layer. A light-shielding layer can be disposed between the multi-buffer layer and the active buffer layer.

[0129] A plurality of transistors including a transistor (TFT) can be disposed on the buffer layer 121. The transistor (TFT) includes a semiconductor layer 221, a gate electrode 223, a source electrode 225, and a drain electrode 227 disposed on the buffer layer 121. A gate insulating layer 122 is disposed between the semiconductor layer 221 and the gate electrode 223. An interlayer insulating layer 123 is disposed between the gate electrode 223 and the source and drain electrodes 225, 227. The source electrode 225 and the drain electrode 227 of the transistor (TFT) can be respectively connected to the source region and the drain region of the semiconductor layer 221 through respective contact holes penetrating the interlayer insulating layer 123 and the gate insulating layer 122.

[0130] The semiconductor layer 221 can contain polycrystalline silicon or an oxide semiconductor material. The semiconductor layer 221 can contain low-temperature polysilicon (LTPS). The semiconductor layer 221 can contain at least one oxide semiconductor material among IZO (InZnO)-based, IGO (InGaO)-based, ITO (InSnO)-based, IGZO (InGaZnO)-based, IGZTO (InGaZnSnO)-based, GZTO (GaZnSnO)-based, GZO (GaZnO)-based, and ITZO (InSnZnO)-based. A light-shielding layer (not shown) can be further disposed below the semiconductor layer 221.

[0131] The gate insulating layer 122 can contain inorganic insulating materials such as silicon oxide (SiOx) and silicon nitride (SiNx). The gate insulating layer 122 can contain a material having a high dielectric constant. For example, the gate insulating layer 122 can contain a High-K material such as hafnium oxide (HfO). The gate insulating layer 122 can have a multilayer structure.

[0132] The gate electrode 223 and the gate line can be disposed on the gate insulating layer 122.

[0133] The interlayer insulating layer 123 can contain inorganic insulating materials such as silicon oxide (SiOx) and silicon nitride (SiNx). The interlayer insulating layer 123 can have a multilayer structure.

[0134] The source electrode 225, the drain electrode 227, the data line, and the power supply line can be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 123.

[0135] The protective layer 124 and the planarization layer 125 can be laminated on the transistor (TFT). The protective layer 124 can contain inorganic insulating materials such as silicon oxide (SiOx) and silicon nitride (SiNx). The planarization layer 125 can contain an organic insulating material different from the protective layer 124 and can provide a flat surface. The planarization layer 125 can have a bilayer structure.

[0136] A light-emitting element layer 130 including a plurality of light-emitting elements (EL: EL2, EL31, EL32) can be disposed on the planarization layer 125.

[0137] Each light-emitting element (EL) can include an anode electrode 321 disposed on the planarization layer 125, a light-emitting layer 322 disposed on the anode electrode 321, and a common cathode electrode 323 disposed on the light-emitting layer 322.

[0138] The anode electrode 321 can be connected to either one of the source electrode 225 and the drain electrode 227 of the transistor (TFT) through a contact hole penetrating the planarization layer 125 and the protective layer 124. The anode electrode 321 can include a conductive material having a high reflectivity. The anode electrode 321 can include a metal such as aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), titanium (Ti), and silver palladium copper (APC) alloy. The anode electrode 321 can further include a transparent conductive material such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) or IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide). In one embodiment, the anode electrode 321 can have a multilayer structure of titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al) (Ti / Al / Ti), a multilayer structure of ITO and aluminum (Al) (ITO / Al / ITO), or a multilayer structure of ITO and APC (ITO / APC / ITO).

[0139] The light-emitting layer 322 can include a light-emitting material layer (Emission Material Layer, EML) including a light-emitting material. The light-emitting material can include an organic material, an inorganic material, or a hybrid material. The light-emitting layer 322 can have a multilayer structure. In one embodiment, the light-emitting layer 322 can further include at least one of a hole injection layer (Hole Injection Layer; HIL), a hole transport layer (Hole Transport Layer; HTL), an electron transport layer (Electron Transport Layer; ETL), and an electron injection layer (Electron Injection Layer; EIL).

[0140] The cathode electrode 323 can be a common electrode and can include a conductive material that transmits light. The cathode electrode 323 can include a transparent conductive material such as ITO or IZO. The cathode electrode 323 can include aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), or an alloy thereof, and can have a thin thickness that allows light to pass through.

