Display apparatus

Abstract

To provide a display apparatus in which light extraction efficiency of light emitted from a light emitting element layer can be improved.SOLUTION: A display apparatus comprises: a substrate 110 including a plurality of pixels having a plurality of sub-pixels SP and a non-light emission area NEA between the plurality of the sub-pixels SP; a pattern section 120 arranged on the substrate 110; and a reflective section 130 disposed on the pattern section 120. The pattern section 120 includes: a first inclined pattern portion 120s1 inclined at a first angle θ1 with respect to an upper surface of the substrate 110; and a second inclined pattern portion 120s2 inclined at a second angle θ2 with respect to the upper surface of the substrate. The reflective section 130 includes a first inclined reflective portion 131 disposed on the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 and a second inclined reflective portion 133 disposed on the second inclined pattern portion 120s2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device for displaying images. [Background technology]

[0002] Organic light-emitting display devices have a fast response speed, low power consumption, and unlike LCD devices, they are self-luminous and do not require a separate light source, so they have no viewing angle issues and are therefore attracting attention as next-generation flat panel display devices.

[0003] Such a display device displays an image through emission of light from a light emitting element layer including a light emitting layer interposed between two electrodes.

[0004] Meanwhile, in a display device, a portion of light emitted from a light emitting element layer is not emitted to the outside due to total reflection at interfaces between layers in the display panel, resulting in a decrease in light extraction efficiency. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is a technical object of the present invention to provide a display device capable of improving the light extraction efficiency of light emitted from a light emitting element layer.

[0006] Another technical object of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of reducing overall power consumption by extracting light from non-light-emitting areas.

[0007] Another technical object of the present invention is to provide a display device that can maximize light extraction efficiency.

[0008] The problems to be solved by the examples of this specification are not limited to the above problems, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the technical idea of this specification belongs from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A display device according to an embodiment of the present specification includes a substrate having a plurality of pixels each having a plurality of subpixels and a non-light-emitting region between the plurality of subpixels, a pattern unit disposed on the substrate, and a reflective unit disposed on the pattern unit, wherein the pattern unit includes a first inclined pattern unit inclined at a first angle with respect to an upper surface of the substrate and a second inclined pattern unit inclined at a second angle with respect to the upper surface of the substrate, and the reflective unit includes a first inclined reflective unit disposed on the first inclined pattern unit and a second inclined reflective unit disposed on the second inclined pattern unit.

[0010] A display device according to one embodiment of the present specification includes a substrate including light-emitting regions corresponding to a plurality of subpixels included in each pixel and non-light-emitting regions between adjacent subpixels; a reflective portion disposed in the non-light-emitting regions and the light-emitting regions and configured to reflect light emitted from the subpixel; a flat reflective portion located in the light-emitting region and corresponding to a reflective electrode on a pixel electrode of the subpixel; a first inclined reflective portion located in the non-light-emitting region, connected to the flat reflective portion, and inclined at a first angle with respect to a surface of the substrate; and a second inclined reflective portion located in the non-light-emitting region, connected to the first inclined reflective portion, and inclined at a second angle with respect to a surface of the substrate, wherein first light emitted from the corresponding subpixel is guided within the corresponding subpixel and reflected to the outside of the substrate by the first inclined reflective portion.

[0011] The display device according to the present specification is provided with a reflective portion disposed on a pattern portion formed in a concave shape between a plurality of sub-pixels, thereby allowing light toward an adjacent sub-pixel to be reflected through the reflective portion, thereby improving light extraction efficiency.

[0012] The display device according to the present invention can extract light even in non-light-emitting areas through the reflector, and therefore can have the same luminous efficiency or even higher luminous efficiency at lower power consumption than a display device without a reflector, thereby reducing overall power consumption.

[0013] The display device according to the present specification has an inclined surface of the pattern portion at multiple angles (first angle and second angle) relative to the upper surface of the substrate, so that all light that is lost by the waveguide and light that is lost due to total reflection inside the substrate can be emitted to the outside, thereby maximizing light extraction efficiency.

[0014] The effects obtained in this specification are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which this specification pertains from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing one pixel shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II' shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of part A shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] 4 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing another example of a portion A shown in FIG. 3 of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 8A] 10 is an image showing light extraction characteristics of a display device according to a comparative example. [Figure 8B] 10 is an image showing light extraction characteristics of a display device according to another comparative example. [Figure 8C] 10 is an image illustrating light extraction characteristics of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 10 is a graph showing light intensity according to wavelength of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure in comparison with a display device according to a comparative example. [Figure 10] 4 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure as another example of part A shown in FIG. 3. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as methods for achieving them, will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and may be embodied in various different forms. The embodiments are provided solely to ensure that this disclosure is complete and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0017] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for illustrating the embodiments of the present specification are merely examples, and the present specification is not limited to the details shown in the drawings. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout the specification. In addition, in the description of the present specification, if a detailed description of related publicly known technology is deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present specification, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0018] When the terms "comprise," "have," "consist of," etc. are used herein, other parts may be added unless "only" is used. When an element is expressed in the singular, it also includes the plural unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0019] When interpreting elements, the error range is interpreted as being included even if there is no separate explicit description of the error range.

[0020] In the case of a description of a positional relationship, for example, when the positional relationship of two parts is described using "above," "on top," "below," or "beside," one or more other parts may be located between the two parts, unless the words "immediately" or "directly" are used.

[0021] When describing a temporal relationship, for example, when the temporal precedence relationship is described using "after," "following," "next to," or "before," it can also include cases where the relationship is not consecutive, unless the words "immediately" or "directly" are used.

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

[0023] The "X-axis direction," "Y-axis direction," and "Z-axis direction" should not be interpreted as having only a geometric relationship of being perpendicular to one another, but may mean having a broader directionality within the range in which the configuration of this specification can function.

[0024] The term "at least one" should be understood to include all possible combinations of one or more associated items. For example, "at least one of the first, second, and third items" can mean each of the first, second, or third items, and all possible combinations of two or more of the first, second, and third items.

[0025] The features of each of the embodiments of this specification can be partially or fully combined or combined with each other, and various technical interlocking and driving mechanisms are possible, and each embodiment can be implemented independently of each other or can be implemented together in a linked relationship.

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification, FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing one pixel shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of line II' shown in FIG. 2.

[0028] 1 to 3, a display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present specification may include a substrate 110 having a plurality of pixels (P) each having a plurality of sub-pixels (SP), a pattern unit 120 disposed on the substrate 110 and recessed in a non-emission area (NEA) between the plurality of sub-pixels (SP), and a reflective unit 130 disposed on the pattern unit 120.

[0029] The pattern unit 120 may be formed on the overcoat layer 113 disposed on the substrate 110. According to an example, the pattern unit 120 may be formed in a recessed shape in the non-emitting area (NEA) by patterning and removing the overcoat layer 113 between the subpixels (SP). After the recessed pattern unit 120 is formed, the organic light-emitting layer 116 and the reflective electrode 117 may be sequentially deposited on the entire surface. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the organic light-emitting layer 116 and the reflective electrode 117 may be formed in a recessed shape in the non-emitting area (NEA) along the profile of the pattern unit 120. Here, the reflective electrode 117 recessed in the non-emitting area (NEA) may be the reflective unit 130. According to an example, the pattern unit 120 may include a first sloping pattern unit 120s1 and a second sloping pattern unit 120s2. The pattern unit 120 may further include a first flat pattern unit 120b1 and a second flat pattern unit 120b2. The first sloping pattern portion 120s1 and the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 may be included on the sloping surface 120s of the pattern portion 120. The first flat pattern portion 120b1 and the second flat pattern portion 120b2 may be included on the flat surface 120b of the pattern portion 120.

[0030] The first inclined pattern portion 120s1 may be disposed at a first angle (θ1) with respect to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110. For example, the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110 may be parallel to a first direction (X-axis direction). In one example, the first direction (X-axis direction) may be a horizontal direction with reference to FIG. 1. The horizontal direction may be a direction in which gate wiring is arranged. In one example, the second direction (Y-axis direction) is a direction intersecting the first direction (X-axis direction) and may be a vertical direction with reference to FIG. 1. The vertical direction may be a direction in which data wiring is arranged. In one example, the third direction (Z-axis direction) is a direction intersecting the first direction (X-axis direction) and the second direction (Y-axis direction) and may be a thickness direction of the display device 100.

[0031] 3, the first extension line (EXL1) is disposed parallel to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110, and therefore the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 can be expressed as being disposed at a first angle (θ1) with respect to the first extension line (EXL1). The first extension line (EXL1) may refer to a virtual line extending in a first direction (X-axis direction) from a point where the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 and the first flat pattern portion 120b1 meet. Because the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 is disposed at the first angle (θ1) with respect to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110, the organic light emitting layer 116 and the reflective electrode 117 (or the reflective portion 130) formed on the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 can also be disposed at the first angle (θ1) with respect to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110 (or the first extension line (EXL1)).

[0032] The second sloping pattern portion 120s2 may be disposed between the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 and the substrate 110 and may be disposed at a second angle (θ2) with respect to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110. As shown in FIG. 3, the second extension line (EXL2) is disposed parallel to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110, and therefore the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 may be expressed as being disposed at a second angle (θ2) with respect to the second extension line (EXL2). The second extension line (EXL2) may refer to a virtual line extending in the first direction (X-axis direction) from a point where the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 and the second flat pattern portion 120b2 meet. The second extension line (EXL2) may be disposed parallel to and spaced apart from the first extension line (EXL1). Since the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 is arranged at a second angle (θ2) with respect to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110, the organic light-emitting layer 116 and the reflective electrode 117 (or the reflective portion 130) formed on the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 can also be arranged at a second angle (θ2) with respect to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110 (or the second extension line (EXL2)).

[0033] Meanwhile, the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 may be connected via the first flat pattern portion 120b1, which is flat and extends elongated in the first direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, as shown in Fig. 3, the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 may be spaced apart from the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 in the first direction (X-axis direction). Since the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 is disposed below the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 in the third direction (Z-axis direction), the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 may be disposed closer to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110 than the first sloping pattern portion 120s1.

[0034] According to an example, the first flat pattern portion 120b1 may be flatly formed by connecting the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 and the second sloping pattern portion 120s2. Therefore, the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 and the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 may be spaced apart in the first direction (X-axis direction) by the length of the first flat pattern portion 120b1.

