Indication device

Abstract

To provide a display device that can reduce the degradation of elements during the manufacturing process. [Solution] The display device of one embodiment includes a substrate including first to third subpixels, a bank layer disposed on the substrate and partitioning the first to third subpixels, a transistor disposed on each of the first to third subpixels, at least one light-emitting element disposed on each of the first to third subpixels and including a first electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode, an auxiliary electrode disposed on the bank layer, a first pattern and a second pattern of an overhang structure disposed on the bank layer, and a plurality of first sealing layers formed on each of the first to third subpixels and partitioned by the second pattern, wherein the second electrode of the light-emitting element is electrically connected to the auxiliary electrode on the bank layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a display device capable of reducing the degradation of elements in a process.

Background Art

[0002] With the development of information technology, various forms of small and thin display devices such as liquid crystal display devices, organic light emitting display devices, plasma display devices, and micro LED display devices have been proposed. In addition, such display devices are adopted in various electronic devices such as smartphones and tablet PCs.

[0003] A display device not only has various electrodes provided inside, but also includes elements such as various layers and display elements that actually display images. The display device includes a plurality of sub-pixels that embody images of different colors, and display elements such as organic light emitting elements are arranged in each sub-pixel.

[0004] The display elements arranged in the sub-pixels are formed for each sub-pixel. That is, after forming the display elements in the first sub-pixel that displays the image of the first color, the display elements are formed in the second sub-pixel that displays the image of the second color, and then the display elements are formed in the third sub-pixel that displays the image of the third color.

[0005] Therefore, in the manufacture of a display device, when forming the display elements in a specific sub-pixel, there is a problem that the display elements arranged in the sub-pixels of different colors are damaged by chemical substances such as etching liquid and developing liquid.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] This specification aims to provide a display device that can prevent damage to the light-emitting elements during the manufacturing process of other subpixels by separately forming a first sealing layer on each subpixel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The display device of one embodiment includes a substrate containing first to third subpixels, a bank layer that demarcates the first to third subpixels, a transistor disposed in each of the first to third subpixels, a light-emitting element disposed in each of the first to third subpixels and including a first electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode, an auxiliary electrode disposed on the bank layer, a first pattern and a second pattern of an overhang structure disposed on the bank layer, and a first sealing layer formed in each of the first to third subpixels and demarcated by the second pattern, wherein the second electrode of the light-emitting element is electrically connected to the auxiliary electrode on the bank layer.

[0008] The first and second patterns can be placed on an auxiliary electrode. The first pattern may be made of an inorganic material, and the second pattern may be made of an amorphous semiconductor. In this case, the second electrode extends to the side of the first pattern, and the second electrode is electrically connected to the side of the auxiliary electrode.

[0009] A protective layer can be placed between the auxiliary electrode and the first pattern. The protective layer can be made of a material that is more oxidizing than the auxiliary electrode and can be formed to the same width as the auxiliary electrode.

[0010] The bank layer may include a first bank layer and a second bank layer disposed on the first bank layer and having at least one first opening formed thereon. The first opening is formed on both sides of the first pattern, an auxiliary electrode is formed inside the first opening, and the second electrode is disposed on the auxiliary electrode inside the first opening.

[0011] Low-voltage wiring can be placed on the bank layer. In this case, the first pattern can be placed on the bank layer. A second opening is formed in the first pattern, and the low-voltage wiring is exposed to the outside through the second opening, and the second pattern is formed in the second opening of the first pattern.

[0012] Auxiliary electrodes are formed on the side and top surfaces of the first pattern and inside the second opening, where the auxiliary electrodes are electrically connected to the low-potential voltage wiring. The second electrode is electrically connected to the auxiliary electrodes formed on the side surfaces of the first pattern. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to this specification, the following effects can be achieved.

[0014] Firstly, in the display device according to one embodiment, since an organic light-emitting element is formed for each subpixel, the light-emitting layer is disconnected between adjacent subpixels. Therefore, the current path between adjacent subpixels is eliminated, and lateral leakage current between adjacent subpixels can be prevented.

[0015] Secondly, since the first sealing layer is not formed across the entire substrate but only on each subpixel, it is possible to prevent damage to components such as organic light-emitting elements located in other subpixels from chemicals during the photoprocessing of a particular subpixel.

[0016] Thirdly, by bringing the second electrode into contact with the side and top surfaces of the auxiliary electrode, the contact area between the second electrode and the auxiliary electrode can be maximized, thereby preventing malfunctions caused by signal delay in the second electrode.

[0017] Fourth, since the first and second patterns are made into an overhang structure to form the light-emitting layer and the second electrode, a separate photoprocessing step for patterning the light-emitting layer and the second electrode is not required. As a result, the manufacturing process can be simplified and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0018] Fifth, the auxiliary electrode is formed not in the outer region of the display device but on a part of the upper surface of the bank layer in the display region, and on the side surface and the upper surface of the first pattern. Therefore, the electrical contact area between the second electrode and the auxiliary electrode increases, preventing signal delay in the second electrode over the entire display device, and the area of the outer region can be reduced, realizing a narrow bezel display device.

[0019] Sixth, a separate photo process for patterning the light-emitting layer and the second electrode becomes unnecessary, so production energy can be reduced by optimizing the process.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram schematically showing an organic electroluminescent display device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram schematically showing a sub-pixel of an organic electroluminescent display device according to the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a circuit diagram conceptually showing a sub-pixel of an organic electroluminescent display device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] It is a diagram showing a manufacturing method of a display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] It is a diagram showing a manufacturing method of a display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5C] It is a diagram showing a manufacturing method of a display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5D] It is a diagram showing a manufacturing method of a display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5E] It is a diagram showing a manufacturing method of a display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5F] It is a diagram showing a manufacturing method of a display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5G] It is a diagram showing a manufacturing method of a display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] The advantages, features, and the methods for achieving them of the present invention will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail together with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be embodied in various different forms. However, this embodiment is provided so that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can fully understand the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined by the scope of the claims.