[0141] The anode electrodes 321 of the light-emitting elements (EL) are spaced apart from each other, and the bank insulating layer 132 can be located between the anode electrodes 321 of the light-emitting elements (EL). The bank insulating layer 132 can cover the ends of the anode electrodes 321. The bank insulating layer 132 has openings through which the anode electrodes 321 of the light-emitting elements (EL) are exposed, and can define light-emitting regions (EA: EA2, EA31, EA32), respectively. The light-emitting layer 322 and the cathode electrode 323 can be laminated on the anode electrodes 321 exposed by the openings of the bank insulating layer 132.

[0142] The bank insulating layer 132 can include an organic insulating material. The bank insulating layer 132 can include an organic material different from the planarization layer 125 and can have a single-layer or double-layer structure.

[0143] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the third-2 light-emitting element (EL32) and the third-1 light-emitting element (EL31) adjacent to each other with a minimum distance (D4) in the first direction (X) include anode electrodes 321 arranged independently in the third-2 light-emitting region (EA32) and the third-1 light-emitting region (EA31), a light-emitting layer 322 arranged on the anode electrodes 321 and connected on the bank insulating layer 132 between the anode electrodes 321, and a cathode electrode 323 arranged on the light-emitting layer 322. The light-emitting layer 322 shared by the third-2 light-emitting region (EA32) and the third-1 light-emitting region (EA31) can be formed through the integrated opening (OA3) of the third mask 430 as described in FIG. 12.

[0144] A spacer 134 can be further disposed on the bank insulating layer 132. The spacer 134 can support a mask during the formation of the light-emitting layer 322.

[0145] The encapsulation layer 150 disposed on the light-emitting element layer 130 can prevent damage to the light-emitting element (EL) caused by moisture and impact from the outside. The encapsulation layer 150 can have a multilayer structure. In one embodiment, the encapsulation layer 150 can include, but is not limited to, a first encapsulation layer 152, a second encapsulation layer 154, and a third encapsulation layer 156 stacked in sequence. The first encapsulation layer 152, the second encapsulation layer 154, and the third encapsulation layer 156 can include an insulating material. The second encapsulation layer 154 can include a material different from those of the first encapsulation layer 152 and the third encapsulation layer 156. For example, the first encapsulation layer 152 and the third encapsulation layer 156 are inorganic encapsulation layers including an inorganic insulating material, and the second encapsulation layer 154 can include an organic encapsulation layer including an organic insulating material. Thereby, the light-emitting element (EL) of the display device can be more effectively protected from damage caused by moisture and impact from the outside.

[0146] The touch sensor array 160 can include a first touch insulating layer 162 disposed on the encapsulation layer 150, a bridge electrode (BE) disposed on the first touch insulating layer 162, a second touch insulating layer 164 covering the bridge electrode (BE), a black matrix (BM) disposed on the second touch insulating layer 164, a third touch insulating layer 166 covering the black matrix (BM), a sensor electrode (SE) disposed on the third touch insulating layer 166, and a fourth touch insulating layer 168 covering the sensor electrode (SE). The bridge electrode (BE), the black matrix (BM), and the sensor electrode (SE) can be disposed in the non-light-emitting regions of the respective sub-pixels that overlap with the bank insulating layer 132. The sensor electrode (SE) can be electrically connected to the bridge electrode (BE) through a contact portion (CNT, FIG. 9).

[0147] The light control array 170 can include a light control element (L) disposed on the touch sensor array 160 and a protective layer 172 covering the light control element (L). The light control array 170 can be represented as a light cutting film (LCF) including a plurality of lenses corresponding to the light control elements (L).

[0148] The light control element (L) is disposed on the light emitting region (EA) of the light emitting element (EL) and can control the traveling path of the light generated in the light emitting region (EA). The light control element (L) can control the traveling path of the light generated in the light emitting region (EA) of the light emitting element (EL) to a wide viewing angle in the first direction (X) and to a narrow viewing angle in the second direction (Y). The light control element (L) can overlap at least one end of the sensor electrode (SE) and the black matrix (BM) in the non-light emitting region.

[0149] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the light control element (L) according to an embodiment can overlap each light emitting region (EA) and can have the same size.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 17, the light control element (L') according to an embodiment can have an integrated lens shape that is further elongated in the first direction (X) so as to overlap the third-2 light emitting region (EA32) and the third-1 light emitting region (EA31) disposed adjacent to each other in the first direction (X).