[0035] According to an example, the second flat pattern portion 120b2 may be spaced apart from the first flat pattern portion 120b1 and connected to the second sloping pattern portion 120s2. As shown in FIG. 3, the second flat pattern portion 120b2 may be flat. The second flat pattern portion 120b2 is located at the bottom of the pattern portion 120, and may be expressed as the bottom surface of the pattern portion 120. The second flat pattern portion 120b2 may be spaced apart from the first flat pattern portion 120b1 by a length (or component) of the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 in the first direction (X-axis direction). The second flat pattern portion 120b2 may be spaced apart from the first flat pattern portion 120b1 by a length (or component) of the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 in the third direction (Z-axis direction). Alternatively, the second flat pattern portion 120b2 may be spaced apart from the first flat pattern portion 120b1 by the thickness (or the second thickness (D2)) of the overcoat layer 113 on which the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 is formed.

[0036] According to an example, the width of the pattern unit 120 may decrease in the reflective portion 130 toward the substrate 110. Therefore, the width of the pattern unit 120 surrounded by the second sloping pattern unit 120s2 may be narrower than the width of the pattern unit 120 surrounded by the first sloping pattern unit 120s1. That is, the pattern unit 120 may have a vessel shape in which the width of the groove narrows downward in the third direction (Z-axis direction).

[0037] In the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 and the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 may be disposed in a non-emission area (NEA). Therefore, the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can reflect light emitted in the organic light emitting layer 116 and directed toward an adjacent sub-pixel (SP) toward the emitting sub-pixel (SP) through the reflective portion 130 disposed on the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 and the second sloping pattern portion 120s2, toward the emitting sub-pixel (SP), thereby improving light extraction efficiency.

[0038] In addition, the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present specification can extract light even from the non-emission area (NEA) around the emission area (EA) through the reflective unit 130 disposed on the pattern unit 120 (or the first sloping pattern unit 120s1 and the second sloping pattern unit 120s2). Therefore, the display device 100 can have the same or even higher luminous efficiency at low power consumption than a display device without the pattern unit 120 and / or the reflective unit 130, thereby reducing overall power consumption.

[0039] Furthermore, the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present specification can have the same luminous efficiency even at low power, thereby improving the lifespan of the light-emitting element layer (E, shown in FIG. 3) (or the organic light-emitting layer 116).

[0040] 3, in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the reflected light (EL) reflected by the reflective unit 130 may include first reflected light (EL1) (or WG mode extracted light (EL1)), which is emitted from the organic light emitting layer 116, is guided by total reflection between the interface between the pixel electrode 114 and the overcoat layer 113, and the reflective electrode 117, and is then reflected by the reflective unit 130 to exit the substrate 110, and second reflected light (EL2) (or substrate mode extracted light (EL2)), which is first reflected at the interface between the bottom surface of the substrate 110 and the external air, is secondarily reflected by the reflective unit 130, and is then exited to the substrate 110. The first reflected light (EL1) indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 3 and the second reflected light (EL2) indicated by the solid line may be reflected by the reflective unit 130 and extracted to the outside of the substrate 110.

[0041] 3, according to an example, the first reflected light (EL1) may be reflected by the reflecting portion 130 and emitted from the light emitting area (EA). The second reflected light (EL2) may be emitted from a position spaced apart from the light emitting area (EA). For example, the second reflected light (EL2) may be emitted from the non-light emitting area (NEA) or the peripheral area. However, this is not necessarily limited thereto. The first reflected light (EL1) may be emitted toward the substrate 110 from a position spaced apart from the light emitting area (EA) (or the non-light emitting area (NEA)), and the second reflected light (EL2) may be emitted from the light emitting area (EA).

[0042] Hereinafter, a display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be considered in more detail with reference to FIGS.

[0043] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present specification may further include a display panel including a gate driver (GD), a source drive integrated circuit (hereinafter referred to as "IC") 140, a flexible film 150, a circuit board 160, and a timing control unit 170.

[0044] The display panel can include a substrate 110 and an opposing substrate 200 (shown in FIG. 3).

[0045] The substrate 110 includes thin film transistors and may be a transistor array substrate, a lower substrate, a base substrate, or a first substrate. The substrate 110 may be a transparent glass substrate or a transparent plastic substrate. The substrate 110 may include a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NDA).

[0046] The display area (DA) is the area where an image is displayed, and may be a pixel array area, an active area, a pixel array portion, a display portion, or a screen. For example, the display area (DA) may be located in the center of the display panel. The display area (DA) may include a plurality of pixels (P).

[0047] The counter substrate 200 can seal (or seal) the display area (DA) disposed on the substrate 110. For example, the counter substrate 200 can be bonded to the substrate 110 via an adhesive member (or a transparent adhesive). The counter substrate 200 can be an upper substrate, a second substrate, or a sealing substrate. The counter substrate 200 can be made of a magnetic metal layer such as Invar or SUS. Alternatively, the counter substrate 200 can be made of multiple layers including a metal layer with excellent heat generation properties such as aluminum, an organic adhesive layer for adhesion, and an organic protective layer that is thicker than the metal layer to improve sealing performance.

[0048] The gate driver (GD) supplies gate signals to the gate lines according to gate control signals input from the timing controller 170. The gate driver (GD) may be formed in a gate driver in panel (GIP) manner on one side of the emitting area (EA) or on both sides of the emitting area (EA) in the outer non-emitting area (NEA) as shown in FIG.

[0049] The non-display area (NDA) is an area where no image is displayed, and may be a peripheral area, a signal supply area, an inactive area, or a bezel area. The non-display area (NDA) may be configured to surround the display area (DA). That is, the non-display area (NDA) may be arranged to surround the display area (DA).

[0050] A pad section (PA) may be disposed in the non-display area (NDA). The pad section (PA) may supply power and / or signals for pixels (P) in the display area (DA) to output an image. Referring to FIG. 1, the pad section (PA) may be disposed above the display area (DA).

[0051] The source drive IC 140 receives digital video data and a source control signal from the timing control unit 170. The source drive IC 140 converts the digital video data into an analog data voltage according to the source control signal and supplies it to the data line. When the source drive IC 140 is manufactured as a driving chip, it can be mounted on the flexible film 150 using a COF (chip on film) or COP (chip on plastic) method.

[0052] Pads such as data pads may be formed in the non-display area (NDA) of the display panel. Wiring for connecting the pads to the source drive ICs 140 and wiring for connecting the pads to wiring on the circuit board 160 may be formed on the flexible film 150. The flexible film 150 is attached onto the pads using an anisotropic conductive film, thereby connecting the pads to the wiring on the flexible film 150.

[0053] The circuit board 160 may be attached to the flexible film 150. A number of circuits implemented in the driver chip may be mounted on the circuit board 160. For example, the timing control unit 170 may be mounted on the circuit board 160. The circuit board 160 may be a printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board.

[0054] The timing control unit 170 receives digital video data and timing signals from an external system board via a cable connected to the circuit board 160. Based on the timing signals, the timing control unit 170 generates gate control signals for controlling the operation timing of the gate driver (GD) and source control signals for controlling the source drive IC 140. The timing control unit 170 supplies the gate control signals to the gate driver (GD) and the source control signals to the source drive IC 140.

[0055] 2 and 3, an example substrate 110 can include an emissive area (EA) and a non-emissive area (NEA).

[0056] The emitting area (EA) may refer to an area from which light is emitted. The emitting area (EA) may include a light emitting element layer (E) including a pixel electrode 114, an organic light emitting layer 116, and a reflective electrode 117. When an electric field is formed between the pixel electrode 114 and the reflective electrode 117, the organic light emitting layer 116 in the emitting area (EA) may emit light.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 3 , a portion of light emitted from the organic light-emitting layer 116 may form a light path toward an adjacent sub-pixel (or a non-emitting sub-pixel) through the overcoat layer 113 and / or the organic light-emitting layer pixel 116 and pixel electrode 114 between the reflective electrode 117 and the upper surface 113a of the overcoat layer 113. The display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present specification includes a reflective portion 130 disposed between the sub-pixels (SP), thereby enabling the light toward the adjacent sub-pixel to be emitted to a non-emitting area (NEA) or an emitting area (EA), or reflected toward the emitting sub-pixel. Therefore, the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present specification can improve the light efficiency of the emitting sub-pixel by extracting the light toward the adjacent sub-pixel using the reflective portion 130. Furthermore, the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present specification can prevent color mixing due to the reflective portion 130 disposed between the sub-pixels (SP).

[0058] As a result, the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present specification can prevent color mixing with adjacent sub-pixels (or adjacent sub-pixels that do not emit light) through the reflective portion 130 on the pattern portion 120 of the non-emitting area (NEA), thereby improving overall light efficiency.

[0059] 2, an example light emitting area (EA) may include gate lines, data lines, pixel driving power lines, and a plurality of pixels (P), each of which may include a plurality of sub-pixels (SP) defined by the gate lines and the data lines.

[0060] Among the plurality of subpixels (SP), at least four subpixels arranged adjacent to each other and configured to emit different colors may constitute one pixel (P) (or unit pixel). One pixel (P) may include, but is not limited to, a red subpixel, a white subpixel, a blue subpixel, and a green subpixel. One pixel (P) may be composed of three subpixels (SP) arranged adjacent to each other and configured to emit different colors. For example, one pixel (P) may include a red subpixel, a green subpixel, and a blue subpixel.

[0061] Each of the plurality of sub-pixels (SP) may include a thin film transistor and a light-emitting element layer (E) connected to the thin film transistor, and each of the plurality of sub-pixels may include an emitting layer (or organic emitting layer) interposed between a pixel electrode and a reflective electrode.

[0062] The light-emitting layers disposed in each of the plurality of sub-pixels (SP) can commonly emit white light. Since the light-emitting layers of each of the plurality of sub-pixels (SP) commonly emit white light, each of the red, green, and blue sub-pixels can include a color filter (CF) (or wavelength conversion member (CF)) that converts the white light into light of a different color. In this case, the white sub-pixel may not include a color filter.

[0063] In the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present specification, the area having a red color filter may be a red subpixel or a first subpixel, the area not having a color filter may be a white subpixel or a second subpixel, the area having a blue color filter may be a blue subpixel or a third subpixel, and the area having a green color filter may be a green subpixel or a fourth subpixel.

