Electronic device and display device

The display panel design addresses the challenge of high resolution and reliability by using a differential film and contact holes to enhance optical resonance and aperture ratio, resulting in improved performance.

JP2026015279APending Publication Date: 2026-01-29SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025119164
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-11-01
Filing Date
2025-07-15
Publication Date
2026-01-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing display panels face challenges in achieving high resolution while ensuring aperture ratio and improving reliability, particularly in light-emitting elements used in electronic devices.

Method used

The display panel design includes a differential film with inorganic films between reflective and transparent electrodes, contact holes in light-emitting regions, and a pixel defining layer to optimize optical resonance and reduce unnecessary non-light-emitting regions, enhancing aperture ratio and luminous efficiency.

Benefits of technology

The design achieves high resolution and high luminous efficiency with an improved aperture ratio by optimizing optical resonance and reducing non-light-emitting areas, thereby improving the reliability of electronic devices.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide an electronic device including a display panel which secures an aperture ratio and is improved in reliability while realizing high resolution.SOLUTION: A base layer including first to third emission areas, a lower electrode including first to third reflective electrodes and first to third transparent electrodes, an organic layer disposed on the lower electrode and including an emission layer, an upper electrode disposed on the organic layer, and a differential film disposed between the first reflective electrode and the first transparent electrode and between the second reflective electrode and the second transparent electrode, first and second contact holes are defined in the differential layer overlapping the first emission area and the second emission area, the first transparent electrode is disposed in the first contact hole to be connected to the first reflective electrode, and the second transparent electrode is disposed in the second contact hole to be connected to the second reflective electrode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to displays, and more particularly to electronic devices with improved reliability. [Background technology]

[0002] Display devices that provide images to users, such as televisions, monitors, smartphones, and tablets, include a display panel that displays images. Various display panels have been developed, including liquid crystal display panels, organic light emitting display panels, electrowetting display panels, and electrophoretic display panels.

[0003] Research into patterning methods of light-emitting elements has been ongoing to improve the reliability of display panels, and recently, research has been ongoing into high-resolution electronic devices that include light-emitting materials commonly provided using open masks. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022-0013750 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device including a display panel that realizes high resolution while ensuring aperture ratio and improving reliability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] the first light-emitting region and the second light-emitting region overlapping the first light-emitting region, respectively; a base layer including first to third reflective electrodes and a non-emitting region; a lower electrode including first to third transparent electrodes disposed on the first to third reflective electrodes; an organic layer disposed on the lower electrode and including an emitting layer; an upper electrode disposed on the organic layer; and a differential film disposed between the first reflective electrode and the first transparent electrode and between the second reflective electrode and the second transparent electrode, wherein first and second contact holes are defined in the differential film overlapping the first light-emitting region and the second light-emitting region, the first transparent electrode being disposed in the first contact hole and connected to the first reflective electrode, and the second transparent electrode being disposed in the second contact hole and connected to the second reflective electrode.

[0007] The differential film may include a first inorganic film and a second inorganic film, each of which contains an inorganic material.

[0008] The first inorganic film and the second inorganic film may be disposed between the first reflective electrode and the first transparent electrode, and only the first inorganic film may be disposed between the second reflective electrode and the second transparent electrode.

[0009] A first distance from the first reflective electrode to the first transparent electrode may be greater than a second distance from the second reflective electrode to the second transparent electrode.

[0010] Each of the first inorganic film and the second inorganic film is made of silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon nitride (SiN x ), and silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ) can be characterized by including at least one of them.

[0011] The light-emitting device may further include a first pattern disposed on the first transparent electrode overlapping the first contact hole, and a second pattern disposed on the second transparent electrode overlapping the second contact hole.

[0012] The display device may further include a pixel defining layer disposed on the base layer, the pixel defining layer defining a pixel opening that exposes at least a portion of each of the first, second, and third transparent electrodes.

[0013] The first pattern and the second pattern may include the same material as the pixel defining layer.

[0014] The pixel defining layer, the first pattern, and the second pattern may include any one of an organic material and an inorganic material.

[0015] The top surface of the first pattern may be coplanar with a top surface of the first transparent electrode that does not overlap with the first contact hole, and the top surface of the second pattern may be coplanar with a top surface of the second transparent electrode that does not overlap with the second contact hole.

[0016] Each of the first pattern and the second pattern may include a first portion disposed within a corresponding contact hole and a second portion disposed on the first portion and protruding from a corresponding transparent electrode.

[0017] The side of the differential film defining the first contact hole may be inclined at a predetermined angle from the first reflective electrode, and the side of the differential film defining the second contact hole may be inclined at a predetermined angle from the second reflective electrode.

[0018] The third reflective electrode and the third transparent electrode may be in direct contact with each other.

[0019] Each of the first to third reflective electrodes may include a first layer including a transparent conductive oxide, a second layer disposed on the first layer and including a reflective metal material, and a third layer disposed on the second layer and including a transparent conductive oxide.

[0020] The light emitting device may further include a sealing layer disposed on the upper electrode, and a color filter layer disposed on the sealing layer and including first to third color filters overlapping the first to third light emitting regions, respectively.

[0021] The color filter layer may further include an overcoat layer disposed on the color filter layer.

[0022] The first, second and third light emitting regions may have different shapes and areas on a plane.

[0023] The first and second light emitting regions may have different shapes from the first and second contact holes in plan view.

[0024] The first light emitting region may have the same shape as the first contact hole, and the second light emitting region may have the same shape as the second contact hole, in plan view.

[0025] The first, second, and third reflective electrodes may be spaced apart from one another and disposed on the same layer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] The display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention can achieve high resolution and high luminous efficiency through an excellent optical resonance design.

[0027] Furthermore, by contacting the reflective electrode and the transparent electrode within the light-emitting region, unnecessary non-light-emitting regions can be reduced, thereby providing an electronic device including a display panel with a high aperture ratio for the light-emitting region. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2A] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2B] 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3A] 1 is a plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3B] 1 is a plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3C] 1 is a plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line II' in FIG. 3A. [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 1 is a plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 1 is a plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a light-emitting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] In this specification, when a certain component (or region, layer, portion, etc.) is described as being "on," "coupled," or "bonded" to another component, it means that it can be directly disposed / coupled / bonded to the other component, or that a third component can be disposed therebetween.

[0030] The same reference numerals refer to the same elements. Also, in the drawings, thickness, ratio, and dimensions of elements are exaggerated for efficient explanation of technical content. "And / or" includes all one or more combinations that the associated elements can define.

[0031] Terms such as "first," "second," etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component may be referred to as a "second component," and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a "first component" without departing from the scope of the present invention. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0032] Furthermore, terms such as "under," "below," "on," and "above" are used to describe the relationship between components shown in the drawings. These terms are relative concepts and are described based on the directions shown in the drawings.

[0033] It should be understood that the use of terms such as "comprises" or "having" is intended to specify the presence of a stated feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof, but does not preclude the presence or possible addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Furthermore, terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning they have in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted as being overly ideal or overly formal unless explicitly defined herein.

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0036] 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device EE according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic device EE may be a device that is activated in response to an electrical signal. For example, the electronic device EE may be a television, a monitor, an external billboard, a game console, a personal computer, a laptop computer, a mobile phone, a tablet, a game console, a navigation system, or a wearable device, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates a head-mounted display (HMD) device as an example of an electronic device EE. A head-mounted display device may be a device worn on a user's head to provide the user with a screen on which images or videos are displayed. Head-mounted display devices include a see-through type that provides augmented reality (AR) based on actual external objects, and a see-closed type that provides virtual reality (VR) to the user as a screen independent of external objects.

[0038] 1, the electronic device EE may include a display panel DP and a lens part LS facing the display panel DP, a main frame MF, a cover frame CFR, and a fixing part FP.

[0039] The main frame MF may be a part worn on the user's face. The main frame MF may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the user's head (face). For example, the length of the fixing part FP may be adjusted according to the circumference of the user's head. The fixing part FP is a structure that facilitates attachment of the main frame MF and may include a strap, a belt, etc. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the fixing part FP may have various shapes, such as a helmet or eyeglasses leg that is coupled to the main frame MF.

[0040] The lens unit LS, the display panel DP, and the cover frame CF may be mounted on the main frame MF, which may include a space or structure in which the lens unit LS and the display panel DP can be accommodated.

