Light-emitting display device

Abstract

To provide a light-emitting display device that can restrict a viewing angle selectively.SOLUTION: A light-emitting display device includes: a first light-emitting element disposed on a flattened layer and including a first anode electrode, a first light-emitting part, and a cathode electrode coupled to a first thin film transistor; a second light-emitting element disposed on the flattened layer and including a second anode electrode, a second light-emitting part, and a cathode electrode coupled to a second thin film transistor; a bank layer disposed on the flattened layer and including a first opening part for exposing the first anode electrode and a second opening part for exposing the second anode electrode; a sealing layer covering the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element; and a lens layer disposed on the sealing layer and including a first lens for refracting light from the first light-emitting element in accordance with the first light-emitting element and a second lens for refracting light from the second light-emitting element in accordance with the second light-emitting element. The bank layer further includes a third opening part for exposing the first anode electrode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a light-emitting display device, and more particularly to a light-emitting display device capable of controlling a viewing angle.

Background Art

[0002] An organic light-emitting diode (OLED), which is a self-luminous element, includes an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and an organic compound layer formed therebetween. The organic compound layer includes a hole transport layer (HTL), an emission layer (EML), and an electron transport layer (ETL). When a driving voltage is applied to the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, holes that have passed through the hole transport layer (HTL) and electrons that have passed through the electron transport layer (ETL) move to the emission layer (EML) to form excitons, and as a result, the emission layer (EML) generates visible light. An active matrix type light-emitting display device includes organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) that emit light by themselves, and is widely used due to its fast response speed, high luminous efficiency, high brightness, and large viewing angle.

[0003] A light-emitting display device arranges pixels each including an organic light-emitting diode in a matrix form, and adjusts the luminance of the pixels according to the gradation of video data.

[0004] As mentioned above, although a light-emitting display device has no viewing angle limitation, in recent years, a viewing angle limitation has been required for reasons such as privacy protection and information protection.

[0005] In addition, when using a light-emitting display device for providing vehicle driving information, there is a problem that the video displayed by the light-emitting display device is reflected on the window glass of the vehicle, interfering with the driver's view. Such reflection of the video in the vehicle is particularly severe during night driving, interfering with safe driving. Therefore, a light-emitting display device applied to a vehicle requires a viewing angle limitation.

[0006] However, such a viewing angle limitation varies depending on driving conditions and the viewing of the driver and passenger in the passenger seat, so a selective viewing angle conversion is necessary.

[0007] Also, in some countries, it is prohibited for the media played in the passenger seat to be exposed to the driver's seat, so a selective viewing angle conversion is necessary. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a light-emitting display device capable of selectively limiting the viewing angle.

[0009] Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a light-emitting display device capable of suppressing the black luminance increase phenomenon caused by the difference in light-emitting area.

[0010] The problems of the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0011] The light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of pixels arranged on a display panel. Each of the plurality of pixels includes a plurality of sub-pixels. Each of the plurality of sub-pixels includes a first thin-film transistor and a second thin-film transistor, a planarization layer disposed on the first thin-film transistor and the second thin-film transistor, a first anode electrode disposed on the planarization layer and connected to the first thin-film transistor, a first light-emitting element including a first light-emitting portion and a cathode electrode, a second anode electrode disposed on the planarization layer and connected to the second thin-film transistor, a second light-emitting element including a second light-emitting portion and a cathode electrode, a bank layer disposed on the planarization layer and including a first opening for exposing the first anode electrode and a second opening for exposing the second anode electrode, a sealing layer covering the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element, and a lens layer disposed on the sealing layer and including a first lens for refracting light from the first light-emitting element corresponding to the first light-emitting element and a second lens for refracting light from the second light-emitting element corresponding to the second light-emitting element. Among at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels, the bank layer further includes a third opening for exposing the first anode electrode.

[0012] Specific matters of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and the drawings.

