Display device and electronic device

Abstract

To provide a display device and an electronic device capable of providing a privacy protection mode by simplifying a structure and including a light shielding layer arranged in a part of pixels.SOLUTION: A display device according to an embodiment includes a display area in which a plurality of pixels including a plurality of light emitting areas spaced apart from each other are disposed, a color filter layer disposed on the display area and including a plurality of color filters overlapping the plurality of light emitting areas, and a light shielding layer disposed on the color filter layer and corresponding to the plurality of light emitting areas of some of the plurality of pixels. The color filter layer may include a light blocking region in which at least two of the plurality of color filters overlap each other, and a plurality of light transmitting regions which are regions other than the light blocking region, the light blocking region may overlap the light blocking layer, and the plurality of light transmitting regions may not overlap the light blocking layer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device and an electronic device. [Background technology]

[0002] With the development of an information society, the demands for display devices for displaying images are becoming increasingly diverse. For example, display devices are applied to a variety of electronic devices such as smartphones, digital cameras, laptops, navigation systems, and smart TVs.

[0003] The display device may be a flat panel display device such as a liquid crystal display device, a field emission display device, an organic light emitting display device, etc. Among these flat panel display devices, an emissive display device can display images without a backlight unit that provides light to the display panel, since each pixel of the display panel includes a light emitting element that can emit light by itself. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 116249404 (CN116249404A) [Patent Document 2] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0102044 (KR2023-0102044A) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a display device and an electronic device that can provide a privacy protection mode by simplifying the structure and including a light-shielding layer disposed on some pixels.

[0006] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A display device according to one embodiment for solving the above problem includes a display area in which a plurality of pixels are arranged, each including a plurality of light-emitting regions spaced apart from one another; a color filter layer arranged in the display area and including a plurality of color filters arranged so as to overlap the plurality of light-emitting regions; and a light-shielding layer arranged on the color filter layer and corresponding to some of the light-emitting regions of the plurality of pixels, wherein the color filter layer includes a light-shielding region in which at least two of the plurality of color filters overlap, and a plurality of light-transmitting regions which are the remaining region excluding the light-shielding region, and the light-shielding region overlaps the light-shielding layer, and the plurality of light-transmitting regions do not necessarily overlap the light-shielding layer.

[0008] The plurality of color filters may include a first color filter, a second color filter, and a third color filter that transmit light of different colors, and the light-shielding region may include a region where at least the first color filter and the second color filter overlap in the thickness direction, and a region where at least the first color filter and the third color filter overlap in the thickness direction.

[0009] The plurality of color filters may include a first color filter, a second color filter, and a third color filter, and the plurality of light-transmitting regions may include a region in which only one of the first color filter, the second color filter, and the third color filter is arranged.

[0010] The plurality of light-emitting regions may include a first light-emitting region, a second light-emitting region, and a third light-emitting region that are spaced apart from one another, and the plurality of light-transmitting regions may include a first light-transmitting region that overlaps with the first light-emitting region, a second light-transmitting region that overlaps with the second light-emitting region, and a third light-transmitting region that overlaps with the third light-emitting region.

[0011] The first color filter may surround the first light-emitting region and the second light-emitting region on a plane and overlap with the second color filter or the third color filter to form the light-shielding region, the second color filter may surround the second light-emitting region and the third light-emitting region on a plane and overlap with the first color filter to form the light-shielding region, and the third color filter may surround the first light-emitting region and the third light-emitting region on a plane and overlap with the first color filter to form the light-shielding region.

[0012] The light-shielding layer may include a first light-emitting portion overlapping the first light-emitting region, a second light-emitting portion overlapping the second light-emitting region, and a third light-emitting portion overlapping the third light-emitting region, wherein an inner surface of the first light-transmitting region may be aligned with an inner surface of the first light-emitting portion, an inner surface of the second light-transmitting region may be aligned with an inner surface of the second light-emitting portion, and an inner surface of the third light-transmitting region may be aligned with an inner surface of the third light-emitting portion.

[0013] The plurality of light-emitting regions include a first light-emitting region, a second light-emitting region, and a third light-emitting region that are spaced apart from one another, and the first light-emitting region, the second light-emitting region, and the third light-emitting region may each have a different distance from the light-shielding region.

[0014] The distance between the first light-emitting region and the light-shielding region may be smaller than the distance between the second light-emitting region and the light-shielding region, and smaller than the distance between the third light-emitting region and the light-shielding region, and the distance between the second light-emitting region and the light-shielding region may be larger than the distance between the third light-emitting region and the light-shielding region.

[0015] The light-shielding layer may include a plurality of light-shielding patterns spaced apart from one another and surrounding the light-emitting regions on a plane.

[0016] The plurality of pixels include a first light-emitting region and a second light-emitting region having a radius smaller than that of the first light-emitting region, the light-shielding layer includes a first light-shielding pattern arranged corresponding to the first light-emitting region and a second light-shielding pattern arranged corresponding to the second light-emitting region, and a difference between the radius of the first light-emitting region and the inner radius of the first light-shielding pattern may be different from a difference between the radius of the second light-emitting region and the inner radius of the second light-shielding pattern.

[0017] The width of the first light-shielding pattern may be smaller than the width of the second light-shielding pattern.

[0018] The plurality of pixels may include a first pixel in which the light-shielding layer is not arranged, and a second pixel in which the light-shielding pattern is arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of light-emitting regions, and the diameter of the plurality of light-transmitting regions in the first pixel may be larger than the diameter of the plurality of light-transmitting regions in the second pixel.

[0019] Moreover, a display device according to one embodiment includes a substrate, a light-emitting element layer disposed on the substrate and including a plurality of light-emitting regions, a sealing layer disposed on the light-emitting element layer, a color filter layer disposed on the sealing layer and including a plurality of light-transmitting regions overlapping the plurality of light-emitting regions, respectively, and light-shielding regions that do not overlap the plurality of light-emitting regions, and a light-shielding member layer disposed on the color filter layer and including light-shielding layers disposed corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting regions, respectively, wherein the color filter layer includes a first color filter, a second color filter, and a third color filter, and the light-shielding regions may include a region where at least the first color filter and the second color filter overlap in the thickness direction, and a region where at least the first color filter and the third color filter overlap in the thickness direction.

[0020] The plurality of light-transmitting regions may include a region in which only one of the first color filter, the second color filter, and the third color filter is disposed.

[0021] The plurality of light-emitting regions may include a first light-emitting region, a second light-emitting region, and a third light-emitting region that are spaced apart from one another, and the plurality of light-transmitting regions may include a first light-transmitting region that overlaps with the first light-emitting region, a second light-transmitting region that overlaps with the second light-emitting region, and a third light-transmitting region that overlaps with the third light-emitting region.

[0022] The first color filter may surround the first light-emitting region and the second light-emitting region on a plane and overlap with the second color filter or the third color filter to form the light-shielding region, the second color filter may surround the second light-emitting region and the third light-emitting region on a plane and overlap with the first color filter to form the light-shielding region, and the third color filter may surround the first light-emitting region and the third light-emitting region on a plane and overlap with the first color filter to form the light-shielding region.

[0023] Moreover, a display device according to one embodiment includes a display area in which a plurality of pixels are arranged, each including a plurality of light-emitting regions spaced apart from one another; a color filter layer disposed in the display area and including a plurality of color filters arranged so as to overlap the plurality of light-emitting regions; and a light-shielding layer disposed on the color filter layer and including a plurality of light-shielding patterns arranged corresponding to some of the light-emitting regions of the plurality of pixels and a light-emitting portion overlapping the light-emitting regions, wherein the color filter layer includes a light-shielding area in which at least two of the plurality of color filters overlap, and a plurality of light-transmitting areas which are the remaining area excluding the light-shielding area, and an inner side of the light-shielding area may be aligned with an inner side of the light-emitting portion.

[0024] The planar shapes of the light emitting regions may correspond to the inner diameter shapes of the light blocking patterns, and the outer diameter shapes of the light blocking patterns may be different from the inner diameter shapes.

[0025] The planar shapes of the light emitting regions and the inner diameter shapes of the light blocking patterns may be elliptical, and the outer diameter shapes of the light blocking patterns may be circular.

[0026] The plurality of color filters may include a first color filter, a second color filter, and a third color filter, and the light-shielding region may include a region where at least the first color filter and the second color filter overlap in the thickness direction, and a region where at least the first color filter and the third color filter overlap in the thickness direction.

[0027] The plurality of light-emitting regions may include a first light-emitting region, a second light-emitting region, and a third light-emitting region that are spaced apart from one another, and the first light-emitting region, the second light-emitting region, and the third light-emitting region may each have a different distance from the light-shielding region.

[0028] Moreover, an electronic device according to one embodiment includes a display area in which a plurality of pixels are arranged, each including a plurality of light-emitting regions spaced apart from one another; a color filter layer disposed in the display area and including a plurality of color filters arranged so as to overlap the plurality of light-emitting regions; and a light-shielding layer disposed on the color filter layer and arranged to correspond to some of the light-emitting regions of the plurality of pixels, wherein the color filter layer includes a light-shielding region in which at least two of the plurality of color filters overlap, and a plurality of light-transmitting regions which are the remaining region excluding the light-shielding region, and the light-shielding region may overlap the light-shielding layer, and the plurality of light-transmitting regions may not overlap the light-shielding layer.

[0029] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to an embodiment, a display device and an electronic device may use a color filter to form a light-transmitting region and a light-blocking region, and together with the light-blocking layer, the color filter may control the visibility of the screen at a specific viewing angle (the angle of inclination from the perpendicular direction to the display surface) according to the light-emitting mode of the display device. The display device may block visibility at a specific viewing angle by designing the shape and arrangement of the light-emitting region, the light-blocking region, and the light-blocking pattern of the light-blocking layer, thereby providing a privacy mode for the user and improving brightness from the front.

[0031] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and a wider variety of effects are included in this specification. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a display device included in an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the display device of FIG. 2 as seen from the side. [Figure 4] 1 is a plan view showing an arrangement of pixel electrodes in a display region of a display device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a plan view showing the arrangement of light-emitting regions and light-blocking regions in a display region of a display device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 2 is a plan view showing the arrangement of light-emitting regions and first color filters in a display region of a display device according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 3 is a plan view showing the arrangement of light-emitting regions and second color filters in a display region of a display device according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a plan view showing the arrangement of light-emitting regions and third color filters in a display region of a display device according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a plan view showing the arrangement of light-emitting regions and light-shielding layers in a display region of a display device according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating luminescence pixels according to luminescence modes of a display device according to an embodiment; [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X1-X1' in FIGS. 5 and 9. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X2-X2' in FIGS. 5 and 9. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines X3-X3' and X4-X4' in FIG. 9. [Figure 14]1 is a diagram illustrating the relative arrangement of a light-emitting region and a light-blocking region arranged in one pixel of a display device according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] 1 is a diagram illustrating the relative arrangement of a light-emitting region and a color filter arranged in one pixel of a display device according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relative arrangement of a light-emitting region and a light-blocking layer arranged in a second-type pixel of a display device according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a diagram illustrating the relative arrangement of a light-emitting region and a light-shielding layer arranged in a second-type pixel of a display device according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 18] 1 is an exemplary diagram showing the direction of light emitted from a light-emitting region of a display device and the relative arrangement of a light-blocking layer; [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the arrangement of light-emitting regions in a display region of a display device according to another embodiment. [Figure 20] 20 is a plan view showing the arrangement of light-emitting regions and light-blocking regions in the display area of ​​the display device of FIG. 19. FIG. [Figure 21] 20 is a plan view showing the arrangement of light-emitting regions and light-shielding layers in the display region of the display device of FIG. 19. FIG. [Figure 22] 22 is a diagram showing the relative arrangement of the light-emitting region and the light-shielding layer of the display device of FIG. 21. FIG. [Figure 23] 10 is a chart showing the 45-degree luminance ratio according to the outer diameter shape of the light-shielding pattern and the color change according to the azimuth angle. [Figure 24] 10 is a diagram illustrating a light-blocking pattern of a display device according to another embodiment. [Figure 25] 10 is a diagram illustrating a light-blocking pattern of a display device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the following detailed embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be realized in various different forms. The present embodiments are provided solely for the purpose of complete disclosure of the present invention and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. The present invention is defined solely by the scope of the claims.

[0034] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, this includes being directly on top of or having intervening layers or elements. Similarly, when references are made to "below," "left," and "right," this includes being directly adjacent to or having intervening layers or elements. Like reference numerals throughout the specification refer to like elements.

[0035] Although terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, it is understood that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, it is understood that a "first" component referred to below may be a "second" component within the technical concept of the present invention.

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0038] 1, an electronic device 1 displays moving or still images. The electronic device 1 refers to any electronic device that provides a display screen. For example, the electronic device 1 may include a television, a laptop computer, a monitor, a billboard, the Internet of Things, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet PC (Personal Computer), an electronic watch, a smart watch, a watch phone, a head-mounted display, a mobile communication terminal, an electronic organizer, an e-book, a PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), a navigation system, a game console, a digital camera, a camcorder, and the like.

