Flexible Display Device

Abstract

To provide a display device which is improved with respect to prevention of damage to or delamination of an overcoating layer.SOLUTION: A display device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a substrate on which sub-pixels are defined; an organic light emitting element disposed on the substrate and disposed to correspond to each sub-pixel of the sub-pixels; an encapsulation layer on the organic light emitting element; a plurality of color filters disposed on the encapsulation layer to correspond to the sub-pixels, respectively; a black matrix disposed between the plurality of color filters; a plurality of spacers positioned between the plurality of color filters and disposed on the black matrix; and an overcoating layer disposed to cover the plurality of color filters, the black matrix, and the plurality of spacers. Each of the plurality of spacers has a first surface closest to the encapsulation layer and a second surface distal from the first surface, and a width of the second surface is greater than a width of the first surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device, and more particularly to a display device that can improve or reduce damage or peeling caused by bending or folding, and can improve or reduce the moire phenomenon based on spacers. [Background technology]

[0002] Unlike liquid crystal display devices (LCDs) that have a backlight, organic light emitting display devices (OLEDs) do not require a separate light source. Therefore, they can be manufactured to be lightweight and thin, which is an advantage in terms of process, and they have the advantage of low power consumption due to low voltage operation. Above all, organic light emitting display devices include light emitting elements themselves, and each layer can be formed as a thin organic thin film, which has excellent flexibility and elasticity compared to other display devices, making them more suitable for being constructed as flexible display devices.

[0003] Generally, an organic light emitting display device includes an anode, a cathode, and an organic light emitting layer disposed between them, but when the cathode is formed using a metal material with high reflectivity, there is a problem that external light is reflected by the metal material, resulting in a decrease in reflective visibility and contrast ratio. Therefore, in order to reduce the reflection of external light, a polarizing plate for absorbing external light is disposed under the cover member. The polarizing plate is a film with a certain level of light transmittance, and prevents a decrease in the contrast ratio by absorbing external light and its reflected light.

[0004] In recent years, as interest in flexible and slim display devices has increased, display devices using relatively thin coated polarizing films instead of thick polarizing plates have been proposed. However, coated polarizing films are also thick, and there is a problem that reducing the thickness of the polarizing film reduces the function and display quality of the polarizing film. Therefore, it is difficult to realize a flexible display device that is subjected to a lot of stress when folded. In addition, polarizing plates and polarizing films also absorb a part of the light emitted from the organic light emitting layer, reducing the luminous efficiency. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a CoE (Color filter on Encapsulation layer) structure has been proposed instead of a polarizing plate or a coated polarizing film. Conventionally, the CoE structure is a structure in which a black matrix is ​​disposed on an encapsulation layer so as to correspond to a non-emitting region, and a color filter is disposed so as to cover at least a part of the black matrix. In addition, an overcoating layer is disposed so as to flatten the upper surfaces of the color filter and the black matrix. Such a CoE structure can improve display quality by absorbing external light and reflected light without reducing the luminous efficiency while slimming the thickness of the display device. However, there is a problem that the overcoating layer cracks or peels off when bending or folding a flexible display device.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a display device in which the above-mentioned damage and peeling of the overcoating layer are improved.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a display device in which a moire phenomenon caused by a color filter is improved.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to make a display device slim and easily implement it in various shapes, such as a curved shape or a foldable shape.

[0009] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a display device having excellent luminous efficiency and improved display quality by absorbing external light and reflected light.

[0010] The object of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate on which a plurality of sub-pixels are defined, organic light-emitting elements disposed on the substrate and corresponding to each of the plurality of sub-pixels, an encapsulation layer on the organic light-emitting elements, a plurality of color filters disposed on the encapsulation layer and corresponding to the plurality of sub-pixels, a black matrix disposed between the plurality of color filters, a plurality of spacers positioned between the plurality of color filters and disposed on the black matrix, and an overcoating layer disposed to cover the color filters, the black matrix and the spacers, each of the plurality of spacers having an inverted tapered shape. Further details of the embodiments are included in the detailed description and the drawings. Effect of the Invention

[0012] The display device according to the present invention has an advantage that cracks or peeling of the overcoating layer caused by bending or folding are improved and the display device can be easily implemented in various shapes, such as a curved shape or a foldable shape.

[0013] According to the present invention, the moire phenomenon caused by the color filter can be prevented, and the display quality can be improved.

[0014] The display device according to the present invention can absorb external light and reflected light to improve reflected visibility.

[0015] The display device according to the present invention can improve reflective visibility and implement touch by forming a black matrix and a color filter that perform an anti-reflection function and a touch sensor unit inside the display device, while reducing the overall thickness of the display device.

[0016] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and various other effects are included within the scope of the present invention.

[0017] The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of example only and are therefore not limiting of the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of region A in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along II' in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of a partial region of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' in FIG. [Figure 7] 11 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a display device according to still another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 8] 11 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a display device according to still another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 9] 11 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a display device according to still another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 10] 11 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a display device according to still another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a display device according to still another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 12] 11 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a display device according to still another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 13] 11 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a display device according to still another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 14A] 13 illustrates an example of a spacer of a display device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14B] 13 illustrates an example of a spacer of a display device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 11 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a display device according to still another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as the methods for achieving them, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and may be embodied in various different forms, and the embodiments are provided solely for the purpose of making the disclosure of the present invention complete and fully conveying the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0020] The shapes, areas, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining the embodiments of the present invention are illustrative, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated matters. The same reference symbols refer to the same components throughout the specification. In addition, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known technology may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. When "includes," "has," "is made," etc. are used in the present invention, other parts may be added since "only" is not used. When a component is expressed in the singular, it includes the plural unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0021] When interpreting elements, they are interpreted as including a margin of error even if there is no other explicit description.

[0022] When describing a positional relationship, for example when describing the positional relationship of two parts using "on top of," "at the top of," "at the bottom of," "next to," etc., one or more other parts may be located between the two parts, so long as "immediately" or "directly" is not used.

[0023] When an element or layer is referred to as "on" another element or layer, this includes either being directly on the other element, or having other layers or elements interposed therebetween.

[0024] In addition, although the terms "first", "second" and the like are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, the first component referred to below may be the second component within the technical concept of the present invention.

[0025] Like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0026] The area and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are shown for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the area and thickness of the components shown.

[0027] The respective features of the various embodiments of the present invention may be partially or fully combined or combined with each other, and may be technically interlocked and driven in various ways, and each embodiment may be implemented independently of each other or may be implemented together in a related relationship.

[0028] In the following, the invention will be explained with reference to the drawings.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of area A of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along II-II' of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along II-II' of FIG. 2.

[0030] 1 to 4, a display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate 110, an organic light emitting element 130, an encapsulation layer 140, a touch sensor unit 150, color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174, a black matrix 180, a spacer 190, and an overcoating layer OC.

[0031] The substrate 110 includes areas defined as a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA is an area in which a plurality of pixels PX are arranged and an image is actually displayed. In the display area DA, pixels PX including a light-emitting area for displaying an image and a driving circuit for driving the pixels PX may be arranged. The non-display area NDA surrounds the display area DA. The non-display area NDA is an area in which an image is not actually displayed, and various wirings, driving ICs, printed circuit boards, etc. for driving the pixels PX and driving circuits arranged in the display area DA may be arranged.

[0032] The pixels PX are arranged in a matrix shape, and each of the pixels PX includes a plurality of sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. The sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 are elements for displaying one color, and include a light-emitting region from which light is emitted and a non-light-emitting region from which light is not emitted. For example, each of the sub-pixels may display one of the colors red, green, and blue, but is not limited thereto, and a different number of sub-pixels may be used, and light of other visible hues or wavelengths may be displayed or emitted.

[0033] For example, one pixel PX may include a first sub-pixel SP1, a second sub-pixel SP2, a third sub-pixel SP3, and a fourth sub-pixel SP4. For example, the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 are alternately arranged in a first direction (X-axis direction). The third sub-pixel SP3 and the fourth sub-pixel SP4 are spaced apart from the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and alternately arranged along the first direction (X-axis direction). The third sub-pixel SP3 and the fourth sub-pixel SP4 are arranged in a zigzag pattern with the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The first to fourth sub-pixels SP1-SP4 may be arranged in different arrangements, such as all the sub-pixels being linearly arranged along one direction or in various patterns such as a diamond pattern.