Effects of the Invention

[0013] In the present invention, by opening the bank layer adjacent to the light-emitting region of the sub-pixel, the capacitance between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode can be increased, and the phenomenon of black luminance increase caused by the difference in light-emitting area can be suppressed.

[0014] The effects according to the present invention are not limited to the contents exemplified above, and more various effects are included in the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] The advantages, features, and methods for achieving them of this specification will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, this specification is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be realized in various different forms. Merely, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this specification becomes complete and so that those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this specification pertains can fully know the scope of the invention. This specification is only defined by the scope of the claims.

[0017] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining the embodiments of this specification are exemplary, so this specification is not limited to the matters illustrated. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components. Also, when explaining this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known technologies may muddy the gist of this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. When terms such as "including", "having", "being made" are used in this specification, unless "only" is used, other parts may be added. When a component is expressed in the singular, it includes the case of including a plurality unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0018] When interpreting a component, it is interpreted as including an error range even if there is no separate explicit description about the error range.

[0019] When it is an explanation about a positional relationship, for example, when a positional relationship between two parts is described such as "on ~", "above ~", "below ~", "next to ~", etc., unless "immediately" or "directly" is used, one or more other parts may be located between the two parts.

[0020] An element or layer referred to as "on" another element or layer includes both the case where it is immediately above the other element and the case where another layer or another element is interposed in the middle.

[0021] Also, first, second, etc. are used to describe various components, but these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, the first component referred to below may be the second component within the technical idea of the present invention.

[0022] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0023] The areas and thicknesses of the respective components shown in the drawings are shown for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the areas and thicknesses of the shown components.

[0024] The respective features of the various embodiments of the present invention can be partially or wholly combined or combined with each other, enabling various technical linkages and drives, and each embodiment may be implemented independently of each other or may be implemented together in a related relationship.

[0025] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, a light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a display panel 100, a light-shielding pattern 210, an optical gap layer 220, a lens layer 230, a planarization layer 240, and a polarizing layer 250.

[0028] The display panel 100 includes a substrate 110, a plurality of first light-emitting elements De1, a plurality of second light-emitting elements De2, and a sealing layer 190.

[0029] On the substrate 110, first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 are defined. For example, on the substrate 110, a first sub-pixel SP1, a second sub-pixel SP2, and a third sub-pixel SP3 are defined. Each of the first sub-pixel SP1, the second sub-pixel SP2, and the third sub-pixel SP3 has a first light-emitting part EA1 and a second light-emitting part EA2.

[0030] The first light-emitting part EA1 is provided with a first light-emitting element De1, and the second light-emitting part EA2 is provided with a second light-emitting element De2. For example, at least a part of the first light-emitting part EA1 may overlap with the position where the first light-emitting element De1 is provided, and at least a part of the second light-emitting part EA2 may overlap with the position where the second light-emitting element De2 is provided. In other embodiments, the first light-emitting part EA1 may be referred to as a first light-emitting region, and the second light-emitting part EA2 may be referred to as a second light-emitting region.

[0031] The first sub-pixel SP1, the second sub-pixel SP2, and the third sub-pixel SP3 may be a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, and a blue sub-pixel, respectively. Thus, the first light-emitting element De1 and the second light-emitting element De2 of the first sub-pixel SP1 emit red light, the first light-emitting element De1 and the second light-emitting element De2 of the second sub-pixel SP2 emit green light, and the first light-emitting element De1 and the second light-emitting element De2 of the third sub-pixel SP3 may emit blue light.

[0032] On top of the first light-emitting element De1 and the second light-emitting element De2, a sealing layer 190 having a flat upper surface is provided to protect the first light-emitting element De1 and the second light-emitting element De2 from external substances such as moisture and oxygen.

[0033] The specific configuration of such a display panel 100 will be described in detail later.

[0034] On the upper part of the display panel 100, specifically, on the upper part of the sealing layer 190, a light-shielding pattern 210 is provided. The light-shielding pattern 210 is formed corresponding to between adjacent first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, or is formed corresponding to between the first light-emitting part EA1 and the second light-emitting part EA2.