[0039] The electronic device 1 may include a display device ("10" in FIG. 2) that provides a display screen. Examples of the display device include an inorganic light-emitting diode display device, an organic light-emitting display device, a quantum dot light-emitting display device, a plasma display device, and a field emission display device. In the following, an organic light-emitting diode display device will be described as an example of the display device, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be applied to other display devices as long as the same technical concept is applicable.

[0040] The shape of the electronic device 1 can be varied in various ways. For example, the electronic device 1 can have a horizontally long rectangle, a vertically long rectangle, a square, a rectangle with rounded corners (vertices), other polygonal shapes, a circle, etc. The shape of the display area DA of the electronic device 1 is also similar to the overall shape of the electronic device 1. FIG. 1 shows the electronic device 1 having a rectangular shape with a long length in the second direction DR2.

[0041] The electronic device 1 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA is the area where the screen is displayed, and the non-display area NDA is the area where the screen is not displayed. The display area DA can also be called an active area, and the non-display area NDA can also be called a non-active area. The display area DA generally occupies the center of the electronic device 1.

[0042] The display area DA may include a first display area DA1, a second display area DA2, and a third display area DA3. The second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3 are areas where components for adding various functions to the electronic device 1 are arranged, and the second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3 may be component areas.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a display device included in an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 2 , an electronic device 1 according to an embodiment may include a display device 10. The display device 10 provides a screen for displaying information in the electronic device 1. The display device 10 may have a planar shape similar to that of the electronic device 1. For example, the display device 10 may have a shape similar to a rectangle having a short side in a first direction DR1 and a long side in a second direction DR2. The corner where the short side in the first direction DR1 intersects with the long side in the second direction DR2 may be rounded to have a curvature, but is not limited thereto and may be a right angle. The planar shape of the display device 10 is not limited to a rectangle and may be various shapes such as a polygon, a circle, or an ellipse.

[0045] The display device 10 may include a display panel 100 , a display driver 200 , a circuit board 300 , and a touch driver 400 .

[0046] The display panel 100 may include a main area MA and a sub-area SBA.

[0047] The main region MA may include a display region DA including pixels (PX1, PX2, PX3, and PX4 in FIG. 4) that display images, and a non-display region NDA arranged around the display region DA. The display region DA may be arranged in the center of the main region MA, and the non-display region NDA may surround the display region DA. The display region DA may include a first display region DA1, a second display region DA2, and a third display region DA3. The display region DA may emit light from multiple light-emitting regions or multiple aperture regions. For example, the display panel 100 may include pixel circuits including switching elements, pixel defining films that define the light-emitting regions or aperture regions, and self-light-emitting elements.

[0048] For example, the light-emitting element may include at least one of an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) including an organic light-emitting layer, a quantum dot light-emitting diode (Quantum dot LED) including a quantum dot light-emitting layer, an inorganic light-emitting diode (Inorganic LED) including an inorganic semiconductor, and a micro light-emitting diode (Micro LED), but is not limited to these.

[0049] The non-display area NDA may be an area outside the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may be defined as an area forming the border of the main area MA in the display panel 100. The non-display area NDA may include a gate driver (not shown) that supplies gate signals to the gate lines and fan-out lines (not shown) that connect the display driver 200 to the display area DA.

[0050] The sub-region SBA may be an area extending from one side of the main region MA. The sub-region SBA may include a flexible material that allows bending, folding, rolling, etc. For example, if the sub-region SBA is bent, the sub-region SBA may overlap the main region MA in the thickness direction (third direction DR3). The sub-region SBA may include the display driver 200 and a pad unit connected to the circuit board 300. In other embodiments, the sub-region SBA may be omitted, and the display driver 200 and the pad unit may be disposed in the non-display region NDA.

[0051] The display driver 200 may output signals and voltages for driving the display panel 100. The display driver 200 may supply a data voltage to a data line. The display driver 200 may supply a power supply voltage to a power line and a gate control signal to a gate driver. The display driver 200 may be formed as an integrated circuit (IC) and mounted on the display panel 100 using a chip-on-glass (COG) method, a chip-on-plastic (COP) method, or an ultrasonic bonding method. For example, the display driver 200 may be disposed in the sub-region SBA and may overlap the main region MA in the thickness direction by bending the sub-region SBA. As another example, the display driver 200 may be mounted on a circuit board 300.

[0052] The circuit board 300 may be attached onto the pad portion of the display panel 100 using an anisotropic conductive film (ACF). Lead wires of the circuit board 300 may be electrically connected to the pad portion of the display panel 100. The circuit board 300 may be a flexible printed circuit board, a printed circuit board, or a flexible film such as a chip on film.

[0053] The touch driver 400 can be mounted on the circuit board 300. The touch driver 400 can be connected to a touch sensing unit of the display panel 100. The touch driver 400 can supply touch driving signals to touch electrodes of the touch sensing unit and sense changes in capacitance between the touch electrodes. For example, the touch driving signal can be a pulse signal having a predetermined frequency. The touch driver 400 can calculate the presence or absence of an input and the input coordinates based on the changes in capacitance between the touch electrodes. The touch driver 400 is formed by an integrated circuit (IC).

[0054] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the display device of Fig. 2. Fig. 3 shows the display device 10 of Fig. 2 in a state where the sub-area SBA of the display panel 100 is folded.

[0055] 3, the display panel 100 may include a display layer DU, a touch sensing layer TSU, a color filter layer CFL, and a light blocking member layer PML. The display layer DU may include a substrate SUB, a thin film transistor layer TFTL, a light emitting element layer EML, and an encapsulation layer TFEL.

[0056] The substrate SUB may be a base substrate or a base member. The substrate SUB may be a flexible substrate that allows bending, folding, rolling, etc. For example, the substrate SUB may include a polymer resin such as polyimide (PI), but is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the substrate SUB may include a glass material or a metal material.

[0057] The thin film transistor layer TFTL is disposed on the substrate SUB. The thin film transistor layer TFTL may include a plurality of thin film transistors that constitute pixel circuits of pixels. The thin film transistor layer TFTL may further include gate lines, data lines, power lines, gate control lines, fan-out lines connecting the display driver 200 to the data lines, and lead lines connecting the display driver 200 to the pad unit. Each thin film transistor may include a semiconductor region, a source electrode, a drain electrode, and a gate electrode. For example, if the gate driver is formed on one side of the non-display area NDA of the display panel 100, the gate driver may include a thin film transistor.

[0058] The thin film transistor layer TFTL is arranged in the display area DA, the non-display area NDA, and the sub-area SBA. The thin film transistors, gate lines, data lines, and power supply lines of the pixels of the thin film transistor layer TFTL are arranged in the display area DA. The gate control lines and fan-out lines of the thin film transistor layer TFTL are arranged in the non-display area NDA. The lead lines of the thin film transistor layer TFTL are arranged in the sub-area SBA.

[0059] The light-emitting element layer EML is disposed on the thin-film transistor layer TFTL. The light-emitting element layer EML may include a plurality of light-emitting elements each including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a light-emitting layer, and a pixel defining film for defining a pixel. The plurality of light-emitting elements of the light-emitting element layer EML are disposed in the display area DA.

[0060] In one embodiment, the light-emitting layer may be an organic light-emitting layer containing an organic material. The light-emitting layer may include a hole transporting layer, an organic light-emitting layer, and an electron transporting layer. When the first electrode receives a voltage through the thin film transistor of the thin film transistor layer TFTL and the second electrode receives a cathode voltage, holes and electrons may move to the organic light-emitting layer through the hole transporting layer and the electron transporting layer, respectively, and combine with each other in the organic light-emitting layer to emit light.

[0061] In other embodiments, the light emitting element may include a quantum dot light emitting diode including a quantum dot light emitting layer, an inorganic light emitting diode including an inorganic semiconductor, or a micro light emitting diode.

[0062] The encapsulation layer TFEL can cover the top and side surfaces of the light-emitting element layer EML to protect the light-emitting element layer EML. The encapsulation layer TFEL can include at least one inorganic film and at least one organic film for encapsulating the light-emitting element layer EML.

[0063] The touch sensing layer TSU is disposed on the encapsulation layer TFEL. The touch sensing layer TSU may include a plurality of touch electrodes for sensing a user's touch in a capacitive manner and touch lines connecting the plurality of touch electrodes to the touch driver 400. For example, the touch sensing layer TSU may sense a user's touch in a mutual capacitance manner or a self-capacitance manner.

[0064] In other embodiments, the touch sensing layer TSU may be disposed on a separate substrate disposed on the display layer DU, in which case the substrate supporting the touch sensing layer TSU may be a base member that seals the display layer DU.

[0065] The touch electrodes of the touch sensing layer TSU may be arranged in a touch sensor area overlapping the display area DA, and the touch lines of the touch sensing layer TSU may be arranged in a touch peripheral area overlapping the non-display area NDA.

[0066] The color filter layer CFL is disposed on the touch sensing layer TSU. The color filter layer CFL may include a plurality of color filters corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting regions. Each color filter can selectively transmit light of a specific wavelength and block or absorb light of other wavelengths. The color filter layer CFL can absorb a portion of light entering from outside the display device 10 to reduce reflected light due to external light. Therefore, the color filter layer CFL can prevent color distortion due to external light reflection.

[0067] Since the color filter layer CFL is disposed directly on the touch sensing layer TSU, the display device 10 does not require a separate substrate for the color filter layer CFL, and therefore the thickness of the display device 10 may be relatively small.

[0068] The light blocking member layer PML is disposed on the color filter layer CFL. The light blocking member layer PML may include light blocking patterns disposed corresponding to specific pixels of the display layer DU. By including the light blocking member layer PML, the display device 10 can control visibility at specific viewing angles and provide a privacy protection mode for the user.

[0069] In some embodiments, the display device 10 may further include an optical device 500. The optical device 500 is disposed in the second display area DA2 or the third display area DA3. The optical device 500 may emit or receive light in the infrared, ultraviolet, or visible light ranges. For example, the optical device 500 may be an optical sensor that detects light incident on the display device 10, such as a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, or a camera sensor or image sensor.

[0070] Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the arrangement of pixel electrodes in a display region of a display device according to an embodiment. Fig. 5 is a plan view showing the arrangement of light-emitting regions and light-shielding regions in a display region of a display device according to an embodiment. Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the arrangement of light-emitting regions and first color filters in a display region of a display device according to an embodiment. Fig. 7 is a plan view showing the arrangement of light-emitting regions and second color filters in a display region of a display device according to an embodiment. Fig. 8 is a plan view showing the arrangement of light-emitting regions and third color filters in a display region of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0071] 4 and 5, the display device 10 may include a plurality of pixels PX1, PX2, PX3, and PX4 arranged in a display area DA. The plurality of pixels PX1, PX2, PX3, and PX4 may be arranged in a fourth direction DR4 and a fifth direction DR5, which are diagonal directions between a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. For example, the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 may be arranged adjacent to each other in the fifth direction DR5, and the second pixel PX2 and the third pixel PX3 may be arranged adjacent to each other in the fourth direction DR4. The third pixel PX3 and the fourth pixel PX4 may be arranged adjacent to each other in the fifth direction DR5. The plurality of pixels PX1, PX2, PX3, and PX4 may be repeatedly arranged in the arrangement of FIG. 4 across the entire display area DA.

[0072] Each of the pixels PX1, PX2, PX3, and PX4 may include a plurality of light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4. For example, each of the pixels PX1, PX2, PX3, and PX4 may include a first light-emitting region LA1, a second light-emitting region LA2, a third light-emitting region LA3, and a fourth light-emitting region LA4. However, this is not limited to this. The number of light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 arranged in the pixels PX1, PX2, PX3, and PX4 may vary.

[0073] Each pixel PX1, PX2, PX3, PX4 may include one or more light-emitting elements ("ED" in FIG. 11), which may emit light of different colors. For example, a light-emitting element including a first light-emitting region LA1 may emit a first light of red. A light-emitting element including a second light-emitting region LA2 may emit a second light of green, and a light-emitting element including a third light-emitting region LA3 may emit a third light of blue. Furthermore, a light-emitting element including a fourth light-emitting region LA4 may emit the second light of green. However, this is not limited thereto.

[0074] Each of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 may emit light of various colors. For example, the first light-emitting region LA1 may emit light of a first color (red), the second light-emitting region LA2 may emit light of a second color (green), the third light-emitting region LA3 may emit light of a third color (blue), and the fourth light-emitting region LA4 may emit light of a second color (green). In an exemplary embodiment, each of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 of the display device 10 may be an area overlapping a pixel electrode. For example, openings OPA1, OPA2, and OPA3 in a pixel defining layer ("PDL" in FIG. 11) shown in FIG. 11 correspond to the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4. For example, each of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 is defined by a plurality of openings OPA1, OPA2, and OPA3 formed in a pixel defining layer ("PDL" in FIG. 11) of the light-emitting element layer EML, which will be described later. The first light-emitting area LA1 is defined by a first opening OPA1 in the pixel definition layer that overlaps the first pixel electrode AE1, the second light-emitting area LA2 is defined by a second opening OPA2 in the pixel definition layer that overlaps the second pixel electrode AE2, the third light-emitting area LA3 is defined by a third opening OPA3 in the pixel definition layer that overlaps the third pixel electrode AE3, and although not shown, the fourth light-emitting area LA4 is defined by a fourth opening in the pixel definition layer that overlaps the fourth pixel electrode.