[0041] The lens unit LS may be disposed between the display panel DP and a user. The lens unit LS may transmit light emitted from the display panel DP and provide it to a user. For example, the lens unit LS may include various types of lenses, such as a multi-channel lens, a convex lens, a concave lens, a spherical lens, an aspherical lens, a single lens, a compound lens, a standard lens, a narrow-angle lens, a wide-angle lens, a fixed-focus lens, and a variable-focus lens.

[0042] The lens unit LS may include a first lens LS1 and a second lens LS2. The first lens LS1 and the second lens LS2 may be disposed to correspond to the positions of the user's left and right eyes. The first lens LS1 and the second lens LS2 may be housed inside the main frame MF.

[0043] The display panel DP may be provided in a state where it is fixed to the main frame MF, or may be provided in a state where it is detachable from the main frame MF. The display panel DP will be described in more detail below.

[0044] The cover frame CFR may be disposed on one surface of the display panel DP to protect the display panel DP, and the cover frame CFR and the lens unit LS may be spaced apart from each other via the display panel DP.

[0045] 1 and the following drawings illustrate first to third directions DR1 to DR3, and the directions indicated by the first to third directions DR1, DR2, and DR3 described herein are relative concepts and may be converted to other directions. Furthermore, the directions indicated by the first to third directions DR1, DR2, and DR3 may be referred to as the first to third directions, and the same reference numerals may be used. In this specification, the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may be perpendicular to each other, and the third direction DR3 may be a normal direction to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0046] The thickness direction of the electronic device EE may be parallel to a third direction DR3, which is a normal direction to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. In this specification, the front (or top) and back (or bottom) surfaces of components constituting the electronic device EE may be defined based on the third direction DR3. In this specification, "on a plane" refers to a plane parallel to the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, and "on a cross section" refers to a plane parallel to the third direction DR3.

[0047] 2A is a perspective view of an electronic device EE-a according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the electronic device of the present invention, showing a mobile phone as an example of the electronic device EE-a.

[0048] The electronic device EE-a can display an image IM through an active area AA-DD. The active area AA-DD can include a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. The active area AA-DD can include a curved surface bent from at least one side of the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. However, this is merely an example, and the shape of the active area AA-DD is not limited thereto. For example, the active area AA-DD can include only the plane, or the active area AA-DD can further include four curved surfaces bent from at least two or more, for example, four, sides of the plane.

[0049] The peripheral region NAA-DD is adjacent to the active region AA-DD. The peripheral region NAA-DD may surround the active region AA-DD. Therefore, the shape of the active region AA-DD may be substantially defined by the peripheral region NAA-DD. However, this is merely an example, and the peripheral region NAA-DD may be disposed adjacent to only one side of the active region AA-DD or may be omitted. The active regions AA-DD may be provided in various shapes and are not limited to any one embodiment.

[0050] Fig. 2B is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device EE-a shown in Fig. 2A. Referring to Fig. 2B, the electronic device EE-a may include a housing HAU, a display panel DP, and a window member WM.

[0051] The window member WM may cover the entire outer surface of the display panel DP. The window member WM may include a transmissive region TA and a bezel region BZA. The front surface of the window member WM including the transmissive region TA and the bezel region BZA may correspond to the front surface of the electronic device EE-a. The transmissive region TA may correspond to the active region AA-DD of the electronic device EE-a shown in FIG. 2A, and the bezel region BZA may correspond to the peripheral region NAA-DD of the electronic device EE-a shown in FIG. 2A.

[0052] The transmissive region TA may be an optically transparent region. The bezel region BZA may be a region having a relatively low light transmittance compared to the transmissive region TA. The bezel region BZA may have a predetermined color. The bezel region BZA may be adjacent to the transmissive region TA and surround the transmissive region TA. The bezel region BZA may define the shape of the transmissive region TA. However, the embodiments are not limited to those shown in the drawings, and the bezel region BZA may be disposed adjacent to only one side of the transmissive region TA, or a portion of the bezel region BZA may be omitted.

[0053] The display panel DP may include an active area AA and a peripheral area NAA. The active area AA may correspond to the active area AA-DD of the electronic device EE-a shown in FIG. 2A, and the peripheral area NAA may correspond to the peripheral area NAA-DD of the electronic device EE-a shown in FIG. 2A. Pixels for generating an image may be arranged in the active area AA. Driving elements and signal lines for driving the pixels arranged in the active area AA may be arranged in the peripheral area NAA-DD. One area of ​​the peripheral area NAA-DD may be bent based on a bending axis extending along the second direction DR2 to overlap with the active area AA.

[0054] Although not shown, an input sensing unit may be provided on the display panel DP. The input sensing unit may sense an external input applied from the outside. The external input may be a user input. The user input may include various forms of external input, such as a part of the user's body, light, heat, a pen, or pressure. More specifically, the input sensing unit (not shown) may be disposed on an encapsulation layer TFE (see FIG. 4) of the display panel DP, which will be described later. Alternatively, the input sensing unit (not shown) may be disposed directly on the encapsulation layer TFE (see FIG. 4), or directly on an adhesive member (not shown) disposed on the encapsulation layer TFE (see FIG. 4). The adhesive member may include a conventional adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0055] As used herein, when a component (or region, layer, portion, etc.) is referred to as being "directly disposed" on another component, it means that there is no third component disposed between the component and the other component. That is, when a component is "directly disposed" on another component, it means that the component and the other component are "in contact."

[0056] The housing HAU can accommodate the display panel DP, etc. The housing HAU can be combined with a window member WM.

[0057] 3A is a plan view showing a display panel DP according to an embodiment. The following description of the display panel DP can be applied to the display panel DP included in the electronic devices EE and EE-a shown in FIGS. 1 and 2B.

[0058] 3A, the active area AA of the display panel DP may include a light-emitting area PXA and a non-light-emitting area NPXA. The non-light-emitting area NPXA may surround the light-emitting area PXA. A plurality of light-emitting areas PXA may be provided. Each light-emitting area PXA may include a first light-emitting area PXA-1, a second light-emitting area PXA-2, and a third light-emitting area PXA-3. Each of the first light-emitting area PXA-1, the second light-emitting area PXA-2, and the third light-emitting area PXA-3 may emit light in different wavelength ranges.

[0059] The first light-emitting region PXA-1 can emit a first light, the second light-emitting region PXA-2 can emit a second light different from the first light, and the third light-emitting region PXA-3 can emit a third light different from the first and second lights. Meanwhile, the first light can be red light, the second light can be green light, and the third light can be blue light.

[0060] For example, any one of the first light-emitting region PXA-1 and the third light-emitting region PXA-3 may be spaced apart along a first direction DR1, any one of the first light-emitting region PXA-1 and the second light-emitting region PXA-2 may be spaced apart along a first oblique direction CDR1, and the third light-emitting region PXA-3 and the second light-emitting region PXA-2 may be spaced apart along a second oblique direction CDR2.

[0061] The first light-emitting region PXA-1 and the third light-emitting region PXA-3 are spaced apart along the first direction DR1 and adjacent to each other along the first direction DR1. Two second light-emitting regions PXA-2 are disposed in the diagonal directions CDR1 and CDR2 relative to the first light-emitting region PXA-1 and the third light-emitting region PXA-3, respectively. The first light-emitting region PXA-1, the third light-emitting region PXA-3, and the two second light-emitting regions PXA-2 can be defined as one sub-pixel. As described below, PXA-1, PXA-2, and PXA-3 can also be defined as one sub-pixel.

[0062] According to this embodiment, each of the first to third light-emitting regions PXA-1, PXA-2, and PXA-3 may have a rectangular shape. Among the first to third light-emitting regions PXA-1, PXA-2, and PXA-3, the third light-emitting region PXA-3 may have the largest area, and the second light-emitting region PXA-2 may have the smallest area. However, this is merely an example, and the areas of the first to third light-emitting regions PXA-1, PXA-2, and PXA-3 are not limited thereto.

[0063] 3A, the first light-emitting region PXA-1 and the third light-emitting region PXA-3 are alternately arranged in one row, and the second light-emitting region PXA-2 is arranged in another row, spaced apart from the first light-emitting region PXA-1 and the third light-emitting region PXA-3. However, this is merely an example, and the arrangement of the first to third light-emitting regions PXA-1, PXA-2, and PXA-3 is not limited to this.