[0064] When a gate signal is input from a gate line, each sub-pixel (SP) uses a thin film transistor to supply a predetermined current to the organic light emitting element according to the data voltage of the data line, thereby allowing each light emitting layer of the sub-pixel to emit light with a predetermined brightness according to the predetermined current.

[0065] According to an example, the sub-pixels (SP) may be arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0066] The plurality of subpixels (SP) may include a first subpixel (SP1), a second subpixel (SP2), a third subpixel (SP3), and a fourth subpixel (SP4) arranged adjacent to each other in a first direction (X-axis direction). For example, the first subpixel (SP1) may be a red subpixel, the second subpixel (SP2) may be a white subpixel, the third subpixel (SP3) may be a blue subpixel, and the fourth subpixel (SP4) may be a green subpixel. However, this is not necessarily limited thereto, and the arrangement order of the first subpixel (SP1), the second subpixel (SP2), the third subpixel (SP3), and the fourth subpixel (SP4) may be changed.

[0067] Each of the first to fourth sub-pixels (SP1 to SP4) may include an emitting area (EA) and a circuit area (CA). The emitting area (EA) may be disposed on one side (or upper side) of the sub-pixel area, and the circuit area (CA) may be disposed on the other side (or lower side) of the sub-pixel area. For example, the circuit area may be disposed on one side (or lower side) of the emitting area (EA) based on the second direction (Y-axis direction). The emitting areas (EA) of the first to fourth sub-pixels (SP1 to SP4) may have the same size (or area) or different sizes (or areas).

[0068] The first to fourth subpixels (SP1 to SP4) may be arranged adjacent to each other along the first direction (X-axis direction). For example, two data lines (DL) extending in the second direction (Y-axis direction) may be arranged parallel to each other between the first subpixel (SP1) and the second subpixel (SP2) and between the third subpixel (SP3) and the fourth subpixel (SP4). A pixel power supply line (EVDD) (or a branch of the pixel power supply line) extending in the first direction (X-axis direction) may be arranged between the light-emitting area (EA) and the circuit area (CA) of each of the first to fourth subpixels (SP1 to SP4). The gate line (GL) and the sensing line (SL) may be arranged below the circuit area (CA). A pixel power supply line (EVDD) (shown in FIG. 2) extending in the second direction (Y-axis direction) may be arranged on one side of the first subpixel (SP1) or the fourth subpixel (SP4). A reference line (RL) extending along the second direction (Y-axis direction) may be disposed between the second subpixel (SP2) and the third subpixel (SP3). The reference line (RL) may be used as a sensing line for externally sensing characteristic changes of the driving thin film transistor and / or the light emitting element layer disposed in the circuit region when the pixel (P) is in a sensing driving mode. The data line, according to an example, supplies a data signal to each of the plurality of subpixels so that each of the plurality of subpixels is driven. For example, the data line (DL) may include a first data line (DL1) for driving the first subpixel (SP1), a second data line (DL2) for driving the second subpixel (SP2), a third data line (DL3) for driving the third subpixel (SP3), and a fourth data line (DL4) for driving the fourth subpixel (SP4).

[0069] In a display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a data line, for example, the third data line (DL3), may be arranged so as not to overlap the light-emitting area (EA). Therefore, in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the third data line (DL3) does not block (or interfere with) light emitted from the light-emitting area (EA), thereby preventing a decrease in light extraction efficiency. The first data line (DL1), the second data line (DL2), and the fourth data line (DL4) may be arranged in the non-light-emitting area (NEA) of the corresponding sub-pixel so as not to overlap the light-emitting area (EA) of the corresponding sub-pixel in the third direction (Z-axis direction) like the third data line (DL3). Therefore, in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the data lines (DL1, DL2, DL3, DL4) may have a structural feature of overlapping the non-light-emitting area (NEA) without overlapping the light-emitting area (EA).

[0070] On the other hand, like the data lines described above, the pixel power supply lines (EVDD) and reference lines (RL) can also be arranged in the non-light-emitting area (NEA) so as not to block (or interfere with) the light emitted from the light-emitting area (EA).

[0071] In the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of sub-pixels (SP) may include an emitting area (EA) disposed adjacent to a non-emitting area (NEA). As shown in Fig. 3, the reflective portion 130 may be disposed spaced apart from the emitting area (EA). This is because if the reflective portion 130 is disposed adjacent to the emitting area without being spaced apart from the emitting area or if the reflective portion 130 is disposed overlapping the emitting area, the light emitted from the emitting area (EA) cannot be reflected by the reflective portion 130.

[0072] Therefore, in the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present specification, the reflective unit 130 is disposed apart from the light emitting area (EA), so that light emitted from the light emitting area (EA) and directed toward an adjacent sub-pixel (e.g., the second sub-pixel (SP2)) can be reflected by the reflective unit 130, thereby improving light extraction efficiency.

[0073] 3, since the light emitting area (EA) is an area defined by the pixel electrode 114 disposed on the overcoat layer 113, the reflective portion 130 may be disposed spaced apart from the pixel electrode 114. Meanwhile, since the pixel electrode 114 is formed on the upper surface 113a of the overcoat layer 113, the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 of the pattern unit 120 may be disposed adjacent to the pixel electrode 114. For example, the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 may be disposed adjacent to an end of the lower surface of the pixel electrode 114. The second sloping pattern portion 120s2 is disposed spaced apart from the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 in the first direction (X-axis direction), and therefore may be disposed spaced apart from the pixel electrode 114.

[0074] In the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present specification, the overcoat layer 113 (or the first overcoat layer) on which the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 is formed may have a first thickness (D1). The overcoat layer 113 (or the second overcoat layer) on which the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 is formed may have a second thickness (D2). In FIG. 3, the first thickness (D1) may be smaller than the second thickness (D2), but is not limited thereto. Depending on an optimal design for light extraction efficiency, the first thickness (D1) may be equal to or larger than the second thickness (D2). The sum of the first thickness (D1) and the second thickness (D2) is the total thickness (D1) of the overcoat layer 113 on which the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 and the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 are arranged. T ) can be.

[0075] 3, the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have a first angle (θ1) that is the same as or different from the second angle (θ2). For example, when the first angle (θ1) and the second angle (θ2) are equal, the reflective portion 130 on the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 and the reflective portion 130 on the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 are disposed at the same angle with respect to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110, and can reflect light toward an adjacent subpixel toward the emitting subpixel. For example, when the first angle (θ1) and the second angle (θ2) are different, the reflective portion 130 on the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 and the reflective portion 130 on the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 are disposed at different angles (or multiple angles) with respect to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110, and can reflect light toward an adjacent subpixel toward the emitting subpixel. That is, the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have the reflecting unit 130 as multiple surfaces (or multiple inclined surfaces) having different angles.

[0076] On the other hand, if the first angle (θ1) is greater than the second angle (θ2), the light may not travel to the reflective portion 130 (or the second sloping reflective portion 133) on the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 by the waveguide, but may be more likely to be reflected by the reflective portion 130 (or the first sloping reflective portion 131) on the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 and extracted to the outside of the substrate 110.

[0077] In a typical display device having a single-surface reflective portion spaced apart from the pixel electrode, if the angle between the top surface of the substrate and the reflective portion (or the inclined surface of the overcoat layer adjacent to the pixel electrode) is large, the reflective portion can reflect light toward adjacent sub-pixels through a waveguide, resulting in high light extraction efficiency. However, there is a drawback in that light that is totally reflected at the interface (or boundary) between the substrate and the outside air is reflected by the reflective portion 130 and is not directly extracted to the outside of the substrate, but is instead totally reflected inside the substrate after being reflected by the cathode (or counter electrode), resulting in a high probability of not being extracted to the outside.

[0078] In addition, in a typical display device having a single-surface reflective portion spaced apart from the pixel electrode, if the angle between the top surface of the substrate and the reflective portion (or the slope of the overcoat layer adjacent to the pixel electrode) is small, light that is totally reflected at the interface (or boundary) between the substrate and the outside air is reflected by the reflective portion 130 and can be directly extracted to the outside of the substrate, which has the advantage of high light extraction efficiency. However, there is a disadvantage in that light that is guided toward an adjacent subpixel by the waveguide is highly likely to be totally reflected between the reflective portion and the overcoat layer and not be extracted to the outside. In other words, the waveguided light cannot escape the critical angle and may be guided along the slope of the reflective portion and / or the overcoat layer, preventing it from being extracted to the outside.

[0079] Therefore, in the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present specification, the inclined surface of the pattern unit 120 (or the first and second inclined pattern units 120s1 and 120s2) is provided at multiple angles (first angle (θ1) and second angle (θ2)) with respect to the top surface 110a of the substrate 110, so that both light that is lost by the waveguide and light that is lost due to total reflection inside the substrate can be emitted to the outside in the form of first reflected light (EL1) and second reflected light (EL2), thereby maximizing light extraction efficiency.

[0080] As a result, in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, light that is extinguished by the waveguide can be emitted to the outside of the substrate 110 by the first overcoat layer having a first thickness (D1) and the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 (or the first inclined reflecting portion 131) having a first angle (θ1). And, light that is trapped and extinguished within the substrate can be emitted to the outside of the substrate 110 by the second overcoat layer having a second thickness (D2) and the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 (or the second inclined reflecting portion 133) having a second angle (θ2). Or, light that is trapped and extinguished within the substrate can be emitted to the outside of the substrate 110 by the thickness (D T) and the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 (or the second inclined reflecting portion 133) provided at a second angle (θ2).

[0081] Meanwhile, in a display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pattern unit 120 may be disposed to surround the remainder of the light-emitting area (EA) except for one side of the light-emitting area (EA) including the circuit area (CA). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the pattern unit 120 may be disposed only on the remainder of the light-emitting area (EA) rather than only on one side of the light-emitting area (EA) adjacent to the circuit area (CA). This is because the pixel electrodes 114 disposed in the light-emitting area (EA) must be connected to the thin film transistors in the circuit area (CA), and therefore the pattern unit 120 cannot be formed between the light-emitting area (EA) and the circuit area (CA). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have a structural feature in which the pattern unit 120 is disposed to surround the remainder of the light-emitting area (EA) except for one side of the light-emitting area (EA) including the circuit area (CA).

[0082] 9, the pattern unit 120 may include first pattern lines 121 arranged long in a first direction (X-axis direction) between the circuit area (CA) and the light emitting area (EA), and second pattern lines 122 arranged long in a second direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting the first direction (X-axis direction). With reference to FIG. 2, the first pattern lines 121 may refer to the pattern units 120 arranged in the horizontal direction, and the second pattern lines 122 may refer to the pattern units 120 arranged in the vertical direction.