[0075] The plurality of light-emitting areas LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 are pentiles. TM Type, e.g., Diamond Pentile TMFor example, the first light-emitting region LA1 and the third light-emitting region LA3 may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2, and may be alternately arranged in the first and second directions DR1 and DR2. The second light-emitting region LA2 and the fourth light-emitting region LA4 may be spaced apart from each other in the first and second directions DR1 and DR2, and adjacent first and third light-emitting regions LA1 and LA3 may be spaced apart from each other in the fourth direction DR4 or the fifth direction DR5. The second light-emitting region LA2 and the fourth light-emitting region LA4 may be repeatedly arranged along the first and second directions DR1 and DR2, and the second light-emitting region LA2 and the first light-emitting region LA1, or the fourth light-emitting region LA4 and the third light-emitting region LA3, may be alternately arranged along the fourth direction DR4 or the fifth direction DR5.

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, the areas or sizes of the first to fourth light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 may be different from one another. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the area of ​​the third light-emitting region LA3 may be larger than the areas of the first light-emitting region LA1, the second light-emitting region LA2, and the fourth light-emitting region LA4, and the area of ​​the first light-emitting region LA1 may be larger than the areas of the second light-emitting region LA2 and the fourth light-emitting region LA4. The intensity of light emitted varies depending on the area of ​​each light-emitting region LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4. By adjusting the area of ​​each light-emitting region LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4, the color of the screen displayed on the display device 10 or the electronic device 1 can be controlled. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the area of ​​the third light-emitting region LA3 is shown as being the largest, but this is not limiting. The size and area of ​​each light-emitting region LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 can be freely adjusted according to the screen color required for the display device 10 and the electronic device 1. For example, the size and area of ​​each light-emitting region LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 may be the same. The area of ​​each of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 is related to the light efficiency, the lifespan of the light-emitting element ED, etc., and may be in a trade-off relationship with the reflection of external light. The area of ​​each of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 can be adjusted taking the above factors into consideration.

[0077] The display device 10 may include a color filter layer CFL disposed on each of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4. The color filter layer CFL may include a plurality of color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3. The color filter layer CFL may include a light-shielding region BMA and a plurality of light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4. The light-shielding region BMA may be a region where at least two of the plurality of color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 overlap in the thickness direction. For example, the light-shielding region BMA may be a region where at least the first color filter CF1 and the second color filter CF2 overlap, or where at least the first color filter CF1 and the third color filter CF3 overlap. The light-shielding region BMA may be disposed over the entire display region DA.

[0078] The plurality of light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4 may be arranged between the light-shielding regions BMA to correspond to the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4, respectively. The plurality of light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4 may be arranged to correspond to the openings OPA1, OPA2, OPA3, and OPA4 of the pixel defining layer ("PDL" in FIG. 11). The plurality of light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4 may be regions in which any one of the plurality of color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 is arranged in the thickness direction. For example, the plurality of light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4 may be the remaining regions excluding overlapping regions of at least two of the plurality of color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3.

[0079] The light-shielding area BMA may be disposed on the display area DA except for an area where the light-transmitting areas OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4 are disposed. The light-transmitting areas OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4 may be areas through which light emitted from the light-emitting elements corresponding to the light-emitting areas LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 is output. The light-transmitting areas OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4 may include a first light-transmitting area OPT1 overlapping the first light-emitting area LA1, a second light-transmitting area OPT2 overlapping the second light-emitting area LA2, a third light-transmitting area OPT3 overlapping the third light-emitting area LA3, and a fourth light-transmitting area OPT4 overlapping the fourth light-emitting area LA4.

[0080] The planar area of ​​each of the plurality of light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4 may be larger than the planar area of ​​each of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4. For example, the first light-transmitting region OPT1 may have a planar area larger than that of the first light-emitting region LA1. The second light-transmitting region OPT2 may have a planar area larger than that of the second light-emitting region LA2, the third light-transmitting region OPT3 may have a planar area larger than that of the third light-emitting region LA3, and the fourth light-transmitting region OPT4 may have a planar area larger than that of the fourth light-emitting region LA4.

[0081] Furthermore, the planar areas of the light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4 may differ from one another. As described above, the areas of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 may differ from one another, and accordingly, the sizes of the light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4 may also differ from one another. For example, the diameter or size of the third light-transmitting region OPT3 may be larger than the first light-transmitting region OPT1, the second light-transmitting region OPT2, and the fourth light-transmitting region OPT4, and the diameter or size of the first light-transmitting region OPT1 may be larger than the second light-transmitting region OPT2 and the fourth light-transmitting region OPT4. However, this is not limiting.

[0082] In one embodiment, within the same pixel PX1, PX2, PX3, PX4, the difference in diameter between the light-emitting region LA1, LA2, LA3, LA4 and the light-transmitting region OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, OPT4, or the distance between the inner edge of the opening OPA1, OPA2, OPA3, OPA4 and the inner edge of the light-transmitting region OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, OPT4, may differ depending on the type of the light-emitting region LA1, LA2, LA3, LA4 or the light-transmitting region OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, OPT4. For example, the distance between the third light-emitting region LA3 and the third transparent region OPT3 or the difference between the diameter of the third light-emitting region LA3 and the diameter of the third transparent region OPT3 may be greater than the distance between the first light-emitting region LA1 and the first transparent region OPT1 or the difference between the diameter of the first light-emitting region LA1 and the diameter of the first transparent region OPT1, and may be smaller than the distance between the second light-emitting region LA2 and the second transparent region OPT2 or the difference between the diameter of the second light-emitting region LA2 and the diameter of the second transparent region OPT2. The distance between the first light-emitting region LA1 and the first transparent region OPT1 or the difference between the diameter of the first light-emitting region LA1 and the diameter of the first transparent region OPT1 may be smaller than the distance between the second light-emitting region LA2 and the second transparent region OPT2 or the difference between the diameter of the second light-emitting region LA2 and the diameter of the second transparent region OPT2. In addition, the distance between the second light-emitting region LA2 and the second light-transmitting region OPT2, or the difference between the diameter of the second light-emitting region LA2 and the diameter of the second light-transmitting region OPT2, may be the same as the distance between the fourth light-emitting region LA4 and the fourth light-transmitting region OPT4, or the difference between the diameter of the fourth light-emitting region LA4 and the diameter of the fourth light-transmitting region OPT4.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the display device 10 may include pixels PX1, PX2, PX3, and PX4 having different separation distances between the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 and the light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4. For example, the first pixel PX1 and the third pixel PX3 may have the same separation distances between the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 and the light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4. The second pixel PX2 and the fourth pixel PX4 may also have the same separation distances between the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 and the light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4. However, the separation distances between the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 and the light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4 may be different between the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2. In one embodiment, the distances between the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, LA4 and the light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, OPT4 in the first pixel PX1 and the third pixel PX3 may be greater than the distances between the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, LA4 and the light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, OPT4 in the second pixel PX2 and the fourth pixel PX4. In the second pixel PX2 and the fourth pixel PX4, the difference in diameter between the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, LA4 and the light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, OPT4 may be small, and the inner edges of the openings OPA1, OPA2, OPA3, OPA4 and the light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, OPT4 may be adjacent to each other on a plane.

[0084] The display device 10 may include first-type pixels, such as the first pixel PX1 and the third pixel PX3, and second-type pixels, such as the second pixel PX2 and the fourth pixel PX4. The first-type pixels and the second-type pixels may be distinguished not only by the distance between the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 and the light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4, but also by the presence or absence of a light-shielding layer BM, which will be described later. For example, the first pixel PX1 and the third pixel PX3 may not have a light-shielding layer BM, while the second pixel PX2 and the fourth pixel PX4 may have a light-shielding layer BM. The light-shielding layer BM will be described later with reference to other drawings.

[0085] 6 to 8, the plurality of color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 may be arranged corresponding to the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4, respectively. For example, the plurality of color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 may be formed to overlap the openings OPA1, OPA2, OPA3, and OPA4 of the pixel defining layer ("PDL" in FIG. 11) to form light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4 through which light emitted from the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 exits.

[0086] Each of the color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 may have an area larger than each of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 and may completely cover each of the light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4, and may be partially overlapped with a different color filter CF1, CF2, or CF3.

[0087] The color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 may be arranged corresponding to the different light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4, respectively, and may include a first color filter CF1, a second color filter CF2, and a third color filter CF3 that transmit light of different colors. The color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 may contain colorants such as dyes or pigments that absorb light in wavelength bands other than a specific wavelength band, and may be arranged corresponding to the colors of light emitted by the light-emitting elements including the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4. For example, the first color filter CF1 may be a blue color filter arranged to overlap the third light-emitting region LA3 and transmit only the blue third light. The second color filter CF2 may be a red color filter arranged to overlap the first light-emitting region LA1 and transmit only the red first light. The third color filter CF3 may be a green color filter arranged to overlap the second light-emitting region LA2 and the fourth light-emitting region LA4 and transmit only the green second light.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 6, the first color filter CF1 may be arranged to overlap the third light-emitting region LA3 of each pixel PX1, PX2, PX3, and PX4, but not overlap the first light-emitting region LA1, the second light-emitting region LA2, and the fourth light-emitting region LA4. For example, the first color filter CF1 may extend around the periphery of the third light-emitting region LA3 and be adjacent to the first light-emitting region LA1, the second light-emitting region LA2, and the fourth light-emitting region LA4. The first color filter CF1 may be arranged to surround the first light-emitting region LA1 and form or define the first transmissive region OPT1 by forming a hole overlapping the first light-emitting region LA1. The first color filter CF1 may also be arranged to surround the second light-emitting region LA2 and the fourth light-emitting region LA4 and form or define the second transmissive region OPT2 by forming a hole overlapping the second light-emitting region LA2, and form or define the fourth transmissive region OPT4 by forming a hole overlapping the fourth light-emitting region LA4.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 7, the second color filter CF2 may be arranged to overlap the first light-emitting region LA1 of each pixel PX1, PX2, PX3, and PX4, but not overlap the second light-emitting region LA2, the third light-emitting region LA3, and the fourth light-emitting region LA4. For example, the second color filter CF2 may extend around the periphery of the first light-emitting region LA1 and be adjacent to the second light-emitting region LA2, the third light-emitting region LA3, and the fourth light-emitting region LA4. The second color filter CF2 may be arranged to surround the third light-emitting region LA3, and a hole overlapping the third light-emitting region LA3 may be formed to form the third light-transmitting region OPT3. The second color filter CF2 may also be arranged to surround the second light-emitting region LA2 and the fourth light-emitting region LA4, and may be adjacent to the second light-transmitting region OPT2 overlapping the second light-emitting region LA2 and the fourth light-transmitting region OPT4 overlapping the fourth light-emitting region LA4.

[0090] 8, the third color filter CF3 may be arranged to overlap the second light-emitting region LA2 and the fourth light-emitting region LA4 of each pixel PX1, PX2, PX3, and PX4, but not overlap the first light-emitting region LA1 and the third light-emitting region LA3. For example, the third color filter CF3 may extend around the second light-emitting region LA2 and the fourth light-emitting region LA4 and be adjacent to the first light-emitting region LA1 and the third light-emitting region LA3. The third color filter CF3 may be arranged to surround the first light-emitting region LA1 and the third light-emitting region LA3, and may be adjacent to the first light-transmitting region OPT1 overlapping the first light-emitting region LA1 and the third light-transmitting region OPT3 overlapping the third light-emitting region LA3.

[0091] The area where the first, second, and third color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 overlap in the thickness direction may be formed as a light-shielding area BMA. For example, the area where the first color filter CF1 and the second color filter CF2 overlap may be formed as a light-shielding area BMA around the first light-transmitting area OPT1 overlapping the first light-emitting area LA1. The area where the first color filter CF1 and the third color filter CF3 overlap may be formed as a light-shielding area BMA around the second light-transmitting area OPT2 overlapping the second light-emitting area LA2 and the fourth light-transmitting area OPT4 overlapping the fourth light-emitting area LA4. The area where the first color filter CF1 and the second color filter CF2 overlap may be formed as a light-shielding area BMA around the third light-transmitting area OPT3 overlapping the third light-emitting area LA3.

[0092] The display device 10 includes color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 disposed on the display layer DU, which can reduce the intensity of reflected light due to external light. Furthermore, the display device 10 can form a light-blocking member by stacking at least two or more color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 in the thickness direction, without providing a separate light-blocking layer such as a black matrix. This eliminates the need for a separate process for forming a light-blocking member, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the structure.