[0022] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining the embodiments of the present invention are exemplary and the present invention is not limited thereto. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals indicate the same components. Also, when explaining the present invention, if it is determined that a specific explanation of related known technologies obscures the gist of the present invention, the detailed explanation thereof is omitted. When "comprises", "includes", "has", "holds", "becomes", etc. are described in this specification, other parts can be added unless both "only / merely" are described. Also, when a component is described in the singular form, it can be interpreted in the plural form unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0023] Also, when interpreting components, even without an explicit description, it shall be assumed to include an error range.

[0024] For example, when describing the positional relationship between two components using terms such as "above," "above," "below," or "beside," one or more other components may be located between the two components unless otherwise specified as "directly" or "directly."

[0025] Furthermore, when describing temporal relationships using phrases such as "after," "following," "next," or "before," if the phrase "immediately" or "soon" is not used, it may include discontinuous cases.

[0026] Furthermore, while terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish the components, the components are not limited to these terms. Therefore, the first component mentioned below may also be the second component within the technical concept of the present invention.

[0027] In describing the components of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used. However, such terms are used solely to distinguish components and do not limit their nature, order, sequence, number, etc. When it is stated that one component is “linked,” “joined,” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that both components may be directly linked, joined, or connected, but that another component may be interposed between each component, and each component may be “linked,” “joined,” or “connected” through that other component.

[0028] In the present invention, "display device" can include a display device in the narrow sense, such as a display module that includes a display panel and a drive unit for driving the display panel. It can also include a complete product, a final product, that includes a display module, such as a notebook computer, a television, a computer monitor, or an equipment display, such as an automotive display or other form of vehicle, or a set electronic device or set apparatus, such as a smartphone or electronic pad.

[0029] Therefore, the display device in the present invention can include the display device itself in the narrow sense, such as a display module, as well as application products equipped with a display module, or even a set device which is the final product.

[0030] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the display device 100 according to the present invention, and Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the subpixel SP shown in Figure 1.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the display device 100 includes an image processing unit 102, a timing control unit 104, a gate drive unit 106, a data drive unit 107, a power supply unit 108, and a display panel 109.

[0033] The video processing unit 102 outputs drive signals to drive any device along with the video data from the outside. For example, the drive signals output from the video processing unit 102 may include a data enable signal, a vertical sync signal, a horizontal sync signal, and a clock signal.

[0034] The timing control unit 104 receives video data and drive signals from the video processing unit 102. Based on the drive signals input from the video processing unit 102, the timing control unit 104 generates and outputs a gate timing control signal GDC for controlling the operation timing of the gate drive unit 106, and a data timing control signal DDC for controlling the operation timing of the data drive unit 107.

[0035] The gate drive unit 106 outputs a scan signal to the display panel 109 in response to the gate timing control signal GDC from the timing control unit 104. The gate drive unit 106 outputs the scan signal through multiple gate lines GL1 to GLm. In this case, the gate drive unit 106 can be in the form of an IC (Integrated Circuit), but is not limited to this. The gate drive unit 106 includes various gate drive circuits, and the gate drive circuits can be formed directly on the substrate of the display panel 109. In this case, the gate drive unit 106 may be a GIP (Gate-In-Panel).

[0036] The data drive unit 107 outputs a data voltage to the display panel 109 in response to the data timing control signal DDC input from the timing control unit 104. The data drive unit 107 samples and latches the digital data signal DATA from the timing control unit 104 and converts it into an analog data voltage based on the gamma voltage. The data drive unit 107 outputs the data voltage through multiple data lines DL1 to DLn. In this case, the data drive unit 107 can be in the form of an IC, but is not limited to this.

[0037] The power supply unit 108 outputs a high potential voltage VDD and a low potential voltage VSS, etc., and supplies them to the display panel 109. The high potential voltage VDD is supplied to the display panel 109 through the first power line EVDD, and the low potential voltage VSS is supplied to the display panel 109 through the second power line EVSS. At this time, the voltage output from the power supply unit 108 may also be output to the gate drive unit 106 and the data drive unit 107 and used to drive them.

[0038] The display panel 109 displays images in response to the data voltage and scan signal supplied from the gate drive unit 106 and the data drive unit 107, and the voltage supplied from the power supply unit 108.

[0039] The display panel 109 is composed of multiple subpixels SP, and the image is actually displayed on it. The subpixels SP may include red subpixels, green subpixels, and blue subpixels, or they may include white (W) subpixels, red (R) subpixels, green (G) subpixels, and blue (B) subpixels. In this case, the white (W), red (R), green (G), and blue (B) subpixels SP may all have the same area, or they may have different areas.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, a single sub-pixel SP can be connected to the gate line GL1, data line DL1, first power supply line EVDD, and second power supply line EVSS. Depending on the configuration of the pixel circuit, the sub-pixel SP can include multiple thin-film transistors and storage capacitors. For example, a sub-pixel SP may be 2T1C with two transistors and one capacitor, but is not limited to this, and can also employ configurations such as 3T1C, 4T1C, 5T1D, 6T1C, 7T1C, 3T2C, 4T2C, 5T2C, 6T2C, 7T2C, 8T2C, etc.

[0041] Figure 3 is a schematic circuit diagram showing the subpixels SP of the display device 100 according to the present invention.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, the display device according to the present invention includes gate wiring GL, data wiring DL, and power wiring PL that intersect with each other and partition the subpixel SP, and a switching transistor Ts, a drive transistor Td, a storage capacitor Cst, and an organic light-emitting element D are arranged in the subpixel SP.

[0043] The switching transistor Ts is connected to the gate wiring GL and data wiring DL, the drive transistor Td and storage capacitor Cst are connected between the switching transistor Ts and the power wiring PL, and the organic light-emitting element D is connected to the drive transistor Td.