[0064] According to this embodiment, contact holes CN1 and CN2 may be defined in the first and second light-emitting regions PXA-1 and PXA-2 among the first to third light-emitting regions PXA-1, PXA-2, and PXA-3. For example, a first contact hole CN1 may be defined in the first light-emitting region PXA-1, and a second contact hole CN2 may be defined in the second light-emitting region PXA-2.

[0065] The first contact hole CN1 may be defined in the first light-emitting region PXA-1. The second contact hole CN2 may be defined in the second light-emitting region PXA-2. According to the present invention, the contact holes CN1 and CN2 may be separated (non-overlapping) from the third light-emitting region PXA-3. This will be described later.

[0066] 3B and 3C are plan views showing a display panel DP according to an embodiment. The following description of the display panel DP can be equally applied to the display panel DP included in the electronic devices EE and EE-a shown in FIGS. 1 and 2B.

[0067] 3B, the active area AA-1 of the display panel DP may include a light-emitting area PXA and a non-light-emitting area NPXA. The non-light-emitting area NPXA may surround the light-emitting area PXA. A plurality of light-emitting areas PXA may be provided. Each light-emitting area PXA may include a first light-emitting area PXA-1, a second light-emitting area PXA-2, and a third light-emitting area PXA-3. Each of the first light-emitting area PXA-1, the second light-emitting area PXA-2, and the third light-emitting area PXA-3 may emit light in different wavelength ranges.

[0068] The first light-emitting region PXA-1 can emit a first light, the second light-emitting region PXA-2 can emit a second light different from the first light, and the third light-emitting region PXA-3 can emit a third light different from the first and second lights. Meanwhile, the first light can be red light, the second light can be green light, and the third light can be blue light.

[0069] For example, any one of the first light-emitting region PXA-1 and the third light-emitting region PXA-3 may be spaced apart along a first diagonal direction CDR1. Any one of the first light-emitting region PXA-1 and the second light-emitting region PXA-2 may be spaced apart along a first direction DR1, and the third light-emitting region PXA-3 and the second light-emitting region PXA-2 may be spaced apart along a second diagonal direction CDR2. Adjacent first to third light-emitting regions PXA-1, PXA-2, and PXA-3 may be defined as one sub-pixel.

[0070] According to this embodiment, the first to third light-emitting regions PXA-1, PXA-2, and PXA-3 may have different shapes. For example, the first light-emitting region PXA-1 may have an octagonal shape. The second and third light-emitting regions PXA-2 and PXA-3 may have a hexagonal shape.

[0071] According to this embodiment, the first light-emitting region PXA-1 has eight sides that together define an octagonal shape, and the eight sides may alternately face the short sides of the second light-emitting region PXA-2 and the third light-emitting region PXA-3.

[0072] According to this embodiment, each of the second and third light-emitting regions PXA-2 and PXA-3 can define a hexagonal shape by combining three first to third long sides and three first to third short sides. In the second light-emitting region PXA-2, the first long side and the first short side extend along the first oblique direction CDR1 and face the second oblique direction CDR2. The second long side and the second short side extend along the second oblique direction CDR2 and face the first oblique direction CDR1. The third long side and the third short side extend along the second direction DR2 and face the first direction DR1. In the second light-emitting region PXA-2 of FIG. 3B, the first long side, the third short side, the second long side, the first short side, the third long side, and the second short side are arranged in this order. In the second light-emitting region PXA-2, the first long side extends along the first oblique direction CDR1 and can face the long side of any one of the third light-emitting regions PXA-3 in the second oblique direction CDR2. In the second light-emitting region PXA-2, the second long side extends along the second oblique direction CDR2 and can face the long side of any one of the other third light-emitting regions PXA-3 in the first oblique direction CDR1. In the second light-emitting region PXA-2, the third long side extends along the second direction DR2 and can face the long side of any one of the other third light-emitting regions PXA-3 in the first direction DR1. In addition, in the second light-emitting region PXA-2, the first short side extends along the first oblique direction CDR1 and can face the side of any one of the first light-emitting regions PXA-1 in the second oblique direction CDR2. In the second light-emitting region PXA-2, the second short side extends along the second oblique direction CDR2 and can face any one of the sides of the first light-emitting region PXA-1 in the first oblique direction CDR1. In the second light-emitting region PXA-2, the third short side extends along the second direction DR2 and can face any one of the sides of the first light-emitting region PXA-1 in the first direction DR1.

[0073] Among the first to third light-emitting regions PXA-1, PXA-2, and PXA-3, the third light-emitting region PXA-3 may have the largest area and the first light-emitting region PXA-1 may have the smallest area, but this is merely an example and the areas of the first to third light-emitting regions PXA-1, PXA-2, and PXA-3 are not limited thereto.

[0074] According to this embodiment, contact holes CN1 and CN2 may be defined in the first and second light-emitting regions PXA-1 and PXA-2 among the first to third light-emitting regions PXA-1, PXA-2, and PXA-3. For example, a first contact hole CN1 may be defined in the first light-emitting region PXA-1, and a second contact hole CN2 may be defined in the second light-emitting region PXA-2.

[0075] The first contact hole CN1 may be defined in the first light-emitting region PXA-1. The second contact hole CN2 may be defined in the second light-emitting region PXA-2. According to the present invention, the contact holes CN1 and CN2 may be separated (non-overlapping) from the third light-emitting region PXA-3. This will be described later.

[0076] 3C, the active area AA-2 of the display panel DP may include a light-emitting area PXA and a non-light-emitting area NPXA. The non-light-emitting area NPXA may surround the light-emitting area PXA. A plurality of light-emitting areas PXA may be provided. Each light-emitting area PXA may include a first light-emitting area PXA-1, a second light-emitting area PXA-2, and a third light-emitting area PXA-3. Each of the first light-emitting area PXA-1, the second light-emitting area PXA-2, and the third light-emitting area PXA-3 may emit light in different wavelength ranges.

[0077] The first light-emitting region PXA-1 can emit a first light, the second light-emitting region PXA-2 can emit a second light different from the first light, and the third light-emitting region PXA-3 can emit a third light different from the first and second lights. Meanwhile, the first light can be red light, the second light can be green light, and the third light can be blue light.

[0078] According to this embodiment, the first to third light-emitting regions PXA-1, PXA-2, and PXA-3 may have a rectangular shape. For example, the third light-emitting region PXA-3 may have a rectangular shape extended along the second direction DR2. When viewed from the first direction DR1, the first light-emitting region PXA-1 and the second light-emitting region PXA-2 may overlap the third light-emitting region PXA-3. That is, the first light-emitting region PXA-1 and the third light-emitting region PXA-3 overlap in the first direction DR1, and the second light-emitting region PXA-2 and the third light-emitting region PXA-3 overlap in the first direction DR1. Adjacent first to third light-emitting regions PXA-1, PXA-2, and PXA-3 may be defined as one sub-pixel.

[0079] Among the first to third light-emitting regions PXA-1, PXA-2, and PXA-3, the third light-emitting region PXA-3 may have the largest area and the second light-emitting region PXA-2 may have the smallest area, but this is merely an example and the areas of the first to third light-emitting regions PXA-1, PXA-2, and PXA-3 are not limited to this.

[0080] According to this embodiment, contact holes CN1 and CN2 may be defined in the first and second light-emitting regions PXA-1 and PXA-2 among the first to third light-emitting regions PXA-1, PXA-2, and PXA-3. For example, a first contact hole CN1 may be defined in the first light-emitting region PXA-1, and a second contact hole CN2 may be defined in the second light-emitting region PXA-2.

[0081] The first contact hole CN1 may be defined in the first light-emitting region PXA-1. The second contact hole CN2 may be defined in the second light-emitting region PXA-2. According to the present invention, the contact holes CN1 and CN2 may be separated (non-overlapping) from the third light-emitting region PXA-3. This will be described later.

[0082] 4, the display panel DP may include a base layer BS, a circuit layer DP-CL disposed on the base layer BS, a display element layer DP-ED disposed on the circuit layer DP-CL, and an encapsulation layer TFE disposed on the display element layer DP-ED. The display panel DP may further include a color filter layer CFL disposed on the encapsulation layer TFE.