[0093] The touch electrodes TL are arranged between the light-emitting areas LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4. The touch electrodes TL may be arranged to extend in the fourth direction DR4 and the fifth direction DR5 and be spaced apart from the light-emitting areas LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4. The touch electrodes TL may be arranged to overlap with the pixel defining layer ("PDL" in FIG. 11) and the light-shielding area BMA. Although the touch electrodes TL are simply shown in the drawings, the touch electrodes TL may include touch driving electrodes and sensing electrodes.

[0094] Fig. 9 is a plan view showing the arrangement of light-emitting regions and light-blocking layers in a display region of a display device according to an embodiment. Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing light-emitting pixels according to light-emitting modes of a display device according to an embodiment. Fig. 9 schematically shows light-emitting pixels in a light-emitting mode in which side visibility is partially limited among the light-emitting modes of the display device 10.

[0095] 9 and 10 , a display device 10 according to an embodiment may include a light-blocking layer BM. The light-blocking layer BM may be disposed in only some of the pixels in the display area DA. For example, the light-blocking layer BM may be disposed in second-type pixels among the pixels PX, such as the second pixel PX2 and the fourth pixel PX4. As described above, the pixels PX may include two types of pixels in which the light-emitting areas LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 and the light-transmitting areas OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4 are spaced apart from each other by different distances, and the light-blocking layer BM may be disposed only in the second-type pixels.

[0096] The light-shielding layer BM includes a plurality of light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, BMP3, and BMP4, which may be arranged to correspond to the plurality of light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4, respectively. For example, the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, BMP3, and BMP4 may be arranged to surround the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 on a plane but not overlap with the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4. The light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, BMP3, and BMP4 may have a circular ring shape that does not cover the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 on a plane but surrounds their peripheries. As with the light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4, the inner sides of the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, BMP3, and BMP4 may be spaced apart from the outer sides of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 in a plan view.

[0097] In the display device 10 according to an embodiment, the pixels PX1, PX2, PX3, and PX4 include first-type pixels not including a light-shielding layer BM and second-type pixels including a light-shielding layer BM, thereby adjusting side visibility according to the light-emitting mode. The light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, BMP3, and BMP4 of the light-shielding layer BM can block the path of light emitted from the light-emitting areas LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 according to the viewing angle of the display device 10. For example, light emitted toward the front of the light-emitting areas LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 is not blocked by the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, BMP3, and BMP4, but some light emitted toward the sides of the light-emitting areas LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 can be blocked by the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, BMP3, and BMP4. That is, the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, BMP3, and BMP4 can block light at a specific viewing angle.

[0098] For example, in a state in which side visibility is not restricted as the first emission mode of the display device 10, both the first type pixel and the second type pixel can emit light. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, when the first to fourth pixels PX1, PX2, PX3, and PX4 all emit light in the first emission mode, the light emitted from at least the first pixel PX1 and the third pixel PX3 can be seen by a user regardless of the direction from which the display device 10 is viewed.

[0099] Meanwhile, in a state where side visibility needs to be limited in a second emission mode of the display device 10, only the second type pixels may emit light. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when only the second pixel PX2 and the fourth pixel PX4 emit light in the second emission mode, light emitted from the light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4 may be blocked by the light-shielding layer BM at a certain viewing angle. Because the first pixel PX1 and the third pixel PX3 do not emit light, in the second emission mode of the display device 10, the screen is visible only to users viewing from the front of the display area DA, but not to users viewing from a certain viewing angle or from the side. The display device 10 can provide a privacy protection mode for users.

[0100] In the second emission mode of the display device 10, light leakage may occur depending on the degree to which the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 of the second pixel PX2 and the fourth pixel PX4 are hidden by the light-shielding layer BM. However, in the display device 10 according to an embodiment, the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, BMP3, and BMP4 of the light-shielding layer BM may be arranged to surround the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 in accordance with their shapes. In the display device 10, the degree to which the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 of the second-type pixels are hidden is uniform across all viewing angles when the display device 10 is viewed in the second emission mode, thereby preventing light leakage from light-emitting elements including specific light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4.

[0101] Furthermore, in the display device 10, the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, BMP3, and BMP4 of the light-shielding layer BM are arranged to correspond to the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 of the second-type pixels, so as not to invade adjacent pixels, for example, the first-type pixels, and do not cover the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 of the first-type pixels in the first emission mode. In other words, the display device 10 allows for flexible pixel structure layout design even when realizing a high-resolution display device.

[0102] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X1-X1' in Fig. 5 and Fig. 9. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X2-X2' in Fig. 5 and Fig. 9. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X3-X3' and line X4-X4' in Fig. 9.

[0103] Figure 11 shows a cross section of the first to third light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3 in the first pixel PX1 as a first-type pixel, and Figure 12 shows a cross section of the first to third light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3 in the second pixel PX2 as a second-type pixel. Figure 13 shows a cross section of the first light-emitting region LA1 of the first-type pixel and the first light-emitting region LA1 of the second-type pixel. The cross-sectional structure of the fourth light-emitting region LA4 is the same as that of the second light-emitting region LA2, so it is omitted in Figures 11 and 12.

[0104] The cross-sectional structure of the display device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. The display panel 100 of the display device 10 may include a display layer DU, a touch-sensing layer TSU, a color filter layer CFL, and a light-shielding layer BM. The display layer DU may include a substrate SUB, a thin-film transistor layer TFTL, a light-emitting element layer EML, and an encapsulation layer TFEL. Color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 of the color filter layer CFL may be disposed on the touch-sensing layer TSU of the display panel 100. The light-shielding layer BM may be disposed on passivation layers PSV1 and PSV2 disposed on the color filter layer CFL, and an overcoat layer OC may be disposed on the light-shielding layer BM.

[0105] The substrate SUB may be a base substrate or a base member. The substrate SUB may be a flexible substrate that allows bending, folding, rolling, etc. For example, the substrate SUB may include a polymer resin such as polyimide (PI), but is not limited to this. As another example, the substrate SUB may include a glass material or a metal material.

[0106] The thin film transistor layer TFTL may include a first buffer layer BF1, a lower metal layer BML, a second buffer layer BF2, a thin film transistor TFT, a gate insulating layer GI, a first interlayer insulating layer ILD1, a capacitor electrode CPE, a second interlayer insulating layer ILD2, a first connecting electrode CNE1, a first protective layer PAS1, a second connecting electrode CNE2, and a second protective layer PAS2.

[0107] The first buffer layer BF1 is disposed on the substrate SUB. The first buffer layer BF1 may include an inorganic film that can prevent the penetration of air or moisture. For example, the first buffer layer BF1 may include multiple inorganic films that are alternately stacked.

[0108] The lower metal layer BML is disposed on the first buffer layer BF1. For example, the lower metal layer BML is formed of a single layer or multiple layers made of any one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu), or an alloy thereof.

[0109] The second buffer layer BF2 covers the first buffer layer BF1 and the lower metal layer BML. The second buffer layer BF2 may include an inorganic film that can prevent the penetration of air or moisture. For example, the second buffer layer BF2 may include multiple inorganic films stacked alternately.

[0110] The thin film transistor TFT is disposed on the second buffer layer BF2 and can constitute a pixel circuit for each of the pixels. For example, the thin film transistor TFT can be a driving transistor or a switching transistor of the pixel circuit. The thin film transistor TFT can include a semiconductor layer ACT, a source electrode SE, a drain electrode DE, and a gate electrode GE.

[0111] The semiconductor layer ACT is disposed on the second buffer layer BF2. The semiconductor layer ACT overlaps the lower metal layer BML and the gate electrode GE in the thickness direction, and can be insulated from the gate electrode GE by a gate insulating layer GI. Portions of the semiconductor layer ACT can be made conductive to form the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE.

[0112] The gate electrode GE is disposed on the gate insulating layer GI. The gate electrode GE may overlap the semiconductor layer ACT with the gate insulating layer GI therebetween.

[0113] The gate insulating layer GI is disposed on the semiconductor layer ACT. For example, the gate insulating layer GI may cover the semiconductor layer ACT and the second buffer layer BF2 and insulate the semiconductor layer ACT from the gate electrode GE. The gate insulating layer GI may include a contact hole through which the first connection electrode CNE1 passes.

[0114] The first interlayer insulating layer ILD1 may cover the gate electrode GE and the gate insulating layer GI. The first interlayer insulating layer ILD1 may include a contact hole through which the first connection electrode CNE1 passes. The contact hole in the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1 may be connected to the contact hole in the gate insulating layer GI and the contact hole in the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2.

[0115] The capacitor electrode CPE is disposed on the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1. The capacitor electrode CPE may overlap the gate electrode GE in the thickness direction. The capacitor electrode CPE and the gate electrode GE may form a capacitance.

[0116] The second interlayer insulating layer ILD2 may cover the capacitor electrode CPE and the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1. The second interlayer insulating layer ILD2 may include a contact hole through which the first connection electrode CNE1 passes. The contact hole in the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2 may be connected to the contact hole in the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1 and the contact hole in the gate insulating layer GI.

[0117] The first connection electrode CNE1 is disposed on the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2. The first connection electrode CNE1 can electrically connect the drain electrode DE of the thin film transistor TFT to the second connection electrode CNE2. The first connection electrode CNE1 can be inserted into a contact hole formed in the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2, the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1, and the gate insulating layer GI, and can be in contact with the drain electrode DE of the thin film transistor TFT.

[0118] The first protective layer PAS1 can cover the first connection electrode CNE1 and the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2. The first protective layer PAS1 can protect the thin-film transistor TFT. The first protective layer PAS1 can include a contact hole through which the second connection electrode CNE2 passes.

[0119] The second connection electrode CNE2 is disposed on the first protective layer PAS1. The second connection electrode CNE2 can electrically connect the first connection electrode CNE1 and the pixel electrode AE ​​of the light-emitting element ED. The second connection electrode CNE2 can be inserted into a contact hole formed in the first protective layer PAS1 to make contact with the first connection electrode CNE1.

[0120] The second protective layer PAS2 can cover the second connection electrode CNE2 and the first protective layer PAS1. The second protective layer PAS2 can include a contact hole through which the pixel electrode AE ​​of the light-emitting element ED passes.

[0121] The light-emitting element layer EML is disposed on the thin film transistor layer TFTL. The light-emitting element layer EML may include a light-emitting element ED and a pixel definition film PDL. The light-emitting element ED may include pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3, an emission layer EL, and a common electrode CE.

[0122] The pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3 are disposed on the second protective layer PAS2. Different pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3 may be disposed to overlap different openings in the pixel defining layer PDL. The pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3 may be electrically connected to the drain electrode DE of the thin film transistor TFT via first and second connection electrodes CNE1 and CNE2.

[0123] The light-emitting layer EL is disposed on the pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3. For example, the light-emitting layer EL may be, but is not limited to, an organic light-emitting layer made of an organic material. When the light-emitting layer EL is an organic light-emitting layer, when the thin film transistor TFT applies a predetermined voltage to the pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3 of the light-emitting element ED and the common electrode CE of the light-emitting element ED receives a common voltage or a cathode voltage, holes and electrons can move to the light-emitting layer EL via the hole transport layer and the electron transport layer, respectively, and the holes and electrons can combine with each other in the light-emitting layer EL to emit light.

[0124] In an exemplary embodiment, the light-emitting layers EL disposed on the different pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3 may emit light of different colors. For example, the light-emitting layer disposed on the first pixel electrode AE1 may emit red light of a first color, the light-emitting layer disposed on the second pixel electrode AE2 may emit green light of a second color, and the light-emitting layer disposed on the third pixel electrode AE3 may emit blue light of a third color. However, this is not limiting. In other embodiments, the light-emitting layers EL may be disposed on the different pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3 and the pixel defining layer PDL as a common layer, and the light-emitting layers EL disposed on the different pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3 may emit light of the same color. In this case, the display device 10 may further include a color-adjusting layer disposed on the light-emitting element ED.

[0125] The common electrode CE is disposed on the light-emitting layer EL. For example, the common electrode CE may be implemented as an electrode common to all pixels, rather than being divided into a plurality of pixels. The common electrode CE may be disposed on the light-emitting layer EL in the first through third pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3, and may be disposed on the pixel defining layer PDL in the region other than the first through third pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3.

[0126] The common electrode CE receives a common voltage or a low potential voltage. When the pixel electrodes AE receive a voltage corresponding to the data voltage and the common electrode CE receives a low potential voltage, a potential difference is formed between the pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, AE3 and the common electrode CE, thereby allowing the light-emitting layer EL to emit light.

[0127] The pixel definition layer PDL includes a plurality of openings and is disposed on the second protective layer PAS2 and portions of the pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3. Each opening of the pixel definition layer PDL can expose a portion of the pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3. As described above, the openings of the pixel definition layer PDL can define first, second, and third light-emitting regions, each of which may have different areas or sizes. The pixel definition layer PDL can separate and insulate the pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3 of the light-emitting elements ED. The pixel definition layer PDL can prevent light reflection by including a light-absorbing material. For example, the pixel definition layer PDL can include a polyimide (PI)-based binder and a mixture of red, green, and blue pigments. Alternatively, the pixel definition layer PDL can include a cardo-based binder resin and a mixture of lactam black pigment and blue pigment. Alternatively, the pixel definition layer PDL can include carbon black.