[0151] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 17, the light control array 170 according to an embodiment can include a first light control element (L) that individually overlaps the first and second light emitting regions (EA1, EA2), and a second light control element (L') that overlaps the third-2 and third-1 light emitting regions (EA32, EA31) and shares the third-2 and third-1 light emitting regions (EA32, EA31). The second light control element (L') may have a longer long side length in the first direction (X) than the first light control element (L).

[0152] The protective layer 172 covering the optical control element (L) can contain an organic insulating material. The refractive index of the protective layer 172 may be smaller than the refractive index of the optical control element (L). As a result, the light passing through the optical control element (L) may not be reflected in the direction of the substrate 110 due to the refractive index difference with the protective layer 172.

[0153] As described above, the display device according to an embodiment arranges a plurality of light-emitting regions of the same color arranged along any one direction to alternately have a maximum interval and a minimum interval, and the light-emitting regions with the minimum interval can be formed through the integrated opening of the mask.

[0154] As a result, the display device according to an embodiment can make the minimum interval between the light-emitting regions smaller than the minimum interval (dead zone) between the openings of the mask, so that the dead zone limit of the mask can be overcome, the aperture ratio of the light-emitting regions can be improved, and the luminance can be improved.

[0155] The display device according to an embodiment can improve the display performance by improving the aperture ratio and luminance of the light-emitting regions.

[0156] The display device according to an embodiment can reduce the current density of the light-emitting regions by improving the aperture ratio of the light-emitting regions, so that the deterioration of the light-emitting regions can be reduced and the lifespan can be extended, and at the same time, the low power consumption effect can be achieved.

[0157] A display device according to an embodiment includes a display area including a plurality of first pixels and a plurality of second pixels in which the first pixels and the second pixels are alternately arranged in a first direction. Each of the first pixels and the second pixels includes a plurality of light-emitting elements having different colors, and the arrangement of at least one light-emitting region among the plurality of light-emitting elements in the first pixel and the second pixel may be different. Any one light-emitting region of the first pixel and any one light-emitting region of the second pixel adjacent to the first pixel in the first direction are separated by a maximum distance, and any one light-emitting region of the second pixel and any one light-emitting region of another first pixel adjacent to the second pixel in the first direction may be separated by a minimum distance smaller than the maximum distance.

[0158] In a display device according to an embodiment, the light-emitting elements adjacent to each other in the first direction having the minimum distance may include an anode electrode independently arranged in each of the light-emitting regions adjacent to each other in the first direction, a light-emitting layer arranged on the anode electrode and on a bank layer between the light-emitting regions adjacent to each other in the first direction, and a cathode electrode arranged on the light-emitting layer.

[0159] In a display device according to an embodiment, each of the first pixels and the second pixels includes a first light-emitting element, a second light-emitting element, and a third light-emitting element arranged in a second direction different from the first direction, and the light-emitting regions of the first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element, and the third light-emitting element may include a long side length in the first direction and a short side length in the second direction.

[0160] In a display device according to an embodiment, in each of the first pixels and the second pixels, the first light-emitting region and the second light-emitting region may be aligned with the same first center point in the first direction, and the third light-emitting region may be aligned with a second center point in the first direction.

[0161] In a display device according to an embodiment, the first light-emitting region and the second light-emitting region of the first pixel are aligned with the same first center point in the first direction, and the third light-emitting region of the first pixel may be aligned with a second center point shifted in the first-1 direction from the first center point within the first pixel.

[0162] In a display device according to an embodiment, the first light-emitting region and the second light-emitting region of the second pixel are aligned with a third center point in a first direction, and the third light-emitting region of the second pixel can be aligned with a fourth center point shifted in a first - 2 direction opposite to the first - 1 direction from the third center point within the second pixel.

[0163] A display device according to an embodiment further includes a light control array including a plurality of light control elements superimposed on respective light-emitting regions of a plurality of light-emitting elements. Each of the plurality of light control elements includes a long side length in a first direction and a short side length in a second direction, and can control the traveling path of light emitted from the light-emitting region within a cut-off angle in the second direction.

[0164] In a display device according to an embodiment, a plurality of light control elements respectively superimposed on the first light-emitting region, the second light-emitting region, and the third light-emitting region of the first pixel are aligned with a first center point in a first direction, and a plurality of light control elements respectively superimposed on the first light-emitting region, the second light-emitting region, and the third light-emitting region of the second pixel can be aligned with a third center point in the first direction.