[0035] Such a light-shielding pattern 210 may be a black matrix and may be made of a black resin, chromium oxide, or the like. Different from this, the light-shielding pattern 210 may be a touch electrode and may be made of a metal. At this time, the touch electrode includes a number of intersecting transmitting electrodes and a number of receiving electrodes, and touch can be sensed from the amount of change in capacitance between the number of transmitting electrodes and the number of receiving electrodes.

[0036] An optical gap layer 220 is provided on top of the light-shielding pattern 210. The optical gap layer 220 secures an optical gap between the first light-emitting element De1 and the second light-emitting element De2 and the lenses 232, 234 of the lens layer 230, so that the light from the first light-emitting element De1 and the second light-emitting element De2 is refracted in a specific direction by the lenses 232, 234, thereby improving the efficiency of the lenses 232, 234. Such an optical gap layer 220 may have a thickness of several to several tens of μm and may be made of an organic insulating material.

[0037] As an example, the optical gap layer 220 may be made of photo acryl, benzocyclobutene (BCB), polyimide (PI), or polyamide (PA), but is not limited thereto.

[0038] A lens layer 230 is provided on top of the optical gap layer 220. The lens layer 230 includes a first lens 232 and a second lens 234. The first lens 232 is disposed in the first light-emitting portion EA1 and refracts the light from the first light-emitting element De1 in a specific direction. The second lens 234 is disposed in the second light-emitting portion EA2 and refracts the light from the second light-emitting element De2 in a specific direction. A part of each of the first lens 232 and the second lens 234 may overlap with the light-shielding pattern 210.

[0039] The first lens 232 is a half-spherical lens, and the second lens 234 is a half-cylindrical lens. As a result, the first light L1 emitted from the first light-emitting element De1 of each sub-pixel SP1, SP2, SP3 is refracted at a specific angle by the first lens 232 and output. The second light L2 emitted from the second light-emitting element De2 of each sub-pixel SP1, SP2, SP3 is refracted at a specific angle by the second lens 234 and output. Thereby, the viewing angle of each of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3 can be restricted.

[0040] Above the lens layer 230, a planarization layer 240 is provided to protect the first lens 232 and the second lens 234. The planarization layer 240 is made of an organic insulating material and has a flat upper surface. And the refractive index of the planarization layer 240 is smaller than the refractive indices of the first lens 232 and the second lens 234.

[0041] As an example, the planarization layer 240 may be made of photo acryl, benzocyclobutene (BCB), polyimide (PI), or polyamide (PA), etc., and is not limited thereto.

[0042] Above the planarization layer 240, a polarization layer 250 is provided. The polarization layer 250 can include a linear polarization layer and a retardation layer, and by converting the polarization state of the external light incident on the display panel 100, it plays a role in preventing the external light from being reflected by the display panel 100 and then being emitted to the outside.

[0043] The display panel of the light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel of the light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the display panel 100 of the light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate 110, a plurality of thin film transistors Tr1, Tr2, a plurality of light-emitting elements De1, De2, and a sealing layer 190.

[0046] Specifically, on the substrate 110, each sub-pixel SP1, SP2, SP3 includes a first light-emitting part EA1 and a second light-emitting part EA2. The substrate 110 may be a glass substrate or a plastic substrate. For example, polyimide (PI) may be used as the plastic substrate, but is not limited thereto.

[0047] On top of the substrate 110, a buffer layer 120 is formed. The buffer layer 120 is located substantially on the entire surface of the substrate 110. The buffer layer 120 blocks moisture, foreign substances, etc. from flowing into the thin film transistors Tr1 and Tr2 from the substrate 110. The buffer layer 120 can be formed of an inorganic material such as silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiNx), and can be a single layer or a multilayer.

[0048] On the first light emitting part EA1 and the second light emitting part EA2 above the buffer layer 120, a patterned first semiconductor layer 122 and a second semiconductor layer 124 are respectively formed. The first semiconductor layer 122 and the second semiconductor layer 124 can each independently be made of an oxide semiconductor material or polycrystalline silicon.