[0128] The encapsulation layer TFEL is disposed on the common electrode CE and may cover the light-emitting elements ED. The encapsulation layer TFEL may include at least one inorganic film to prevent oxygen or moisture from penetrating into the light-emitting element layer EML. The encapsulation layer TFEL may include at least one organic film to protect the light-emitting element layer EML from foreign substances such as dust.

[0129] In an exemplary embodiment, the encapsulation layer TFEL may include a first encapsulation layer TFE1, a second encapsulation layer TFE2, and a third encapsulation layer TFE3. The first encapsulation layer TFE1 and the third encapsulation layer TFE3 may be inorganic encapsulation layers, and the second encapsulation layer TFE2 disposed therebetween may be an organic encapsulation layer.

[0130] The first encapsulation layer TFE1 and the third encapsulation layer TFE3 may each include one or more inorganic insulators, such as aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and / or silicon oxynitride.

[0131] The second sealing layer TFE2 may include a polymer-based material. Examples of polymer-based materials include acrylic resins, epoxy resins, polyimides, and polyethylene. For example, the second sealing layer TFE2 may include acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate and polyacrylic acid. The second sealing layer TFE2 may be formed by curing a monomer or applying a polymer.

[0132] The touch sensing layer TSU is disposed on the encapsulation layer TFEL. The touch sensing layer TSU may include a first touch insulating layer SIL1, a second touch insulating layer SIL2, a touch electrode TL, and a third touch insulating layer SIL3.

[0133] The first touch insulating layer SIL1 is disposed on the encapsulation layer TFEL. The first touch insulating layer SIL1 can have insulating and optical functions. The first touch insulating layer SIL1 can include at least one inorganic film. Optionally, the first touch insulating layer SIL1 can be omitted.

[0134] The second touch insulating layer SIL2 may cover the first touch insulating layer SIL1. Although not shown in the drawings, another touch electrode may be disposed on the first touch insulating layer SIL1, and the second touch insulating layer SIL2 may cover the touch electrode TL. The second touch insulating layer SIL2 may have insulating and optical functions. For example, the second touch insulating layer SIL2 may be an inorganic film including at least one of a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, and an aluminum oxide layer.

[0135] A portion of the touch electrode TL may be disposed on the second touch insulating layer SIL2. Each of the touch electrodes TL may not overlap with the first to third pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3. Each of the touch electrodes TL may be formed of a single layer of molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), or indium tin oxide (ITO), or may be formed of a laminated structure of aluminum and titanium (Ti / Al / Ti), a laminated structure of aluminum and ITO (ITO / Al / ITO), an APC alloy, or a laminated structure of an APC alloy and ITO (ITO / APC / ITO).

[0136] The touch electrodes TL of the touch sensing layer TSU may be arranged to have a constant line width and overlap with the light-shielding regions BMA of the color filter layer CFL, which will be described later. The light-shielding regions BMA of the color filter layer CFL may have a width sufficient to completely cover the touch electrodes TL, and a distance between the edges of the light-shielding regions BMA of the color filter layer CFL and the touch electrodes TL may be defined. In an exemplary embodiment, the line width of the touch electrodes TL may range from 4 μm to 6 μm, and the distance between the touch electrodes TL and the edges of the light-shielding regions BMA of the color filter layer CFL may range from 5 μm to 7 μm. The touch electrodes TL are arranged such that their centers are substantially aligned with (substantially overlap) the centers of the light-shielding regions BMA of the color filter layer CFL, and the distances from both sides of the touch electrodes TL to the edges of the light-shielding regions BMA of the color filter layer CFL may be substantially constant.

[0137] The third touch insulating layer SIL3 may cover the touch electrode TL and the second touch insulating layer SIL2. The third touch insulating layer SIL3 may have insulating and optical functions. The third touch insulating layer SIL3 may be made of the same material as the second touch insulating layer SIL2.

[0138] The color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 of the color filter layer CFL are disposed on the third touch insulating layer SIL3 of the touch sensing layer TSU. The different color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 may be disposed corresponding to the different light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3, respectively. For example, the first color filter CF1 may be disposed corresponding to the third light-emitting region LA3, the second color filter CF2 may be disposed corresponding to the first light-emitting region LA1, and the third color filter CF3 may be disposed corresponding to the second light-emitting region LA2 and the fourth light-emitting region LA4. As described above, the first color filter CF1 may form the first light-transmitting region OPT1 and the second light-transmitting region OPT2, and the second color filter CF2 may form the third light-transmitting region OPT3. The first color filter CF1 and the second color filter CF2 may overlap in the thickness direction, and the first color filter CF1 and the third color filter CF3 may overlap in the thickness direction to form a light-blocking region BMA.

[0139] The light-shielding region BMA may be arranged to cover the conductive lines of the touch electrode TL and overlap the pixel definition film PDL. The multiple light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, and OPT3 may overlap the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3 of the first and second pixels PX1 and PX2. For example, the first light-transmitting region OPT1 may be arranged to overlap the first light-emitting region LA1 of the first pixel PX1. The second light-transmitting region OPT2 may be arranged to overlap the second light-emitting region LA2 of the first pixel PX1, and the third light-transmitting region OPT3 may be arranged to overlap the third light-emitting region LA3 of the first pixel PX1. The area or size of each of the light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, and OPT3 may be larger than the area or size of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3. Furthermore, the area or size of each of the light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, and OPT3 may be larger than the openings OPA1, OPA2, and OPA3 of the pixel definition layer PDL, so that light emitted from the light-emitting element ED can be viewed by a user not only from the front but also from the side of the display device 10. However, whether the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 emit light may be determined depending on the emission mode of the display device 10, and the shape of the light-blocking region BMA can be designed so that light from the second pixel PX2 is not visible at a specific viewing angle in an emission mode with limited side visibility.

[0140] 14 is a diagram illustrating the relative arrangement of light-emitting regions and light-blocking regions in one pixel of a display device according to an embodiment, and exemplarily illustrates the first light-emitting region LA1 among the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 of the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2.

[0141] 14, in the display device 10 according to an embodiment, the size of the first light-transmitting region OPT1 disposed in the first pixel PX1 may be larger than the size of the first light-transmitting region OPT1 disposed in the second pixel PX2. For example, the size or radius RT1 of the first light-transmitting region OPT1 overlapping with the first light-emitting region LA1 of the first pixel PX1 may be larger than the size or radius RT2 of the first light-transmitting region OPT1 overlapping with the first light-emitting region LA1 of the second pixel PX2.

[0142] In the second emission mode of the display device 10, the first-type pixels do not emit light, and only the second-type pixels emit light. When the second-type pixels emit light, the size of the light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4 of the color filter layer CFL in the second pixels PX2 may be relatively small so as to block light from emitting at a specific viewing angle. In addition, since the light-shielding layer BM is disposed in the second-type pixels, the second emission mode of the display device 10 can control the side visibility of the light emitted from the second-type pixels.

[0143] In the first emission mode, both the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 emit light and are visible from both the front and side. Therefore, the diameters of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 and the light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4 of the first pixel PX1 may be greater than or equal to a certain level to ensure side visibility. Meanwhile, in the second emission mode, the first pixel PX1 does not emit light, and light from the second pixel PX2 is not visible at side viewing angles except for viewing angles close to the front. The diameters of the light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4 arranged in the second pixel PX2 are almost the same as those of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4, limiting visibility even at small side viewing angles (when the tilt angle from the vertical direction is not large). A light-shielding layer BM (described later) may be arranged in the second pixel PX2 to further limit side visibility.

[0144] In the display device 10, the same type of light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 disposed in each of the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2, for example, the first light-emitting region LA1 of the first pixel PX1 and the first light-emitting region LA1 of the second pixel PX2, may have the same diameter, and the first transmissive region OPT1 disposed in the first pixel PX1 may have a larger diameter than the first transmissive region OPT1 disposed in the second pixel PX2. In one embodiment, the difference in diameter between the transmissive regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4 and the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 in the second pixel PX2 may be 1.0 μm to 3 μm, or approximately 2 μm, and the difference in diameter between the transmissive regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4 and the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 in the first pixel PX1 may be 4 μm to 7 μm, or approximately 5 μm.

[0145] The difference in diameter between the light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4 in the first pixel PX1 and the light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4 in the second pixel PX2 may be a value designed in consideration of the optical distance, for example, the distance from the pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, AE3, and AE4 in the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 to the top surface of the second encapsulation layer TFE2. However, without being limited thereto, the difference in diameter between the holes disposed in the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 may be variously designed and modified depending on the optical characteristic conditions required or desired for the electronic device 1.

[0146] 15 is a diagram illustrating the relative arrangement of light-emitting regions and color filters arranged in one pixel in a display device according to an embodiment, in which first to third light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3 of a second pixel PX2 are shown as an example.

[0147] 15 , a display device 10 according to one embodiment may include a first color filter CF1, a second color filter CF2, and a third color filter CF3. The thickness of the first color filter CF1 may be smaller than the thickness of the second color filter CF2 and larger than the thickness of the third color filter CF3. The thickness of the second color filter CF2 may be larger than the thickness of the first color filter CF1 and the thickness of the third color filter CF3. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of each of the first color filter CF1, the second color filter CF2, and the third color filter CF3 may range from 1 to 4 μm.

[0148] The distances between the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3 of the second pixel PX2 and the light-shielding region BMA may be different. For example, the distance W1 between the first light-emitting region LA1 and the light-shielding region BMA may be smaller than the distance W2 between the second light-emitting region LA2 and the light-shielding region BMA and smaller than the distance W3 between the third light-emitting region LA3 and the light-shielding region BMA. The distance W2 between the second light-emitting region LA2 and the light-shielding region BMA may be larger than the distance W1 between the first light-emitting region LA1 and the light-shielding region BMA and the distance W3 between the third light-emitting region LA3 and the light-shielding region BMA. In an exemplary embodiment, the distance W1 between the first light-emitting region LA1 and the light-shielding region BMA, the distance W2 between the second light-emitting region LA2 and the light-shielding region BMA, and the distance W3 between the third light-emitting region LA3 and the light-shielding region BMA may each be in the range of 2 to 3 μm.

[0149] Furthermore, the distance WW1 between the first light-emitting region LA1 and the third color filter CF3, the distance WW2 between the second light-emitting region LA2 and the second color filter CF2, and the distance WW3 between the third light-emitting region LA3 and the third color filter CF3 may be different from one another. For example, the distance WW1 between the first light-emitting region LA1 and the third color filter CF3 may be smaller than the distance WW2 between the second light-emitting region LA2 and the second color filter CF2 but larger than the distance WW3 between the third light-emitting region LA3 and the third color filter CF3. The distance WW2 between the second light-emitting region LA2 and the second color filter CF2 may be larger than the distance WW1 between the first light-emitting region LA1 and the third color filter CF3 and the distance WW3 between the third light-emitting region LA3 and the third color filter CF3. In an exemplary embodiment, the distance WW1 between the first light-emitting region LA1 and the third color filter CF3, the distance WW2 between the second light-emitting region LA2 and the second color filter CF2, and the distance WW3 between the third light-emitting region LA3 and the third color filter CF3 may each be in the range of 3 to 4 μm. In addition, the distance between one end of the first color filter CF1 and one end of the third color filter CF3 in the first light-emitting region LA1 may be the same as the distance between one end of the first color filter CF1 and one end of the second color filter CF2 in the second light-emitting region LA2 and the distance between one end of the second color filter CF2 and one end of the third color filter CF3 in the third light-emitting region LA3.

[0150] The light-shielding region BMA may be a region where the first color filter CF1 and the second color filter CF2 overlap in the thickness direction, or a region where the first color filter CF1 and the third color filter CF3 overlap in the thickness direction. For example, the light-shielding region BMA adjacent to the first light-emitting region LA1 and the third light-emitting region LA3 may be a region where the first color filter CF1 and the second color filter CF2 overlap, and the light-shielding region BMA adjacent to the second light-emitting region LA2 may be a region where the first color filter CF1 and the third color filter CF3 overlap. Therefore, the distance W1 between the first light-emitting region LA1 and the light-shielding region BMA may be the distance between the first light-emitting region LA1 and the first color filter CF1, the distance W2 between the second light-emitting region LA2 and the light-shielding region BMA may be the distance between the second light-emitting region LA2 and the first color filter CF1, and the distance W3 between the third light-emitting region LA3 and the light-shielding region BMA may be the distance between the third light-emitting region LA3 and the second color filter CF2.