[0044] In a display device with such a structure, when a gate signal applied to the gate wiring GL turns on the switching transistor Ts, the data signal applied to the data wiring DL is applied via the switching transistor Ts to the gate electrode of the drive transistor Td and to one electrode of the storage capacitor Cst.

[0045] The drive transistor Td is turned on by the data signal applied to its gate electrode. As a result, a current proportional to the data signal flows from the power supply wiring PL through the drive transistor Td to the organic light-emitting element D, and the organic light-emitting element D emits light with a brightness proportional to the current flowing through the drive transistor Td.

[0046] At this time, the storage capacitor Cst is charged with a voltage proportional to the data signal, so that the voltage of the gate electrode of the drive transistor Td is kept constant for one frame.

[0047] Figure 3 shows only two transistors Td and Ts and one capacitor Cst, but it is not limited to this and can include three or more transistors and two or more capacitors.

[0048] Figure 4 is a diagram specifically showing the structure of a display device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In reality, a large number of subpixels are formed in the display device 100, but for the sake of explanation, only three adjacent subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 are shown.

[0049] Subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 may contain red (R), green (G), and blue (B) subpixels, respectively. Furthermore, subpixel SP may contain white (W) subpixels.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4, a buffer layer 142 is formed on the substrate 140. The substrate 140 may be made of a hard material such as glass, or it may be made of a plastic material such as polyimide, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethersulfone, or polycarbonate, but is not limited to these.

[0051] For example, if the substrate 140 is made of polyimide, it can be composed of multiple polyimides, and an inorganic layer can be further placed between the polyimides, but is not limited to this.

[0052] The buffer layer 142 is formed over the entire substrate 140 and can improve the adhesion between the layer formed on it and the substrate 140, and can also play a role in blocking various foreign substances such as alkaline components that leak out from the substrate 140. In addition, the buffer layer 142 can slow down the diffusion of moisture or oxygen that has penetrated the substrate 140.

[0053] The buffer layer 142 may be a single layer or a multilayer made of SiNx or SiOx. If the buffer layer 142 is multilayer, SiNx and SiOx may be formed alternately. The buffer layer 142 may also be omitted depending on the type and material of the substrate 140, the structure and type of the thin-film transistor, etc.

[0054] Thin-film transistors T are formed on the buffer layer 142 in each of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3. For the sake of explanation, only the driving thin-film transistors are shown in the figure among the various thin-film transistors that can be arranged, but other transistors such as switching transistors can also be included. Furthermore, although thin-film transistors with a top-gate structure are shown, the figure is not limited to this and other structures such as a bottom-gate structure can also be used.

[0055] The thin-film transistor T includes a semiconductor layer 112 placed on a buffer layer 142, a gate insulating layer 144 formed on the semiconductor layer 112, a gate electrode 114 placed on the gate insulating layer 144, an interlayer insulating layer 146 formed on the gate electrode 114, and a source electrode 115 and a drain electrode 116 placed on the interlayer insulating layer 146.

[0056] The semiconductor layer 112 may be made of a polycrystalline semiconductor. For example, the polycrystalline semiconductor may be made of low-temperature polysilicon (LTPS) with high mobility, but is not limited to this.

[0057] Furthermore, the semiconductor layer 112 may be made of an oxide semiconductor. For example, it may be made of any one of IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide), IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide), IGTO (Indium Gallium Tin Oxide), and IGO (Indium Gallium Oxide), but is not limited to these. The semiconductor layer 112 consists of a channel region 112a in its central region and doped layers on both sides, namely a source region 112b and a drain region 112c.

[0058] The gate insulating layer 144 may be formed over the entire substrate 140, or it may be formed only in a portion of the substrate, for example, under the gate electrode 114. The gate insulating layer 144 may be a single layer or a multilayer made of an inorganic material such as SiNx or SiOx, but is not limited to these.

[0059] The gate electrode 114 is made of metal. For example, the gate electrode 114 may be a single layer or a multilayer made of one of the following materials, or an alloy thereof: molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu).

[0060] The interlayer insulating layer 146 may be formed over the entire substrate 140 or only in a portion of it. The interlayer insulating layer 146 may be made of an organic material such as photoacrylic, or it may be a single layer or a multilayer made of an inorganic material such as SiNx or SiOx. Furthermore, the interlayer insulating layer 146 may be a multilayer made of an organic layer and an inorganic layer, but is not limited to this.

[0061] The source electrode 115 and drain electrode 116 may be single-layer or multi-layer structures made of one of the following materials, or an alloy thereof: molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu). The source electrode 115 and drain electrode 116 can contact the source region 112b and drain region 112c of the semiconductor layer 112 through contact holes formed in the gate insulating layer 144 and the interlayer insulating layer 146, respectively.

[0062] Although not shown in the figure, a bottom shield metal layer can be placed on the substrate 140 beneath the semiconductor layer 112. The bottom shield metal layer reduces the back channel effect caused by trapped charges on the substrate 140 and prevents afterimages and degradation of transistor performance. It may be a single layer or multilayer made of molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), or an alloy thereof, but is not limited to these.

[0063] A planarization layer 148 is formed on the substrate 140 on which the thin-film transistor T is placed. The planarization layer 148 may be made of an organic layer such as photoacrylic, but is not limited to this, and can also be a multilayer consisting of an inorganic layer and an organic layer.

[0064] A light-emitting element D is placed in each of the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 on the planarization layer 148. The light-emitting element D consists of a first electrode 132, a light-emitting layer 134, and a second electrode 136.

[0065] The first electrode 132 is placed on the planarization layer 148 and is electrically connected to the drain electrode 116 of the thin-film transistor T via a contact hole formed in the planarization layer 148. The first electrode 132 may consist of at least one of the following: silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), gold (Au), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), chromium (Cr), or alloys thereof. Alternatively, the first electrode 132 may consist of a transparent metal oxide layer such as ITO or IZO.