[0049] When the first semiconductor layer 122 and the second semiconductor layer 124 are made of an oxide semiconductor material, a shield pattern can be further formed below them. The shield pattern blocks the light incident on the first semiconductor layer 122 and the second semiconductor layer 124 to prevent the first semiconductor layer 122 and the second semiconductor layer 124 from deteriorating due to light.

[0050] In contrast, when the first semiconductor layer 122 and the second semiconductor layer 124 are made of polycrystalline silicon, impurities can be doped on both side edges of each of the first semiconductor layer 122 and the second semiconductor layer 124.

[0051] On top of the first semiconductor layer 122 and the second semiconductor layer 124, a gate insulating layer 130 made of an insulating material is disposed. In FIG. 2, the gate insulating layer 130 is shown as being formed substantially on the entire surface of the substrate 110. However, as another example, the gate insulating layer 130 may be patterned in the same pattern as the first gate electrode 132 and the second gate electrode 134.

[0052] The gate insulating layer 130 can be formed of an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiNx). When the first semiconductor layer 122 and the second semiconductor layer 124 are made of an oxide semiconductor material, the gate insulating layer 130 can be formed of silicon oxide (SiO2). In contrast, when the first semiconductor layer 122 and the second semiconductor layer 124 are made of polycrystalline silicon, the gate insulating layer 130 can be formed of silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiNx).

[0053] On top of the gate insulating layer 130, a first gate electrode 132 and a second gate electrode 134 made of a conductive material such as metal are formed corresponding to the first semiconductor layer 122 and the second semiconductor layer 124, respectively. Also, a gate wiring (not shown) can be formed on top of the gate insulating layer 130. The gate wiring can extend along one direction.

[0054] On top of the first gate electrode 132 and the second gate electrode 134, an interlayer insulating layer 140 made of an insulating material is formed substantially over the entire surface of the substrate 110. The interlayer insulating layer 140 can be formed of an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiNx), or can be formed of an organic insulating material such as photo acryl or benzocyclobutene.

[0055] The interlayer insulating layer 140 has contact holes that expose both upper surfaces on both sides of the first semiconductor layer 122 and the second semiconductor layer 124, respectively. The contact holes can also be formed within the gate insulating layer 130. On the first light emitting portion EA1 and the second light emitting portion EA2 on top of the interlayer insulating layer 140, a first source electrode 142, a first drain electrode 144, a second source electrode 146, and a second drain electrode 148 are formed of a conductive material such as metal, respectively. Also, on top of the interlayer insulating layer 140, a data wiring (not shown) and a power supply wiring (not shown) that extend along a direction perpendicular to one direction can be formed.

[0056] The first source electrode 142 and the first drain electrode 144 are in contact with both sides of the first semiconductor layer 122 through the contact holes of the interlayer insulating layer 140, and the second source electrode 146 and the second drain electrode 148 are in contact with both sides of the second semiconductor layer 124 through the contact holes of the interlayer insulating layer 140. Although not shown, the data wiring extends along a direction perpendicular to one direction, intersects the gate wiring to define a pixel region corresponding to each sub-pixel, and the power supply wiring for supplying a high-potential voltage is located at a distance from the data wiring.

[0057] On the other hand, the first semiconductor layer 122, the first gate electrode 132, the first source electrode 142, and the first drain electrode 144 form the first thin film transistor Tr1, and the second semiconductor layer 124, the second gate electrode 134, the second source electrode 146, and the second drain electrode 148 form the second thin film transistor Tr2.

[0058] One or more thin film transistors having the same structure as the first thin film transistor Tr1 and the second thin film transistor Tr2 may be further formed on the substrate 110 of each sub-pixel, but are not limited thereto.