[0151] 11 and 12, the passivation layers PSV1 and PSV2 may be disposed on the color filter layer CFL. The passivation layers PSV1 and PSV2 may be disposed over the entire display area DA and may flatten the upper surface of the display panel 100. The passivation layers PSV1 and PSV2 may include a first passivation layer PSV1 disposed on the color filter layer CFL and a second passivation layer PSV2 disposed on the first passivation layer PSV1. The passivation layers PSV1 and PSV2 may be composed of multiple layers and may flatten steps caused by the color filter layer CFL.

[0152] The passivation layers PSV1 and PSV2 may be colorless, light-transmitting layers that do not have a color in the visible light band. For example, the passivation layers PSV1 and PSV2 may include a colorless, light-transmitting organic material such as an acrylic resin. In other embodiments, a third passivation layer may be further included between the second passivation layer PSV2 and the second light-blocking pattern BMP2. The third passivation layer may include a light-transmitting inorganic material. For example, the light-transmitting inorganic material may include aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and / or silicon oxynitride.

[0153] The light-shielding layer BM is disposed on the passivation layers PSV1 and PSV2. The light-shielding layer BM may not be disposed in the first-type pixel (or the first pixel PX1) but may be disposed only in the second-type pixel (or the second pixel PX2). The light-shielding layer BM may be disposed around the peripheries of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3 of the second-type pixel, forming light-emitting portions OPB1, OPB2, and OPB3 that are formed to overlap the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3. For example, the light-shielding layer BM may include a first light-emitting portion OPB1 that overlaps the first light-emitting region LA1, a second light-emitting portion OPB2 that overlaps the second light-emitting region LA2, and a third light-emitting portion OPB3 that overlaps the third light-emitting region LA3. The light-emitting portions OPB1, OPB2, and OPB3 may also overlap the transmissive regions OPT1, OPT2, and OPT3 of the color filter layer CFL, respectively.

[0154] In one embodiment, the planar diameter or area of ​​the light output portions OPB1, OPB2, and OPB3 of the light-shielding layer BM may be the same as the planar diameter or area of ​​the light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, and OPT3 of the color filter layer CFL and may be larger than the planar diameter or area of ​​the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3. For example, the inner surfaces of the light output portions OPB1, OPB2, and OPB3 of the light-shielding layer BM may be aligned and matched with the inner surfaces of the light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, and OPT3 of the color filter layer CFL. When the display device 10 is in an off state, luminous sensation occurs due to the reflection characteristics of external light. The luminous sensation in the off state of the display device 10 may vary depending on the overlapping area of ​​the color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3. For example, the luminous sensation may vary between the overlapping area of ​​the first color filter CF1 and the second color filter CF2 and the overlapping area of ​​the first color filter CF1 and the third color filter CF3. In this embodiment, in order to eliminate such a difference in luminance, the overlapping areas of the color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 can be arranged to overlap with the light-shielding layer BM. That is, by arranging the inner surfaces of the light-emitting portions OPB1, OPB2, and OPB3 of the light-shielding layer BM to be aligned and match the inner surfaces of the light-transmitting areas OPT1, OPT2, and OPT3 of the color filter layer CFL, the off-luminance of the display device 10 can be improved.

[0155] Light emitted from the light-emitting elements ED in the light-emitting areas LA1, LA2, and LA3 is output through the light-transmitting areas OPT1, OPT2, and OPT3 of the color filter layer CFL and the light output portions OPB1, OPB2, and OPB3 of the light-shielding layer BM. Light emitted from the second-type pixels ultimately passes through the light output portions OPB1, OPB2, and OPB3 before being output, but much of the light can be seen at least when the display device 10 is viewed from the front.

[0156] However, when the display device 10 is viewed from the side, even if light emitted from the second-type pixels passes through the light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, and OPT3 of the color filter layer CFL, it may be hidden by the light-shielding layer BM. That is, the display device 10 controls visibility at a specific viewing angle by allowing only the second-type pixels having the light-shielding layer BM or the second pixel PX2 to emit light in the second emission mode, thereby providing a privacy protection mode for the user.

[0157] The light-shielding layer BM may include a light-absorbing material. For example, the light-shielding layer BM may include an inorganic black pigment or an organic black pigment. The inorganic black pigment may be carbon black, and the organic black pigment may include, but is not limited to, at least one of lactam black, perylene black, and aniline black. In an exemplary embodiment, the light-shielding layer BM may have a thickness of 1 μm to 3 μm, or approximately 1.5 μm.

[0158] The overcoat layer OC is disposed on the light-shielding layer BM and the passivation layers PSV1 and PSV2. The overcoat layer OC is disposed over the entire display area DA and can flatten the top surface of the display panel 100. The overcoat layer OC may be a colorless light-transmitting layer that does not have a color in the visible light range. For example, the overcoat layer OC may include a colorless light-transmitting organic material such as an acrylic resin.

[0159] The light-shielding layer BM and light-emitting areas LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 of the display device 10 will be described in more detail below with reference to other drawings.

[0160] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the relative arrangement of a light-emitting region and a light-shielding layer disposed in a second-type pixel of a display device according to an embodiment. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relative arrangement of a light-emitting region and a light-shielding layer disposed in a second-type pixel of a display device according to an embodiment. FIG. 18 is an exemplary diagram illustrating the direction of light emitted from a light-emitting region of a display device and the relative arrangement of a light-shielding layer. FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a second-type pixel or second pixel PX2 having a light-shielding layer BM disposed therein. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a formula for calculating the difference between the inner radius of the light-shielding pattern and the radius of the light-emitting region. FIG. 18 illustrates the size changes of the light-shielding patterns BMP2 and BMP3 corresponding to light-emitting regions LA2 and LA3 having different diameters. Hereinafter, the fourth light-emitting region LA4 and the fourth light-shielding pattern BMP4 have the same configuration as the second light-emitting region LA2 and the second light-shielding pattern BMP2, and therefore will not be described again.

[0161] 16 and 17, the display device 10 may have different radii PR1, PR2, and PR3 of the different light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3. For example, the radius PR3 of the third light-emitting region LA3 may be larger than the radii PR1 and PR2 of the first and second light-emitting regions LA1 and LA2. The radius PR1 of the first light-emitting region LA1 may be larger than the radius PR2 of the second light-emitting region LA2. The areas of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3 are designed in consideration of the wavelength of light emitted from the light-emitting elements ED in each of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3, the lifespan of the light-emitting elements ED, and the like.

[0162] Although not shown in the drawings, as described above, the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3 of the same type disposed in the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 may have the same diameter in the display device 10. For example, the first light-emitting region LA1 disposed in the first pixel PX1 may have the same diameter as the first light-emitting region LA1 disposed in the second pixel PX2.

[0163] The light-shielding layer BM may include light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, BMP3, and BMP4 surrounding the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 in a plan view, corresponding to the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3 in the second pixel PX2. For example, the light-shielding layer BM may include a first light-shielding pattern BMP1 surrounding the first light-emitting region LA1, a second light-shielding pattern BMP2 surrounding the second light-emitting region LA2, a third light-shielding pattern BMP3 surrounding the third light-emitting region LA3, and a fourth light-shielding pattern BMP4 surrounding the fourth light-emitting region LA4. Hereinafter, the fourth light-emitting region LA4 and the fourth light-shielding pattern BMP4 have the same configuration as the second light-emitting region LA2 and the second light-shielding pattern BMP2, and therefore will not be described again.

[0164] The multiple light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, BMP3 of the light-shielding layer BM form light-emitting portions (OPB1, OPB2, OPB3 in Figure 12) that overlap with the light-emitting areas LA1, LA2, LA3, and can have circular ring shapes and can have inner radii IR1, IR2, IR3 measured from the center of the light-emitting areas LA1, LA2, LA3, and widths BW1, BW2, BW3 of the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, BMP3 themselves.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the multiple light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, and BMP3 of the light-shielding layer BM may have different inner radii IR1, IR2, and IR3. For example, the inner radius IR3 of the third light-shielding pattern BMP3 may be larger than the inner radius IR1 of the first light-shielding pattern BMP1 and the inner radius IR2 of the second light-shielding pattern BMP2. The inner radius IR1 of the first light-shielding pattern BMP1 may be larger than the inner radius IR2 of the second light-shielding pattern BMP2.

[0166] Furthermore, the differences DF1, DF2, DF3 between the inner radii IR1, IR2, IR3 of each light-shielding pattern BMP1, BMP2, BMP3 and the radii PR1, PR2, PR3 of each light-emitting region LA1, LA2, LA3 may be different from one another. For example, the difference between the inner radius IR3 of the third light-shielding pattern BMP3 and the radius PR3 of the third light-emitting region LA3 may be greater than the difference between the inner radius IR1 of the first light-shielding pattern BMP1 and the radius PR1 of the first light-emitting region LA1, and may be smaller than the difference between the inner radius IR2 of the second light-shielding pattern BMP2 and the radius PR2 of the second light-emitting region LA2. The difference between the inner radius IR1 of the first light-shielding pattern BMP1 and the radius PR1 of the first light-emitting region LA1 may be smaller than the difference between the inner radius IR2 of the second light-shielding pattern BMP2 and the radius PR2 of the second light-emitting region LA2, and may be smaller than the difference between the inner radius IR3 of the third light-shielding pattern BMP3 and the radius PR3 of the third light-emitting region LA3. The difference between the inner radius IR2 of the second light-shielding pattern BMP2 and the radius PR2 of the second light-emitting region LA2 may be larger than the difference between the inner radius IR1 of the first light-shielding pattern BMP1 and the radius PR1 of the first light-emitting region LA1 and the difference between the inner radius IR3 of the third light-shielding pattern BMP3 and the radius PR3 of the third light-emitting region LA3. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner radii IR1, IR2, and IR3 of the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, and BMP3 may each be within 10 μm, and the difference between the inner radii IR1, IR2, and IR3 of the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, and BMP3 and the radii PR1, PR2, and PR3 of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3 may be in the range of 2 μm to 3 μm.

[0167] The widths BW1, BW2, and BW3 of the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, and BMP3 may be different from one another. The widths BW1, BW2, and BW3 of the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, and BMP3 are related to the radii of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the relationship between the widths BW1, BW2, and BW3 of the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, and BMP3 of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3 may be opposite to the relationship between the radii PR1, PR2, and PR3 of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3. For example, the radius PR3 of the third light-emitting region LA3 may be larger than the radius PR1 of the first light-emitting region LA1 and the radius PR2 of the second light-emitting region LA2, but the width BW3 of the third light-shielding pattern BMP3 may be smaller than the width BW1 of the first light-shielding pattern BMP1 and the width BW2 of the second light-shielding pattern BMP2. The radius PR2 of the second light-emitting region LA2 may be smaller than the radius PR1 of the first light-emitting region LA1, but the width BW2 of the second light-shielding pattern BMP2 may be larger than the width BW1 of the first light-shielding pattern BMP1. The radii PR1, PR2, and PR3 of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3 may be smaller in the order of the third light-emitting region LA3, the first light-emitting region LA1, and the second light-emitting region LA2, but the widths BW1, BW2, and BW3 of the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, and BMP3 may be larger in the order of the third light-shielding pattern BMP3, the first light-shielding pattern BMP1, and the second light-shielding pattern BMP2. In an exemplary embodiment, the widths BW1, BW2, and BW3 of the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, and BMP3 may range from 7 μm to 9 μm.

[0168] Furthermore, the diameter (radius * 2) of each light-emitting area LA1, LA2, LA3, the difference between the radius PR1, PR2, PR3 of each light-emitting area LA1, LA2, LA3 and the inner radius IR1, IR2, IR3 of each shading pattern BMP1, BMP2, BMP3, and the sums SUD1, SUD2, SUD3 of the widths BW1, BW2, BW3 of each shading pattern BMP1, BMP2, BMP3 may be identical to one another. For example, the sum SUD1 of the diameter (PR1*2) of the first light-emitting region LA1, the difference DF1 between the radius PR1 of the first light-emitting region LA1 and the inner radius IR1 of the first shading pattern BMP1, and the width BW1 of the first shading pattern BMP1 may be the same as the diameter (PR2*2) of the second light-emitting region LA2, the difference DF2 between the radius PR2 of the second light-emitting region LA2 and the inner radius IR2 of the second shading pattern BMP2, and the sum SUD2 of the width BW2 of the second shading pattern BMP2, and may be the same as the diameter (PR3*2) of the third light-emitting region LA3, the difference DF3 between the radius PR3 of the third light-emitting region LA3 and the inner radius IR3 of the third shading pattern BMP3, and the sum SUD3 of the width BW3 of the third shading pattern BMP3.

[0169] At a particular viewing angle of the display device 10, the degree to which the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3 are hidden by the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, and BMP3 correlates with the separation distance (or gap) between the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3 and the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, and BMP3. When the display device 10 in the second light-emitting mode is viewed at a particular viewing angle, in order for light to be invisible, all of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3 must be hidden at that viewing angle, regardless of their type. If the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3 have different radii but are separated by the same distance from the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, and BMP3, at a particular viewing angle, one of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3 will be completely hidden, but the other light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3 will not be hidden, and light will be visible.