[0034] The first sub-pixel SP1, the second sub-pixel SP2, the third sub-pixel SP3, and the fourth sub-pixel SP4 may display different colors from one another, or some sub-pixels may display the same color, if necessary. For example, the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 may be green sub-pixels, the third sub-pixel SP3 may be a blue sub-pixel, and the fourth sub-pixel SP4 may be a red sub-pixel, arranged in a pentile structure. In this case, there are advantages in that the aperture ratio is improved while maintaining a high resolution, the manufacturing process of the display device is simplified, and power consumption is reduced. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0035] In the drawings, the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 are all shown to have the same size, but the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may be formed to have different areas depending on the color they represent, taking into consideration brightness and color temperature. For example, the third sub-pixel SP3, which is blue, may have a larger area than the first sub-pixel SP1, the second sub-pixel SP2, and the fourth sub-pixel SP4, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Two or more of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may have the same size, and the other one or two of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may have different sizes. In various embodiments of the present invention, a mixture of sizes and shapes of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 is within the scope of the present invention.

[0036] The pattern of each of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may be a circle, an ellipse, or a polygonal shape such as a triangle, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, etc., and is not particularly limited. The sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may each have a combination of shapes or different shapes.

[0037] The substrate 110 is a base material for supporting various elements constituting the display device. For example, the substrate 110 may be a glass substrate or a plastic substrate. For example, the plastic substrate may be selected from polyimide, polyethersulfone, polyethylene terephthalate, and polycarbonate, but is not limited thereto. When a flexible plastic substrate is used, a support member such as a back plate may be disposed under the substrate 110. A flexible plastic substrate is relatively thin and has low rigidity compared to a glass substrate, and may sag when various elements are disposed thereon. The back plate supports the plastic substrate 110 to prevent it from sagging, and protects the display device 100 from moisture, heat, impact, and the like. For example, the backplate may be made of a metal material such as stainless steel (SUS) or a plastic material such as polymethylmethacrylate, polycarbonate, polyvinyl alcohol, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, or polyethylene terephthalate. When the backplate is disposed under the substrate 110, an adhesive layer may be disposed between the substrate 110 and the backplate to bond them together. The adhesive layer may be, but is not limited to, a light-transparent adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive. If transparency is not required, an opaque adhesive may be used in whole or in part.

[0038] A substrate buffer layer 121 may be disposed on the substrate 110 to prevent the penetration of oxygen or moisture. The substrate buffer layer 121 may be formed as a single layer or may be formed as a multi-layer structure as necessary. A thin film transistor TFT including a gate electrode G, an active layer ACT, a source electrode S, and a drain electrode D is disposed on the substrate buffer layer 121. The thin film transistor TFT is disposed in each of the first sub-pixel SP1, the second sub-pixel SP2, the third sub-pixel SP3, and the fourth sub-pixel SP4 regions. For convenience of explanation, only a driving thin film transistor is shown in the drawings among various thin film transistors that may be included in the display device 100. In addition, in the drawings, a thin film transistor TFT having a coplanar structure is illustrated as an example, but is not limited thereto, and a thin film transistor TFT having an inverted staggered structure may also be used. For example, an active layer ACT is disposed on the substrate buffer layer 121, and a gate insulating layer 123 for insulating the active layer ACT from the gate electrode G is disposed on the active layer ACT. In addition, an interlayer insulating layer 122 for insulating the gate electrode G from the source electrode S and the drain electrode D is disposed on the substrate buffer layer 121. The source electrode S and the drain electrode D, which are in contact with the active layer ACT, are formed on the interlayer insulating layer 122. A planarization layer 124 may be disposed on the thin film transistor TFT. The planarization layer 124 planarizes an upper portion of the thin film transistor TFT. The planarization layer 124 may include a contact hole for electrically connecting the thin film transistor TFT and the anode 131 of the organic light emitting element 130.

[0039] The organic light emitting element 130 is disposed on the planarization layer 124. The organic light emitting element 130 includes a first organic light emitting element 130a disposed in the first sub-pixel SP1, a second organic light emitting element 130b disposed in the second sub-pixel SP2, and a third organic light emitting element 130c disposed in the third sub-pixel SP3. Each of the organic light emitting elements 130a, 130b, and 130c includes an anode 131, an organic light emitting layer 132, and a cathode 133.

[0040] The anode 131 is disposed on the planarization layer 124. The anode 131 is disposed to correspond to the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4, respectively. The anode 131 is a component for supplying holes to the organic light-emitting layer 132, and is formed of a conductive material having a high work function. The anode 131 may be a transparent conductive layer formed of a transparent conductive oxide (TCO). For example, the anode 131 may be formed of one or more transparent conductive oxides such as indium-tin-oxide (ITO), indium-zinc-oxide (IZO), indium-tin-zinc-oxide (ITZO), tin oxide (SnO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium-copper-oxide (ICO), and aluminum-doped zinc oxide (Al-doped ZnO, AZO), but is not limited thereto. Materials other than oxides may be used. When the display device 100 is driven in a top emission mode, the anode 131 may further include a reflective layer for reflecting light emitted from the organic light emitting layer 132 to the cathode 133. The anode 131 may be formed separately for the first sub-pixel SP1, the second sub-pixel SP2, and the third sub-pixel SP3. A bank 125 is disposed on the anode 131 and the planarization layer 124. The bank 125 is disposed to cover an edge of the anode 131 of the organic light emitting element 130. That is, the bank 125 may partition a plurality of sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. The bank 125 may be made of an insulating material for insulating the anodes 131 of the adjacent sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 from each other. The bank 125 may be made of a black bank having high light absorption so as to prevent color mixing between the adjacent sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3. For example, the bank 125 may be made of polyimide resin, acrylic resin, or benzocyclobutene resin, but is not limited thereto, and other common organic materials may be used.

[0041] The cathode 133 is disposed on the anode 131. The cathode 133 may be formed of a metal material having a low work function to smoothly supply electrons to the organic light emitting layer 132. For example, the cathode 133 may be formed of a metal material selected from calcium (Ca), barium (Ba), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), and alloys containing at least one of these, but is not limited thereto. Other metals, conductive ceramics, or oxides may be used. The cathode 133 may be formed as a layer on the anode 131. That is, the cathode 133 may be formed as a single layer in the first sub-pixel SP1, the second sub-pixel SP2, the third sub-pixel SP3, and the fourth sub-pixel SP4. When the organic light emitting display device 100 is driven in a top emission mode, the cathode 133 may be formed to a very thin thickness and may be substantially transparent.

[0042] The organic light-emitting layer 132 is disposed between the anode 131 and the cathode 133. The organic light-emitting layer 132 is a layer in which electrons and holes are combined to emit light. The organic light-emitting layers of the first organic light-emitting element 130a and the second organic light-emitting element 130b may each be a green organic light-emitting layer, the organic light-emitting layer of the third organic light-emitting element 130c may be a blue organic light-emitting layer, and the organic light-emitting layer of the fourth organic light-emitting element 130d may be a red organic light-emitting layer.

[0043] The organic light emitting device 130 may further include a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an electron transport layer, an electron injection layer, etc., in order to improve light emitting efficiency. For example, a hole injection layer and a hole transport layer may be disposed between the anode 131 and the organic light emitting layer 132, and an electron transport layer and an electron injection layer may be disposed between the organic light emitting layer 132 and the cathode 133. In addition, a hole blocking layer or an electron blocking layer may be disposed in the organic light emitting layer 132 in order to further improve the recombination efficiency of holes and electrons.

[0044] The encapsulation layer 140 is disposed on the organic light emitting element 130. The encapsulation layer 140 can cover the organic light emitting element 130. The encapsulation layer 140 can protect the organic light emitting element 130 from external moisture, oxygen, impact, and the like. The encapsulation layer 140 can be formed in a multi-layer structure in which an inorganic layer formed of an inorganic insulating material and an organic layer formed of an organic material are stacked. For example, the encapsulation layer 140 can be formed in a multi-layer structure in which the inorganic layer and the organic layer are alternately stacked, which is composed of at least one organic layer and at least two inorganic layers, but is not limited thereto. For example, the encapsulation layer 140 can be formed in a triple-layer structure including a first inorganic layer 141, an organic layer 142, and a second inorganic layer 143. In this case, the first inorganic layer 141 and the second inorganic layer 143 can be formed independently of one or more selected from silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), aluminum oxide (AlOx), and silicon oxynitride (SiON), but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the organic layer 142 may be formed of one or more selected from, but not limited to, epoxy resin, polyimide, polyethylene, and silicon oxycarbide (SiOC). In some cases, a multi-layer structure of all organic layers or all inorganic layers may be used.

[0045] In order to provide the display device 100 with a touch sensing function, a touch sensor unit 150 is disposed on the encapsulation layer 140. The display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a touch sensor unit 150 having a structure in which a touch electrode 151 is formed on the encapsulation layer 140, unlike a conventional touch panel having a touch electrode formed on a separate substrate and disposed on an organic light emitting element via an adhesive member. By forming the touch sensor unit 150 directly on the encapsulation layer 140, an adhesive member for adhering the touch sensor unit 150 to a display panel is omitted, and the thickness of the display device 100 can be slimmed down.