[0059] On the upper portions of the first source electrode 142 and the first drain electrode 144 and the second source electrode 146 and the second drain electrode 148, a protective layer 150 is formed substantially over the entire surface of the substrate 110 with an insulating material. The protective layer 150 may be formed of an organic insulating material such as photoacrylic or benzocyclobutene. Such a protective layer 150 has a flat upper surface.

[0060] On the other hand, an insulating film made of an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiNx) may be further formed below the protective layer 150, that is, between the first thin film transistor Tr1 and the second thin film transistor Tr2 and the protective layer 150.

[0061] The protective layer 150 has a first drain contact hole 150a and a second drain contact hole 150b that expose the first drain electrode 144 and the second drain electrode 148, respectively.

[0062] On top of the protective layer 150, a first anode electrode 162 and a second anode electrode 164 are formed of a conductive material with a relatively high work function. The first anode electrode 162 is located in the first light-emitting part EA1 and contacts the first drain electrode 144 through the first drain contact hole 150a. And the second anode electrode 164 is located in the second light-emitting part EA2 and contacts the second drain electrode 148 through the second drain contact hole 150b.

[0063] As an example, each of the first anode electrode 162 and the second anode electrode 164 may be formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium-tin-oxide (ITO) or indium-zinc-oxide (IZO), but is not limited thereto.

[0064] On the other hand, the display panel 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a top emission type in which light of a plurality of light-emitting elements De1, De2 is output in a direction opposite to the substrate 110. Thus, each of the first anode electrode 162 and the second anode electrode 164 may further include a reflective electrode or a reflective layer formed of a metal material with a high reflectivity under the transparent conductive material. For example, the reflective electrode or the reflective layer may be made of an aluminum-palladium-copper (APC) alloy, silver (Ag), or aluminum (Al). At this time, each of the first anode electrode 162 and the second anode electrode 164 may have a triple-layer structure of ITO / APC / ITO, ITO / Ag / ITO, or ITO / Al / ITO, but is not limited thereto.

[0065] On top of the first anode electrode 162 and the second anode electrode 164, a bank layer 165 is formed of an insulating material. For example, the bank layer 165 may be made of a polyimide resin, an acrylic resin, or a benzocyclobutene resin, but is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the bank layer 165 has a single-layer structure, but the bank layer 165 may have a double-layer structure. That is, the bank layer 165 may have a double-layer structure including a lower hydrophilic bank layer and an upper hydrophobic bank layer.

[0066] The bank layer 165 overlaps with the edges of the first anode electrode 162 and the second anode electrode 164 and covers the edges of the first anode electrode 162 and the second anode electrode 164. For example, the first anode electrode 162 has a side surface SS and an upper surface TS, and the bank layer 165 may cover all of the side surface SS and the upper surface TS of the first anode electrode 162. The bank layer 165 has a first opening 165a and a second opening 165b that expose the first anode electrode 162 and the second anode electrode 164. For example, the first opening 165a of the bank layer 165 exposes a part of the upper surface TS of the first anode electrode 162. The first opening 165a may be deposited with an organic layer 172, a light-emitting layer 174, a cathode electrode 180, and a first inorganic layer 192 that cover the first opening 165a of the bank layer 165 later. Similarly, the second opening 165b of the bank layer 165 exposes a part of the upper surface of the second anode electrode 164. The second opening 165b may be deposited with an organic layer 172, a light-emitting layer 174, a cathode electrode 180, and a first inorganic layer 192 that cover the second opening 165b of the bank layer 165 later.

[0067] On the other hand, the bank layer 165 included in at least one of the first sub-pixel SP1, the second sub-pixel SP2, and the third sub-pixel SP3 may further include a third opening that additionally exposes at least one of the first anode electrode 162 and the second anode electrode 164. A more detailed description of the bank layer including the third opening will be described later.

[0068] On top of the first anode electrode 162 and the second anode electrode 164 exposed through the first opening 165a and the second opening 165b of the bank layer 165, a light-emitting portion 170 is formed. The light-emitting portion 170 can include an organic layer 172 and a light-emitting layer 174 positioned between the first anode electrode 162 and the second anode electrode 164.