[0170] For example, at a certain viewing angle, the second light-emitting region LA2, which has a smaller radius than the other pixel electrodes, may be hidden by the light-shielding pattern BMP2 to a greater extent. In this case, the light emitted from the light-emitting layer disposed in the second light-emitting region LA2 of the second pixel PX2 may be relatively less visible at that viewing angle. If the light-emitting layer disposed in the second light-emitting region LA2 emits green light, the display screen may lack green light at that viewing angle, resulting in a magenta phenomenon in which the entire screen appears purple.

[0171] Furthermore, at a certain viewing angle, the second light-emitting region LA2, which has a relatively smaller radius, may not be hidden by the light-shielding pattern BMP2 while the other light-emitting regions LA1 and LA3 are hidden by the light-shielding patterns BMP1 and BMP3. In this case, light emitted from the light-emitting layer disposed on the second light-emitting region LA2 of the second pixel PX2 may be visible at that viewing angle. If the light-emitting layer disposed on the second light-emitting region LA2 emits green light, a greenish phenomenon may occur at that viewing angle, in which the display screen has an overall green tint.

[0172] Taking this into consideration, the display device 10 can adjust the separation distances DF1, DF2, and DF3 between the light-emitting areas with larger radii so that the light-emitting areas with smaller radii are also hidden by the light-shielding patterns at a similar ratio at a viewing angle where the light-emitting areas with larger radii are hidden by the light-shielding patterns. The display device 10 may have different differences between the radii PR1, PR2, and PR3 of the light-emitting areas LA1, LA2, and LA3 and the inner radii IR1, IR2, and IR3 of the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, and BMP3, or different separation distances DF1, DF2, and DF3 between the light-emitting areas LA1, LA2, and LA3 and the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, and BMP3.

[0173] Referring to FIG. 17, the difference (a) between the radius R of the light emitting region and the inner radius IR of the light blocking pattern (for example, the separation distances DF1, DF2, and DF3) can be expressed by the following formula.

[0174] JPEG2026004212000002.jpg1296

[0175] In the above formula, Rss is the process margin, and θ k is the final light extraction angle perceived by the user's eyes, and T k is the total thickness of the light-transmitting layer. That is, by calculating the tangent value using the total thickness (T1 + T2) and the final light extraction angle (θ1 + θ2) and adding the process margin, the diameter (2R) of the light-emitting region LA and the difference (a) between the radius of the light-emitting region LA and the inner radius IR of the light-shielding pattern BMP can be calculated. In this case, the radius of the light-emitting region LA can be substituted to calculate the difference (a) between the radius of the light-emitting region LA and the inner radius IR of the light-shielding pattern BMP. In this embodiment, the light-transmitting layer may be a thick second encapsulating layer TFE2 and a second passivation layer PSV2.

[0176] Furthermore, the difference between the widths BW1, BW2, and BW3 of the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, and BMP3 may be opposite to the difference between the radii PR1, PR2, and PR3 of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3. For example, if the widths of the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, and BMP3 are constant, the second light-emitting region LA2, which has a smaller radius, may be closer to the outer edges of the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, and BMP3 than the third light-emitting region LA3, which has a larger radius. In this case, light emitted from the light-emitting layer disposed in the second light-emitting region LA2, which has a smaller radius, may be more easily emitted at wide viewing angles. Taking this into consideration, the widths BW1, BW2, and BW3 of the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, and BMP3 corresponding to the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3, which have a smaller radius, may be designed to be larger to prevent light leakage at wide viewing angles.

[0177] 18, the positions where light L emitted at a certain output angle from one side of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3 reaches the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, and BMP3 may be located a certain distance away from the other side of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3. Here, the positions where light L emitted at a certain output angle from a light-emitting region LA1, LA2, and LA3 with a smaller diameter, for example, the second light-emitting region LA2, reaches the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, and BMP3 may be located farther than the positions where light L emitted from a light-emitting region LA1, LA2, and LA3 with a larger diameter, for example, the third light-emitting region LA3, reaches the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, and BMP3. As described above, contrary to the sizes of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3, the distance between the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3 and the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, and BMP3 may be smaller in the third light-shielding pattern BMP3. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the light L emitted from the second light-emitting region LA2 will be emitted beyond the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, and BMP3. Taking this into consideration, the width BW2 of the second light-shielding pattern BMP2 corresponding to the second light-emitting region LA2 with a smaller radius may be larger than the width BW3 of the third light-shielding pattern BMP3. Therefore, the distance DB3 between one side of the third light-emitting region LA3 and the outer edge of the third light-shielding pattern BMP3 may be smaller than the distance DB2 between one side of the second light-emitting region LA2 and the outer edge of the second light-shielding pattern BMP2. The relationship of differentiation between the widths BW1, BW2, and BW3 of the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, and BMP3 may be opposite to the relationship of differentiation between the radii PR1, PR2, and PR3 of the light-emitting areas LA1, LA2, and LA3.

[0178] The display device 10 according to an embodiment includes a light-shielding region BMA and a light-shielding layer BM of the color filter layer CFL, thereby controlling the visibility of the screen at a specific viewing angle according to the light-emitting mode of the display device 10. The display device 10 can prevent the screen viewed by the user from having a specific color tone and prevent light leakage that may occur at a specific viewing angle by designing the distance and width between the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, and LA3 and the light-shielding region BMA and the light-shielding layer BM of the color filter layer CFL. The display device 10 can provide a privacy mode for the user by blocking visibility at a specific viewing angle.

[0179] Fig. 19 is a plan view showing the arrangement of light-emitting regions in a display region of a display device according to another embodiment. Fig. 20 is a plan view showing the arrangement of light-emitting regions and light-shielding regions in the display region of the display device of Fig. 19. Fig. 21 is a plan view showing the arrangement of light-emitting regions and light-shielding layers in the display region of the display device of Fig. 19.

[0180] 19 to 21, in a display device 10 according to one embodiment, the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 may have a substantially elliptical shape, and therefore the inner diameters of the light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4 of the color filter layer CFL and the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, BMP3, and BMP4 of the light-shielding layer BM also have elliptical shapes, while the outer diameters of these light-shielding patterns may have circular shapes (FIG. 20). The display device 10 according to this embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 except for the shapes of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4, the light-transmitting regions OPT1, OPT2, OPT3, and OPT4 of the color filter layer CFL, and the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, BMP3, and BMP4 of the light-shielding layer BM.

[0181] The light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 may have lengths measured in one direction that are different from the lengths measured in the other direction. For example, the first light-emitting region LA1 may have a longer major axis passing through the center of the ellipse than a shorter axis. The light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 in one pixel PX1, PX2, PX3, and PX4 may have different major and minor axis lengths.

[0182] In some embodiments, the length of the major axis of the first light-emitting region LA1 may be longer than the lengths of the major axes of the second and fourth light-emitting regions LA2 and LA4, but shorter than the length of the major axis of the third light-emitting region LA3. The length of the major axis of the third light-emitting region LA3 may be longer than the lengths of the major axis of the first light-emitting region LA1 and the lengths of the major axes of the second and fourth light-emitting regions LA2 and LA4. The length of the minor axis of the first light-emitting region LA1 may be longer than the lengths of the minor axes of the second and fourth light-emitting regions LA2 and LA4, but shorter than the length of the minor axis of the third light-emitting region LA3. The length of the minor axis of the third light-emitting region LA3 may be longer than the lengths of the minor axis of the first light-emitting region LA1 and the lengths of the minor axes of the second and fourth light-emitting regions LA2 and LA4. The lengths of the major and minor axes of the second and fourth light-emitting regions LA2 and LA4 may be the same.

[0183] The major axis or minor axis of each light-emitting region LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 may extend in different directions. For example, the major axis of the first light-emitting region LA1, the major axis of the second light-emitting region LA2, the major axis of the third light-emitting region LA3, and the major axis of the fourth light-emitting region LA4 may extend in different directions. However, without being limited thereto, the major axis or minor axis of each light-emitting region LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 may extend in the same direction.

[0184] The light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, BMP3, and BMP4 of the light-shielding layer BM may be spaced apart from and surround the light-emitting areas LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4, respectively. As described above, the distance between the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, BMP3, and BMP4 and the light-emitting areas LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 may vary depending on the size of the light-emitting areas LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4.

[0185] Furthermore, the widths of the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, BMP3, and BMP4 may also differ depending on the sizes of the light-emitting areas LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 in the display device 10. According to one embodiment, in the light-emitting areas having different lengths measured in different directions, for example, in the second light-emitting area LA2, the second light-shielding pattern BMP2 arranged to surround the second light-emitting area LA2 may have different widths depending on the position.

[0186] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing the relative arrangement of the light emitting regions and light blocking layers of the display device of Fig. 21. Fig. 22 schematically shows the sizes of the first light emitting region LA1 and the first light blocking pattern BMP1.

[0187] 22, in the display device 10, the first length WA1 (e.g., the length of the major axis) measured in the second direction DR2 of the first light-emitting region LA1 may be greater than the second length WA2 (e.g., the length of the minor axis) measured in the first direction DR1. The first light-shielding patterns BMP1 may be disposed at regular intervals to surround the first light-emitting region LA1, and the area surrounded by the first light-shielding patterns BMP1 becomes the first opening OPB1. As described above, in order to prevent light leakage at high viewing angles, the smaller the diameter of the light-emitting region, the greater the width of the light-shielding patterns surrounding it.

[0188] The first light-shielding pattern BMP1 has an elliptical inner diameter like the first light-emitting region LA1, but may have a circular outer diameter. Therefore, the first width WB1 of the first light-shielding pattern BMP1 measured on an extension of the first length WA1 of the first light-emitting region LA1 may be smaller than the second width WB2 measured on an extension of the second length WA2 of the first light-emitting region LA1. The first length WA1 of the first light-emitting region LA1 may be longer than the second length WA2, and the first width WB1 of the first light-shielding pattern BMP1 located at a position along the major axis of the first light-emitting region LA1 may be smaller than the second width WB2 located at a position along the minor axis of the first light-emitting region LA1.

[0189] FIG. 23 is a chart showing the 45-degree luminance ratio (luminance at a viewing angle of 45 degrees relative to luminance in the vertical direction) and color change depending on the azimuth angle according to the outer diameter shape of the light-shielding pattern.

[0190] 23, the shading pattern with a circular outer diameter has an azimuth angle color shift (ASCS) smaller by about 0.002 than the shading pattern with an elliptical outer diameter. Also, in the second emission mode (privacy protection mode), the luminance ratio at a 45-degree viewing angle decreased by about 0.7%.

[0191] These results confirm that the light-blocking pattern with a circular outer diameter has less color change depending on the viewing angle and can block more light at side viewing angles, thereby realizing an improved privacy protection mode.

[0192] The display device 10 according to an embodiment can provide a privacy protection mode to a user by variously designing the shape and width of the light blocking pattern according to the shape and size of the light emitting area.

[0193] 24 and 25 are diagrams illustrating light-blocking patterns of display devices according to other embodiments.

[0194] 24, in a light-shielding layer BM according to an embodiment, the light-shielding patterns (BMP1, BMP2, BMP3, and BMP4 in FIG. 10) arranged to correspond to and surround each of the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 may be integrated with one another. This embodiment differs from the embodiment of FIG. 16 in that the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, BMP3, and BMP4 are integrated. Below, explanations that overlap with the above-described embodiments will be omitted and only differences will be described.

[0195] The light-shielding layer BM is formed by a patterning process using a mask, and forming a large, integrated pattern is more advantageous in terms of process than forming multiple patterns that are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the display device 10 includes one light-shielding pattern BMP arranged corresponding to each second-type pixel (or the second pixel PX2 and the fourth pixel PX4), and the light-shielding pattern BMP can have a shape that surrounds but does not cover each of the light-emitting areas LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4.

[0196] 25, in a light-shielding layer BM according to an embodiment, light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, BMP3, and BMP4 arranged to surround each of light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 may be connected to one another. This embodiment differs from the embodiment of FIG. 16 in that the light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, BMP3, and BMP4 are connected via a connecting portion BMC. This embodiment also differs from the embodiment of FIG. 23 in that the center portion of the light-shielding pattern BMP is removed.

[0197] As described above, in the mask process for forming the light-shielding layer BM, forming one large pattern is more advantageous than forming multiple patterns spaced apart from each other. Additionally, minimizing the area in which the light-shielding layer BM is disposed is more advantageous in terms of color adjustment. The display device 10 may have a shape in which multiple light-shielding patterns BMP1, BMP2, BMP3, and BMP4, each corresponding to the light-emitting regions LA1, LA2, LA3, and LA4 of the second-type pixels (or the second pixel PX2 and the fourth pixel PX4), are connected to adjacent patterns via connecting portions BMC.

[0198] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting.

[0199] According to a preferred specific embodiment, it is as follows:

[0200] The background and issues of this case are as follows (i) to (v).

[0201] (i) In display panels using organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), etc., a privacy protection function is sometimes required to prevent others from peeking at the display from the side. In particular, display devices that can be switched between a wide-viewing angle mode that allows viewing from the side and a narrow-viewing angle mode (privacy protection mode) that allows viewing only from the front are being considered.