[0083] The first pattern line 121 may include a flat surface 121b and an inclined surface 121s. The second pattern line 122 may include a flat surface 122b and an inclined surface 122s. The flat surface 121b and the inclined surface 121s of the first pattern line 121 and the flat surface 122b and the inclined surface 122s of the second pattern line 122 are the same as the flat surface 120b and the inclined surface 120s of the pattern unit 120, respectively, so a description thereof will be omitted. The first pattern line 121 and the second pattern line 122 may be connected together in a non-emitting area (NEA) (or peripheral area) to surround the emitting area (EA).

[0084] The first pattern lines 121 may be arranged between subpixels (SP) that emit the same color. For example, the first pattern lines 121 may be arranged between first subpixels (SP1) arranged in the second direction (Y-axis direction). Therefore, the first pattern lines 121 may be arranged long in the first direction (X-axis direction). In contrast, the second pattern lines 122 may be arranged between subpixels (SP) that emit different colors. For example, the second pattern lines 122 may be arranged between the third subpixel (SP3), which is a blue subpixel, and the fourth subpixel (SP4), which is a green subpixel. Therefore, the second pattern lines 122 may be arranged long in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0085] Since the second pattern lines 122 are disposed between the sub-pixels (SP) emitting different colors, the reflective portions 130 on the second pattern lines 122 can prevent light of different colors from being emitted to adjacent sub-pixels (SP). Therefore, the display device 100 according to the present specification can prevent color mixture (or color shift) between the sub-pixels (SP) emitting different colors and improve color purity.

[0086] 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' in FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' in FIG.

[0087] 4 and 5, in the non-emission area (NEA) where the circuit area (CA) is arranged, a bank 115 may be arranged to cover the circuit area (CA) (or the thin film transistor 112 (shown in FIG. 5)). The pixel power supply line (EVDD) and the reference line (RL) may be arranged so as not to overlap with the emission area (EA) in the third direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present specification, light emitted in the emission area (EA) can be emitted to the outside of the substrate 110 without interfering with the pixel power supply line (EVDD) and the reference line (RL), thereby preventing a decrease in luminous efficiency.

[0088] The structure of each of the plurality of sub-pixels (SP) will be specifically described below with reference to FIG.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 5, a display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present specification may include a buffer layer (BL), a circuit element layer 111, a thin film transistor 112, an overcoat layer 113, a pixel electrode 114, a bank 115, an organic light-emitting layer 116, a reflective electrode 117, an encapsulation layer 118, and a color filter (CF).

[0090] More specifically, each of the sub-pixels (SP) according to one embodiment may include a circuit element layer 111 formed on the upper surface of the buffer layer (BL) and including a gate insulating layer 111a, an interlayer insulating layer 111b, and a passivation layer 111c, an overcoat layer 113 formed on the circuit element layer 111, a pixel electrode 114 formed on the overcoat layer 113, a bank 115 covering one side end of the pixel electrode 114, an organic light-emitting layer 116 on the pixel electrode 114 and the bank 115, a reflective electrode 117 on the organic light-emitting layer 116, and an encapsulation layer 118 on the reflective electrode 117.

[0091] The circuit element layer 111 may include a thin film transistor 112 for driving a sub-pixel (SP). The circuit element layer 111 may be expressed in terms of an inorganic film layer. The circuit element layer 111 may include a buffer layer (BL) together with a gate insulating layer 111a, an interlayer insulating layer 111b, and a passivation layer 111c. The pixel electrode 114, the organic light-emitting layer 116, and the reflective electrode 117 may be included in the light-emitting element layer (E).

[0092] A buffer layer (BL) may be formed between the substrate 110 and the gate insulating layer 111a to protect the thin film transistor 112. The buffer layer (BL) may be disposed over the entire surface (or front surface) of the substrate 110. A pixel power supply line (EVDD) for driving pixels may be disposed between the buffer layer (BL) and the substrate 110. The pixel power supply line (EVDD) may be spaced apart from the thin film transistor 112 and disposed below the bank 115. A reference line (RL) may also be disposed between the buffer layer (BL) and the substrate 110. The reference line (RL) may be disposed in a non-emitting area (NEA) that does not overlap with the light-emitting area (EA). The buffer layer (BL) may also serve to prevent materials contained in the substrate 110 from diffusing into the transistor layer during high-temperature processes during the thin film transistor manufacturing process. Optionally, the buffer layer (BL) may be omitted in some cases.

[0093] An example thin film transistor (or drive transistor) 112 can include an active layer 112a, a gate electrode 112b, a source electrode 112c, and a drain electrode 112d.

[0094] The active layer 112a may include a channel region, a drain region, and a source region formed in a thin film transistor region of a circuit region of the subpixel (SP). The drain region and the source region may be spaced apart and parallel to each other with the channel region therebetween.

[0095] The active layer 112a may be composed of any one of the following semiconductor materials: amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, oxide, and organic-based.

[0096] The gate insulating layer 111a may be formed on the channel region of the active layer 112a. For example, the gate insulating layer 111a may be formed in an island shape only on the channel region of the active layer 112a, or may be formed on the entire front surface of the substrate 110 or buffer layer (BL) including the active layer 112a.

[0097] The gate electrode 112b can be formed on the gate insulating layer 111a so as to overlap the channel region of the active layer 112a.

[0098] The interlayer insulating layer 111b may be formed to partially overlap the gate electrode 112b and the drain and source regions of the active layer 112a. The interlayer insulating layer 111b may also be formed over the entire light-emitting region where light is emitted from the circuit area (CA) and the subpixel (SP), as shown in Fig. 5. However, without being limited thereto, the interlayer insulating layer 111b may be patterned and arranged in an island shape between the gate electrode 112b and the drain region of the active layer 112a and the drain electrode 112d, and between the gate electrode 112b and the source region of the active layer 112a and the source electrode 112c, and arranged in an island shape.

[0099] The source electrode 112c may be electrically connected to the source region of the active layer 112a through a source contact hole provided in the interlayer insulating layer 111b overlapping the source region of the active layer 112a, and the drain electrode 112d may be electrically connected to the drain region of the active layer 112a through a drain contact hole provided in the interlayer insulating layer 111b overlapping the drain region of the active layer 112a.

[0100] The drain electrode 112d and the source electrode 112c may each be made of the same metal material. For example, the drain electrode 112d and the source electrode 112c may each be made of a single metal layer, a single alloy layer, or a multi-layer structure of two or more layers, which may be the same or different from the gate electrode.

[0101] Furthermore, the circuit region may further include first and second switching thin film transistors and a capacitor arranged together with the thin film transistor 112. Each of the first and second switching thin film transistors is provided on the circuit region of the sub-pixel (SP) to have the same structure as the thin film transistor 112, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. A capacitor (not shown) may be provided in an overlapping region between the gate electrode 112b and source electrode 112c of the thin film transistor 112, which overlap each other with the interlayer insulating layer 111b sandwiched therebetween.

[0102] Furthermore, the thin film transistors provided in the pixel region may have a characteristic in which their threshold voltages are shifted by light. To prevent this, the display panel or substrate 110 may further include a light-shielding layer (not shown) provided under the active layer 112a of at least one of the thin film transistors 112, the first switching thin film transistor, and the second switching thin film transistor. The light-shielding layer is provided between the substrate 110 and the active layer 112a and blocks light incident on the active layer 112a through the substrate 110, thereby minimizing changes in the threshold voltage of the transistors due to external light. In addition, because the light-shielding layer is provided between the substrate 110 and the active layer 112a, it can also prevent the thin film transistors from being visible to the user.

[0103] The passivation layer 111c may be provided on the substrate 110 to cover the pixel region. The passivation layer 111c covers the drain electrode 112d, the source electrode 112c, the gate electrode 112b of the thin film transistor 112, and the buffer layer (BL).

[0104] Meanwhile, in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present specification, the bank 115 may be disposed only on one side of the light-emitting area (EA) where the circuit area (CA) is disposed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the pixel power line (EVDD) may be disposed to overlap the bank 115 in the third direction (Z-axis direction), and the reference line (RL) may not overlap the bank 115 in the third direction (Z-axis direction). The passivation layer 111c may be formed over the entire circuit area and the light-emitting area. The passivation layer 111c may also be omitted. A color filter (CF) may be disposed on the passivation layer 111c.

[0105] The overcoat layer 113 may be provided on the substrate 110 to cover the passivation layer 111c and the color filter (CF). When the passivation layer 111c is omitted, the overcoat layer 113 may be provided on the substrate 110 to cover the circuit region. The overcoat layer 113 may be formed over the entire circuit region (CA) where the thin film transistors 112 are arranged and the light-emitting region (EA). The overcoat layer 113 may also be formed over the entire display region (DA) and the remaining non-display region (NDA) excluding the pad region (PA) of the non-display region (NDA). For example, the overcoat layer 113 may include an extension (or extension) extending or extending from the display region (DA) to the remaining non-display region (NDA) excluding the pad region (PA). Therefore, the overcoat layer 113 may be relatively larger than the display region (DA).

[0106] The overcoat layer 113 according to an example may be formed to have a relatively large thickness and may provide a flat surface on the display area (DA) and the non-display area (NDA). For example, the overcoat layer 113 may be made of an organic material such as photoacrylic, benzocyclobutene, polyimide, or fluororesin.

[0107] Because the upper surface 113a of the overcoat layer 113 is flat, the pixel electrode 114 on the overcoat layer 113 can also be flat, and the organic light-emitting layer 116 and reflective electrode 117 formed thereon can also be flat. Because the pixel electrode 114, organic light-emitting layer 116, and reflective electrode 117, i.e., the light-emitting element layer (E), are flat in the light-emitting area (EA), the pixel electrode 114, organic light-emitting layer 116, and reflective electrode 117 can each be formed with a uniform thickness within the light-emitting area (EA). Therefore, the organic light-emitting layer 116 can emit light uniformly without deviation within the light-emitting area (EA).