[0066] If the display device 100 is a top-emission type, the first electrode 132 acts as a reflective electrode that reflects light, and therefore may further contain an opaque conductive material. If the display device 100 is a bottom-emission type, the first electrode 132 can be a transparent conductive material that transmits light, such as ITO or IZO.

[0067] A bank layer BNK is formed at the boundary between each subpixel SP1 and SP2 on the planarization layer 148. The bank layer BNK can be a partition that separates the subpixels SP1 and SP2. The bank layer BNK separates each subpixel SP1 and SP2 and can prevent light of a specific color from adjacent pixels from mixing and being emitted.

[0068] The bank layer BNK is formed to surround the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3, and an aperture region can be formed between the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 in which the first electrode 132 is exposed to the outside.

[0069] The bank layer BNK may consist of at least one of the following: an inorganic insulating material such as SiNx or SiOx; an organic insulating material such as BCB (benzocyclobutene), acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, or polyimide resin; or a photosensitive material containing a black (or black) pigment.

[0070] An auxiliary electrode 152 is placed on the bank layer BNK. The auxiliary electrode 152 can be made of a metal with good conductivity. For example, the auxiliary electrode 152 can be a single layer or multilayer made of one of the following, or an alloy thereof: molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu).

[0071] Since the bank layer BNK is formed in a matrix across the entire substrate 140, the auxiliary electrodes 152 formed on it are also arranged in a matrix. The auxiliary electrodes 152 are formed with a width smaller than the bank layer BNK, and the upper surfaces of the bank layer BNK are exposed on both sides of the auxiliary electrodes 152, but this is not limited to this. The auxiliary electrodes 152 can be formed with the same width as the bank layer BNK.

[0072] The light-emitting layer 134 is formed on the upper surface of the first electrode 132, which is exposed to the outside through the opening region of the bank layer BNK.

[0073] For example, the light-emitting layer 134 can be composed of an organic light-emitting layer. Alternatively, an inorganic light-emitting layer, such as a nano-sized material layer, quantum dots, a micro-LED light-emitting layer, or a mini-LED light-emitting layer, may be used instead of the organic light-emitting layer, but this is not limited to these options.

[0074] When the light-emitting layer 134 is an organic light-emitting layer, it is composed of a blue organic light-emitting layer and a yellow fluorescent layer, and white light is emitted from the light-emitting layer 134. The light-emitting layer 134 can also have a multilayer stack structure. For example, when the light-emitting layer 134 has a three-layer stack structure, a first to a third stack can be arranged with two charge generation layers in between. The first to third stacks can each consist of an organic light-emitting layer, a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer. For example, the organic light-emitting layer of the first stack can emit red light, the organic light-emitting layer of the second stack can emit blue light, and the organic light-emitting layer of the third stack can emit green light.

[0075] A first pattern 154 and a second pattern 156 are formed on the auxiliary electrode 152.

[0076] At this time, since the bank layer BNK and the auxiliary electrode 152 are formed in a matrix across the entire substrate 140, the first pattern 154 and the second pattern 156 are also formed in a matrix across the entire substrate 140.

[0077] The first pattern 154 is formed with a width smaller than that of the auxiliary electrode 152, so the upper surfaces of the auxiliary electrodes 152 on both sides of the first pattern 154 are exposed to the outside, but this is not limited to this. Also, the first pattern 154 is formed with a width smaller than that of the second pattern 156, so the first pattern 154 and the second pattern 156 form an overhang structure.

[0078] The first pattern 154 can be composed of inorganic materials such as SiNx and SiOx, but is not limited to these. Similarly, the second pattern 156 can be composed of amorphous silicon, but is not limited to this.

[0079] The second electrode 136 is placed on the organic layer 134. If the display device 100 is a top-emission type, the second electrode 136 can be formed using a light-transmitting translucent conductive material. For example, the second electrode 136 can be formed from at least one of the following alloys: LiF / Al, CsF / Al, Mg:Ag, Ca / Ag, Ca:Ag, LiF / Mg:Ag, LiF / Ca / Ag, and LiF / Ca:Ag.

[0080] If the display device 100 is a bottom emission type, the second electrode 136 is a reflective electrode that reflects light and can be formed using an opaque conductive material. For example, the second electrode 136 can be formed from at least one of silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), gold (Au), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), chromium (Cr), or an alloy thereof.

[0081] The second electrode 136 extends to the upper surface of the bank layer BNK exposed to the outside, the side and exposed upper surface of the auxiliary electrode 152, and the side surface of the first pattern 154. In other words, the second electrode 136 is electrically connected to the side and part of the upper surface of the auxiliary electrode 152.

[0082] In the display device 100 according to the present invention, a second electrode 136 is formed on each of the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3, respectively. The second electrodes 136 in adjacent subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 are electrically insulated from each other, but the auxiliary electrode 152 electrically connects the second electrodes 136 in adjacent subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3. That is, the auxiliary electrode 152 electrically connects the second electrodes 136 throughout the entire display device 100, and an externally applied signal is supplied to all of the second electrodes 136 in the display device 100.

[0083] Furthermore, the auxiliary electrode 152 can prevent malfunctions of the display device 100 due to signal delay. When the display device 100 is a top-emission type, the translucent conductive material forming the second electrode 136 has relatively high resistance, so in the case of a large-area display device 100, a signal delay problem occurs. However, as in the present invention, by forming an auxiliary electrode 152 with excellent conductivity in a matrix shape throughout the entire display device 100, and then electrically connecting the second electrode 136 to the auxiliary electrode 152, malfunctions of the second electrode 136 due to signal delay can be prevented.

[0084] The first pattern 154 and the second pattern 156 have an overhang structure that creates a reverse step. As will be described later, the overhang structure of the first pattern 154 and the second pattern 156 is for patterning the light-emitting layer 134 and the second electrode 136 for each subpixel. In other words, in the present invention, by making the first pattern 154 and the second pattern 156 an overhang structure, the light-emitting layer 134 and the second electrode 136 can be formed without using a separate mask, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0085] A sealing layer 180 is formed on the light-emitting element D. When the light-emitting element D is exposed to moisture or oxygen, pixel shrinkage, where the light-emitting area shrinks, or defects such as black spots appearing within the light-emitting area may occur. In addition, moisture and oxygen oxidize the electrodes, which are made of metal. The sealing layer 180 blocks the penetration of moisture and oxygen from the outside, preventing defects in the light-emitting element D and electrodes.