[0046] The touch sensor unit 150 includes a plurality of touch electrodes 151, a first buffer layer 152, a first touch insulating layer 153, and a second touch insulating layer 154. The first buffer layer 152 is disposed on the second inorganic layer 143. The first buffer layer 152 is disposed directly on the second inorganic layer 143, and can improve adhesion between the touch sensor unit 150 and the second inorganic layer 143. In particular, the first buffer layer 152 can improve adhesion between a metal layer such as a bridge electrode BDG and the second inorganic layer 143. The first buffer layer 152 can be disposed on the front surface of the substrate 110 across the display area DA and the non-display area NDA. Thus, the first buffer layer 152 can protect the organic light emitting element 130 and signal wiring, pads, and the like disposed in the non-display area NDA for driving the organic light emitting element 130 from being damaged when forming a metal layer such as the bridge electrode BDG.

[0047] The first buffer layer 152 may be formed of an inorganic insulating material, such as, but not limited to, one or more selected from silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), aluminum oxide (AlOx), and silicon oxynitride (SiON). Other inorganic layers, such as carbides, may also be used, as may cations of other metals or elements.

[0048] The touch electrode 151 is an electrode for sensing a touch input, and may be composed of a sensing electrode and a driving electrode, and may detect touch coordinates by sensing a change in capacitance between them. For example, the sensing electrode and the driving electrode may be disposed on the same plane, and at least some of the plurality of touch electrodes may be electrically connected to the touch electrode through a bridge electrode BDG disposed on another plane with an insulating layer interposed therebetween. Specifically, for example, the bridge electrode BDG may be disposed on the first buffer layer 152, at least one touch insulating layer 153, 154 may be disposed to cover the bridge electrode BDG, and the plurality of touch electrodes 151 may be disposed on the touch insulating layers 153, 154. The bridge electrode BDG is configured to electrically connect at least some of the plurality of touch electrodes 151, and for this purpose, the touch insulating layers 153, 154 may include contact holes. However, without being limited thereto, the configuration of the touch sensor unit 150 may be variously changed as necessary, such as by providing an additional layer.

[0049] Each of the plurality of touch electrodes 151 may be disposed to correspond to a boundary between sub-pixels. Each of the plurality of touch electrodes 151 may be disposed on the touch insulation layers 153 and 154 to overlap the bank 125. In this case, the efficiency of light emitted from the organic light emitting element 130 may be maintained high without being reduced. The touch electrode 151 may be disposed on the touch insulation layers 153 and 154 to correspond to a portion between adjacent color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174. The touch electrode 151 may be disposed on the touch insulation layers 153 and 154 to correspond to a black matrix 180. That is, at least a portion of the touch electrode 151 is hidden by the black matrix 180 and is not visible from the outside. This can minimize a deterioration in display quality due to the touch electrode 151 being visible. However, without being limited thereto, the arrangement structure of the touch electrode 151 may be changed as necessary.

[0050] The touch electrode 151 may be formed of a transparent metal material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO) that can transmit light. The touch electrode 151 may have various shapes such as a rectangular shape, an octagonal shape, a circular shape, or a diamond shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the touch electrode 151 may have, for example, a matrix shape. The touch insulation layers 153 and 154 may be formed of an inorganic insulating material or an organic insulating material, and may have a multi-layer structure in which a layer formed of an inorganic insulating material and a layer formed of an organic insulating material are alternately arranged. For example, the touch insulation layer may include a first touch insulation layer 153 formed of an inorganic insulating material and arranged to cover the bridge electrode BDG, and a second touch insulation layer 154 arranged on the first touch insulation layer 153 and formed of an organic insulating material.

[0051] For example, the first touch insulating layer 153 may be formed of one or more inorganic insulating materials selected from the group consisting of silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), aluminum oxide (AlOx), and silicon oxynitride (SiON), but is not limited thereto. Other inorganic layers, such as carbides, may also be used, and cations of other metals or elements may also be used.

[0052] For example, the second touch insulating layer 154 may be formed of a transparent organic insulating material such as an acrylic resin, a polyester resin, an epoxy resin, or a silicone resin, but is not limited thereto.

[0053] The second buffer layer 160 is disposed to cover the touch electrodes 151. The second buffer layer 160 protects the touch sensor unit 150 from being damaged during a process of forming the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174 and the black matrix 180 disposed on the touch sensor unit 150. In addition, the second buffer layer 160 prevents moisture and oxygen from penetrating from the outside, thereby protecting the touch sensor unit 150 from being deteriorated. The second buffer layer 160 may be formed of an inorganic insulating material having excellent barrier properties. For example, the second buffer layer 160 may be formed of one or more inorganic insulating materials selected from silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), aluminum oxide (AlOx), and silicon oxynitride (SiON), but is not limited thereto. Other inorganic materials such as carbide may also be used, and cations of other metals or elements may also be used. In addition, the second buffer layer 160 can compensate for a decrease in adhesive strength between the plurality of color filters 171, 172, 173, 174 and the black matrix 180 and the touch sensor unit 150. That is, the second buffer layer 160 is disposed on the touch sensor unit 150 to allow the plurality of color filters 171, 172, 173, 174 and the black matrix 180 to be attached to the touch sensor unit 150.

[0054] A plurality of color filters 171, 172, 173, 174 and a black matrix 180 are disposed on the second buffer layer 160. The plurality of color filters 171, 172, 173, 174 and the black matrix 180 may function as an anti-reflection layer that maintains high brightness of light emitted from the organic light emitting element 130 while absorbing external light to minimize a decrease in visibility and contrast ratio of the display device 100 due to external light. The plurality of color filters 171, 172, 173, 174 are disposed on the second buffer layer 160 to correspond to sub-pixels disposed thereunder. The color filters 171, 172, 173, 174 are disposed independently to correspond to the respective sub-pixels without contacting each other at the boundary between the sub-pixels. The color filters 171, 172, 173, 174 may correspond to the color of the respective sub-pixels corresponding thereto. That is, the multiple color filters 171, 172, 173, 174 include a first color filter 171 corresponding to the first sub-pixel SP1, a second color filter 172 corresponding to the second sub-pixel SP2, a third color filter 173 corresponding to the third sub-pixel SP3, and a fourth color filter 174 corresponding to the fourth sub-pixel SP4.

[0055] The first color filter 171 and the second color filter 172 are alternately arranged along a first direction (X-axis direction). The third color filter 173 and the fourth color filter 174 are arranged to be spaced apart from the first color filter 171 and the second color filter 172 in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and may be alternately arranged along the first direction (X-axis direction). The third color filter 173 and the fourth color filter 174 are arranged in a zigzag pattern with the first color filter 171 and the second color filter 172. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0056] When the first subpixel SP1 and the second subpixel SP2 are green subpixels, the first color filter 171 and the second color filter 172 are green color filters, when the third subpixel SP3 is a blue subpixel, the third color filter 173 is a blue color filter, and when the fourth subpixel SP4 is a red subpixel, the fourth color filter 174 is a red color filter. The first color filter 171 and the second color filter 172 transmit green light. Here, the wavelength of the green light may be about 495 nm to 570 nm, but is not limited thereto. The third color filter 173 transmits blue light. Here, the wavelength of the blue light may be about 440 nm to 495 nm, but is not limited thereto. The fourth color filter 174 transmits red light. Here, the wavelength of the red light may be about 620 nm to 750 nm, but is not limited thereto.

[0057] Each of the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174 includes a transparent base resin and a coloring material. For example, the transparent base resin may be one selected from polyacrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyimide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, and the like, but is not limited thereto. Other resins may be used as the transparent base resin. The coloring material absorbs light in a specific wavelength band and transmits light in the remaining wavelength bands. For example, the red color filter includes a red coloring material that transmits light in the red wavelength band and absorbs light in the green and blue wavelength bands. For example, the red coloring material may be a parylene-based compound or a diketo-pyrrolopyrrole-based compound. For example, the green coloring material may be a phthalocyanine-based compound. For example, the blue coloring material may be a copper phthalocyanine-based compound or an anthraquinone-based compound. However, the coloring material is not limited thereto, and any material that transmits light in the red, blue, and green wavelength bands can be used without limitation. The color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174 are arranged to correspond to the colors of the corresponding sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4, so that the internal light emitted from the first sub-pixel SP1, the second sub-pixel SP2, the third sub-pixel SP3, and the fourth sub-pixel SP4 passes through the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174. For example, the green light emitted from the first sub-pixel SP1 passes through the first color filter 171. On the other hand, when external light is incident, the external light that corresponds to the absorption wavelength of the coloring material included in the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174 is absorbed by the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174. The external light that is not absorbed by the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174 is reflected by the cathode 133 and passes through the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174 again. The reflected light that corresponds to the absorption wavelength of the color-producing material contained in each of the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174 is absorbed by the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174.This makes it possible to minimize the degradation of display quality caused by external light.