[0069] The organic layer 172 is a functional layer arranged to improve the light-emitting efficiency of the light-emitting layer 174. For example, the organic layer 172 can include at least one of a hole injection layer (HIL: Hole Injection Layer) that smooths the injection of holes, a hole transport layer (HTL: Hole Transport Layer) that smooths the transport of holes, an electron injection layer (EIL: Electron Injection Layer) that smooths the injection of electrons from the cathode electrode 180, and an electron transport layer (ETL: Electron Transport Layer) that smooths the transport of electrons. The organic layer 172 can be formed in one layer within each sub-pixel SP1, SP2, SP3. Also, the organic layer 172 can be formed in one layer across each sub-pixel SP1, SP2, SP3. That is, the organic layer 172 of each sub-pixel SP1, SP2, SP3 can be a common layer that is connected to each other and integrated. In FIG. 2, the organic layer 172 is shown as being disposed below the light-emitting layer 174, but depending on the type of the organic layer 172, it can be disposed above the light-emitting layer 174. For example, the hole injection layer (HIL) and the hole transport layer (HTL: Hole Transport Layer) can be disposed below the light-emitting layer 174, and the electron injection layer (EIL) and the electron transport layer (ETL) can be disposed above the light-emitting layer 174.

[0070] The light-emitting layer 174 can be made of any one of red, green, and blue light-emitting materials, and is not limited thereto. Such a light-emitting material can be an organic light-emitting material such as a phosphorescent compound or a fluorescent compound. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and an inorganic light-emitting material such as a quantum dot can also be used.

[0071] The light-emitting layer 174 above the first anode electrode 162 and the light-emitting layer 174 above the second anode electrode 164 are connected and integrated. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the light-emitting layer 174 above the first anode electrode 162 and the light-emitting layer 174 above the second anode electrode 164 may be separated from each other.

[0072] The light-emitting layer 174 can be formed through an evaporation process. At this time, a fine metal mask (FMM) can be used to pattern the light-emitting layer 174 for each sub-pixel. Alternatively, the light-emitting layer 174 may be formed through a solution process. In such a case, the light-emitting layer 174 may be provided only within the first opening 165a and the second opening 165b, and the height of the light-emitting layer 174 may increase as it approaches the bank layer 165 near the bank layer 165.

[0073] On the upper part of the light-emitting unit 170, a cathode electrode 180 made of a conductive material with a relatively low work function is substantially formed over the entire surface of the substrate 110. Here, the cathode electrode 180 can be formed of aluminum, magnesium, silver, or an alloy thereof. At this time, the cathode electrode 180 has a relatively thin thickness so that light from the light-emitting unit 170 can be transmitted. Also, the cathode electrode 180 can be formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium-gallium-oxide (IGO), but is not limited thereto.

[0074] The first anode electrode 162 of the first light-emitting unit EA1, the light-emitting unit 170, and the cathode electrode 180 form the first light-emitting element De1, and the second anode electrode 164 of the second light-emitting unit EA2, the light-emitting unit 170, and the cathode electrode 180 form the second light-emitting element De2.

[0075] The display panel 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be an upper emission type in which light from the light emitting portions 170 of the first light emitting element De1 and the second light emitting element De2 is output to the outside in a direction opposite to the substrate 110, that is, through the cathode electrode 180. Such an upper emission type can have a wider light emitting area compared to a lower emission type of the same area, so that the luminance can be improved and the power consumption can be reduced.

[0076] A sealing layer 190 is formed substantially over the entire surface of the substrate 110 above the cathode electrode 180. The sealing layer 190 prevents moisture and oxygen from the outside from flowing into the first light emitting element De1 and the second light emitting element De2. The sealing layer 190 may be formed as a single layer or a multilayer. For example, the sealing layer 190 may have a laminated structure of a first inorganic layer 192, an organic layer 194, and a second inorganic layer 196. Here, the organic layer 194 may be a film that covers foreign substances generated during the manufacturing process.