[0086] The sealing layer 180 can consist of first sealing layers 182a, 182b, 183c, second sealing layer 184, and third sealing layer 186, but is not limited to this, and can consist of two or more layers.

[0087] The first sealing layers 182a, 182b, and 182c are formed on each of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3. That is, while the second sealing layer 184 and the third sealing layer 186 are formed over the entire substrate, the first sealing layers 182a, 182b, and 182c are formed only on the corresponding sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3. Each of the first sealing layers 182a, 182b, and 182c is formed to cover the entire second electrode 136 in the corresponding sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3. In Figure 4, the upper surfaces of the first sealing layers 182a, 182b, and 182c are formed to be at the same level as the lower surface of the second pattern 156, but this is not limited to the above.

[0088] The first sealing layers 182a, 182b, 182c, and the third sealing layer 186 may be made of inorganic materials such as SiOx or SiNx, but are not limited thereto. The second sealing layer 184 may be made of organic insulating materials such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, polyimide, polyethylene, or silicon oxycarbon (SiOC), but are not limited thereto. The third sealing layer 186 may be made of thin-film metal (Face Seal Metal), but are not limited thereto.

[0089] As described above, in the display device 100 according to the present invention, an organic light-emitting element D is formed for each sub-pixel SP1, SP2, and SP3, so the light-emitting layer 134 is disconnected between adjacent sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3. Therefore, the current path between adjacent sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 is eliminated, and lateral leakage current between adjacent sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 can be prevented.

[0090] Furthermore, in the present invention, the first sealing layers 182a, 182b, and 182c are not formed over the entire substrate 140, but only on each of the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3. Therefore, during the photoprocessing of a specific subpixel (e.g., the third subpixel SP3), it is possible to prevent damage to components such as the organic light-emitting element D, which are located in other subpixels (e.g., the first subpixel SP1 and the second subpixel SP2), by chemicals.

[0091] Furthermore, in this invention, by bringing the second electrode 136 into contact with the side and top surfaces of the auxiliary electrode 152, the contact area between the second electrode 136 and the auxiliary electrode 152 is maximized, thereby preventing malfunctions caused by signal delay in the second electrode 136.

[0092] The following describes in detail the manufacturing method of the display device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Figures 5A to 5G show a method for manufacturing a display device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] First, as shown in Figure 5A, a buffer layer 142 is formed over the entire substrate 140, which includes multiple subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3. The substrate 140 may be made of a hard material such as glass, or a plastic material such as polyimide, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethersulfone, or polycarbonate. The buffer layer 142 may be a single layer or a multilayer made of SiNx or SiOx.

[0095] Next, a polycrystalline semiconductor such as polysilicon, or an oxide semiconductor such as IGZO, IZO, IGTO, and IGO is stacked on each of the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 on the buffer layer 142, and then etching is performed to form a semiconductor layer 112 on each of the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3. Furthermore, impurities are doped into both sides of the semiconductor layer 112 to form a channel region 112a, a source region 112b, and a drain region 112c.

[0096] Subsequently, inorganic materials such as SiOx and SiNx are laminated to form a gate insulating layer 144. Then, metals such as molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu) are laminated by sputtering, and etching is performed by wet etching to form gate electrodes 114 on each of the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3. After that, organic materials such as photoacrylic or inorganic materials such as SiNx and SiOx are laminated on the gate electrodes 114 to form an interlayer insulating layer 146. Then, the interlayer insulating layer 146 above the source region 112b and drain region 112c of the semiconductor layer 112 is dry-etched to form contact holes.

[0097] Next, metals such as Cr, Mo, Ta, Cu, Ti, Al, or Al alloy are stacked using a sputtering method and etched to form source electrodes 115 and drain electrodes 116 on each of the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3, which make ohmic contact with the source region 112b and drain region 112c of the semiconductor layer 112, respectively, via contact holes.

[0098] Subsequently, an organic material such as photoacrylic is laminated onto the source electrode 115 and the drain electrode 116 to form a planarization layer 148. Then, dry etching is performed on the planarization layer 148 on the drain electrode 116 to form contact holes. Next, metal oxides such as ITO and IZO are laminated by sputtering and wet etching is performed to form the first electrode 132 on the upper surface of the planarization layer 148 in the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3. At this time, the first electrode 132 is electrically connected to the drain electrode 116 via the contact holes.

[0099] Next, as shown in Figure 5B, at least one of the following is laminated on the edges of the planarization layer 148 and the first electrode 132: an inorganic insulating material such as SiNx or SiOx, an organic insulating material such as BCB, acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, or polyimide resin, or a photosensitive material containing a black (or black) pigment. Dry etching is then performed to form a bank layer BNK.

[0100] At this time, the bank layer BNK is formed in a matrix shape across the entire substrate 140 and overlaps with the edge of the first electrode 132, so that the first electrode 132 is exposed to the outside through the opening region between the bank layer BNK.

[0101] Subsequently, a metal layer 152a is formed by laminating one of the following materials, or an alloy thereof, across the entire substrate 140: molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu). Then, inorganic materials such as SiNx and SiOx, along with amorphous silicon, are continuously deposited on top of this to form the first pattern layer 154a and the second pattern layer 156a.

[0102] Next, a photoresist is stacked on the second pattern layer 156a, and the region corresponding to the first subpixel SP1 is removed using a mask to form the first photoresist pattern 170.

[0103] Next, as shown in Figure 5C, the first photoresist pattern 170 is used as a mask to etch the underlying metal layer 152a, the first pattern layer 154a, and the second pattern layer 156a, thereby forming the auxiliary electrode 152, the first pattern 154b, and the second pattern 156b on the first subpixel SP1, and exposing the first electrode 132 to the outside.