[0108] Meanwhile, the pattern unit 120 may be formed by patterning and removing a portion of the overcoat layer 113. According to an example, the pattern unit 120 may be formed on the overcoat layer 113 through a photolithography process using a mask having openings, followed by a patterning (or etching) or ashing process after the photolithography process. As described above, the pattern unit 120 includes a first pattern line 121 and a second pattern line 122, and the first pattern line 121 and the second pattern line 122 may be arranged to surround the remaining light-emitting area (EA) except for one side of the light-emitting area (EA) adjacent to the circuit area (CA). After the pattern unit 120 is formed, the pixel electrode 114 may be patterned and formed for each sub-pixel (SP) on the overcoat layer 113, and then the organic light-emitting layer 116 and the reflective electrode 117 may be formed on the entire surface.

[0109] Referring again to FIG. 5, a color filter (CF) may be provided between the substrate 110 (or the passivation layer 111c) and the overcoat layer 113. Therefore, the color filter (CF) may be disposed between the pixel driving wiring, for example, the reference line (RL) and the reflective portion 130, or between the reference line (RL) and the pattern portion 120. The color filter (CF) may include a red color filter (or a third color filter) (not shown) that converts white light emitted by the organic light-emitting layer 116 into red light, a blue color filter (or a first color filter (CF1, shown in FIG. 3) that converts white light into blue light, and a green color filter (or a second color filter) (CF2) that converts white light into green light. The second sub-pixel (SP2), which is a white sub-pixel, may not include a color filter because the organic light-emitting layer 116 emits white light.

[0110] 3, the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include color filters (e.g., a first color filter (CF1) and a second color filter (CF2)) having different colors that partially overlap the boundaries of a plurality of sub-pixels (SP). In this case, the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may prevent light emitted from each sub-pixel (SP) from being emitted to an adjacent sub-pixel (SP) by the color filters overlapping the boundaries of the sub-pixels (SP), thereby preventing color mixing between the sub-pixels (SP).

[0111] 5, a pixel electrode 114 of a sub-pixel (SP) may be formed on the overcoat layer 113. The pixel electrode 114 may be connected to a drain electrode or a source electrode of the thin film transistor 112 through a contact hole that penetrates the overcoat layer 113 and the passivation layer 111c. One end of the pixel electrode 114 may be covered by a bank 115. The pixel electrode 114 may be made of at least one of a transparent metal material and a semi-transparent metal material.

[0112] Since the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present specification is a bottom emission type, the pixel electrode 114 may be formed of a transparent metal material (TCO, Transparent Conductive Material) such as ITO or IZO that can transmit light, or a semi-transmissive metal material (Semi-transmissive Conductive Material) such as magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), or an alloy of magnesium (Mg) and silver (Ag).

[0113] On the other hand, MoTi can be included in the material that constitutes the pixel electrode 114. Such a pixel electrode 114 can be referred to as a first electrode or an anode electrode.

[0114] The bank 115 is a region that does not emit light and may be provided on one side of the emission area (EA) of each of the plurality of sub-pixels (SP). For example, the bank 115 may be disposed in the non-emission area (NEA) in which the circuit area (CA) is disposed. As shown in FIG. 5, the bank 115 may be formed to cover a portion of one end of the pixel electrode 114 of each of the sub-pixels (SP) that is connected to the thin film transistor 112. That is, the bank 115 may partially cover the pixel electrode 114. This prevents the pixel electrode 114 from contacting the reflective electrode 117 in the circuit area (CA). The exposed portion of the pixel electrode 114 that is not blocked by the bank 115 may be included in the emission portion (or emission area (EA)).

[0115] As described above, the bank 115 is disposed in the non-light-emitting area (NEA) in which the circuit area (CA) is disposed, and therefore the non-light-emitting area (NEA) on the left side and the non-light-emitting area (NEA) on the right side may be asymmetrical with respect to the light-emitting area (EA) in Fig. 5. For example, with respect to the light-emitting area (EA) in Fig. 5, the non-light-emitting area (NEA) on the left side may be configured to include a thin film transistor 112 and a bank 115, and the non-light-emitting area (NEA) on the right side may be configured to have no bank 115 on the pattern unit 120.

[0116] After forming the bank 115, the organic light-emitting layer 116 may be formed to cover the pixel electrode 114 and the bank 115. Therefore, the bank 115 may be provided between the pixel electrode 114 and the organic light-emitting layer 116. Such a bank 115 may be referred to as a pixel-defining layer. According to an example, the bank 115 may include an organic material and / or an inorganic material. According to an example, the bank 115 may be formed concave or sloped to follow the profile of the pattern portion 120.

[0117] 5 , the organic light-emitting layer 116 may be formed on the pixel electrode 114 and the bank 115. According to an example, the organic light-emitting layer 116 may be disposed in an emitting area (EA) and a non-emitting area (NEA). The organic light-emitting layer 116 is disposed between the pixel electrode 114 and the reflective electrode 117. When a voltage is applied to each of the pixel electrode 114 and the reflective electrode 117, an electric field is formed between the pixel electrode 114 and the reflective electrode 117, causing the organic light-emitting layer 116 to emit light. The organic light-emitting layer 116 may be formed as a common layer disposed on a plurality of sub-pixels (SP) and the bank 115.

[0118] According to an example, the organic light-emitting layer 116 may be configured to emit white light. The organic light-emitting layer 116 may include multiple stacks that emit light of different colors. For example, the organic light-emitting layer 116 may include a first stack, a second stack, and a charge generation layer (CGL) disposed between the first stack and the second stack. When the light-emitting layer is configured to emit white light, each of the multiple sub-pixels (SP) may include a color filter (CF) corresponding to a corresponding color.

[0119] The first stack is provided on the pixel electrode 114 and may have a structure in which a hole injecting layer (HIL), a hole transporting layer (HTL), a blue light emitting layer (EML(B)), and an electron transporting layer (ETL) are stacked in order.

[0120] The charge generation layer serves to supply charges to the first stack and the second stack. The charge generation layer may include an N-type charge generation layer for supplying electrons to the first stack and a P-type charge generation layer for supplying holes to the second stack. The N-type charge generation layer may include a metal material as a dopant.

[0121] The second stack is provided on the first stack and may have a structure in which a hole transporting layer (HTL), a yellow green (YG) emitting layer (EML(YG)), an electron transporting layer (ETL), and an electron injecting layer (EIL) are stacked in this order.

[0122] In the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present specification, the organic light-emitting layer 116 is provided as a common layer, so that the first stack, the charge generation layer, and the second stack can be disposed across a plurality of subpixels (SP). In another example, the organic light-emitting layer 116 can be provided in a three-stack structure or a four-stack structure depending on the number of stacks to be stacked.

[0123] The reflective electrode 117 may be formed on the organic light emitting layer 116. The reflective electrode 117 may be disposed in the light emitting area (EA) and the non-light emitting area (NEA). According to an example, the reflective electrode 117 may include a metal material. The reflective electrode 117 may reflect light emitted from the organic light emitting layer 116 in the plurality of sub-pixels (SP) toward the bottom surface of the substrate 110. Therefore, the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented as a bottom-emitting display device.

[0124] The display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a bottom-emission type display device, and light emitted from the organic light-emitting layer 116 must be reflected toward the substrate 110. Therefore, the reflective electrode 117 may be made of a highly reflective metal material. For example, the reflective electrode 117 may be made of a highly reflective metal material such as an aluminum and titanium stacked structure (Ti / Al / Ti), an aluminum and ITO stacked structure (ITO / Al / ITO), an Ag alloy, or an Ag alloy and ITO stacked structure (ITO / Ag alloy / ITO). The Ag alloy may be an alloy of silver (Ag), palladium (Pd), copper (Cu), or the like. The reflective electrode 117 may be referred to as a second electrode, a cathode electrode, or a counter electrode.

[0125] Meanwhile, in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the reflective portion 130 may be a part of the reflective electrode 117. Therefore, the reflective portion 130 may reflect light toward an adjacent sub-pixel (SP) toward the emission area (EA) of the emitting sub-pixel (SP). Since the reflective portion 130 is a part of the reflective electrode 117, it may be represented by the reference numeral 117a as shown in FIG. 3. The reflective portion 130 may refer to the reflective electrode 117 overlapping the pattern portion 120. According to an example, the reflective portion 130 may include a reflective electrode 117a that is inclined and overlaps the pattern portion 120, and a flat reflective electrode 117a that overlaps the pattern portion 120.

[0126] The tilted reflective electrode 117a may include a first tilted reflective portion 131 and a second tilted reflective portion 133. The flat reflective electrode 117a may include a first flat reflective portion 132 and a second flat reflective portion 134. As a result, the reflective portion 130 disposed on the pattern portion 120 may include the first tilted reflective portion 131, the first flat reflective portion 132, the second tilted reflective portion 133, and the second flat reflective portion 134.

[0127] According to an example, the first inclined reflective portion 131 may be disposed on the first inclined pattern portion 120s1. The first inclined reflective portion 131 may be disposed entirely on the first inclined pattern portion 120s1, but is not limited thereto. A portion of the first inclined reflective portion 131 may be disposed on the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 and the remainder on the first flat pattern portion 120b1. This is because the first inclined reflective portion 131 is shifted relative to the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 by the thickness of the organic light-emitting layer 116. The first inclined pattern portion 120s1 may have a horizontal length L1 from the intersection of the first flat pattern portion 120b1 and the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 to the edge of the light-emitting area (EA). The horizontal length L1 of the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 may be calculated based on the first thickness D1 and the first angle θ1 of the first overcoat layer.

[0128] According to an example, the first flat reflective portion 132 may be connected to the first inclined reflective portion 131 and disposed on the first flat pattern portion 120b1. The first flat reflective portion 132 may be disposed entirely on the first flat pattern portion 120b1, but is not limited thereto. The first flat reflective portion 132 may be partially disposed on the first flat pattern portion 120b1 and the remaining portion on the second inclined pattern portion 120s2. This is because the first flat reflective portion 132 is shifted relative to the first flat pattern portion 120b1 by the thickness of the organic light emitting layer 116. The first flat pattern portion 120b1 has a horizontal length L from the point where the first flat pattern portion 120b1 and the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 meet to the point where the first flat pattern portion 120b1 and the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 meet. F It can be equipped with.