[0083] The base layer BS may be a member that provides a base surface on which the circuit layer DP-CL is disposed. The base layer BS may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate that allows bending, folding, rolling, etc. The base layer BS may be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, a polymer substrate, etc. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the base layer BS may be an inorganic layer, an organic layer, or a composite material layer.

[0084] The base layer BS may have a single layer or a multi-layer structure. For example, the base layer BS may include a first synthetic resin layer, a multi-layer or single layer intermediate layer, and a second synthetic resin layer, which are sequentially stacked. The intermediate layer may be referred to as a base barrier layer. The intermediate layer may be made of silicon oxide (SiO x The intermediate layer may include, but is not limited to, an amorphous silicon (a-Si) layer disposed on the silicon oxide layer. For example, the intermediate layer may include at least one of a silicon oxide layer, a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, and an amorphous silicon layer.

[0085] Each of the first and second synthetic resin layers may include a polyimide-based resin and at least one of an acrylate-based resin, a methacrylate-based resin, a polyisoprene-based resin, a vinyl-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, a urethane-based resin, a cellulose-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, and a perylene-based resin.

[0086] The circuit layer DP-CL may be disposed on the base layer BS. The circuit layer DP-CL may include an insulating layer, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, a signal line, etc. After the insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer are formed on the base layer BS by coating, deposition, etc., the insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer may be selectively patterned through multiple photolithography processes. Then, the semiconductor pattern, the conductive pattern, and the signal line included in the circuit layer DP-CL may be formed.

[0087] In one embodiment, the base layer BS may be a silicon substrate. The base layer BS may be a monocrystalline silicon wafer, a polycrystalline silicon wafer, or an amorphous silicon wafer. The circuit layer DP-CL may include an insulating layer, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, a signal line, etc. formed on the silicon wafer.

[0088] The display element layer DP-ED may be disposed on the circuit layer DP-CL and may include first to third light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3, a differential film TCF, a pixel defining film PDL, and a capping layer CPL.

[0089] The first to third light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 may be spaced apart in a direction intersecting with the third direction DR3, which is the thickness direction. Each of the first to third light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 may include a lower electrode LE1, LE2, or LE3, an organic layer OL disposed on the lower electrode LE1, LE2, or LE3, and an upper electrode UE disposed on the organic layer OL. In addition, the display element layers DP-ED may include a capping layer CPL disposed on the upper electrode UE.

[0090] The lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3 may include reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, and RE3 disposed on the circuit layer DP-CL, and transparent electrodes TE1, TE2, and TE3 disposed on the reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, and RE3. In this specification, the lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3 may refer to "anodes." The lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3 may include a structure in which the reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, and RE3 and the transparent electrodes TE1, TE2, and TE3 are stacked.

[0091] The reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, and RE3 may include a first reflective electrode RE1 included in the first light emitting element ED-1, a second reflective electrode RE2 included in the second light emitting element ED-2, and a third reflective electrode RE3 included in the third light emitting element ED-3.

[0092] Each of the first reflective electrode RE1, the second reflective electrode RE2, and the third reflective electrode RE3 may include one electrode having a three-layer structure, and each of the first reflective electrode RE1, the second reflective electrode RE2, and the third reflective electrode RE3 may include first layers E1-1, E1-2, and E1-3, second layers E2-1, E2-2, and E2-3, and third layers E3-1, E3-2, and E3-3, which are stacked in sequence.

[0093] Each of the first layers E1-1, E1-2, E1-3 and the third layers E3-1, E3-2, E3-3 may include a transparent conductive oxide, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), zinc oxide (ZnOx For example, each of the first layers E1-1, E1-2, and E1-3 and the third layers E3-1, E3-2, and E3-3 may include indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

[0094] The second layers E2-1, E2-2, and E2-3 may include a reflective metal material. The second layers E2-1, E2-2, and E2-3 may include a highly reflective metal, a highly reflective metal oxide, or a highly reflective metal nitride. The second layers E2-1, E2-2, and E2-3 may include one of the highly reflective materials Ag, Mg, Cu, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, LiF / Ca, LiF / Al, Mo, and Ti. For example, the second layers E2-1, E2-2, and E2-3 may include Ag.

[0095] The transparent electrodes TE1, TE2, and TE3 may include a first transparent electrode TE1 included in the first light emitting element ED-1, a second transparent electrode TE2 included in the second light emitting element ED-2, and a third transparent electrode TE3 included in the third light emitting element ED-3.

[0096] Each of the first transparent electrode TE1, the second transparent electrode TE2, and the third transparent electrode TE3 may include a transparent conductive oxide, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), zinc oxide (ZnO x For example, each of the first transparent electrode TE1, the second transparent electrode TE2, and the third transparent electrode TE3 may include indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

[0097] A differential film TCF is disposed between at least a portion of the reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, RE3 and the transparent electrodes TE1, TE2, TE3. The differential film TCF is disposed between at least a portion of the reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, RE3 and the transparent electrodes TE1, TE2, TE3 to adjust the resonance distance of each of the first to third light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, ED-3. The differential film TCF is disposed between at least a portion of the reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, RE3 and the transparent electrodes TE1, TE2, TE3 to space the reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, RE3 and the transparent electrodes TE1, TE2, TE3 from each other, and therefore, light emitted from each of the first to third light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, ED-3 can be designed to produce an optimal resonance frequency that causes optical resonance of a specific wavelength.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3 may include only reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, and RE3, and may not include transparent electrodes TE1, TE2, and TE3. The lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3 may include reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, and RE3, and the reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, and RE3 may include, for example, titanium nitride (TiN). At least a portion of the differential film TCF may be disposed on the reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, and RE3.

[0099] The differential film TCF may include a first inorganic film TCF1 and a second inorganic film TCF2. The first inorganic film TCF1 is disposed between the first reflective electrode RE1 and the first transparent electrode TE1. In the example of FIG. 4, the first inorganic film TCF1 may be disposed between the second reflective electrode RE2 and the second transparent electrode TE2. The second inorganic film TCF2 may be disposed between the first reflective electrode RE1 and the first transparent electrode TE1.

[0100] In the example of FIG. 4, the second inorganic film TCF2 may not be disposed between the second reflective electrode RE2 and the second transparent electrode TE2, and may not be disposed between the third reflective electrode RE3 and the third transparent electrode TE3.

[0101] However, this is not limited to this, and the first inorganic film TCF1 may not be arranged between the second reflective electrode RE2 and the second transparent electrode TE2, but a second inorganic film TCF2 may be arranged, and the present invention is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0102] A first inorganic film TCF1 and a second inorganic film TCF2 are both disposed between the first reflective electrode RE1 and the first transparent electrode TE1, and the first reflective electrode RE1 and the first transparent electrode TE1 may be spaced a first distance apart in a third direction DR3, which is the thickness direction of the display panel DP. A first inorganic film TCF1 is disposed between the second reflective electrode RE2 and the second transparent electrode TE2, and the second reflective electrode RE2 and the second transparent electrode TE2 may be spaced a second distance apart in the third direction DR3, which is the thickness direction of the display panel DP. The first distance may be greater than the second distance. No differential film TCF is disposed between the third reflective electrode RE3 and the third transparent electrode TE3, and the third transparent electrode TE3 may be disposed directly on the third reflective electrode RE3.

[0103] The second inorganic film TCF2 is not disposed between the second reflective electrode RE2 and the second transparent electrode TE2, and between the third reflective electrode RE3 and the third transparent electrode TE3. The first inorganic film TCF1 is not disposed between the third reflective electrode RE3 and the third transparent electrode TE3. In this state, the second inorganic film TCF2 can be spaced apart from the second reflective electrode RE2 and the third reflective electrode RE3.

[0104] Although FIG. 4 illustrates that the sides of the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2 are aligned with the sides of the first reflective electrode RE1, this is not limited to this, and the sides of the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2 may extend to the non-emitting region NPXA, and are not limited to any one embodiment.

[0105] Each of the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2 includes an inorganic material. Each of the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2 includes silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon nitride (SiN x ), and silicon oxynitride (SiO x Ny Each of the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2 may include, for example, silicon oxide (SiO x ).

[0106] According to one embodiment, the transparent electrodes TE1, TE2, and TE3 can be in contact with the reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, and RE3, and can provide charges to hole transport regions HTR (see FIG. 9) and the like disposed on the transparent electrodes TE1, TE2, and TE3.