[0165] In a display device according to an embodiment, the plurality of light control elements include a first light control element superimposed on two third light-emitting regions adjacent to each other in the first direction with a minimum distance therebetween, and the two adjacent third light-emitting regions can share the first light control element.

[0166] A display device according to an embodiment can further include a light-emitting element layer including a plurality of light-emitting elements, a sealing layer disposed on the light-emitting element layer, and a touch sensor array disposed between the sealing layer and the light control array.

[0167] In a display device according to an embodiment, the touch sensor array is superimposed on a non-light-emitting region surrounding the light-emitting region of each of a plurality of light-emitting elements within the display region, and includes bridge electrodes, a black matrix, and sensor electrodes that are arranged with an insulating layer sandwiched therebetween in different layers. The bridge electrodes can be electrically connected to the sensor electrodes via contact portions arranged in the non-light-emitting region.

[0168] In a display device according to an embodiment, the display region can include first to sixth row lines arranged in parallel in a second direction. Each of the first and fourth row lines can include a plurality of first sub-pixels in which a plurality of first light-emitting regions are arranged along a first direction. Each of the second and fifth row lines can include a plurality of second sub-pixels in which a plurality of second light-emitting regions are arranged along the first direction. The third row line can include a plurality of first third sub-pixels and second third sub-pixels in which third-1 light-emitting regions and third-2 light-emitting regions are alternately arranged along the first direction. The sixth row line can include a plurality of second third sub-pixels and first third sub-pixels in which third-2 light-emitting regions and third-1 light-emitting regions are alternately arranged along the first direction.

[0169] In a display device according to an embodiment, the plurality of first light-emitting regions are each separated by a first distance in a first direction, the plurality of second light-emitting regions are each separated by a second distance in the first direction, the third-1 light-emitting region and the third-2 light-emitting region adjacent to each other in the first direction are separated by a maximum distance, and the third-2 light-emitting region and the third-1 light-emitting region adjacent to each other in the first direction can be separated by a minimum distance.

[0170] A display device according to an embodiment includes a pixel array including a pixel circuit and a plurality of sub-pixels including a light-emitting element connected to the pixel circuit, a sealing layer arranged to seal a light-emitting element layer including the light-emitting element on the pixel array, a touch sensor array including a black matrix and a sensor electrode arranged on the sealing layer and overlapping a non-light-emitting region of the pixel array, and a light control array including a light control element arranged on the touch sensor array and overlapping the light-emitting element. In the pixel array, light-emitting elements with the largest light-emitting regions in the (N - 1)-th pixel and the N-th pixel (N is an integer greater than or equal to 2) adjacent in the first direction are separated by a first distance in the first direction, and light-emitting elements with the largest light-emitting regions in the N-th pixel and the (N + 1)-th pixel adjacent in the first direction can be separated by a second distance smaller than the first distance in the first direction.

[0171] In the display device according to an embodiment, light-emitting elements adjacent with a second distance in the N-th pixel and the (N + 1)-th pixel may include an independent anode electrode in each light-emitting region, a light-emitting layer shared by adjacent light-emitting elements, and a cathode electrode shared by adjacent light-emitting elements.

[0172] In the display device according to an embodiment, each of the (N - 1)-th pixel and the N-th pixel includes a first light-emitting element, a second light-emitting element, and a third light-emitting element arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction. Each of the first to third light-emitting regions of the first to third light-emitting elements includes a long side length in the first direction and a short side length in the second direction, and the long side length in the first direction of the third light-emitting region may be the largest.

[0173] In the display device according to an embodiment, the first and second light-emitting regions of the (N - 1)-th pixel are aligned with the same first center point in the first direction within the (N - 1)-th pixel, the third light-emitting region of the (N - 1)-th pixel is aligned with a second center point shifted in the first - 1 direction from the first center point within the (N - 1)-th pixel, and the light-emitting region arrangement structure of the (N + 1)-th pixel may be the same as the light-emitting region arrangement of the (N - 1)-th pixel.

[0174] In a display device according to an embodiment, the light control element includes a long side length in a first direction and a short side length in a second direction, and a plurality of light control elements respectively overlapping on the first to third light emission regions of the (N-1)th pixel can be aligned with a first center point in the first direction.