[0129] According to an example, the second inclined reflective portion 133 may be connected to the first flat reflective portion 132 and disposed on the second inclined pattern portion 120s2. The entire second inclined reflective portion 133 may be disposed on the second inclined pattern portion 120s2, but is not limited to this. A portion of the second inclined reflective portion 133 may be disposed on the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 and the remainder may be disposed on the second flat pattern portion 120b2. This is because the second inclined reflective portion 133 is shifted relative to the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 by the thickness of the organic light emitting layer 116. The second inclined pattern portion 120s2 may have a horizontal length L2 from a point where the first flat pattern portion 120b1 and the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 meet to a point where the second flat pattern portion 120b2 and the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 meet. The horizontal length (L2) of the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 can be calculated from the second thickness (D2) and the second angle (θ2) of the second overcoat layer.

[0130] Here, the total horizontal length from the point where the second flat pattern portion 120b2 and the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 meet to the end of the light emitting area (EA) is L T The total horizontal length (L T ) is the horizontal length (L1) of the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 and the horizontal length (L F ) and the horizontal length (L2) of the second sloping pattern portion 120s2.

[0131] According to an example, the second flat reflective portion 134 may be connected to the second inclined reflective portion 133 and disposed on the second flat pattern portion 120b2. The entire second flat reflective portion 134 may be disposed on the second flat pattern portion 120b2 because the second flat reflective portion 134 is formed with a width narrower than the second flat pattern portion 120b2 by the thickness of the organic light emitting layer 116.

[0132] Therefore, in the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present specification, the first inclined reflective portion 131 arranged at a first angle (θ1) relative to the first extension line (EXL1) and the second inclined reflective portion 133 arranged at a second angle (θ2) relative to the second extension line (EXL2) can reflect light toward an adjacent sub-pixel (SP) and / or light that is lost through total reflection between the interfaces to the light-emitting area (EA) and / or non-light-emitting area (NEA) of the emitting sub-pixel (SP).

[0133] A sealing layer 118 is formed on the reflective electrode 117. The sealing layer 118 serves to prevent oxygen and moisture from penetrating into the organic light-emitting layer 116 and the reflective electrode 117. To this end, the sealing layer 118 may include at least one inorganic film and at least one organic film.

[0134] 3, the sealing layer 118 can be disposed not only in the light-emitting area (EA) but also in the non-light-emitting area (NEA). The sealing layer 118 can be disposed between the reflective electrode 117 and the opposing substrate 200.

[0135] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, the first angle (θ1) and the second angle (θ2) at which the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 (or the first inclined reflecting portion 131) and the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 (or the second inclined reflecting portion 133) included in the display device 100 according to one embodiment of the present specification are arranged will be specifically described in conjunction with mathematical formulas.

[0136] FIG. 6 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of part A shown in FIG.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 6, the first angle (θ1) and the second angle (θ2) may be set to an optimum angle depending on a mathematical formula related to the critical angle (or total reflection angle) between the pixel electrode 114 and the overcoat layer 113, the refractive index of each of the pixel electrode 114 and the overcoat layer 113, and the refractive index of the external air. AO θ can be the angle of incidence at which light emitted from the organic light-emitting layer 116 is incident on the interface between the pixel electrode 114 and the overcoat layer 113. GRθ may be the angle of incidence at which light emitted from the organic light-emitting layer 116 strikes the interface between the substrate 110 and the external air adjacent to the substrate 110. C2 is the angle at which light emitted from the organic light-emitting layer 116 is totally reflected at the interface between the substrate 110 and the external air adjacent to the substrate 110. That is, θ C2 may be the critical angle at the interface between the substrate 110 and the outside air.

[0138] The first angle (θ1) according to an example is expressed by the following formula (or formula 1):

[0139]

number

[0140] The present invention can be provided so as to satisfy the above.

[0141] Said θ C1 is the angle at which a portion of the light emitted from the organic light emitting layer 116 is totally reflected between the pixel electrode 114 and the overcoat layer 113. That is, θ C1 may be the critical angle between the pixel electrode 114 and the overcoat layer 113. For example, θ C1 can be less than 90°.

[0142] Meanwhile, in Equation 1, the angle (θ C1 ) is expressed by the following formula (or formula 2):

[0143]

number

[0144] The present invention can be provided so as to satisfy the above.

[0145] The n oc is the refractive index of the overcoat layer 113, and n Anodemay be the refractive index of the pixel electrode 114. On the other hand, if the refractive index of the pixel electrode 114 is greater than the refractive index of the overcoat layer 113, θ C1 Light with a larger exit angle (e.g., 90° or more) can be extinguished inside the substrate by the waveguide. Here, the exit angle can refer to the angle at which light emitted from the organic light-emitting layer 116 is incident on the interface between the overcoat layer 113 and the pixel electrode 114. Therefore, θ C1 According to the above formula 1, θ C1 If the first angle (θ1) is 90° or more, the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 cannot be formed because the first angle (θ1) has a value of 0 or a negative value. Therefore, in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present specification, when the refractive index of the pixel electrode 114 is higher than the refractive index of the overcoat layer 113, the light emitted from the organic light emitting layer 116 is slanted at θ C1 When the light is incident on the interface between the overcoat layer 113 and the pixel electrode 114 at an angle equal to or smaller than (or less than 90°), it is reflected by the first inclined reflecting portion 131 formed at a first angle (θ1) that conforms to Equations 1 and 2, and can be emitted to the outside of the substrate 110.

[0146] On the other hand, when a part of the light emitted from the organic light emitting layer 116 is not emitted to the outside of the substrate 110 but is confined inside the substrate 110, the angle (θ s ) is expressed by the following formula (or formula 3):

[0147]

number

[0148] The present invention can be provided so as to satisfy the above.

[0149] The θ1 is a first angle, and the θ C1 may be the angle at which a part of the light emitted from the organic light emitting layer 116 is totally reflected between the pixel electrode 114 and the overcoat layer 113 .

[0150] In the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present specification, the first angle (θ1) is expressed by the following formula (or formula 4):

[0151]

number

[0152] The present invention can be provided so as to satisfy the above.

[0153] The n oc is the refractive index of the overcoat layer 113, and Anode may be the refractive index of the pixel electrode 114.

[0154] Therefore, in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present specification, the first angle (θ1) can be set to satisfy Equation 1 and Equation 4, which can be expressed by the following equation (or Equation 5):

[0155]

number

[0156] In the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present specification, the second angle (θ2) is expressed by the following equation (or equation 6):

[0157]

number

[0158] The present invention can be provided so as to satisfy the above.

[0159] The n oc is the refractive index of the overcoat layer 113, and air may be the refractive index of the external air adjacent to the substrate 110 (or the underside of the substrate 110).

[0160] As a result, in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present specification, the refractive indexes of the pixel electrode 114 and the overcoat layer 113, the critical angle (or total reflection angle) between the pixel electrode 114 and the overcoat layer 113, and the refractive index of the external air are set to satisfy Equations 1 to 6. As shown in FIG. 6, light toward an adjacent sub-pixel (or light that is lost by the waveguide and light that is lost due to total reflection inside the substrate) can be reflected by the reflective portion 130 and output to the light-emitting area (EA) or non-light-emitting area (NEA) of the sub-pixel that emits light in the form of first reflected light (EL1) or second reflected light (EL2), thereby improving light extraction efficiency.

[0161] In addition, in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present specification, the first angle (θ1) at which the first inclined pattern unit 120s1 (or the first inclined reflector 131) is disposed and the second angle (θ2) at which the second inclined pattern unit 120s2 (or the second inclined reflector 133) is disposed are set to optimal angles according to Equations 1 to 6, thereby maximizing the reflection efficiency of the reflector 130, for example, the light extraction efficiency of the first reflected light (EL1) by the first inclined reflector 131 and the light extraction efficiency of the second reflected light (EL2) by the second inclined reflector 133. This maximizes the light extraction efficiency.

[0162] FIG. 7 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing another example of a portion A shown in FIG. 3 of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0163] 7, a display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present specification is the same as the display device according to the above-described FIG. 1, except that the structures of the pattern unit 120 and the reflective unit 130 are changed. Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only the different components will be described below.

[0164] 1, the inclined surface 120s of the pattern unit 120 includes a first inclined pattern unit 120s1 formed at a first angle (θ1) and a second inclined pattern unit 120s2 formed at a second angle (θ2) with respect to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110, so that the reflective unit 130 can include a first inclined reflective unit 131 formed at the first angle (θ1) and a second inclined reflective unit 133 formed at the second angle (θ2). Thus, in the case of the display device of FIG. 1, the first inclined reflective unit 131 and the second inclined reflective unit 133 formed at multiple angles (or the same angle), i.e., the inclined reflective units formed in two stages, can transmit light that is lost in the waveguide and light that is lost due to total reflection within the substrate to the outside in the form of first reflected light (EL1) and second reflected light (EL2), thereby improving light extraction efficiency.

[0165] In contrast, in the case of the display device of FIG. 7, the pattern unit 120 may further include a third sloping pattern unit 120s3 and a third flat pattern unit 120b3. According to an example, the third sloping pattern unit 120s3 is disposed between the second sloping pattern unit 120s2 and the substrate 110 and may be formed at a third angle (θ3) with respect to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110. Here, the third angle (θ3) may be the same as or different from the second angle (θ2). As shown in FIG. 7, the third extension line (EXL3) is disposed parallel to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110, and therefore the third sloping pattern unit 120s3 may be expressed as being formed at a third angle (θ3) with respect to the third extension line (EXL3). The third extension line (EXL3) may refer to a virtual line extending in the first direction (X-axis direction) from a point where the third sloping pattern unit 120s3 and the third flat pattern unit 120b3 meet. According to an example, the third flat pattern portion 120b3 may be spaced apart from the second flat pattern portion 120b2 and connected to the third sloping pattern portion 120s3. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, a display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may have three tiers of sloping pattern portions 120s.

[0166] Meanwhile, in a display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present specification, since the pattern unit 120 is provided in three stages, the reflective unit 130 disposed on the pattern unit 120 may also be provided in three stages. According to an example, the reflective unit 130 may include a first inclined reflective unit 131, a first flat reflective unit 132, a second inclined reflective unit 133, a second flat reflective unit 134, a third inclined reflective unit 135, and a third flat reflective unit 136. The first inclined reflective unit 131 may be disposed on the first inclined pattern unit 120s1. The first flat reflective unit 132 may be connected to the first inclined reflective unit 131 and disposed on the first flat pattern unit 120b1. The second inclined reflective unit 133 may be connected to the first flat reflective unit 132 and disposed on the second inclined pattern unit 120s2. The second flat reflective unit 134 may be connected to the second inclined reflective unit 133 and disposed on the second flat pattern unit 120b2. The third inclined reflective portion 135 may be connected to the second flat reflective portion 134 and disposed on the third inclined pattern portion 120s3. The third flat reflective portion 136 may be connected to the third inclined reflective portion 135 and disposed on the third flat pattern portion 120b3.