[0058] The black matrix 180 is disposed on the second buffer layer 160 to partition the plurality of color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174. The black matrix 180 partitions each of the plurality of color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174. The black matrix 180 is disposed along the boundary between the sub-pixels and includes an opening that exposes the sub-pixel. The black matrix 180 may be disposed to overlap the bank 125. The black matrix 180 is disposed to fill the opening between the adjacent color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174. Thus, the black matrix 180 is disposed to completely cover the side surfaces of the respective color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174. Thus, the black matrix 180 can minimize color mixing between the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. In addition, the black matrix 180 absorbs external light. This can minimize the decrease in visibility and contrast ratio of the display device 100 caused by external light. As described above, the multiple touch electrodes 151 are arranged to overlap the black matrix 180, and the black matrix 180 can prevent the multiple touch electrodes 151 from being viewed.

[0059] In the drawings, the black matrix 180 and the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174 are shown to be flush with each other, but are not limited thereto. The top surface of the black matrix 180 may be lower or higher than the top surfaces of the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174.

[0060] The black matrix 180 includes a base resin and a black material. The base resin may be at least one selected from among a cardo-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, an acrylate-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, and a polyimide, but is not limited thereto, and other resins may be used as the base resin. The black material may be a black pigment selected from among a carbon-based pigment, a metal oxide-based pigment, and an organic pigment. For example, the carbon-based pigment may be carbon black. For example, the metal oxide-based pigment may be, but is not limited thereto, titanium black (TiNxOy), a Cu-Mn-Fe-based black pigment, and the like. For example, the organic pigment may be, but is not limited thereto, selected from lactam black, perylene black, and aniline black. In addition, RGB black pigments including red pigments, blue pigments, and green pigments may be used as the black material, but are not limited thereto, because a black hue can be provided when various hue combinations are mixed together.

[0061] Each of the spacers 190 is disposed on the black matrix 180. Each of the spacers 190 is disposed to correspond to each of the touch electrodes 151. Each of the spacers 190 may overlap the bank 125. Each of the spacers 190 is disposed on the black matrix 180 so as to be located between the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174 adjacent to each other. Each of the spacers 190 is disposed between the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174 adjacent to each other in the first direction (X-axis direction) and the second direction (Y-axis direction). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. As another example, the spacer 190 may be disposed between the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174 adjacent to each other in a diagonal direction between the first direction (X-axis direction) and the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0062] The spacer 190 increases the surface area of ​​the surface in contact with the overcoating layer OC, thereby improving the adhesive strength at the interfaces where the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174 and the black matrix 180 contact the overcoating layer OC, and thus improving the folding characteristics. As a result, the problem of the overcoating layer OC cracking or peeling off when folding or bending the display device 100 can be solved.

[0063] The spacer 190 can improve the moire phenomenon, such as rainbow moire, which deteriorates display quality. The color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174 arranged on the organic light emitting element 130 are formed to have an area larger than the light emitting region of the organic light emitting element 130 in order to secure a viewing angle. That is, each of the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174 is formed to have an area larger than the area of ​​the anode 131 exposed by the bank 125. In this case, the moire phenomenon can occur due to the light interference phenomenon caused by the mutual interference between the regular pattern shape of the color filters and the regularly arranged anodes. Such a moire phenomenon can affect image quality characteristics and cause a persistent stripe phenomenon, which can cause problems in visibility. The moire phenomenon appears as a rainbow moire phenomenon under external light, further reducing visibility. The moire phenomenon can be improved by providing an irregular pattern by forming the spacer 190 between the adjacent color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174.

[0064] For example, the spacers 190 include a plurality of horizontal spacers 191 and a plurality of vertical spacers 192. The horizontal spacers 191 and the vertical spacers 192 may be arranged along a first direction (X-axis direction) and a second direction (Y-axis direction), respectively. The horizontal spacers 191 are arranged between the first color filters 171 and the second color filters 172 arranged alternately along the first direction (X-axis direction). The horizontal spacers 191 may be located between the third color filters 173 adjacent to each other in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and between the fourth color filters 174 adjacent to each other in the second direction (Y-axis direction). The vertical spacers 192 are arranged between the third color filters 173 and the fourth color filters 174 arranged alternately along the first direction (X-axis direction). The vertical spacers 192 may be located between the first color filters 171 adjacent to each other in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and between the second color filters 172 adjacent to each other in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0065] The horizontal spacer 191 and the vertical spacer 192 may have a rectangular shape in a plan view. However, the shape is not limited thereto. As another example, each spacer 190 may have a polygonal shape such as a square or trapezoid, a circle, an ellipse, or a crescent shape in a plan view.

[0066] The horizontal spacer 191 may be in a form extending long along the first direction (X-axis direction) between the first color filter 171 and the second color filter 172. That is, the horizontal spacer 191 may be in a rectangular shape with the length of the horizontal side longer than the length of the vertical side on a plane. The vertical spacer 192 may be in a form extending long along the second direction (Y-axis direction) between the third color filter 173 and the fourth color filter 174. That is, the vertical spacer 192 may be in a rectangular shape with the length of the vertical side longer than the length of the horizontal side on a plane. When the horizontal spacer 191 and the vertical spacer 192 are provided in this manner, there is an advantage that the folding characteristics are excellent regardless of the direction of the folding axis. That is, the folding characteristics are excellent whether the display device 100 is folded in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0067] Although the present invention is not limited thereto, each spacer 190 has an inverted tapered shape in a cross-sectional view. For example, each spacer 190 has an inverted trapezoid shape in a cross-sectional view. In this case, the surface area of ​​the interface between the color filters 171, 172, 173, 174 and the black matrix 180 and the overcoating layer 190 is greatly increased, and the adhesive strength with the overcoating layer OC is further improved. Thus, folding characteristics can be satisfied in a folding reliability evaluation in which the display device is folded under high temperature and high humidity conditions. Thus, it is possible to minimize the occurrence of cracks or peeling in the overcoating layer OC when bending or folding the display device 100. In various embodiments of the present invention, the spacer 190 may have a structure having a first end having a first width and a second end having a second width, and the first width and the second width may have different lengths in a cross-sectional view. In an example in which the top surface of the first end having the first width is larger than the bottom surface of the second end having the second width, for example, an inverted trapezoid shape is provided in the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 3. Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited to an inverted trapezoid shape, and may include a shape having a top surface as a first end having a first width and a bottom surface as a second end having a second width, the first width being approximately the same as or equal to the second width. Also, the width of the spacer going from the top surface to the bottom surface does not have to be constant, but may vary. For example, when the first width of the first end and the second width of the second end are approximately the same as or equal to each other, the middle portion of the spacer 190 connecting the first end and the second end may have a width smaller than at least one of the first end and the second end, or may have a width larger than at least one of the first end and the second end. In another embodiment of the present invention, the width of the middle portion may vary to include at least one of a width larger than, the same as, and a width smaller than at least one of the widths of the first end and the second end. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0068] The spacer 190 may be formed integrally with the black matrix 180. For example, the top width of the black matrix 180 and the bottom width of the spacer 190 may be the same, and the top width of the black matrix 180 and the bottom width of the spacer 190 may be completely overlapped. Thus, the black matrix 180 and the spacer 190 may be formed in a shape of an inverted trapezoid in a cross-sectional view. For example, the height of the spacer 190 may be 1 μm to 5 μm or 2 μm to 3 μm, but is not limited thereto. However, within this range, the surface area of ​​the interface in contact with the overcoating layer OC becomes sufficiently wide, so that peeling or damage of the overcoating layer OC during folding can be minimized, and the thickness of the display device 100 can be maintained thin.

[0069] For example, the taper angle of the spacer 190 may be, but is not limited to, 20° to 45°. However, within this range, peeling or damage of the overcoating layer OC during folding can be minimized. At this time, the taper angle is an exterior angle between the upper surface of the black matrix 180 and the side surface of the spacer 190. In various embodiments of the present invention, the taper angle of the spacer 190 may be in the range of 0° to 70°, and examples of the taper angle may be 0° to 60°, 20° to 60°, and 20° to 45°.