[0107] According to the present invention, the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2 are disposed between the first reflective electrode RE1 and the first transparent electrode TE1, so that the first transparent electrode TE1 can be in contact with the first reflective electrode RE1 through the first contact hole CN1 that penetrates the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2. Here, the first transparent electrode TE1 is in contact with the first reflective electrode RE1 at the bottom of the first contact hole CN1 and in contact with the side surfaces of the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2 at the side surfaces of the first contact hole CN1. In addition, the first transparent electrode TE1 is in contact with the top surface of the second inorganic film TCF2 except at the first contact hole CN1.

[0108] According to this embodiment, a first contact hole CN1 may be defined within the first light-emitting region PXA-1. The first contact hole CN1 may penetrate the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2 to expose a portion of the first reflective electrode RE1. The first transparent electrode TE1 may be disposed in the first contact hole CN1 and may be in contact with the first reflective electrode RE1.

[0109] Since the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2 are removed from the region where the first contact hole CN1 is defined, resonance may occur in the region overlapping with the first contact hole CN1, resulting in a resonance frequency different from the optimum resonance frequency of the first light emitting element ED-1. To prevent this, a first pattern P-C1 may be disposed on the first transparent electrode TE1 overlapping with the first contact hole CN1.

[0110] According to this embodiment, the first contact hole CN1 and the first pattern P-C1 may have a rectangular cross section. The top surface of the first pattern P-C1 may be flush with the top surface of the first transparent electrode TE1 that does not overlap with the first contact hole CN1. In other words, in the example of FIG. 4, the top surface of the first pattern P-C1 is flush with the top surface of the portion of the first transparent electrode TE1 other than the first contact hole CN1.

[0111] According to this embodiment, the first light-emitting region PXA-1 may be defined as a first region A1 and a second region A2 surrounded by the first region A1. The second region A2 may be defined as a region overlapping with the first contact hole CN1. The first region A1 may be defined as a region where the optimal resonance frequency of the first light-emitting element ED-1 is formed, and the second region A2 may be defined as a region where a frequency different from the optimal resonance frequency is formed. The first pattern P-C1 may be disposed in the second region A2. Therefore, light may not be generated in the second region A2.

[0112] According to the present invention, by contacting the first reflective electrode RE1 and the first transparent electrode TE1 within the first light-emitting region PXA-1, the separate non-emissive region NPXA for contacting the first reflective electrode RE1 and the first transparent electrode TE1 can be reduced. Therefore, the aperture ratio of the first light-emitting region PXA-1 can be ensured. For example, as a comparative example, in the non-emissive region NPXA, a contact electrode can be formed by extending from the first reflective electrode RE1, and a contact electrode can be formed by extending from the first transparent electrode TE1, and these contact electrodes can be connected, for example, via a contact hole. Compared to this comparative example, the above embodiment has a simpler configuration for contacting the first reflective electrode RE1 and the first transparent electrode TE1, and does not require the placement of an extension line or the like in the non-emissive region NPXA, thereby suppressing the increase in the non-emissive region NPXA.

[0113] According to this embodiment, the second contact hole CN2 may be defined within the second light-emitting region PXA-2. The second contact hole CN2 may penetrate the first inorganic film TCF1 to expose a portion of the second reflective electrode RE2. The second transparent electrode TE2 may be in contact with the second reflective electrode RE2 through the second contact hole CN2. Here, the second transparent electrode TE2 is in contact with the second reflective electrode RE2 at the bottom of the second contact hole CN2 and in contact with the side of the first inorganic film TCF1 at the side of the second contact hole CN2. In addition, the second transparent electrode TE2 is in contact with the top surface of the first inorganic film TCF1 other than at the second contact hole CN2.

[0114] Because the first inorganic film TCF1 is removed from the region where the second contact hole CN2 is defined, resonance may occur in the region overlapping the second contact hole CN2, resulting in a resonance frequency different from the optimal resonance frequency of the second light-emitting element ED-2. To prevent this, a second pattern P-C2 may be disposed on the second transparent electrode TE2 overlapping the second contact hole CN2. According to this embodiment, the second contact hole CN2 and the second pattern P-C2 may have a rectangular cross section. Furthermore, the top surface of the second pattern P-C2 may be flush with the top surface of the second transparent electrode TE2 that does not overlap the second contact hole CN2. That is, in the example of FIG. 4, the top surface of the second pattern P-C2 is flush with the top surface of the second transparent electrode TE2 other than the second contact hole CN2.

[0115] The first pattern P-C1 and the second pattern P-C2 may include the same material as the pixel defining layer PDL, and may include an inorganic material or an organic material.

[0116] According to this embodiment, the second light-emitting region PXA-2 may be defined as the first region A1 and the second region A2 surrounded by the first region A1. The second region A2 may be defined as a region overlapping the second contact hole CN2. The first region A1 may be defined as a region where the optimal resonance frequency of the second light-emitting element ED-2 is formed, and the second region A2 may be defined as a region where a frequency different from the optimal resonance frequency is formed. The second pattern P-C2 may be disposed in the second region A2. Therefore, light may not be generated in the second region A2.

[0117] According to the present invention, by contacting the second reflective electrode RE2 and the second transparent electrode TE2 inside the second light-emitting region PXA-2, the separate non-light-emitting region NPXA for contacting the second reflective electrode RE2 and the second transparent electrode TE2 can be reduced, thereby ensuring the aperture ratio of the second light-emitting region PXA-2.

[0118] According to this embodiment, the depth of the first contact hole CN1 may be greater than the depth of the second contact hole CN2, and the width of the first contact hole CN1 may be equal to or greater than the width of the second contact hole CN2.

[0119] Since the differential film TCF is not disposed between the third reflective electrode RE3 and the third transparent electrode TE3, the third reflective electrode RE3 can be in direct contact with the third transparent electrode TE3.

[0120] 3A to 3C, a first contact hole CN1 may be defined in the first light-emitting region PXA-1, a second contact hole CN2 may be defined in the second light-emitting region PXA-2, and no contact hole may be defined in the third light-emitting region PXA-3.

[0121] The display element layer DP-ED of the display panel DP may include a pixel defining layer PDL. The pixel defining layer PDL may be disposed on at least a portion of the lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3. The pixel defining layer PDL may cover a portion of the upper surfaces and side surfaces of the transparent electrodes TE1, TE2, and TE3, a side surface of the differential film TCF, and a side surface of the reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, and RE3.

[0122] The pixel definition layer PDL includes pixel openings that expose at least a portion of the upper surfaces of the transparent electrodes TE1, TE2, and TE3 included in the lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3, and the pixel openings may define first to third light-emitting regions PXA-1, PXA-2, and PXA-3.

[0123] The pixel definition layer PDL can include inorganic materials. The pixel definition layer PDL can include silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon nitride (SiN x ), and silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y The pixel definition film PDL may include, for example, silicon oxide (SiO xAccording to an embodiment, the pixel defining layer PDL may include an organic material.

[0124] The side surfaces of the pixel defining layer PDL that define the pixel openings may have a predetermined taper angle. The side surfaces of the pixel defining layer PDL may have a taper angle of 40° or more. The side surfaces of the pixel defining layer PDL may have a taper angle of, for example, 75° to 90°. When the pixel defining layer PDL contains an inorganic material, the side surfaces of the pixel defining layer PDL may have a high taper angle of 75° or more.

[0125] The thickness of each of the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2 may be, for example, 100 Å to 3000 Å, and the thickness of the pixel defining layer PDL may be, for example, 500 Å to 3000 Å.

[0126] The organic layer OL may be provided as a common layer in the first to third light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3. The organic layer OL may include at least one light emitting layer. The first to third light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 may be light emitting elements having a tandem structure.

[0127] The organic layer OL may overlap the first to third light-emitting regions PXA-1, PXA-2, and PXA-3 and the non-light-emitting region NPXA. Herein, the overlapping of a given component with another component is not limited to the same area and shape on a plane, but may also include the case where the components have different areas and / or shapes. The organic layer OL may include at least a plurality of light-emitting layers EML-1, EML-2, and EML-3 (see FIG. 9).