[0104] At that time, the metal layer 152a, the first pattern layer 154a, and the second pattern layer 156a are etched in multiple stages, and the first pattern 154b and the second pattern 156b form an overhang structure. That is, with the first photoresist pattern 170 blocking, dry etching is performed to etch the second pattern layer 156a, and then wet etching is performed to etch the first pattern layer 154a. At this time, the first pattern layer 154a is isotropically etched by the etching solution, and a part of the first pattern layer 154a below the second pattern 156b is etched, resulting in the first pattern 154b and the second pattern 156b being undercut. The metal layer 152a is etched by the etching solution while blocked by the first pattern 154b and the second pattern 156b, and an auxiliary electrode 152 having the same width as the first pattern 154 is formed.

[0105] Next, as shown in Figure 5D, an organic material is coated over the entire substrate 140, and metals such as silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), gold (Au), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), and chromium (Cr) are layered. At this time, in the first subpixel SP1, the first pattern layer 154a and the second pattern layer 156a are etched, and the first electrode 132 below them is exposed to the outside. However, in the second subpixel SP2 and the third subpixel SP3, they are covered by the first pattern 154b and the second pattern 156b, and the first pattern 154b and the second pattern 156b form an overhang structure, so the light-emitting layer 134 and the second electrode 136 are formed on the first electrode 132 in the first subpixel SP1.

[0106] At that time, since the second electrode 136 is formed by vapor deposition, the second electrode 136 is also formed on the upper surface of the auxiliary electrode 152 and the side surface of the first pattern 154b, regardless of the overhang structure of the first pattern 156ab and the second pattern 156b, and is electrically connected to the auxiliary electrode 152.

[0107] Furthermore, an organic pattern 134a and a metallic pattern 136a are formed on the second pattern 156b in the second subpixel SP2 and the third subpixel SP3.

[0108] Next, inorganic materials such as SiNx and SiOx are stacked to form an inorganic layer 183 over the entire substrate 140.

[0109] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 5E, photoresist is laminated and shaped on the inorganic layer 183 across the entire substrate 140, forming a second photoresist pattern 172 on the inorganic layer 183 of the first subpixel SP1.

[0110] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 5F, with a portion of the inorganic layer 183 blocked by the second photoresist pattern 172, etching is performed on the organic pattern 134a, the metal pattern 136a, and the inorganic layer 183 to form the first sealing layer 182a on the first subpixel SP1, and the first pattern 154b and the second pattern 156b on the second subpixel SP2 and the third subpixel SP3 are exposed to the outside.

[0111] Next, the process shown in Figures 5B to 5F is repeated for the second subpixel SP2 and the third subpixel SP3 to form the first sealing layers 182b and 182c, respectively.

[0112] Subsequently, an organic material is applied to the entire substrate 140 on which the first sealing layers 182a, 182b, and 182c are formed to form a second sealing layer 184. Then, an inorganic material is applied on the second sealing layer 184 to form a third sealing layer 186, thereby forming a sealing layer 180 that seals the display device 100.

[0113] As described above, in the manufacturing method of the display device 100 according to the present invention, the first pattern 154b and the second pattern 156b are made into an overhang structure to form the light-emitting layer 134 and the second electrode 136, thus eliminating the need for a separate photoprocessing step to pattern the light-emitting layer 134 and the second electrode 136. As a result, the manufacturing process can be simplified and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0114] Figure 6 shows a display device 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The same structure as in the first embodiment in Figure 4 will be omitted or simplified in description, and only the other structures will be described in detail.

[0115] As shown in Figure 6, thin-film transistors T and organic light-emitting elements D are arranged in each of the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 of the substrate 240.

[0116] The thin-film transistor T includes a semiconductor layer 212 placed on a buffer layer 242, a gate electrode 214 placed on a gate insulating layer 244, and a source electrode 215 and a drain electrode 216 placed on an interlayer insulating layer 246.

[0117] A planarization layer 248 is formed on the thin-film transistor T, and a bank layer BNK is formed in a matrix between the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 on the planarization layer 248. The organic light-emitting element D includes a first electrode 232, a light-emitting layer 234, and a second electrode 236, the first electrode 232, the light-emitting layer 234, and the second electrode 236 are arranged on each of the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3, and are not connected to the adjacent subpixels.

[0118] An auxiliary electrode 252 is placed on the bank layer BNK, and a protective layer 253 is placed on the auxiliary electrode 252. The auxiliary electrode 252 can be formed with a width smaller than the bank layer BNK, and the protective layer 253 can be formed with the same width as the auxiliary electrode 252, but is not limited to this.

[0119] The protective layer 253 can be made of a metal. The protective layer 253 is made of a metal that is relatively more oxidizing than the auxiliary electrode 252 below it, and in an environment where the auxiliary electrode 252 is oxidizing, it prevents oxidation of the auxiliary electrode 252 by oxidizing instead of the auxiliary electrode 252.

[0120] Similarly, in the region where the auxiliary electrode 252 and the second electrode 236 are in contact, the protective layer 253 oxidizes instead of the auxiliary electrode 252 and the second electrode 236 due to its relative strength of oxidizing properties. As a result, oxidation of the auxiliary electrode 252 and the second electrode 236 can be prevented in that region.

[0121] Referring again to Figure 6, the first pattern 254 and the second pattern 256 are arranged on the protective layer 252. In this case, the first pattern 254 is formed with a width smaller than that of the second pattern 256, and the first pattern 254 and the second pattern 256 form an overhang structure. This overhang structure eliminates the need for a separate masking process when forming the light-emitting layer 234 and the second electrode 236 in the organic light-emitting element D.