[0070] The spacers 190 include a base resin and a black material. The base resin may be at least one selected from, but is not limited to, a cardo-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, an acrylate-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, and a polyimide. The black material may be a black pigment selected from, but is not limited to, a carbon-based pigment, a metal oxide-based pigment, and an organic pigment. For example, the carbon-based pigment may be carbon black. For example, the metal oxide-based pigment may be, but is not limited to, titanium black (TiNxOy), Cu-Mn-Fe-based black pigment, and the like. For example, the organic pigment may be, but is not limited to, lactam black, perylene black, and aniline black. In addition, RGB black pigments including red pigment, blue pigment, and green pigment may be used as the black material. Therefore, the spacer 190 not only increases the surface area and improves the adhesive strength with the overcoating layer OC to improve folding characteristics, but also absorbs external light to minimize the reduction in visibility and contrast ratio caused by external light, and improves moire phenomena such as rainbow moire that degrade display quality.

[0071] The spacer 190 may be made of the same material as the black matrix 180. More preferably, the spacer 190 may be integrally formed of the same material as the black matrix 180. In this case, there is an advantage that the process steps and materials are simplified, and process and material costs can be reduced.

[0072] For example, the color filters 171, 172, 173, 174, the black matrix 180, and the spacer 190 may be formed by the following process. However, this is only an example, and the process of forming the color filters 171, 172, 173, 174, the black matrix 180, and the spacer 190 is not limited thereto.

[0073] First, the surface of the second buffer layer 160 on which the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174 and the black matrix 180 are to be formed is cleaned. A red color filter is formed on the second buffer layer 160 corresponding to the red sub-pixel, a blue color filter is formed corresponding to the blue sub-pixel, and a green color filter is formed corresponding to the green sub-pixel in sequence. At this time, the order of forming the red, blue, and green color filters may be changed. Each of the red, blue, and green color filters may be formed by a photoresist process. After the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174 are formed, the surface is cleaned.

[0074] Next, a composition including a base resin and a black material is coated over the entire surface of the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174. At this time, the composition is coated thickly enough to integrally form the black matrix 180 and the spacer 190.

[0075] The coated composition is then pre-baked.

[0076] Next, the composition is exposed to light using a mask, and then development is carried out. By applying a thick coating of the composition and then exposing the coating to light, the surface of the coating layer is over-cured from the bottom end. Thus, during development, a pattern with an inverse tapered shape is formed.

[0077] Next, a post-bake is performed to form the black matrix 180 and the spacers 190. As described above, the bottom portion is less cured than the surface portion, so the bottom portion is more etched during development. As a result, the black matrix 180 and the spacers 190 can be integrated to form an inverted trapezoid shape, as shown in FIG.

[0078] The above-mentioned manufacturing method is merely an example of a more advantageous method in terms of process, and the manufacturing method of the black matrix 180 and the spacer 190 is not limited to the above-mentioned method. If necessary or according to the design structure, the black matrix 180 and the spacer 190 may be formed in separate processes using different masks.

[0079] The overcoating layer OC is disposed to cover the plurality of spacers, the plurality of color filters 171, 172, 173, 174, and the black matrix 180. In the display device 100 of the present invention, the surface area of ​​the surface on which the overcoating layer OC is disposed is large due to the plurality of spacers 190 disposed on the black matrix 180, and thus the adhesive strength of the overcoating layer OC can be significantly improved. As a result, it is possible to minimize the occurrence of cracks or peeling in the overcoating layer OC when the display device 100 is bent or folded.

[0080] The overcoating layer OC may be formed to have a sufficient thickness to cover the spacers, the color filters 171, 172, 173, 174, and the black matrix 180. For example, the thickness of the overcoating layer OC may be, but is not limited to, 2.5 μm to 7 μm or 3 μm to 5 μm. However, within this range, the thickness of the overcoating layer OC can sufficiently cover the spacers, the color filters 171, 172, 173, 174, and the black matrix 180 without significantly increasing the thickness of the display device 100, and the folding stress during folding can be easily alleviated. The embodiment of the present invention may include a thickness of less than 2.5 μm to more than 7 μm.

[0081] For example, the overcoating layer OC may be formed of a transparent resin such as an acrylic resin, a silicone resin, a polyester resin, or an epoxy resin, but is not limited thereto. The overcoating layer OC may include a UV blocking agent or a UV absorbing agent that blocks or absorbs light having a wavelength of 400 nm or less. Thus, it is possible to block ultraviolet light from external light. The UV blocking agent or the UV absorbing agent may be used without limitation as long as it is a material used in the field of the technology. In the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the surface area of ​​the interface in contact with the overcoating layer OC is increased by the spacer 190 disposed on the black matrix 180, thereby minimizing peeling or cracking of the overcoating layer OC during bending or folding. In addition, the moire phenomenon caused by the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174 is minimized, thereby improving display quality.

[0082] Figure 5 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' of Figure 5. The display device 200 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is substantially the same as the display device 100 shown in Figures 1 to 4 in terms of the remaining components except for the black matrix and spacer structures. Therefore, a duplicated description of the same components will be omitted.

[0083] 5 and 6, the black matrix 280 is disposed to cover at least a portion of the upper surfaces of the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174. The black matrix 280 covers the upper surface edges of the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174. That is, the black matrix 280 may be disposed to fill the openings between the adjacent color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174, completely cover the side surfaces of the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174, and cover the edges of the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174. Thus, color mixing between the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 and external light reflection can be further suppressed.

[0084] A plurality of spacers 290 are disposed on the black matrix 280. Each spacer 290 has an inverted tapered shape in cross section. That is, each spacer 290 has an inverted trapezoid shape in cross section.

[0085] The bottom width and top width of the spacer 290 may be formed smaller than the top width of the black matrix 280. The black matrix 280 and the spacers 290 having such a structure further increase the surface area in contact with the overcoating layer OC, thereby further improving the interfacial adhesion. As a result, it is possible to minimize the occurrence of cracks or peeling in the overcoating layer OC when the display device 200 is bent or folded, thereby providing a display device 200 with better folding reliability.

[0086] Considering process convenience and cost, the spacer 290 may be integrally formed of the same material as the black matrix 280. Thus, process steps and materials are simplified, allowing for reduction in process and material costs.

[0087] For example, the black matrix 280 and the spacer 290 having the structure of this embodiment may be formed by the following process. The process for forming the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174 is the same as that described for the display device 100 shown in Figures 1 to 4, so a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0088] After forming the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174 in the manner described above, a composition including a base resin and a black material is coated over the entire surface of the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174. At this time, the composition is coated thickly enough to integrally form the black matrix 280 and the spacers 290.

[0089] The coated composition is then pre-baked.

[0090] Next, the first exposure is performed using a halftone mask, and then the first development is performed. After the composition is thickly coated, the surface of the coating layer is over-cured from the bottom by exposing the coating layer using a halftone mask.

[0091] Next, a second exposure is performed using a mask. During the second exposure, the light intensity is increased from the first exposure process so that the lower end portion, which is less cured than the surface portion, can be sufficiently cured.

[0092] Then, a second development and post-bake are performed to form the black matrix 280 and the spacers 290. After the first exposure using a halftone mask, the second exposure using a general mask can be performed, so that the lower and upper widths of the spacers 290 can be formed smaller than the upper width of the black matrix 280, as shown in FIG. 6. Also, since the lower end has a lower degree of hardness than the surface, the lower end is etched to a greater extent during development. As a result, the spacers 290 having an inverse tapered structure can be formed integrally with the black matrix 280 on the black matrix 280. However, the manufacturing method of the black matrix 280 and the spacers 290 is not limited thereto. The manufacturing method has been described using a method that is more advantageous in terms of process, and the black matrix 280 and the spacers 290 can be selectively formed in separate processes using different masks, if necessary (this occurs in FIG. 6 compared to FIG. 4).

[0093] In the display device 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the surface area of ​​the interface in contact with the overcoating layer OC is further increased by the spacers 290 disposed on the black matrix 280, and thus peeling or cracking of the overcoating layer OC can be further suppressed during bending or folding. In addition, the shapes of the black matrix 280 and the spacers 290 have an irregular arrangement structure compared to the display device 100 shown in Figures 1 to 4, and thus the moire phenomenon caused by the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174 can be further improved. Thus, more excellent effects are provided in display quality and folding reliability.

[0094] Figure 7 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The display device 300 shown in Figure 7 is substantially the same as the display device 200 shown in Figures 5 to 6 in terms of components except for the shape and number of spacers. Therefore, a duplicated description of the same components will be omitted.

[0095] The spacer 390 includes a horizontal spacer 391 and a vertical spacer 392. The horizontal spacer 391 and the vertical spacer 392 may be rectangular in plan view. The horizontal spacer 391 and the vertical spacer 392 of the display device 300 shown in Fig. 5 are rectangular in shape with shorter short sides and closer to a rod shape than the horizontal spacer 191 and the vertical spacer 192 of the display device 300 shown in Figs. 1 to 4.