[0202] (ii) According to Patent Document 1, conventionally, a liquid crystal layer is added to the front (top) of the display panel and this liquid crystal layer is controlled.

[0203] (iii) Patent Document 1 proposes dividing each subpixel, for example, into left and right halves, into a left group of divided subpixels (PIXA) and a right group of divided subpixels (PIXB), and making each set of divided subpixels (PIXA, PIXB) capable of emitting light through one light-transmitting portion (color filter portion CF) between black matrices (light-shielding portions BMA, BMB) (see, for example, Figures 5, 13, and 16). A structure has been proposed that allows the visible viewing angle (referred to as "viewing angle" in the present description) to be switched by switching between the left group and the right group, for example. It has also been proposed to configure the black matrix (light-shielding portions BMA, BMB) as two layers, one on the lower side and one on the upper side (FIG. 16).

[0204] (iv) Patent Document 2 proposes that when providing an opening in a light-shielding layer (710) above each light-emitting region (EA1a, EA1b) of an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), the area of ​​the opening in the light-shielding layer (710) is increased or decreased depending on the subpixel (see Figures 3, 9, etc.).

[0205] (v) In the course of their intensive research, the inventors of the present invention came up with the idea of ​​using an upper-layer light-shielding pattern and a lower-layer light-shielding pattern, and forming the lower-layer light-shielding pattern from a color filter, in order to further simplify the structure for enabling switching to the narrow viewing angle mode, and continued their research.

[0206] In a specific embodiment of the present application, the following A1 to A6 and at least one of the following A1 to A11 are particularly used.

[0207] A1 A touch panel layer (touch sensing layer TSU) is laminated on the display side (top surface) of a self-luminous display panel layer (display layer DU) in which light-emitting elements such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are arranged, with sealing layers (TFE1, TFE2) interposed between them, and an overcoat layer (OC) is then applied thereon with a covering insulating layer (passivation layers PSV1, PSV2) for the touch panel layer interposed between them. (Figs. 12-13 of the present application)

[0208] A2 In the wide viewing angle mode, for example, an image is displayed using all sub-pixels (PX1 to PX4 in Figure 4 of the present application), and in the narrow viewing angle mode (privacy protection mode), an image is displayed using only some of the sub-pixels (PX1 and PX4 in Figure 4 of the present application). (Figures 9-10 of the present application)

[0209] A3: The touch panel layer (touch sensing layer TSU) is provided with color filter layers (CF1 to CF3) for each primary color, and the lower layer light-shielding pattern (light-shielding area BMA) is formed by stacking these color filter layers (Fig. 5 of the present application). The light-shielding patterns are formed so as to form dot-shaped light-transmitting regions (OPT1 to OPT4) at locations that overlap the light-emitting regions (LA1 to LA4) (see Figs. 6 to 8 of the present application).

[0210] A4 An upper light-blocking pattern (BMP) is formed in the overcoat layer (OC). (Figs. 12-13 of the present application)

[0211] A5 The upper layer side light blocking pattern (BMP) is arranged only in the sub-pixels (PX1 and PX4 in FIG. 4 of the present application, etc.) used for image display in the narrow viewing angle mode (privacy protection mode). (Figures 9-10 of the present application)

[0212] A6 The upper layer light-shielding patterns (BMP) are formed as ring-shaped patterns (BMP1 to BMP4) so ​​as to surround the dot-shaped light-transmitting regions (OPT1 to OPT4), respectively. (Figure 9 of the present application)

[0213] A7 The inner edges of the ring-shaped patterns (BMP1 to BMP4) are spaced apart from the edges of the light-emitting regions (LA1 to LA4). This distance (DF1 to DF3) can be set to decrease as the diameter of the light-emitting regions (LA1 to LA4) increases (see Figures 16 and 18 of the present application).

[0214] A8 The separation distances (DF1 to DF3) can be determined in particular according to the formulas described in

[0173] to

[0174] .

[0215] A9 The line widths (BW1 to BW3) of the ring-shaped patterns (BMP1 to BMP4) can be set to increase as the diameter of the light-emitting regions (LA1 to LA4) increases (FIG. 16 of the present application).

[0216] A10 The inner edges of the dot-shaped light-transmitting areas (OPT1 to OPT4) defined by the light-shielding patterns (light-shielding areas BMA) on the lower layer side of the color filter layers (CF1 to CF3) can be appropriately varied in distance (WW1 to WW3) from the light-emitting areas (LA1 to LA4) (Figs. 14 and 15 of the present application).

[0217] The inner edges of the light-emitting regions (LA1 to LA4) and the ring-shaped patterns (BMP1 to BMP4) that are upper layer shielding patterns can be formed in an elliptical shape, and in this case, the outer edges of the ring-shaped patterns (BMP1 to BMP4) can be formed in a circular shape (Fig. 20 of the present application). [Explanation of symbols]

[0218] 10 Display device LA1-4 First to fourth light-emitting regions PX1~4 1st to 4th pixels OPT1 to OPT4: First to fourth light-transmitting regions BM light shielding layer CF1-3 First to third color filters BMP1-4 1st to 4th light blocking patterns BMA shading area OPB1-3 First to third light output units

Claims

1. a display area in which a plurality of pixels are arranged, each including a plurality of light-emitting regions spaced apart from one another; a color filter layer disposed in the display region and including a plurality of color filters disposed so as to overlap the plurality of light-emitting regions; a light-shielding layer disposed on the color filter layer and corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting regions of some of the plurality of pixels; the color filter layer includes a light-shielding region where at least two of the plurality of color filters overlap, and a plurality of light-transmitting regions that are the remaining regions excluding the light-shielding region, The display device, wherein the light-shielding region overlaps the light-shielding layer, and the plurality of light-transmitting regions do not overlap the light-shielding layer.

2. the plurality of color filters include a first color filter, a second color filter, and a third color filter that transmit light of different colors; 2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the light-shielding region includes a region where at least the first color filter and the second color filter overlap in the thickness direction, and a region where at least the first color filter and the third color filter overlap in the thickness direction.

3. the plurality of color filters include a first color filter, a second color filter, and a third color filter; The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of light-transmitting regions include a region in which only one of the first color filter, the second color filter, and the third color filter is arranged.

4. the plurality of light-emitting regions include a first light-emitting region, a second light-emitting region, and a third light-emitting region that are spaced apart from one another; 3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of light-transmitting regions include a first light-transmitting region overlapping with the first light-emitting region, a second light-transmitting region overlapping with the second light-emitting region, and a third light-transmitting region overlapping with the third light-emitting region.

5. the first color filter surrounds the first light-emitting region and the second light-emitting region on a plane, and overlaps with the second color filter or the third color filter to form the light-shielding region; the second color filter surrounds the second light-emitting region and the third light-emitting region on a plane, and overlaps with the first color filter to form the light-shielding region; The display device according to claim 4 , wherein the third color filter surrounds the first light-emitting region and the third light-emitting region on a plane and overlaps with the first color filter to form the light-shielding region.

6. the light-shielding layer includes a first light-emitting portion overlapping the first light-emitting region, a second light-emitting portion overlapping the second light-emitting region, and a third light-emitting portion overlapping the third light-emitting region; 5. The display device of claim 4, wherein an inner surface of the first light-transmitting region is aligned with an inner surface of the first light exit portion, an inner surface of the second light-transmitting region is aligned with an inner surface of the second light exit portion, and an inner surface of the third light-transmitting region is aligned with an inner surface of the third light exit portion.

7. the plurality of light emitting regions include a first light emitting region, a second light emitting region, and a third light emitting region that are spaced apart from one another; The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the first light-emitting region, the second light-emitting region, and the third light-emitting region have mutually different intervals from the light-shielding region.

8. a distance between the first light-emitting region and the light-shielding region is smaller than a distance between the second light-emitting region and the light-shielding region, and is smaller than a distance between the third light-emitting region and the light-shielding region; The display device according to claim 7 , wherein the distance between the second light-emitting region and the light-shielding region is greater than the distance between the third light-emitting region and the light-shielding region.

9. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the light-shielding layer includes a plurality of light-shielding patterns that surround the plurality of light-emitting regions in a plane and are spaced apart from each other.

10. The plurality of pixels include a first light-emitting region and a second light-emitting region having a radius smaller than that of the first light-emitting region, the light-shielding layer includes a first light-shielding pattern disposed corresponding to the first light-emitting region and a second light-shielding pattern disposed corresponding to the second light-emitting region; The display device of claim 9 , wherein a difference between a radius of the first light-emitting region and an inner radius of the first light-shielding pattern is different from a difference between a radius of the second light-emitting region and an inner radius of the second light-shielding pattern.

11. The display device of claim 10 , wherein a width of the first light-shielding pattern is smaller than a width of the second light-shielding pattern.

12. the plurality of pixels include first pixels in which the light-shielding layer is not disposed, and second pixels in which the light-shielding patterns are disposed corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting regions, respectively; The display device according to claim 9 , wherein diameters of the plurality of light-transmitting regions in the first pixel are larger than diameters of the plurality of light-transmitting regions in the second pixel.

13. A substrate; a light-emitting element layer disposed on the substrate and including a plurality of light-emitting regions; a sealing layer disposed on the light-emitting element layer; a color filter layer disposed on the sealing layer, the color filter layer including a plurality of light-transmitting regions disposed so as to overlap the plurality of light-emitting regions, and a light-shielding region not overlapping the plurality of light-emitting regions; a light-shielding member layer disposed on the color filter layer and including light-shielding layers disposed corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting regions, the color filter layer includes a first color filter, a second color filter, and a third color filter; The light-shielding region includes a region where at least the first color filter and the second color filter overlap in the thickness direction, and a region where at least the first color filter and the third color filter overlap in the thickness direction.

14. The display device of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of light-transmitting regions include a region in which only one of the first color filter, the second color filter, and the third color filter is arranged.

15. the plurality of light-emitting regions include a first light-emitting region, a second light-emitting region, and a third light-emitting region that are spaced apart from one another; 15. The display device of claim 14, wherein the plurality of light-transmitting regions include a first light-transmitting region overlapping the first light-emitting region, a second light-transmitting region overlapping the second light-emitting region, and a third light-transmitting region overlapping the third light-emitting region.

16. the first color filter surrounds the first light-emitting region and the second light-emitting region on a plane, and overlaps with the second color filter or the third color filter to form the light-shielding region; the second color filter surrounds the second light-emitting region and the third light-emitting region on a plane, and overlaps with the first color filter to form the light-shielding region; The display device according to claim 15 , wherein the third color filter surrounds the first light-emitting region and the third light-emitting region in a plan view and overlaps with the first color filter to form the light-shielding region.

17. a display area in which a plurality of pixels are arranged, each including a plurality of light-emitting regions spaced apart from one another; a color filter layer disposed in the display region and including a plurality of color filters disposed so as to overlap the plurality of light-emitting regions; a light-shielding layer disposed on the color filter layer, the light-shielding layer including a plurality of light-shielding patterns disposed corresponding to the light-emitting regions of some of the pixels, and a light-emitting portion overlapping the light-emitting regions; the color filter layer includes a light-shielding region where at least two of the plurality of color filters overlap, and a plurality of light-transmitting regions that are the remaining regions excluding the light-shielding region, The display device, wherein an inner side of the light-shielding region and an inner side of the light-emitting portion are aligned with each other.

18. 18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein planar shapes of the plurality of light emitting regions correspond to inner diameter shapes of the plurality of light blocking patterns, and outer diameter shapes of the plurality of light blocking patterns are different from the inner diameter shapes.

19. 19. The display device according to claim 18, wherein the planar shapes of the plurality of light emitting regions and the inner diameter shapes of the plurality of light blocking patterns are elliptical, and the outer diameter shapes of the plurality of light blocking patterns are circular.

20. the plurality of color filters include a first color filter, a second color filter, and a third color filter; 18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein the light-shielding region includes a region where at least the first color filter and the second color filter overlap in the thickness direction, and a region where at least the first color filter and the third color filter overlap in the thickness direction.

21. the plurality of light-emitting regions include a first light-emitting region, a second light-emitting region, and a third light-emitting region that are spaced apart from one another; The display device of claim 17 , wherein the first light-emitting region, the second light-emitting region, and the third light-emitting region are spaced from the light-shielding region by different distances from each other.

22. a display area in which a plurality of pixels are arranged, each including a plurality of light-emitting regions spaced apart from one another; a color filter layer disposed in the display region and including a plurality of color filters disposed so as to overlap the plurality of light-emitting regions; a light-shielding layer disposed on the color filter layer and corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting regions of some of the plurality of pixels; the color filter layer includes a light-shielding region where at least two of the plurality of color filters overlap, and a plurality of light-transmitting regions that are the remaining regions excluding the light-shielding region, The electronic device, wherein the light-shielding region overlaps the light-shielding layer, and the plurality of light-transmitting regions do not overlap the light-shielding layer.

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