[0128] 9, according to one embodiment, the organic layer OL may include a hole transport region HTR, a first emission layer EML-1, an emission auxiliary part EA, a second emission layer EML-2, a third emission layer EML-3, and an electron transport region ETR. In the light emitting element ED, the hole transport region HTR, the first emission layer EML-1, the emission auxiliary part EA, the second emission layer EML-2, the third emission layer EML-3, and the electron transport region ETR may be provided as a common layer. In FIG. 9, the second emission layer EML-2 is disposed on the third emission layer EML-3. However, the third emission layer EML-3 may also be disposed on the second emission layer EML-2.

[0129] The light emitting device ED including the first emitting layer EML-1, the second emitting layer EML-2, and the third emitting layer EML-3 that generate light in different wavelength regions may emit white light. In one embodiment, the thicknesses of the hole transport region HTR, the light emitting auxiliary region EA, and the electron transport region ETR included in the light emitting device ED may be provided so that red light, green light, or blue light resonates n-th order. Meanwhile, the thickness of the inorganic film TCF (see FIG. 4) may also be provided so that red light, green light, or blue light emitted from each of the emitting layers EML-1, EML-2, and EML-3 of the light emitting device ED resonates n-th order.

[0130] The first to third emission layers EML-1, EML-2, and EML-3, which are provided as common layers, can be deposited without a mask, thereby forming pixels with smaller areas. According to an embodiment, the display panel DP can realize high resolution by arranging many pixels with smaller areas on a plane. In the light emitting element ED, the hole transport region HTR may be provided on the bottom electrode LE and the differential film TCF. The bottom electrode LE may correspond to the above-described bottom electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3.

[0131] The hole transport region HTR may have a single layer made of a single material, a single layer made of a plurality of different materials, or a multi-layer structure having a plurality of layers made of a plurality of different materials.

[0132] The hole transport region HTR may include a hole injection layer HIL, a first hole transport layer HTL, and a first hole control sub-layer AIL-1, which are stacked in sequence. Unlike the illustration, at least one of the hole injection layer HIL, the first hole transport layer HTL, and the first hole control sub-layer AIL-1 may be omitted.

[0133] The first sub-hole control layer AIL-1 may be disposed adjacent to the first light-emitting layer EML-1 that generates the first light. The first sub-hole control layer AIL-1 may be formed to have a HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital) energy level and a LUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) energy level, through which holes can easily move. Therefore, an increase in driving voltage of the light-emitting device ED including the first sub-hole control layer AIL-1 may be prevented. Furthermore, the first sub-hole control layer AIL-1 may block electrons from moving to the hole transport region HTR in the first light-emitting layer EML-1. Therefore, the display life of the display panel DP including the light-emitting device ED including the first sub-hole control layer AIL-1 may be improved.

[0134] The electron transport region ETR may be provided on the light-emitting auxiliary unit EA. The electron transport region ETR may have a single layer made of a single material, a single layer made of multiple different materials, or a multi-layer structure having multiple layers made of multiple different materials. For example, the electron transport region ETR may include an anthracene-based compound.

[0135] The electron transport region ETR may include a first buffer layer BUF-3, a first electron transport layer ETL, and an electron injection layer EIL, which are stacked in sequence. Unlike the illustrated example, at least one of the first buffer layer BUF-3, the first electron transport layer ETL, and the electron injection layer EIL may be omitted. The first buffer layer BUF-3, the first electron transport layer ETL, and the electron injection layer EIL may include the compound of the electron transport region ETR described above. The first buffer layer BUF-3 may block holes moving from the third light-emitting layer EML-3 to the electron transport region ETR.

[0136] The light-emitting auxiliary unit EA disposed between the first light-emitting layer EML-1 and the second light-emitting layer EML-2 may include a first buffer layer BUF, a second electron-transporting layer ETL-A, a first charge-generation layer nCGL, a second charge-generation layer pCGL, a second hole-transporting layer HTL-A, and a second hole-controlling sub-layer AIL-2, which are stacked in sequence. The first charge-generation layer nCGL may be an n-type charge-generation layer, and the second charge-generation layer pCGL may be a p-type charge-generation layer. Contrary to the illustration, at least one of the first buffer layer BUF, the second electron-transporting layer ETL-A, the first charge-generation layer nCGL, the second charge-generation layer pCGL, the second hole-transporting layer HTL-A, and the second hole-controlling sub-layer AIL-2 may be omitted.

[0137] The second sub-hole control layer AIL-2 may contain a different material from the first sub-hole control layer AIL-1. The second sub-hole control layer AIL-2 may contain a material that helps generate the second light in the second emitting layer EML-2 or a material that helps generate the third light in the third emitting layer EML-3. The first sub-hole control layer AIL-1 may contain a material that helps generate the first light in the first emitting layer EML-1. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the first sub-hole control layer AIL-1 and the second sub-hole control layer AIL-2 may contain the same material.

[0138] The second sub-hole control layer AIL-2 may be disposed adjacent to the third light-emitting layer EML-3 that generates the third light or the second light-emitting layer EML-2 that generates the second light. The second sub-hole control layer AIL-2 may be formed to have a HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital) energy level and a LUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) energy level, through which holes can easily move. Therefore, an increase in driving voltage of the light-emitting device ED including the second sub-hole control layer AIL-2 may be prevented. Furthermore, the second sub-hole control layer AIL-2 may block electrons that move from the second light-emitting layer EML-2 or the third light-emitting layer EML-3 to the second hole transport layer HTL-A. Therefore, the display life of the display panel DP including the light-emitting device ED including the second sub-hole control layer AIL-2 may be improved.

[0139] An upper electrode UE may be provided on the organic layer OL. The upper electrode UE may correspond to the upper electrode UE described above in FIG. 4. The upper electrode UE may include at least one selected from Ag, Mg, Cu, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, LiF, Mo, Ti, W, In, Sn, and Zn, a compound of two or more selected from these, a mixture of two or more selected from these, or an oxide thereof.

[0140] The upper electrode UE may be a transmissive electrode, a semi-transmissive electrode, or a reflective electrode. When the upper electrode UE is a transmissive electrode, the upper electrode UE may be made of a transparent metal oxide, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO).

[0141] When the upper electrode UE is a semi-transmissive electrode or a reflective electrode, the upper electrode UE may include Ag, Mg, Cu, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, LiF / Ca, LiF / Al, Mo, Ti, Yb, W, or a compound or mixture containing these (e.g., AgMg, AgYb, or MgYb). Alternatively, the upper electrode UE may have a multi-layer structure including a reflective or semi-transmissive film formed of the above materials and a transparent conductive film formed of ITO (indium tin oxide), IZO (indium zinc oxide), ZnO (zinc oxide), ITZO (indium tin zinc oxide), etc. For example, the upper electrode UE may include the above-mentioned metal materials, a combination of two or more metal materials selected from the above-mentioned metal materials, or oxides of the above-mentioned metal materials.

[0142] A capping layer CPL may be provided on the upper electrode UE. The capping layer CPL may include a multi-layer or a single layer. The capping layer CPL may be an organic layer or an inorganic layer.

[0143] In one embodiment, the first emitting layer EML-1 may be disposed on the hole transport region HTR, the second emitting layer EML-2 may be disposed on the light-emitting auxiliary part EA, and the third emitting layer EML-3 may be disposed between the second emitting layer EML-2 and the light-emitting auxiliary part EA.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the first emitting layer EML-1 may be disposed on the hole transport region HTR, the third emitting layer EML-3 may be disposed on the light-emitting auxiliary portion EA, and the third emitting layer EML-3 may be disposed between the second emitting layer EML-2 and the light-emitting auxiliary portion EA. However, this is merely an example, and the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the first emitting layer EML-1 may be disposed on the hole transport region HTR, the second emitting layer EML-2 may be disposed on the light-emitting auxiliary portion EA, and the second emitting layer EML-2 may be disposed between the third emitting layer EML-3 and the light-emitting auxiliary portion EA.

[0145] 4, the upper electrode UE may be provided as a common electrode in the first to third light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3. The upper electrode UE may be a common layer having an integral shape and overlapping the first to third light emitting regions PXA-1, PXA-2, and PXA-3 and the non-light emitting region NPXA. Meanwhile, in this specification, the upper electrode UE disposed on the organic layer OL may refer to a "cathode."