[0096] The horizontal spacer 391 is disposed between the first color filters 171 and the second color filters 172 that are alternately disposed along the first direction (X-axis direction). There are two horizontal spacers 391 disposed between the first color filters 171 and the second color filters 172 that are adjacent to each other. That is, one first color filter 171, two horizontal spacers 391, and one second color filter 172 are alternately disposed along the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0097] The vertical spacer 392 is disposed between the third color filter 173 and the fourth color filter 174 that are alternately disposed along the first direction (X-axis direction). There are two vertical spacers 392 disposed between the adjacent third color filter 173 and fourth color filter 174. That is, one third color filter 173, two vertical spacers 392, and one fourth color filter 174 are alternately disposed along the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0098] In this embodiment, the two spacers 390 are disposed between the adjacent color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and three or more spacers may be disposed.

[0099] Each of the two horizontal spacers 391 arranged between the first color filter 171 and the second color filter 172 adjacent to each other may be elongated along the first direction (X-axis direction). That is, the horizontal spacer 391 may be rectangular (rod) in shape with the horizontal side longer than the vertical side on a plane. Each of the two vertical spacers 392 arranged between the third color filter 173 and the fourth color filter 174 adjacent to each other may be elongated along the second direction (Y-axis direction). That is, the vertical spacer 392 may be rectangular (rod) in shape with the vertical side longer than the horizontal side on a plane.

[0100] The display device 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention has an advantage of having a larger surface area by arranging a larger number of slimmer rod-shaped spacers 390 than the display device 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. As a result, the surface area of ​​the interface in contact with the overcoating layer is larger, and the folding characteristics can be further improved. In addition, two spacers 390 are arranged between adjacent color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174, and a more irregular pattern is given, and the moire phenomenon can be further improved. In addition, the horizontal spacers 391 arranged along the first direction (X-axis direction) have a rectangular shape extending in the first direction, and the vertical spacers 392 arranged along the second direction (Y-axis direction) have substantially the same rectangular shape as the horizontal spacers 391, except that the extending direction is different. Therefore, the same tensile stress and compressive stress are applied regardless of the folding direction, and the folding characteristics are more excellent.

[0101] Fig. 8 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The display device 400 shown in Fig. 8 is substantially the same as the display device 300 shown in Fig. 5 in terms of the remaining components except for the shape of the spacer. Therefore, a duplicated description of the same components will be omitted.

[0102] The horizontal spacer 491 and the vertical spacer 492 may have a crescent shape on a plane. The crescent shape may be an arch shape with one surface being convex and the other surface being concave. Two crescent-shaped horizontal spacers 491 are disposed between the first color filter 171 and the second color filter 172 adjacent to each other. That is, one first color filter 171, two crescent-shaped horizontal spacers 491, and one second color filter 172 are disposed alternately along the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0103] Two crescent-shaped vertical spacers 492 are disposed between adjacent third and fourth color filters 173 and 174. That is, one third color filter 173, two crescent-shaped vertical spacers 492, and one fourth color filter 174 are alternately disposed along the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0104] Each of the two horizontal spacers 491 arranged between the first color filter 171 and the second color filter 172 adjacent to each other may have a crescent shape extending long along the first direction (X-axis direction). The crescent-shaped horizontal spacer 491 has a convex surface and a concave surface facing the convex surface. The two horizontal spacers 491 arranged between the first color filter 171 and the second color filter 172 are arranged such that their respective convex surfaces face each other.

[0105] Each of the two vertical spacers 492 disposed between the third and fourth color filters 173 and 174 adjacent to each other may have a crescent shape extending long along the second direction (Y-axis direction). The crescent-shaped vertical spacer 492 has a convex surface and a concave surface facing the convex surface. The two vertical spacers 492 disposed between the third and fourth color filters 173 and 174 are disposed so that their convex surfaces face each other. In this case, the stress applied to the overcoating layer during folding can be more effectively relieved, and the occurrence of peeling and cracks can be further reduced. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. If necessary, the crescent-shaped spacers 490 disposed between the adjacent color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174 may be disposed so that their concave surfaces face each other.

[0106] The display device 400 of the present invention has a large number of slim crescent-shaped spacers 490 compared to rectangular spacers, thereby greatly increasing the surface area of ​​the interface in contact with the overcoating layer OC. Thus, peeling or cracking of the overcoating layer can be further suppressed when folding or bending the display device 400. In addition, the crescent-shaped horizontal spacers 491 and vertical spacers 492 are substantially the same except for the direction in which they are arranged. Thus, the same tensile stress and compressive stress are applied regardless of the folding direction, resulting in a more excellent effect on the folding characteristics.

[0107] In addition, the crescent-shaped spacer 490 has one convex surface and the opposite concave surface, providing a more irregular pattern than rectangular or bar-shaped spacers, thereby minimizing the moire phenomenon caused by the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174, thereby improving the display quality.

[0108] 9 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The display device 500 shown in FIG 9 is substantially the same as the display device 100 shown in FIG 1 to FIG 4 in terms of the remaining components except for the shape of the spacers.

[0109] The horizontal spacer 591 and the vertical spacer 592 may have a trapezoidal shape on a plane. The trapezoidal horizontal spacer 591 is disposed between the first color filter 171 and the second color filter 172 that are adjacent to each other. The horizontal spacer 591 may be in a form that extends long along the first direction (X-axis direction) between the first color filter 171 and the second color filter 172. That is, the horizontal spacer 591 may have a trapezoidal shape in which the length of the horizontal side is longer than the length of the vertical side on a plane.

[0110] A trapezoidal vertical spacer 592 is disposed between the adjacent third color filter 173 and fourth color filter 174. The vertical spacer 592 may be in a form extending long along the second direction (Y-axis direction) between the third color filter 173 and the fourth color filter 174. That is, the vertical spacer 592 may be in a trapezoidal shape in which the length of the vertical side is longer than the length of the horizontal side on a plane.

[0111] The horizontal spacers 591 adjacent to each other may be symmetrical. For example, the horizontal spacer 591 arranged on the left side and the horizontal spacer 591 arranged on the right side based on the first color filter 171 or the second color filter 172 may be symmetrical. The vertical spacers 592 adjacent to each other may be symmetrical. For example, the vertical spacer 592 arranged on the left side and the vertical spacer 592 arranged on the right side based on the third color filter 173 or the fourth color filter 174 may be symmetrical. In this way, when the horizontal spacers 591 adjacent to each other are symmetrical and the vertical spacers 592 adjacent to each other are arranged to be symmetrical, the irregularity of the pattern due to the spacers 590 is further increased. As a result, the moire phenomenon caused by the mutual interference between the regular pattern shape of the color filters and the regularly arranged anodes can be further suppressed, thereby minimizing the deterioration of display quality due to the moire phenomenon.

[0112] 10 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The display device 600 shown in FIG 10 has substantially the same components as the display device 400 shown in FIG 8 except for the arrangement of the crescent-shaped spacers.

[0113] The horizontal spacer 691 and the vertical spacer 692 may have a crescent shape on a plane. Two crescent-shaped horizontal spacers 691 are disposed between the first color filter 171 and the second color filter 172 adjacent to each other. That is, one first color filter 171, two crescent-shaped horizontal spacers 691, and one second color filter 172 are disposed alternately along the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0114] Two crescent-shaped vertical spacers 692 are disposed between adjacent third color filters 173 and fourth color filters 174. That is, one third color filter 173, two crescent-shaped vertical spacers 692, and one fourth color filter 174 are alternately disposed along the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0115] Each of the two horizontal spacers 691 arranged between the first color filter 171 and the second color filter 172 adjacent to each other may have a crescent shape extending long along the first direction (X-axis direction). The crescent-shaped horizontal spacer 691 has a convex surface and a concave surface facing the convex surface. Each of the two vertical spacers 692 arranged between the third color filter 173 and the fourth color filter 174 adjacent to each other may have a crescent shape extending long along the second direction (Y-axis direction). The crescent-shaped vertical spacer 692 has a convex surface and a concave surface facing the convex surface.

[0116] The two horizontal spacers 691 arranged between the first color filter 171 and the second color filter 172 are arranged so that their convex surfaces face each other or their concave surfaces face each other. The two vertical spacers 692 arranged between the third color filter 173 and the fourth color filter 174 are arranged so that their convex surfaces face each other or their concave surfaces face each other.

[0117] For example, two horizontal spacers 691 arranged between the second color filter 172 and the first color filter 171 adjacent to it on the left side may be arranged so that their convex surfaces face each other. Two horizontal spacers 691 arranged between the second color filter 172 and the first color filter 171 adjacent to it on the right side may be arranged so that their concave surfaces face each other. Two vertical spacers 692 arranged between the fourth color filter 174 and the third color filter 173 adjacent to it on the left side may be arranged so that their concave surfaces face each other. Two vertical spacers 692 arranged between the fourth color filter 174 and the third color filter 173 adjacent to it on the right side may be arranged so that their convex surfaces face each other.