[0077] As described above, in the light emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, each sub-pixel SP1, SP2, SP3 has a first light emitting portion EA1 and a second light emitting portion EA2, and a hemispherical first lens 232 is provided above the first light emitting portion EA1, and a semi-cylindrical second lens 234 is provided above the second light emitting portion EA2, so that the viewing angle can be limited.

[0078] The pixel structure of the light emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0079] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a pixel of the light emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] In FIG. 3, a plurality of anode electrodes 162-1, 164-1, 162-2, 164-2, 162-3, 164-3, a plurality of openings 165a-1, 165b-1, 165c-1, 165a-2, 165b-2, 165a-3, 165b-3, and a plurality of lenses 232-1, 234-1, 232-2, 234-2, 232-3, 234-3 in each of the first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3 of the pixel of the light emitting display device are shown.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 3, the pixel of the light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3. The first sub-pixel SP1 may be a red sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel SP2 may be a green sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel SP3 may be a blue sub-pixel.

[0082] Here, the first sub-pixel SP1 and the third sub-pixel SP3 are arranged along the Y direction, and the second sub-pixel SP2 is arranged along the X direction with respect to the first sub-pixel SP1 and the third sub-pixel SP3.

[0083] Each of the first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 may have a polygonal shape. At this time, the shapes of the first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 may be different from each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 may have various shapes.

[0084] The first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 may have different areas from each other. The areas of the first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 may be determined in consideration of the lifetimes and luminous efficiencies of the light-emitting elements provided in the respective sub-pixels. At this time, the lifetime of the red light-emitting element is the longest. Therefore, in order to make the lifetimes uniform, the area of the first sub-pixel SP1 is smaller than the areas of the second sub-pixel SP2 and the third sub-pixel SP3, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the area ratio of the first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 may vary. On the other hand, in the present specification, the area of a sub-pixel may mean the light-emitting area of each sub-pixel. The light-emitting area may be defined as the opening formed in the bank layer within each sub-pixel. For example, the light-emitting area of the first sub-pixel SP1 may be the areas of the first opening 165a-1 and the second opening 165b-1 that define the light-emitting regions of the first light-emitting element De1 and the second light-emitting element De2 in the first sub-pixel SP1. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, in FIG. 2, the position of the first light-emitting diode De1 is superimposed on the position of the first opening 165a, and the position of the second light-emitting diode De2 is superimposed on the position of the second opening 165b.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first sub-pixel SP1 includes a first anode electrode 162-1 provided in the first light-emitting unit EA1 and a second anode electrode 164-1 provided in the second light-emitting unit EA2. The first anode electrode 162-1 provided in the first sub-pixel SP1 is connected to the first thin-film transistor Tr1 through the first drain contact hole 150a-1. And the second anode electrode 164-1 provided in the first sub-pixel SP1 is connected to the second thin-film transistor Tr2 through the second drain contact hole 150b-1.

[0086] And the second sub-pixel SP2 also includes a first anode electrode 162-2 provided in the first light-emitting unit EA1 and a second anode electrode 164-2 provided in the second light-emitting unit EA2. The first anode electrode 162-2 provided in the second sub-pixel SP2 is connected to the first thin-film transistor Tr1 through the first drain contact hole 150a-2. And the second anode electrode 164-2 provided in the second sub-pixel SP2 is connected to the second thin-film transistor Tr2 through the second drain contact hole 150b-2.

[0087] And the third sub-pixel SP3 also includes a first anode electrode 162-3 provided in the first light-emitting unit EA1 and a second anode electrode 164-3 provided in the second light-emitting unit EA2. The first anode electrode 162-3 provided in the third sub-pixel SP3 is connected to the first thin-film transistor Tr1 through the first drain contact hole 150a-3. And the second anode electrode 164-3 provided in the third sub-pixel SP3 is connected to the second thin-film transistor Tr2 through the second drain contact hole 150b-3.