[0146] A capping layer CPL may be disposed on the upper electrode UE. The capping layer CPL may include a multilayer or a single layer. The capping layer CPL may be an organic layer or an inorganic layer. For example, when the capping layer CPL includes an inorganic material, the inorganic material may be an alkali metal compound such as LiF, an alkaline earth metal compound such as MgF, SiON, SiN, or the like. x , SiO y etc.

[0147] The encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the display element layer DP-ED. The encapsulation layer TFE may protect the display element layer DP-ED from foreign substances such as moisture, oxygen, and dust particles. The encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one inorganic film (hereinafter, encapsulation inorganic film). The encapsulation layer TFE may also include at least one organic film (hereinafter, encapsulation organic film) and at least one encapsulation inorganic film.

[0148] The inorganic encapsulation film can protect the display element layer DP-ED from moisture / oxygen, and the organic encapsulation film can protect the display element layer DP-ED from foreign substances such as dust particles. The inorganic encapsulation film can include, but is not limited to, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon oxide, titanium oxide, aluminum oxide, etc. The organic encapsulation film can include, but is not limited to, an acrylic compound, an epoxy compound, etc. The organic encapsulation film can include, but is not limited to, a photopolymerizable organic material.

[0149] A color filter layer CFL may be disposed on the encapsulation layer TFE. The color filter layer CFL may include a first color filter CF1 corresponding to the first light-emitting region PXA-1, a second color filter CF2 corresponding to the second light-emitting region PXA-2, and a third color filter CF3 corresponding to the third light-emitting region PXA-3. Although not shown, the color filter layer CFL may further include a light-shielding portion (not shown). The light-shielding portion may be a black matrix. The light-shielding portion may be formed using a black pigment or an organic or inorganic light-shielding material containing a black pigment. The light-shielding portion may prevent light leakage and distinguish the boundaries between adjacent color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3.

[0150] Each of the first to third color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 may include a polymer photosensitive resin and a colorant. In this specification, the term "colorant" refers to a pigment and a dye. The red colorant includes a red pigment and a red dye, the green colorant includes a green pigment and a green dye, and the blue colorant includes a blue pigment and a blue dye.

[0151] 4, the first color filter CF1 may contain a red pigment or a red dye, the second color filter CF2 may contain a green pigment or a green dye, and the third color filter CF3 may contain a blue pigment or a blue dye. That is, the first color filter CF1 disposed on the first light-emitting element ED-1 may contain a red colorant, the second color filter disposed on the second light-emitting element ED-2 may contain a green colorant, and the third color filter disposed on the third light-emitting element ED-3 may contain a blue colorant.

[0152] An overcoat layer OC may be disposed on the color filter layer CFL. The overcoat layer OC may cover a step formed by a structure disposed below the overcoat layer OC. The overcoat layer OC may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate that allows bending, folding, rolling, etc.

[0153] The overcoat layer OC may be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, a polymer substrate, etc. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and the overcoat layer OC may be an inorganic layer, an organic layer, or a composite material layer.

[0154] The display panel DP according to one embodiment of the present invention includes at least one lower electrode including an inorganic film disposed between a reflective electrode and a transparent electrode, thereby providing a resonant structure suited to the wavelength emitted by the light emitting element, thereby realizing excellent display resolution and improved luminous efficiency.

[0155] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. The same or similar reference numerals are used for the same or similar components as those described in Figure 4, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0156] 5, the display panel DP-1 may include a base layer BS, a circuit layer DP-CL, a display element layer DP-ED, and an encapsulation layer TFE. The display panel DP may further include a color filter layer CFL disposed on the encapsulation layer TFE. The display element layer DP-ED may include a differential film TCF. The differential film TCF may include a first inorganic film TCF1 and a second inorganic film TCF2.

[0157] According to this embodiment, a first contact hole CN1 may be defined within the first light-emitting region PXA-1. The first contact hole CN1 may penetrate the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2 to expose a portion of the first reflective electrode RE1. The first transparent electrode TE1 may be disposed in the first contact hole CN1 and may be in contact with the first reflective electrode RE1.

[0158] A first pattern P-C1 may be disposed on the first transparent electrode TE1 overlapping the first contact hole CN1.

[0159] A second contact hole CN2 may be defined within the second light-emitting region PXA-2. The second contact hole CN2 may penetrate the second inorganic film TCF2 to expose a portion of the second reflective electrode RE2. The second transparent electrode TE2 may be in contact with the second reflective electrode RE2 through the second contact hole CN2.

[0160] A second pattern P-C2 may be disposed on the second transparent electrode TE2 overlapping the second contact hole CN2.

[0161] According to this embodiment, each of the first pattern P-C1 and the second pattern P-C2 may include a first portion P1 and a second portion P2.

[0162] The first portion P1 may be a portion disposed inside the first and second contact holes CN1 and CN2, and the second portion P2 may be a portion disposed on the first portion P1 and protruding from the top surfaces of the first and second transparent electrodes TE1 and TE2.

[0163] The first pattern P-C1 and the second pattern P-C2 may include the same material as the pixel defining layer PDL, and may include an organic material.

[0164] According to this embodiment, the first and second contact holes CN1 and CN2 may have a rectangular cross section, and therefore the first portion P1 may also have a rectangular cross section.

[0165] 6, the display panel DP-2 may include a base layer BS, a circuit layer DP-CL, a display element layer DP-ED, and an encapsulation layer TFE. The display panel DP may further include a color filter layer CFL disposed on the encapsulation layer TFE. The display element layer DP-ED may include a differential film TCF. The differential film TCF may include a first inorganic film TCF1 and a second inorganic film TCF2.

[0166] According to this embodiment, a first contact hole CN1 may be defined within the first light-emitting region PXA-1. The first contact hole CN1 may penetrate the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2 to expose a portion of the first reflective electrode RE1. The first transparent electrode TE1 may be disposed in the first contact hole CN1 and may be in contact with the first reflective electrode RE1.

[0167] In this embodiment, the side surfaces of the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2 that define the first contact hole CN1 may be aligned with each other and inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the first reflective electrode RE1.

[0168] A first pattern P-C1 may be disposed on the first transparent electrode TE1 overlapping the first contact hole CN1. The first contact hole CN1 is a portion where the first and second inorganic films TCF1 and TCF2 have been removed, exposing the side surfaces of the first inorganic film TCF1, the side surfaces of the second inorganic film TCF2, and a portion of the first reflective electrode RE1. The first transparent electrode TE1 contacts the first reflective electrode RE1 at the bottom of the first contact hole CN1 and contacts the side surfaces of the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2 at the side surfaces of the first contact hole CN1. The first transparent electrode TE1 also contacts the top surface of the second inorganic film TCF2 outside the first contact hole CN1. The first pattern P-C1 is formed to be embedded in and in contact with the first transparent electrode TE1 in the first contact hole CN1.

[0169] A second contact hole CN2 may be defined within the second light-emitting region PXA-2. The second contact hole CN2 may penetrate the second inorganic film TCF2 to expose a portion of the second reflective electrode RE2. The second transparent electrode TE2 may be in contact with the second reflective electrode RE2 through the second contact hole CN2.

[0170] In this embodiment, the side surfaces of the second inorganic film TCF2 defining the second contact hole CN2 may be aligned with each other and inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the second reflective electrode RE2.

[0171] A second pattern P-C2 may be disposed on the second transparent electrode TE2 overlapping the second contact hole CN2. The second contact hole CN2 is a portion where the second inorganic film TCF2 has been removed, exposing the side surface of the second inorganic film TCF2 and a portion of the second reflective electrode RE2. The second transparent electrode TE2 contacts the second reflective electrode RE2 at the bottom of the second contact hole CN2 and contacts the side surface of the second inorganic film TCF2 at the side surface of the second contact hole CN2. The second transparent electrode TE2 contacts the top surface of the second inorganic film TCF2 except at the second contact hole CN2. The second pattern P-C2 is formed so as to be embedded in and in contact with the second transparent electrode TE2 in the second contact hole CN2.

[0172] The first pattern P-C1 and the second pattern P-C2 may include the same material as the pixel defining layer PDL. In this embodiment, the first pattern P-C1 and the second pattern P-C2 may include an inorganic material.