[0118] That is, two horizontal spacers 691 arranged so that their convex surfaces face each other and two horizontal spacers 691 arranged so that their concave surfaces face each other are alternately arranged along the first direction (X-axis direction). Two vertical spacers 692 arranged so that their convex surfaces face each other and two vertical spacers 692 arranged so that their concave surfaces face each other are alternately arranged along the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0119] As a result, the surface area at the interface in contact with the overcoating layer is maximized to further improve the folding characteristics, and the irregularity of the pattern due to the spacers 690 is maximized. As a result, the moire phenomenon caused by the mutual interference between the regular pattern shape of the color filter and the regularly arranged anodes is further suppressed, and the deterioration of the display quality caused by the moire phenomenon is minimized. As a result, it is possible to provide a display device 600 having excellent folding characteristics and excellent display quality.

[0120] Figure 11 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Other components of the display device 700 shown in Figure 11 are substantially the same as the components of the display device 100 shown in Figures 1 to 4, except for the shape of the spacer. Therefore, repeated descriptions of the same components may be omitted or provided in a simplified manner.

[0121] 11, the horizontal spacer 791 and the vertical spacer 792 may have a rectangular shape on a plane. The horizontal spacer 791 is disposed between adjacent first color filters 171 and other first color filters 171. The horizontal spacer 791 may extend long in a first direction (X-axis direction) between the first color filters 171. Also, the vertical spacer 792 is disposed between adjacent first color filters 171 and second color filters 172. The vertical spacer 792 may extend long in a second direction (Y-axis direction) between the first color filters 171 and second color filters 172. The horizontal spacer 791 and the vertical spacer 792 may be arranged toward the third color filter 173 or the fourth color filter 174. In various embodiments of the present invention, the horizontal spacer 791 and the vertical spacer 792 may have the shapes provided in FIGS. 7 to 10, or may have other modifications. Additionally, the lengths of the horizontal spacers 791 and the vertical spacers 792 may be the same or different. For example, the length of the horizontal spacers 791 may be different from that of the vertical spacers 792, or each of the horizontal spacers 791 and the vertical spacers 792 may all have a different length from each other.

[0122] Figure 12 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Other components of the display device 800 shown in Figure 12 are substantially the same as the components of the display device 100 shown in Figures 1 to 4, except for the shape of the spacers. Therefore, repeated descriptions of the same components may be omitted or provided in a simplified manner.

[0123] 12 shows horizontal spacers 891 and vertical spacers 892 that are not positioned in the middle of the distance between adjacent color filters among color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174 but are shifted to one side of the distance. For example, horizontal spacer 891 is positioned closer to second color filter 172 than first color filter 171, and vertical spacer 892 is closer to first color filter 171 on the top row than first color filter 171 on the bottom row. The shifted positions of horizontal spacers 891 and vertical spacers 892 of the present invention are not limited thereto, and horizontal spacers 891 and vertical spacers 892 may be shifted to be closer to other color filters among color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174. Also, horizontal spacers 891 and vertical spacers 892 do not need to be positioned on the center line between adjacent color filters among color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174, and may be offset from the center line. Thus, in other embodiments of the present invention, horizontal spacer 891 may be shifted upward or downward from the centerline, and vertical spacer 892 may be shifted left or right from the centerline.

[0124] Fig. 13 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Other components of the display device 900 shown in Fig. 13 are substantially the same as the components of the display device 100 shown in Figs. 1 to 4, except for the shape of the spacer. Therefore, repeated descriptions of the same components may be omitted or provided in a simplified manner.

[0125] 13, horizontal spacers 991 and vertical spacers 992 are provided in a number such as a group of circular sub-spacers. In the horizontal spacers 991 and vertical spacers 992, the sub-spacers may be arranged extending in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction, respectively. Although the sub-spacers are shown arranged along the center line between adjacent color filters among the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the sub-spacers may be arranged offset from each other.

[0126] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a spacer of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Unlike the spacers illustrated in FIG. 2, FIG. 5, and FIG. 7, for example, the spacer 1091 (or 1092) of FIG. 14A and the spacer 2091 (or 2092) of FIG. 14B may be non-rectangular. For example, FIG. 14A illustrates an H-shaped horizontal spacer 1091 (or may be a vertical spacer 1092 when rotated 90 degrees). Also, FIG. 14B illustrates a Z-shaped horizontal spacer 2091 (or may be a vertical spacer 2092 when rotated 90 degrees). Thus, in various embodiments of the present invention, the spacer may be made into various patterns and shapes, and may be a letter or letter-shaped pattern thereon, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. Other shapes, such as stars, rings, foreign letters, etc., may also be used for the shape of the spacer.

[0127] Figure 15 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Other components of the display device 1200 shown in Figure 15 are substantially the same as the components of the display device 100 shown in Figures 1 to 4, except for the shape of the spacer. Therefore, repeated descriptions of the same components may be omitted or provided in a simplified manner.

[0128] 15 shows horizontal spacers 1291 and vertical spacers 1292, and auxiliary spacers 1923 which may all be provided between the horizontal spacers 1291 and vertical spacers 1292 and between adjacent color filters among the color filters 171, 172, 173, and 174. Thus, the horizontal spacers 1291, vertical spacers 1292, and auxiliary spacers 1923 provide additional surface area to minimize peeling or damage of the overcoating layer OC when folding the display device 1200. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0129] Display devices according to various embodiments of the present invention can be described as follows.

[0130] A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate on which a plurality of subpixels are defined, organic light-emitting elements disposed on the substrate and corresponding to each of the plurality of subpixels, an encapsulation layer disposed on the organic light-emitting elements, a plurality of color filters disposed on the encapsulation layer corresponding to each of the plurality of subpixels, a black matrix disposed between the plurality of color filters, a plurality of spacers positioned between the plurality of color filters and disposed on the black matrix, and an overcoating layer disposed to cover the plurality of color filters, the black matrix and the plurality of spacers, each of the plurality of spacers having a first surface closest to the encapsulation layer and a second surface farther from the first surface, the width of the second surface being greater than the width of the first surface.

[0131] According to another feature of the present invention, each of the plurality of spacers may include a black material.

[0132] According to another aspect of the present invention, the black matrix and each of the spacers may comprise the same material.

[0133] According to another aspect of the present invention, the black matrix and one of the spacers may be integrally formed.

[0134] According to another feature of the present invention, the display device may further include a touch sensor unit including a first buffer layer arranged on the encapsulating layer, at least one insulating layer arranged on the first buffer layer, and a plurality of touch electrodes arranged on the insulating layer, and a second buffer layer arranged on the touch sensor unit to cover the plurality of touch electrodes, and the plurality of color filters and the black matrix may be arranged on the second buffer layer, and at least a portion of the plurality of spacers may be arranged on the black matrix to overlap the plurality of touch electrodes.

[0135] According to another aspect of the present invention, an upper width of a black matrix and a lower width of one of the plurality of spacers corresponding to the black matrix may be the same, so that the black matrix may be completely overlapped.

[0136] According to another aspect of the present invention, the black matrix may be disposed so as to cover at least a portion of the side and top surfaces of the plurality of color filters.

[0137] According to another aspect of the present invention, a top width of each of the plurality of spacers may be smaller than a top width of the black matrix.

[0138] According to another feature of the present invention, the plurality of sub-pixels may include a first sub-pixel, a second sub-pixel, a third sub-pixel, and a fourth sub-pixel, the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel are alternately arranged along a first direction, and the third sub-pixel and the fourth sub-pixel are alternately arranged along the first direction and are arranged in a zigzag pattern with the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel, the plurality of color filters may include a first color filter corresponding to the first sub-pixel, a second color filter corresponding to the second sub-pixel, a third color filter corresponding to the third sub-pixel, and a fourth color filter corresponding to the fourth sub-pixel, the first color filter and the second color filter are alternately arranged along the first direction, and the third color filter and the fourth color filter are zigzag arranged with the first color filter and the second color filter, and are alternately arranged along the first direction.

[0139] According to another feature of the present invention, the multiple spacers include a multiple horizontal spacers and a multiple vertical spacers, and each of the multiple horizontal spacers is arranged between the first color filter and the second color filter, and each of the multiple vertical spacers is arranged between the third color filter and the fourth color filter, or each of the multiple horizontal spacers is arranged between the third color filter and the fourth color filter, and each of the multiple vertical spacers is arranged between the first color filter and the second color filter.