[0175] In a display device according to an embodiment, the first and second light emission regions of the Nth pixel are aligned with the same third center point in the first direction within the Nth pixel, and the third light emission region of the Nth pixel can be aligned with a fourth center point shifted in a first - 2 direction opposite to the first direction from the first center point within the Nth pixel.

[0176] In a display device according to an embodiment, the light control element includes a long side length in a first direction and a short side length in a second direction, and a plurality of light control elements respectively overlapping on the first to third light emission regions of the Nth pixel can be aligned with a third center point in the first direction.

[0177] The features, structures, effects, etc. described in the various examples of this specification above are included in at least one example of this specification and are not necessarily limited to one example. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects, etc. illustrated in at least one example of this specification can be combined or modified and implemented for other examples by those with ordinary knowledge in the field to which the technical idea of this specification belongs. Therefore, the content related to such combinations and modifications should be interpreted as being included in the technical scope or the scope of rights of this specification.

[0178] The specification described above is not limited by the above - described embodiments and the accompanying drawings, and it will be apparent to those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this specification belongs that various substitutions, modifications, and changes are possible within the range not departing from the technical matters of this specification. Therefore, the scope of this specification is indicated by the claims described below, and all changes or modified forms derived from the meaning, scope, and equivalent concepts of the claims should be interpreted as being included in the scope of this specification.

Description of Symbols

[0179] 100: Display panel 200: Display driving circuit 210, 212: Scan driver 220: Light emission control driver 230: Mode control unit 300: Touch sensing circuit 1000: Display device SP, SP1, SP2, SP3, SP31, SP32: Sub-pixel L: Light control element EL, EL1, EL2, EL31, EL32: Light emitting element 110: Substrate 120: Circuit element layer 130: Light emitting element layer 140: Pixel array 150: Encapsulation layer 160: Touch sensor array 170: Light control array 180: Optically transparent adhesive 190: Cover substrate 10: Pixel circuit 12, 14, 16, 18, 42, 44: Gate line 22: Data line 24: Reference line 32: First power line 34: Second power line PX1, PX2: Pixel CLm1~CLm6: Column line RLn1~RLn6: Row line BE: Bridge electrode SE: Sensor electrode BM: Black matrix CNT: Contact part EA1, EA2, EA31, EA32: Light emitting region OA: Mask opening

Claims

1. A display device including a display area disposed in a first direction and including a plurality of first light-emitting regions having a first color, wherein an interval between the first light-emitting regions adjacent in the first direction alternately changes between a maximum interval and a minimum interval smaller than the maximum interval along the first direction.

2. A bank layer is disposed between the first light-emitting regions adjacent in the first direction, wherein light-emitting layers disposed in the first light-emitting regions adjacent at the minimum interval are connected to each other, and light-emitting layers disposed in the first light-emitting regions adjacent at the maximum interval are separated from each other. The display device according to claim 1.

3. The display area further includes a plurality of second light-emitting regions disposed in the first direction and having a second color, wherein the first light-emitting regions and the second light-emitting regions are alternately disposed in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The display device according to claim 1.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein an interval between the second light-emitting regions adjacent in the first direction is larger than the minimum interval.

5. The display device according to claim 3, wherein an interval between the first light-emitting regions adjacent in the first direction alternately changes between the maximum interval and the minimum interval along the first direction.

6. The display device according to claim 3, wherein each of the first light-emitting regions and the second light-emitting regions includes a long side length in the first direction and a short side length in the second direction.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein the long side length of the first light-emitting region is larger than the long side length of the second light-emitting region.

8. The second light-emitting regions disposed in the second direction have a center point aligned in the second direction, and the first light-emitting regions arranged in the second direction have a center point moving from the center point of the second light-emitting region in the first direction or in a direction opposite to the first direction. The display device according to claim 3.

9. The display device further includes a light control array including a plurality of light control elements superimposed on the plurality of first light-emitting regions and the plurality of second light-emitting regions, wherein each of the plurality of light control elements includes a long side length in the first direction and a short side length in the second direction, and controls a traveling path of light emitted from each of the plurality of first light-emitting regions and the plurality of second light-emitting regions within a cut-off angle in the second direction.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of light control elements have a center point aligned with the center point of the second light emitting region in the second direction.

11. The display device according to claim 9, wherein the light control array includes the light control elements shared by the first light emitting regions adjacent to each other at the minimum interval.