[0122] The second electrode 236 is positioned on the light-emitting layer 234 and extends to a portion of the upper surface of the bank layer BNK, the side surface of the auxiliary electrode 252, and a portion of the side surface and upper surface of the first pattern 254, with the second electrode 236 being electrically connected to the side surface of the auxiliary electrode 252. In other words, the auxiliary electrode 252 electrically connects the second electrode 236 throughout the entire display device 200, and a signal (voltage) is simultaneously supplied to the second electrode 236 throughout the entire display device 200.

[0123] The subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3, which are partitioned by the second pattern 256, have first sealing layers 282a, 282b, and 282c formed on them, respectively. On top of these, the second sealing layer 284 and the third sealing layer 286 are placed over the entire substrate 240, completing the sealing layer 280 that seals the display device 200.

[0124] Thus, in the display device 200 according to this embodiment, a protective layer 253 made of a metal that is relatively more oxidizable than the auxiliary electrode 252 is formed on the auxiliary electrode 252, and by oxidizing the protective layer 253 instead of the auxiliary electrode 252, oxidation of the auxiliary electrode 252 can be prevented.

[0125] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a display device 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The same structure as in the first embodiment in Figure 4 will be omitted or simplified in description, and only the other structures will be described in detail.

[0126] As shown in Figure 7, thin-film transistors T and organic light-emitting elements D are arranged in each of the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 of the substrate 340.

[0127] The thin-film transistor T includes a semiconductor layer 312 placed on a buffer layer 342, a gate electrode 314 placed on a gate insulating layer 344, and a source electrode 315 and a drain electrode 316 placed on an interlayer insulating layer 346.

[0128] A planarization layer 348 is formed on the thin-film transistor T, and a bank layer BNK is formed in a matrix between the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 on the planarization layer 348. The bank layer BNK can consist of a first bank layer BNK1 and a second bank layer BNK2 above it. In Figure 7, the first bank layer BNK1 and the second bank layer BNK2 are formed to the same width, but the first bank layer BNK1 may be formed to be larger than the second bank layer BNK2, and the first bank layer BNK1 may extend on both sides of the second bank layer BNK2. The first bank layer BNK1 may be made of a hydrophilic material and the second bank layer BNK2 may be made of a hydrophobic material, but is not limited to this.

[0129] In the second bank layer BNK2, openings are formed along the longer side. In Figure 7, two openings are formed, but this is not the only option; two or more openings may be formed, or only one may be formed.

[0130] The opening is formed only in the second bank layer BNK2, and the first bank layer BNK1 below it can be exposed to the outside through the opening, but is not limited to this. Only a portion of the depth of the second bank layer BNK2 may be removed, and the bottom of the opening may be the second bank layer BNK2, or the entire depth of the second bank layer BNK2 and a portion of the first bank layer BNK1 may be removed, and the bottom of the opening may be the first bank layer BNK1.

[0131] The organic light-emitting element D, which is placed in each of the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 partitioned by the bank layer BNK, includes a first electrode 332, a light-emitting layer 334, and a second electrode 336. The first electrode 332, the light-emitting layer 334, and the second electrode 336 are located in the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 respectively, and are not connected to adjacent subpixels.

[0132] An auxiliary electrode 352 is placed on the second bank layer BNK2, and the first pattern 354 and the second pattern 356 of the overhang structure are placed on the auxiliary electrode 352. The auxiliary electrode 352 is also formed inside the opening. In Figure 7, the auxiliary electrode 352 is formed only in a part of the opening, but it may be formed in the entire area of ​​the opening.

[0133] In this case, the openings can be formed on both sides of the first pattern 354, but are not limited to this.

[0134] The first electrode 332 of the organic light-emitting element D is formed on the planarization layer 348 in each of the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3, and the light-emitting layer 334 is formed on the first electrode 332. The second electrode 336 is formed on the light-emitting layer 334 and extends onto the second bank layer BNK2. At this time, the second electrode 336 extends to the side surface of the first bank layer BNK1 and the second bank layer BNK2, the top surface of the second bank layer BNK2, and the interior of the opening formed in the second bank layer BNK2, and onto the side surface of the first pattern 354.

[0135] Compared to the display device 100 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 4, the second electrode 336 in this embodiment is also formed inside the opening, so the length of the second electrode 336 is increased compared to the first embodiment.

[0136] Generally, the light-emitting layer 334, which is made of organic material, deteriorates due to the penetration of moisture and oxygen. Therefore, in order to prevent malfunctions of the organic light-emitting element D, the penetration of moisture and oxygen must be prevented. Moisture and oxygen penetrate into the light-emitting layer 334 from the interface between the second electrode 336 and the bank layer BNK.

[0137] In this embodiment, an opening is formed to increase the length of the interface between the second electrode 336 and the second bank layer BNK2, thereby increasing the penetration distance of moisture and oxygen. As a result, the penetration of moisture and oxygen into the light-emitting layer 334 can be reduced.

[0138] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the auxiliary electrode 352 is formed in a part or the entire area of ​​the opening, and the second electrode 336 extends into the interior of the opening. As a result, the contact area between the second electrode 336 and the auxiliary electrode 352 is significantly increased by the opening. Consequently, the signal delay in the second electrode 336 can be reduced throughout the entire display device 300.

[0139] The subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3, which are partitioned by the second pattern 356, have first sealing layers 382a, 382b, and 382c formed on them, respectively. On top of these, the second sealing layer 384 and the third sealing layer 386 are placed over the entire substrate 340, completing the sealing layer 380 that seals the display device 300.

[0140] As described above, in the display device 300 of this embodiment, the bank layer BNK is made into two bank layers BNK1 and BNK2, and an opening is formed in the upper second bank layer BNK2, and a second electrode 336 is formed in the opening, thereby increasing the electrical contact area between the second electrode 336 and the auxiliary electrode 352, making it possible to easily block the penetration of moisture and oxygen from the outside.

[0141] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a display device 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The same structure as in the first embodiment in Figure 4 will be omitted or simplified in its description, and only the other structures will be described in detail.