[0140] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the plurality of lateral spacers and the plurality of vertical spacers may be rectangular, trapezoidal, circular or crescent shaped in plan view.

[0141] According to another feature of the present invention, the multiple horizontal spacers and the multiple vertical spacers may be rectangular or trapezoidal in plan view, the multiple horizontal spacers extending longitudinally along a first direction, and the multiple vertical spacers extending longitudinally along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0142] According to another feature of the present invention, the multiple horizontal spacers and the multiple vertical spacers are trapezoidal in plan view, and adjacent horizontal spacers among the multiple horizontal spacers may be symmetrical left-right, and adjacent vertical spacers among the multiple vertical spacers may be symmetrical top-bottom.

[0143] According to another feature of the present invention, the number of horizontal spacers arranged between adjacent first and second color filters may be at least two, and the number of vertical spacers arranged between adjacent third and fourth color filters may be at least two.

[0144] According to another feature of the present invention, the multiple horizontal spacers and the multiple vertical spacers are crescent-shaped in a plan view, the number of horizontal spacers arranged between adjacent first and second color filters among the multiple horizontal spacers is at least two, and the number of vertical spacers arranged between adjacent third and fourth color filters among the multiple vertical spacers is at least two, and the two horizontal spacers or the two vertical spacers may be arranged such that their convex surfaces face each other or their concave surfaces face each other.

[0145] According to yet another feature of the invention, each spacer may have an inverse tapered shape.

[0146] According to another feature of the present invention, the plurality of spacers may include a plurality of auxiliary spacers, at least one of which may be located between the first color filter and the third color filter, and between one horizontal spacer and one vertical spacer among the plurality of spacers.

[0147] A method for forming a display panel having a spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of forming an organic light-emitting element on a substrate, forming an encapsulation layer on the organic light-emitting element, forming a touch sensor unit on the encapsulation layer, forming a color filter layer on the touch sensor unit, coating a composition including a base resin and a black material on the color filter layer, pre-baking the coated composition, exposing the coated composition using a mask to over-cure an upper surface of the composition compared to a lower portion of the composition to form a black matrix and spacers, developing the exposed composition to simultaneously form a black matrix and spacers, and forming an overcoating layer on the color filter layer and the spacers, wherein the spacers have an inverted tapered shape.

[0148] According to another aspect of the present invention, the method may include a step of exposing the coated composition using a half-tone mask after the step of pre-baking the coated composition, and a step of performing a first development on the exposed coated composition after exposing the coated composition using the half-tone mask and before exposing the coated composition using the mask.

[0149] According to another feature of the present invention, the second intensity of light used in the step of exposing the coated composition using a mask may be greater than the first intensity of light used in the step of exposing the coated composition using a half-tone mask.

[0150] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are for illustration purposes, not for limiting the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted according to the following claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 100 display device 110 Substrate 130 Organic light-emitting devices 190 Spacer

Claims

1. a substrate having a plurality of subpixels defined thereon; an organic light-emitting element disposed on the substrate and corresponding to each of the plurality of sub-pixels; a sealing layer disposed on the organic light-emitting element; a plurality of color filters disposed on the sealing layer so as to correspond to the plurality of sub-pixels, respectively; a black matrix disposed between the color filters; a plurality of spacers located between the plurality of color filters and disposed on the black matrix; an overcoating layer disposed to cover the color filters, the black matrix, and the spacers; Including, each of the plurality of spacers has a first surface closest to the sealing layer and a second surface remote from the first surface; The width of the second surface is greater than the width of the first surface, the overcoating layer covers the spacers so as to be in direct contact with each side of the spacers; Display device.

2. The display device of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of spacers comprises a black material.

3. The display device of claim 1 , wherein the black matrix and each spacer comprise the same material.

4. The display device of claim 3 , wherein the black matrix and one of the plurality of spacers are integral with each other.

5. a touch sensor unit including a first buffer layer disposed on the sealing layer, at least one insulating layer disposed on the first buffer layer, and a plurality of touch electrodes disposed on the insulating layer; a second buffer layer disposed on the touch sensor portion so as to cover the plurality of touch electrodes; Further comprising: the plurality of color filters and the black matrix are disposed on the second buffer layer; The display device according to claim 1 , wherein at least some of the spacers are arranged on the black matrix so as to overlap the touch electrodes.

6. The display device of claim 5 , wherein an upper width of the black matrix and a lower width of one of the spacers corresponding to an upper portion of the black matrix are the same and completely overlap each other.

7. The display device according to claim 5 , wherein the black matrix is ​​disposed so as to cover at least a part of the side surfaces and the upper surfaces of the plurality of color filters.

8. The display device of claim 7 , wherein a top width of each of the spacers is smaller than a top width of the black matrix.

9. the plurality of sub-pixels include a first sub-pixel, a second sub-pixel, a third sub-pixel, and a fourth sub-pixel, the first sub-pixels and the second sub-pixels are alternately arranged along a first direction, the third sub-pixels and the fourth sub-pixels are alternately arranged along the first direction and are zigzag-arranged with the first sub-pixels and the second sub-pixels, the plurality of color filters include a first color filter corresponding to the first sub-pixel, a second color filter corresponding to the second sub-pixel, a third color filter corresponding to the third sub-pixel, and a fourth color filter corresponding to the fourth sub-pixel; 2. The display device of claim 1, wherein the first color filter and the second color filter are alternately arranged along the first direction, and the third color filter and the fourth color filter are zigzag-arranged with the first color filter and the second color filter and alternately arranged along the first direction.

10. the plurality of spacers includes a plurality of horizontal spacers and a plurality of vertical spacers; each of the plurality of lateral spacers is disposed between the first color filter and the second color filter; Each of the plurality of vertical spacers is disposed between the third color filter and the fourth color filter; or The display device according to claim 9 , wherein each of the horizontal spacers is disposed between the third color filter and the fourth color filter, and each of the vertical spacers is disposed between the first color filter and the second color filter.

11. The display device according to claim 10 , wherein the horizontal spacers and the vertical spacers are rectangular, trapezoidal, circular or crescent-shaped in plan view.

12. the plurality of horizontal spacers and the plurality of vertical spacers are each shaped like a rectangle or a trapezoid in the plan view; The display device of claim 11 , wherein the horizontal spacers extend elongatedly along the first direction, and the vertical spacers extend elongatedly along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

13. the plurality of horizontal spacers and the plurality of vertical spacers are each trapezoidal in the plan view; Adjacent lateral spacers among the plurality of lateral spacers are symmetrical, The display device according to claim 12 , wherein adjacent vertical spacers among the plurality of vertical spacers are vertically symmetrical.

14. the number of the horizontal spacers disposed between the first color filter and the second color filter adjacent to each other is at least two; The display device according to claim 11 , wherein the number of the vertical spacers disposed between the third color filter and the fourth color filter adjacent to each other is at least two.

15. the plurality of horizontal spacers and the plurality of vertical spacers are crescent-shaped in the plan view, the number of horizontal spacers arranged between the first color filter and the second color filter adjacent to each other among the plurality of horizontal spacers is at least two, and the number of vertical spacers arranged between the third color filter and the fourth color filter adjacent to each other among the plurality of vertical spacers is at least two, The display device according to claim 14 , wherein the two horizontal spacers or the two vertical spacers are arranged such that their convex surfaces face each other or their concave surfaces face each other.

16. The display device of claim 1 , wherein each spacer has an inverse tapered shape.

17. 10. The display device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of spacers include a plurality of auxiliary spacers, and at least one of the plurality of spacers is located between the first color filter and the third color filter, and between one horizontal spacer and one vertical spacer among the plurality of spacers.

18. 1. A method of forming a display panel having spacers, comprising the steps of: forming an organic light emitting device on a substrate; forming an encapsulation layer on the organic light emitting device; forming a touch sensor unit on the sealing layer; A color filter layer is formed on the touch sensor portion. coating the color filter layer with a composition including a base resin and a black material; pre-baking the coated composition; exposing the coated composition to light using a mask to over-cure the top surface of the composition compared to the bottom surface of the composition to form a black matrix and the spacers; developing the exposed composition to simultaneously form the black matrix and the spacers; forming an overcoating layer on the color filter layer and the spacer; Including, The spacer has an inverted tapered shape, The step of forming the overcoating layer includes forming the overcoating layer so as to cover the plurality of spacers in direct contact with side surfaces of the spacers. method.

19. pre-baking the coated composition, and then exposing the coated composition using a half-tone mask; performing a first development on the coated composition that was exposed before exposing the coated composition using the half-tone mask and then exposing the coated composition using the mask; 20. The method of claim 18, comprising:

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein a second intensity of light used in exposing the coated composition using the mask is greater than a first intensity of light used in exposing the coated composition using the half-tone mask.

Images