12. A light emitting element layer including the plurality of light emitting elements, A sealing layer disposed on the light emitting element layer, The display device according to claim 9, further including a touch sensor array disposed between the sealing layer and the light control array.

13. The touch sensor array, Includes a bridge electrode, a black matrix, and a sensor electrode that are superimposed on a non-light emitting region of the display region, The display device according to claim 12, wherein the bridge electrode is electrically connected to the sensor electrode through a contact portion disposed in the non-light emitting region.

14. Including a display region disposed in a second direction intersecting the first direction and including first to sixth column lines extending in the first direction, Each of the first and fourth column lines includes a plurality of first sub-pixels in which a plurality of first light emitting regions are arranged along the first direction, Each of the second and fifth column lines includes a plurality of second sub-pixels in which a plurality of second light emitting regions are arranged along the first direction, The third column line includes a plurality of first sub-pixels and second sub-pixels in which a first light emitting region 3-1 and a second light emitting region 3-2 are alternately arranged along the first direction, The sixth column line includes a plurality of second sub-pixels and first sub-pixels in which a second light emitting region 3-2 and a first light emitting region 3-1 are alternately arranged along the first direction, In each of the third and sixth column lines, the first light emitting region 3-1 and the second light emitting region adjacent to each other in the first direction are separated by a maximum interval in the first direction, A display device in which the first light emitting region 3-2 and the first light emitting region adjacent to each other in the first direction are separated by a minimum interval smaller than the maximum interval.

15. In each of the first and fourth column lines, the plurality of first light emitting regions are separated by a first distance in the first direction, In each of the second and fifth column lines, the plurality of second light emitting regions are separated by a second distance in the first direction, The display device according to claim 12, wherein the minimum interval is smaller than the first distance and the second distance.

16. A pixel array including a plurality of pixels arranged in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, each pixel including a plurality of light-emitting elements, and among the plurality of light-emitting elements, one light-emitting element having the largest light-emitting area is larger than the light-emitting areas of one or more remaining light-emitting elements. A sealing layer disposed to seal a light-emitting element layer including the light-emitting elements on the pixel array. A touch sensor array disposed on the sealing layer and including a black matrix and sensor electrodes that overlap a non-light-emitting region of the pixel array. A light control array disposed on the touch sensor array and including a light control element that overlaps the light-emitting element. The pixel array is In the (N-1)th (where N is an integer of 2 or more) pixel and the Nth pixel adjacent in the first direction, the light-emitting elements having the largest area are adjacent to each other and are separated by a first distance in the first direction. In the Nth pixel and the (N + 1)th pixel adjacent in the first direction, the light-emitting elements having the largest light-emitting area are adjacent to each other and are separated by a second distance smaller than the first distance in the first direction. A display device.

17. The light-emitting elements adjacent to each other with the second distance in the Nth and the (N + 1)th pixels are An independent anode electrode in each light-emitting region, A light-emitting layer shared by the adjacent light-emitting elements, The display device according to claim 16, further including a cathode electrode shared by the adjacent light-emitting elements.

18. Each of the (N-1)th, the Nth, and the (N + 1)th pixels Includes a first light-emitting element, a second light-emitting element, and a third light-emitting element arranged in the second direction. Each of the first to third light-emitting regions of the first to third light-emitting elements includes a long side length in the first direction and a short side length in the second direction. The display device according to claim 16, wherein the third light-emitting region has the largest light-emitting area.

19. In each of the (N-1)th and the (N + 1)th pixels, the first and second light-emitting regions have a first center point aligned in the first direction. The display device according to claim 18, wherein in each of the (N-1)th and the (N + 1)th pixels, the largest light-emitting area of the third light-emitting region has a second center point shifted in the first direction from the first center point.

20. The light control element includes a long side length in the first direction and a short side length in the second direction. The display device according to claim 19, wherein at each of the (N - 1)th and (N + 1)th pixels, the center point of the long side length of the light control element is aligned with the first center point in the second direction.

21. In the Nth pixel, the first and second light emitting regions have a third center point aligned in the second direction. The display device according to claim 18, wherein in the Nth pixel, the third light emitting region having the largest light emitting area has a fourth center point shifted in a direction opposite to the first direction from the third center point.

22. The light control element includes a long side length in the first direction and a short side length in the second direction. The display device according to claim 21, wherein in the Nth pixel, the center point of the long side length of the light control element overlapping on each of the first to third light emitting regions is aligned with the third center point in the second direction.

Images