[0142] As shown in Figure 8, thin-film transistors T and organic light-emitting elements D are arranged in subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 of the substrate 440, respectively.

[0143] The thin-film transistor T includes a semiconductor layer 412 placed on a buffer layer 442, a gate electrode 414 placed on a gate insulating layer 444, and a source electrode 415 and a drain electrode 416 placed on an interlayer insulating layer 446.

[0144] A planarization layer 448 is formed on the thin-film transistor T, and a bank layer BNK is formed in a matrix between the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 on the planarization layer 448.

[0145] Low-voltage wiring 458 is arranged on the bank layer BNK. The low-voltage wiring 458 is electrically connected to an external power supply unit and supplies an external low-voltage to the organic light-emitting element D. The low-voltage wiring 458 may be arranged on all bank layers BNK formed on the substrate 440, or it may be formed on only some of the bank layers BNK.

[0146] A first pattern 454 and a second pattern 456 of overhang structure are formed on the low-voltage wiring 458. In this case, the first pattern 454 is formed with a width greater than that of the low-voltage wiring 458, and the low-voltage wiring 458 is formed only below the first pattern 454 and not outside of the first pattern 454.

[0147] An opening is formed in the first pattern 454, and the low-voltage wiring 458 at its lower part is exposed to the outside through the opening, while the second pattern 456 is formed inside the opening. That is, a recess (opening) is formed in the first pattern 454, and a protrusion 456a is formed in the second pattern 456, and the protrusion 456a of the second pattern 456 and the recess (opening) of the first pattern 454 fit together without any gaps.

[0148] The auxiliary electrode 452 is formed on the bank layer BNK on the side of the first pattern 454, on the top surface of the first pattern 454 (i.e., between the first pattern 454 and the second pattern 456), and inside the opening. At this time, the auxiliary electrode 452 is electrically connected to the power wiring 458 inside the opening.

[0149] The organic light-emitting element D, which is placed in subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 partitioned by a bank layer BNK, includes a first electrode 432, a light-emitting layer 434, and a second electrode 436. The first electrode 432, the light-emitting layer 434, and the second electrode 436 are placed in each of the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3, and are not connected to adjacent subpixels.

[0150] The second electrode 436 is positioned on the light-emitting layer 434 and extends onto the upper surface of the auxiliary electrode 452, which is positioned on the side of the first pattern 454, and is electrically connected to the auxiliary electrode 452.

[0151] Compared to the display device 100 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 4, in the display device 100 of the first embodiment, the auxiliary electrode 152 is positioned below the first pattern 154 and the second electrode 136 is in lateral contact with the auxiliary electrode 152, whereas in the display device 400 of this embodiment, the auxiliary electrode 452 is formed on a part of the upper surface of the bank layer BNK and on the side and upper surface of the first pattern 452, so that the electrical contact area between the second electrode 436 and the auxiliary electrode 452 increases. As a result, signal delay in the second electrode 436 can be prevented throughout the entire display device 400.

[0152] Furthermore, in the display device 400 of this embodiment, the low-potential voltage wiring 458 is formed on the bank layer BNK in the display area, rather than in the outer area of ​​the display device 400, and the low-potential voltage is applied to the second electrode 436 via the auxiliary electrode 452, making it possible to apply a uniform low-potential voltage throughout the entire display device 400.

[0153] Each of the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 demarcated by the second pattern 456 has a separate first sealing layer 482a, 482b, and 482c formed on it, and on top of that, the second sealing layer 484 and the third sealing layer 486 are arranged over the entire substrate 440 to complete the sealing layer 480 that seals the display device 400.

[0154] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in more detail above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments. The present invention can be modified and implemented in various ways without departing from the technical spirit of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only, not to limit the technical spirit of the present invention, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative and non-limiting. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0155] 112... Semiconductor layer 114… Gate stop gate 115... Source electrode 116... Drain electrode 132...1st electrode 134...Luminous layer 136…Second electrode 140... Circuit board 142... Buffer layer 144…Gate insulating layer 146...Interlayer insulating layer 148...Planarization layer 152…Auxiliary electrode 154...Pattern 1 156...Pattern 2 180... Sealing layer BNK...Bank layer D...Organic light-emitting diode

Claims

1. A display device, A substrate including first to third subpixels, The substrate has a lower shield metal layer containing an alloy of titanium and molybdenum, A transistor located on the lower shield metal layer, comprising a semiconductor pattern, an electrode gate, a source electrode, and a drain electrode, A bank layer on the substrate is used to partition the first to third subpixels, A light-emitting element located within each of the first to third subpixels, wherein at least one of the light-emitting elements includes a first electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode, Auxiliary electrodes located on the bank layer, The bank layer has an overhang structure and a first pattern and a second pattern formed in a matrix manner over the entire area of ​​the substrate, A display device equipped with the following features.

2. The display device according to claim 2, further comprising a protective layer made of metal and disposed on the bank.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the width of the protective layer is equal to the width of the auxiliary electrode.

4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the protective layer is disposed between the auxiliary electrode and the first pattern.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein the protective layer is made of a substance that is more oxidative than the auxiliary electrode.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the second electrode is electrically connected to a portion of the side and top surfaces of the auxiliary electrode.

7. A first sealing layer formed on each of the first to third subpixels, A second sealing layer formed on the entire area of ​​the substrate and on a plurality of the first sealing layers, A third sealing layer is located on the second sealing layer, The display device according to claim 1, further comprising:

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first pattern and the second pattern are arranged on the auxiliary electrode.

9. The aforementioned bank layer, The first bank layer, A second bank layer located on the first bank layer and including at least one bank opening, The display device according to claim 1, including the following:

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein the auxiliary electrode is formed inside the bank opening, and the second electrode is formed on the auxiliary electrode within the bank opening.

11. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising low-voltage wiring arranged on the bank layer.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the first pattern is arranged on the bank layer, the first pattern has a first pattern opening, and the low-voltage wiring is exposed to the outside through the first pattern opening.

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