[0167] Therefore, in another embodiment of the present specification, the display device 100 may include a first inclined pattern portion 120s1, a second inclined pattern portion 120s2, and a third inclined pattern portion 120s3, each having a first angle (θ1) relative to the top surface 110a of the substrate 110, a second inclined pattern portion 120s2, and a third inclined pattern portion 120s3, each having a third angle (θ3). The reflector 130 may include a first inclined reflector 131, a second inclined reflector 133, and a third inclined reflector 135, each having a first angle (θ1), a second inclined reflector 133, and a third inclined reflector 135, each having a third angle (θ3). As a result, the display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present specification can output light that is lost by the waveguide and light that is lost due to total reflection inside the substrate to the outside in the form of first reflected light (EL1) and second reflected light (EL2) through the first inclined reflecting portion 131, the second inclined reflecting portion 133, and the third inclined reflecting portion 135, which are provided at multiple angles, i.e., the inclined reflecting portions provided in three stages, thereby improving light extraction efficiency.

[0168] Meanwhile, in the display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present specification, the pattern unit 120 further includes a third slanted pattern unit 120s3, so that the overall horizontal length (L T ) can be increased. For example, the overall horizontal length (L T ) is half the horizontal length of the pattern portion 120, and the horizontal length (L1) of the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 and the horizontal length (L F1 ), the horizontal length (L2) of the second sloping pattern portion 120s2, and the horizontal length (L F2 The horizontal length (L3) of the second flat pattern portion 120b2 may be the sum of the horizontal length (L F2 The horizontal length L2 of the third sloping pattern portion 120s3 may be the horizontal length from the point where the second flat pattern portion 120b2 and the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 meet to the point where the second flat pattern portion 120b2 and the third sloping pattern portion 120s3 meet. The horizontal length L3 of the third sloping pattern portion 120s3 may be the horizontal length from the point where the second flat pattern portion 120b2 and the third sloping pattern portion 120s3 meet to the point where the third flat pattern portion 120b3 and the third sloping pattern portion 120s3 meet.

[0169] Therefore, in the display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present specification, the first reflected light (EL1) may include a first sub-reflected light (EL1-1) that is reflected by the first inclined reflector 131 and exits the substrate 110, and a second sub-reflected light (EL1-2) that is reflected by the second inclined reflector 133 and exits the substrate 110. Although not shown in the figure, the first reflected light (EL1) may further include a third sub-reflected light that is reflected by the third inclined reflector 135 and exits the substrate 110. The second reflected light (EL2) may be reflected by the third inclined reflector 135 and exits the substrate 110. However, this is not necessarily limited thereto, and the second reflected light (EL2) may be reflected by the first inclined reflector 131 or the second inclined reflector 133 and exits the substrate 110.

[0170] Meanwhile, in a display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present specification, the overcoat layer 113 (or third overcoat layer) on which the third sloping pattern portion 120s3 is formed may have a third thickness (D3). The overcoat layer 113 (or second overcoat layer) on which the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 is formed may have a second thickness (D2). The overcoat layer 113 (or first overcoat layer) on which the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 is formed may have a first thickness (D1). As shown in FIG. 7, the third thickness (D3) may be the same as the first thickness (D1) (or the second thickness (D2)), but is not limited thereto. The third thickness (D3) may be thicker or thinner than the second thickness (D2) according to an optimal design for light extraction efficiency. The sum of the first thickness (D1), the second thickness (D2), and the third thickness (D3) is the total thickness (D T ) can be.

[0171] FIG. 8A is an image showing the light extraction characteristics of a display device according to a comparative example, FIG. 8B is an image showing the light extraction characteristics of a display device according to another comparative example, and FIG. 8C is an image showing the light extraction characteristics of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification.

[0172] FIG. 8A shows the light extraction characteristics of a display device 1 according to a comparative example, specifically, the light extraction characteristics of a structure in which the overcoat layer (OC) does not have an inclined surface. Specifically, in the display device 1 according to the comparative example of FIG. 8A, the light emitting element layer (E) may include a first electrode (E1), an organic light emitting layer (OLE) on the first electrode (E1), and a second electrode (E2) on the organic light emitting layer (OLE). A bank (BK) covers the edge of the first electrode (E1), and the organic light emitting layer (OLE) and the second electrode (E2) may be formed on the first electrode (E1) and the bank (BK). Since the display device 1 according to the comparative example of FIG. 8A has a structure in which the overcoat layer (OC) does not have an inclined surface, light emitted from the organic light emitting layer (OLE) may be reflected by the second electrode (E2) and emitted to the bottom of the substrate (G) in the form of reflected light (EL).

[0173] FIG. 8B shows the light extraction characteristics of a display device 2 according to another comparative example, which illustrates a structure in which the overcoat layer (OC) has a single inclined surface. Specifically, in the display device 2 according to another comparative example of FIG. 8B, the light emitting element layer (E) may include a first electrode (E1), an organic light emitting layer (OLE) on the first electrode (E1), and a second electrode (E2) on the organic light emitting layer (OLE). The organic light emitting layer (OLE) and the second electrode (E2) may be formed entirely on the overcoat layer (OC) along the profile of the overcoat layer (OC) having a single inclined surface. Because the display device 2 according to another comparative example of FIG. 8B has a structure in which the overcoat layer (OC) has a single inclined surface without a bank, a reflective surface (RP), which is part of the second electrode (E2), may be formed on the single inclined surface. Therefore, in the display device 2 according to another comparative example of Figure 8B, light emitted from the organic light emitting layer (OLE) can be reflected by the second electrode (E2) and emitted from the bottom of the substrate (G), or reflected by the reflective surface (RP) and emitted in the form of reflected light (EL).

[0174] 8A and 8B, it can be seen that the light extraction efficiency of the display device 2 according to another comparative example of Fig. 8B is higher than that of the display device 1 according to the comparative example of Fig. 8A. This is because the reflective surface (RP) reflects light emitted from the organic light emitting layer (OLE) toward adjacent sub-pixels, thereby achieving higher light extraction efficiency.

[0175] 8C shows the light extraction characteristics of a display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, specifically, the light extraction characteristics of a structure having a three-step inclined surface in the overcoat layer (OC). As described above, the display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes the first inclined reflector 131, the second inclined reflector 133, and the third inclined reflector 135, and thus the reflected light (EL) can include light reflected by the first inclined reflector 131 and exiting toward the bottom of the substrate 110, light reflected by the second inclined reflector 133 and exiting toward the bottom of the substrate 110, and light reflected by the third inclined reflector 135 and exiting toward the bottom of the substrate 110. Therefore, it can be seen that the display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure has higher light extraction efficiency than the display device according to the comparative example of FIG. 8A and / or FIG. 8B.

[0176] FIG. 9 is a graph showing the light intensity according to wavelength of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure in comparison with a display device according to a comparative example.

[0177] Referring to FIG. 9, the horizontal axis represents wavelength (λ) and the vertical axis represents light intensity. LN1 is a graph showing light intensity as a function of wavelength for the display device 1 according to the comparative example of FIG. 8A. That is, LN1 is a graph showing light intensity as a function of wavelength for a display device having no inclined surface in the overcoat layer (OC). LN2 is a graph showing light intensity as a function of wavelength for the display device 2 according to another comparative example of FIG. 8B. That is, LN2 is a graph showing light intensity as a function of wavelength for a display device having a single inclined surface in the overcoat layer (OC). LN3 is a graph showing light intensity as a function of wavelength for the display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present specification of FIG. 8C. That is, LN3 is a graph showing light intensity as a function of wavelength for a display device having a three-step inclined surface in the overcoat layer (OC).

[0178] As shown in FIG. 9, LN3 has the highest light intensity at all wavelengths compared to LN1 and LN2. For example, at a blue wavelength of approximately 460 nm, LN1 has a light intensity of approximately 0.98, while LN3 has a light intensity of 1.18. Therefore, the display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may have a light intensity that is approximately 17% higher than the display device 1 according to the comparative example at a wavelength of approximately 460 nm. Comparing the areas under the graphs for LN1 and LN3, it can be seen that LN3 has a light intensity that is approximately 27% higher than LN1. Therefore, the display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, which has an overcoat layer 113 with three sloped surfaces, may have a light extraction efficiency that is approximately 27% higher than the display device 1 according to the comparative example, in which the overcoat layer does not have sloped surfaces.

[0179] FIG. 10 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure as another example of part A shown in FIG.

[0180] 10, a display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present specification is the same as the display device according to the above-described FIG. 1, except that the structures of the pattern unit 120 and the reflective unit 130 are changed. Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only the different components will be described below.

[0181] 1, the inclined surface 120s of the pattern unit 120 may include a first inclined pattern portion 120s1 formed at a first angle (θ1) with respect to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110 and a second inclined pattern portion 120s2 spaced apart in a first direction (X-axis direction) from the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 and formed at a second angle (θ2), so that the reflective unit 130 may include a first inclined reflective portion 131 formed at the first angle (θ1) and a second inclined reflective portion 133 spaced apart in the first direction (X-axis direction) from the first inclined reflective portion 131 and formed at the second angle (θ2). Here, the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 may be connected to the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 via a first flat pattern portion 120b1. Therefore, in the case of the display device shown in FIG. 1, the first inclined reflecting portion 131 and the second inclined reflecting portion 133 are provided at multiple angles (or the same angle), i.e., the inclined reflecting portions provided in two stages, and the light that is lost by the waveguide and the light that is lost due to total reflection inside the substrate can be output to the outside in the form of the first reflected light (EL1) and the second reflected light (EL2), thereby improving the light extraction efficiency.

[0182] In contrast, in the case of the display device of Fig. 10, the first angle (θ1) and the second angle (θ2) are different, and the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 can be directly connected to the second sloping pattern portion 120s2. That is, the display device of Fig. 10 may have a structure in which the first angle (θ1) and the second angle (θ2) are different from those of the display device of Fig. 1, and the first flat pattern portion 120b1 connecting the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 and the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 is deleted (or omitted). If the first angle (θ1) and the second angle (θ2) are the same, the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 and the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 are formed as a single inclined surface without any bends, and therefore, either the light that is lost by the waveguide or the light that is lost due to total reflection inside the substrate 110 cannot be extracted to the outside of the substrate 110 through the first inclined reflecting portion 131 arranged on the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 or the second inclined reflecting portion 133 arranged on the second inclined pattern portion 120s2.