[0173] Figure 7 is a plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 7 and 8 show a portion of the first to third light-emitting regions PXA-1, PXA-2, and PXA-3 described in Figure 3B. The same or similar reference numerals are used for the same or similar components as those described in Figures 3B to 4, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0174] 7, the active area AA-a of the display panel DP (see FIG. 4) may include a light-emitting area PXA and a non-light-emitting area NPXA. The non-light-emitting area NPXA may surround the light-emitting area PXA. A plurality of light-emitting areas PXA may be provided. Each light-emitting area PXA may include a first light-emitting area PXA-1, a second light-emitting area PXA-2, and a third light-emitting area PXA-3.

[0175] According to this embodiment, the first to third light-emitting regions PXA-1, PXA-2, and PXA-3 may each have a different shape. In the example of FIG. 7, the first light-emitting region PXA-1 is a generally regular hexagon with sides of approximately the same length, while the second and third light-emitting regions PXA-2 and PXA-3 are each hexagons with sides of different lengths. Alternatively, for example, the first light-emitting region PXA-1 may have an octagonal shape. The second and third light-emitting regions PXA-2 and PXA-3 may each have a hexagonal shape.

[0176] According to this embodiment, contact holes CN1a and CN2a may be defined in the first and second light-emitting regions PXA-1 and PXA-2 among the first to third light-emitting regions PXA-1, PXA-2, and PXA-3. For example, a first contact hole CN1a may be defined in the first light-emitting region PXA-1, and a second contact hole CN2a may be defined in the second light-emitting region PXA-2.

[0177] According to this embodiment, the planar shapes of the contact holes CN1a and CN2a may be different from the planar shapes of the first to third light-emitting regions PXA-1, PXA-2, and PXA-3. For example, the contact holes CN1a and CN2a may be circular in planar shape.

[0178] 8, the active area AA-b of the display panel DP (see FIG. 4) may include a light-emitting area PXA and a non-light-emitting area NPXA. The non-light-emitting area NPXA may surround the light-emitting area PXA. A plurality of light-emitting areas PXA may be provided. Each light-emitting area PXA may include a first light-emitting area PXA-1, a second light-emitting area PXA-2, and a third light-emitting area PXA-3.

[0179] According to this embodiment, the first to third light-emitting regions PXA-1, PXA-2, and PXA-3 may each have a different shape. In the example of FIG. 8, the first light-emitting region PXA-1 is a generally regular hexagon with sides of approximately the same length, while the second and third light-emitting regions PXA-2 and PXA-3 are each hexagons with sides of different lengths. Alternatively, for example, the first light-emitting region PXA-1 may have an octagonal shape. The second and third light-emitting regions PXA-2 and PXA-3 may each have a hexagonal shape.

[0180] According to this embodiment, contact holes CN1b and CN2b may be defined in the first and second light-emitting regions PXA-1 and PXA-2 among the first to third light-emitting regions PXA-1, PXA-2, and PXA-3. For example, a first contact hole CN1b may be defined in the first light-emitting region PXA-1, and a second contact hole CN2b may be defined in the second light-emitting region PXA-2.

[0181] According to this embodiment, the planar shapes of the contact holes CN1b and CN2b may be the same as the planar shapes of the first to third light-emitting regions PXA-1, PXA-2, and PXA-3. For example, the first contact hole CN1b of the first light-emitting region PXA-1, which is generally regular hexagonal, may have a generally regular hexagonal shape in plan, and the second contact holes CN2b of the second light-emitting region PXA-2, which is hexagonal in shape and has unequal lengths, may have hexagonal shapes in plan. Alternatively, for example, the first contact hole CN1b of the first light-emitting region PXA-1, which is octagonal, may have an octagonal shape in plan, and the second contact holes CN2b of the second and third light-emitting regions PXA-2 and PXA-3, which are hexagonal, may have hexagonal shapes in plan.

[0182] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood that a person skilled in the art or having ordinary knowledge in the art can make various modifications and changes to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

[0183] Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the contents described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be defined by the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0184] EE Electronic Equipment DP display panel TCF differential membrane TCF1 1st inorganic membrane TCF2 2nd inorganic membrane P-C1, P-C2 1st and 2nd patterns LE1, LE2, LE3 bottom electrodes RE reflective electrode CN1, CN2 contact holes

Claims

1. a base layer including first to third light-emitting regions and a non-light-emitting region; a lower electrode including first to third reflective electrodes overlapping the first to third light emitting regions, respectively, and first to third transparent electrodes disposed on the first to third reflective electrodes; an organic layer disposed on the lower electrode and including a light-emitting layer; an upper electrode disposed on the organic layer; a differential film disposed between the first reflective electrode and the first transparent electrode and between the second reflective electrode and the second transparent electrode; a first contact hole and a second contact hole are defined in a differential film overlapping the first light emitting region and the second light emitting region; The first transparent electrode is disposed in the first contact hole and connected to the first reflective electrode, and the second transparent electrode is disposed in the second contact hole and connected to the second reflective electrode.

2. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the differential film includes a first inorganic film and a second inorganic film, each of which includes an inorganic material.

3. the first inorganic film and the second inorganic film are disposed between the first reflective electrode and the first transparent electrode; The electronic device according to claim 2 , wherein only the first inorganic film is disposed between the second reflective electrode and the second transparent electrode.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3 , wherein a first distance from the first reflective electrode to the first transparent electrode is greater than a second distance from the second reflective electrode to the second transparent electrode.

5. Each of the first inorganic film and the second inorganic film is made of silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon nitride (SiN x ), and silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y 4. The electronic device according to claim 3, comprising at least one of the following:

6. The electronic device of claim 1 , further comprising: a first pattern disposed on the first transparent electrode overlapping the first contact hole; and a second pattern disposed on the second transparent electrode overlapping the second contact hole.

7. a pixel defining layer disposed on the base layer, the pixel defining layer defining a pixel opening that exposes at least a portion of each of the first, second, and third transparent electrodes; The electronic device of claim 6 , wherein the first pattern and the second pattern include the same material as the pixel defining layer.

8. The electronic device of claim 7 , wherein the pixel defining layer, the first pattern, and the second pattern include one of an organic material and an inorganic material.

9. an upper surface of the first pattern defines the same plane as an upper surface of the first transparent electrode that does not overlap with the first contact hole; The electronic device of claim 6 , wherein an upper surface of the second pattern defines the same plane as an upper surface of the second transparent electrode that does not overlap with the second contact hole.

10. 7. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein each of the first pattern and the second pattern includes a first portion disposed within a corresponding contact hole and a second portion disposed on the first portion and protruding from a corresponding transparent electrode.

11. a side surface of the differential film defining the first contact hole is inclined at a predetermined angle from the first reflective electrode; 6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein a side surface of the differential film defining the second contact hole is inclined at a predetermined angle from the second reflective electrode.

12. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the third reflective electrode and the third transparent electrode are in direct contact with each other.

13. Each of the first to third reflective electrodes comprises: a first layer comprising a transparent conductive oxide; a second layer disposed on the first layer and including a reflective metallic material; a third layer disposed on the second layer, the third layer comprising a transparent conductive oxide.

14. a sealing layer disposed on the upper electrode; a color filter layer disposed on the sealing layer and including first, second, and third color filters overlapping the first, second, and third light-emitting regions, respectively; 10. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising an overcoat layer disposed on the color filter layer.

15. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the first, second, and third light-emitting regions have different shapes and areas in a plan view.

16. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second light emitting regions have different shapes from the first and second contact holes in a plan view.

17. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein, in a plan view, the first light-emitting region has the same shape as the first contact hole, and the second light-emitting region has the same shape as the second contact hole.

18. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the first, second, and third reflective electrodes are spaced apart from one another and disposed on the same layer.

19. a base layer including first to third light-emitting regions and a non-light-emitting region; a lower electrode including first to third reflective electrodes overlapping the first to third light emitting regions, respectively, and first to third transparent electrodes disposed on the first to third reflective electrodes; an organic layer disposed on the lower electrode and including a light-emitting layer; an upper electrode disposed on the organic layer; a differential film disposed between the first reflective electrode and the first transparent electrode and between the second reflective electrode and the second transparent electrode.

20. a first contact hole is defined in the differential film overlapping the first light emitting region; a second contact hole is defined in the differential film overlapping the second light emitting region; 20. The display device of claim 19, wherein the first transparent electrode is disposed in the first contact hole and connected to the first reflective electrode, and the second transparent electrode is disposed in the second contact hole and connected to the second reflective electrode.

Citation Information

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