[0183] 10, by providing the first angle (θ1) and the second angle (θ2) different from each other, the first inclined reflector 131 arranged on the first inclined pattern portion 120s1 and the second inclined reflector 133 arranged on the second inclined pattern portion 120s2 can be arranged at different angles from each other with respect to the upper surface 110a of the substrate 110. As a result, both light that is lost by the waveguide and light that is lost due to total reflection inside the substrate 110 can be extracted to the outside of the substrate 110 via the first inclined reflector 131 and the second inclined reflector 133, thereby improving light extraction efficiency.

[0184] 10, the first angle (θ1) may be greater than the second angle (θ2). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first angle (θ1) may be smaller than the second angle (θ2) as long as both the light that is lost by the waveguide and the light that is lost due to total reflection inside the substrate 110 can be extracted to the outside of the substrate 110.

[0185] The display device 100 of Fig. 10 may further include a connection point (CP) connecting the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 and the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 because the first angle (θ1) and the second angle (θ2) are different. As shown in Fig. 10, the pattern portion 120 is formed in the non-emitting area (NEA), so the connection point (CP) may be disposed in the non-emitting area (NEA). The display device 100 of Fig. 10 may have a structural feature in which the second sloping reflective portion 133 disposed on the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 and the first sloping reflective portion 131 disposed on the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 are directly connected to each other because the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 is directly connected to the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 at the connection point (CP).

[0186] Meanwhile, in the display device 100 of FIG. 10, the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 is directly connected to the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 at the connection point (CP), so the overall horizontal length (L) from the point where the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 and the second flat pattern portion 120b2 meet to the end of the light emitting area (EA) is T ) can be further reduced compared to the display device according to FIG. T ) may be the sum of the horizontal length (L1) of the first sloping pattern portion 120s1 and the horizontal length (L2) of the second sloping pattern portion 120s2. Therefore, the second sloping pattern portion 120s2 can be disposed closer to the light emitting area (EA) in the horizontal direction (or the first direction (X-axis direction)).

[0187] By disposing the second sloped pattern unit 120s2 closer to the emission area (EA) in the horizontal direction (or the first direction (X-axis direction)), the second sloped reflector 133 disposed on the second sloped pattern unit 120s2 can also be disposed closer to the emission area (EA). Therefore, in the display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present specification, the second sloped reflector 133 can be disposed closer to the emission area (EA), thereby minimizing the amount of light emitted from the organic light emitting layer 116 that is lost before reaching the second sloped reflector 133. For example, light emitted from the organic light emitting layer 116 may experience optical loss as it passes through multiple layers (e.g., the overcoat layer 113, the color filter (CF), and the inorganic film layer 111) within the substrate before reaching the second sloped reflector 133. However, in the display device 100 according to another embodiment of the present specification, the second inclined reflector 133 is configured to be positioned close to the light-emitting area (EA), thereby minimizing light loss until it reaches the second inclined reflector 133 and maximizing the light extraction efficiency emitted to the outside of the substrate 110.

[0188] Although the present specification has described a display device 100 including a first inclined pattern portion 120s1 (or first inclined reflective portion 131) having a first angle (θ1), a second inclined pattern portion 120s2 (or second inclined reflective portion 133) having a second angle (θ2), and a third inclined pattern portion 120s3 (or third inclined reflective portion 135) having a third angle (θ3), the number and optimal range (or optimal horizontal length and optimal thickness) of the inclined pattern portions (or inclined reflective portions) can vary depending on the refractive index and design of the material. Here, the material may refer to at least one of the material of the overcoat layer 113, the material of the organic light-emitting layer 116, the material of the pixel electrode 114, the material of the reflective electrode 117 (or reflective portion 130), and the material of the substrate 110.

[0189] Although the embodiments of the present specification have been described in more detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present specification is not necessarily limited to these embodiments and may be variously modified within the scope of the technical concept of the present specification. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification are intended to illustrate, rather than limit, the technical concept of the present specification, and such embodiments do not limit the scope of the technical concept of the present specification. Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be understood to be illustrative in all respects and not limiting. All technical concepts within the scope of protection of the present specification should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present specification. [Explanation of symbols]

[0190] 100: Display device 110: Substrate P: pixel 111: Inorganic membrane layer 112: Thin film transistor 113: Overcoat layer 114: Pixel electrode 115: Bank 116: Organic light-emitting layer 117:Reflecting electrode 118: Sealing layer 120: Pattern section 130:Reflector 120s1: First inclined pattern section 120s2: Second inclined pattern section 120s3: Third inclined pattern section 131: 1st inclined reflection section 133:Second inclined reflection section 135:Third inclined reflection section 200: Second board

Claims

1. a substrate including a plurality of pixels each having a plurality of sub-pixels and a non-light-emitting region between the plurality of sub-pixels; a pattern portion disposed on the substrate; and a reflective portion disposed on the pattern portion, The pattern portion is a first inclined pattern portion inclined at a first angle with respect to an upper surface of the substrate; and a second inclined pattern portion inclined at a second angle with respect to the upper surface of the substrate; The reflecting portion is a first inclined reflecting portion disposed on the first inclined pattern portion; and A display device including a second inclined reflecting portion disposed on the second inclined pattern portion.

2. The display device of claim 1 , wherein the first angle is the same as or different from the second angle.

3. The pattern portion is a first flat pattern portion connecting the first inclined pattern portion and the second inclined pattern portion; and a second flat pattern portion connected to the second sloped pattern portion; The reflecting portion is a first flat reflective portion connected to the first inclined reflective portion and disposed on the first flat pattern portion; and The display device of claim 1 , further comprising a second flat reflective portion coupled to the second inclined reflective portion and disposed on the second flat pattern portion.

4. The display device of claim 1 , wherein the width of the pattern portion decreases in a direction from the reflecting portion toward the substrate.

5. each of the sub-pixels includes a light-emitting region disposed adjacent to the non-light-emitting region; the non-light-emitting area includes a circuit area provided on one side of the light-emitting area, The display device of claim 1 , wherein the pattern unit surrounds the remainder of the light-emitting area except for the one side of the light-emitting area where the circuit area is provided.

6. further comprising an overcoat layer disposed on the substrate; the pattern portion is formed on the overcoat layer, each of the sub-pixels includes a pixel electrode disposed on the overcoat layer; the first inclined pattern portion is disposed adjacent to the pixel electrode, The display device of claim 1 , wherein the second sloped pattern portion is spaced apart from the pixel electrode.

7. an organic light-emitting layer disposed on the pixel electrode; and further comprising a reflective electrode overlying the organic light-emitting layer; the reflective portion includes the reflective electrode, θ represents the first angle １ teeth, [Equation 1] is defined by where θ ｃ１ 7. The display device of claim 6, wherein .lambda. is an angle at which a portion of light emitted from the organic light-emitting layer is totally reflected between the pixel electrode and the overcoat layer.

8. Said θ ｃ１ but, [Equation 2] is defined by where n ｏｃ is the refractive index of the overcoat layer, and n Ａｎｏｄｅ 8. The display device of claim 7, wherein ∑ is the refractive index of the pixel electrode.

9. When a portion of the light emitted from the organic light-emitting layer is not emitted to the outside of the substrate but is confined inside the substrate, the angle (θ ｓ )but, [Equation 3] 9. The display device of claim 8, wherein:

10. The first angle (θ １ )but, [Equation 4] is defined by where n ｏｃ is the refractive index of the overcoat layer, and n Ａｎｏｄｅ 8. The display device of claim 7, wherein ∑ is the refractive index of the pixel electrode.

11. θ represents the second angle ２ but, [Equation 5] is defined by where n ｏ c is the refractive index of the overcoat layer, and n ａｉｒ 8. The display device of claim 7, wherein is the refractive index of the external air.

12. The pattern portion is a third inclined pattern portion disposed between the second inclined pattern portion and the substrate, the third inclined pattern portion being inclined at a third angle with respect to the upper surface of the substrate; and a third flat pattern portion spaced apart from the second flat pattern portion and connected to the third sloped pattern portion, The reflecting portion is a third inclined reflector connected to the second flat reflector and disposed on the third inclined pattern portion; and The display device of claim 3 , further comprising a third flat reflector connected to the third inclined reflector and disposed on the third flat pattern portion.

13. The display device of claim 12 , wherein the third angle is the same as or different from the second angle.

14. the first angle and the second angle are different, The display device of claim 1 , wherein the first slant pattern unit is directly connected to the second slant pattern unit.

15. a connection point connecting the first sloping pattern portion and the second sloping pattern portion, The display device of claim 14 , wherein the connection points are located in the non-emissive areas.

16. a substrate including a light-emitting region corresponding to a plurality of sub-pixels included in each pixel and a non-light-emitting region between adjacent sub-pixels; a reflecting portion disposed in the non-light-emitting region and the light-emitting region, the reflecting portion configured to reflect light emitted from a corresponding sub-pixel; The reflecting portion is a flat reflective portion located in the light-emitting region and corresponding to a reflective electrode on the pixel electrode of the corresponding sub-pixel; a first inclined reflective portion located in the non-light-emitting region, connected to the flat reflective portion, and inclined at a first angle with respect to a surface of the substrate; a second inclined reflector located in the non-light-emitting region, connected to the first inclined reflector, and inclined at a second angle with respect to the surface of the substrate; the first light emitted from the corresponding sub-pixel is guided within the corresponding sub-pixel and reflected by the first inclined reflecting portion to the outside of the substrate; The second light emitted from the corresponding sub-pixel is emitted toward the substrate, reflected by the second inclined reflector on the lower surface of the substrate, and then reflected to the outside of the substrate.

17. 17. The display device of claim 16, wherein the first angle is greater than the second angle.

18. The display device of claim 16 , wherein the flat reflective portion connects the first sloping reflective portion and the second sloping reflective portion.

19. The display device of claim 16, wherein the second angle is set so that the angle of the light reflected by the second inclined reflecting portion passes through the substrate and is directed toward an outside of the substrate.

20. The display device of claim 16, wherein the length of the second slanted reflective portion is longer than the length of the first slanted reflective portion.

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