[0088] In each of the first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3, at least one first opening 165a-1, 165a-2, 165a-3 is provided on each of the first anode electrodes 162-1, 162-2, 162-3. And in each of the first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3, at least one second opening 165b-1, 165b-2, 165b-3 is provided on each of the second anode electrodes 164-1, 164-2, 164-3. Based on the X-Y plane view, each of the first openings 165a-1, 165a-2, 165a-3 may have a shape in which the length in the X direction is substantially the same as the length in the Y direction, and the second openings 165b-1, 165b-2, 165b-3 may have a polygonal shape in which the length in the X direction is longer than the length in the Y direction. And the area of each of the second openings 165b-1, 165b-2, 165b-3 may be wider than the area of at least one of the first openings 165a-1, 165a-2, 165a-3.

[0089] Specifically, in the first sub-pixel SP1, one first opening 165a-1 may be disposed on the first anode electrode 162-1, and one second opening 165b-1 may be disposed on the second anode electrode 164-1. The one first opening 165a-1 and the one second opening 165b-1 described above may be disposed at a distance from each other in the Y direction.

[0090] And in the second sub-pixel SP2, two first openings 165a-2 arranged in the X direction may be disposed on the first anode electrode 162-2, and one second opening 165b-2 may be disposed on the second anode electrode 164-2. The two first openings 165a-2 and the one second opening 165b-2 described above may be disposed at a distance from each other in the Y direction.

[0091] And in the third sub-pixel SP3, two first openings 165a-3 arranged in the X direction may be disposed on the first anode electrode 162-3, and one second opening 165b-3 may be disposed on the second anode electrode 164-3. The two first openings 165a-3 and the one second opening 165b-3 described above may be disposed at a distance from each other in the Y direction.

[0092] Corresponding to each of such first openings 165a-1, 165a-2, 165a-3, hemispherical first lenses 232-1, 232-2, 232-3 are arranged, and corresponding to the second openings 165b-1, 165b-2, 165b-3, semi-cylindrical second lenses 234-1, 234-2, 234-3 are arranged. That is, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the hemispherical first lens 232 is arranged to overlap with the first opening 165a, and the semi-cylindrical second lens 234 is arranged to overlap with the second opening 165b. Also, the first light-emitting unit EA1 overlaps with the first opening 165a, and the second light-emitting unit EA2 overlaps with the second opening 165b. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 1, the first light-emitting unit EA1 overlaps with the hemispherical first lens 232, and the second light-emitting unit EA2 overlaps with the semi-cylindrical second lens 234.

[0093] And each of the first lenses 232-1, 232-2, 232-3 is arranged to cover each of the first openings 165a-1, 165a-2, 165a-3. Based on the X-Y plane, the area of each of the first lenses 232-1, 232-2, 232-3 may be wider than the area of each of the first openings 165a-1, 165a-2, 165a-3. And each of the second lenses 234-1, 234-2, 234-3 is arranged to cover each of the second openings 165b-1, 165b-2, 165b-3. Based on the X-Y plane, the area of each of the second lenses 234-1, 234-2, 234-3 may be wider than the area of each of the second openings 165b-1, 165b-2, 165b-3.

[0094] Specifically, in the first sub-pixel SP1, one first lens 232-1 can be arranged to cover one first opening 165a-1, and one second lens 234-1 can be arranged to cover one second opening 165b-1. In the second sub-pixel SP2, two first lenses 232-2 can be arranged to cover the two first openings 165a-2 respectively, and one second lens 234-2 can be arranged to cover one second opening 165b-2. In the third sub-pixel SP3, two first lenses 232-3 can be arranged to cover the two first openings 165a-3 respectively, and one second lens 234-3 can be arranged to cover one second opening 165b-3.

[0095] Therefore, a number of first lenses 232-1, 232-2, 232-3 correspond to the first light-emitting portions EA1 of the respective sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3. And a number of second lenses 234-1, 234-2, 234-3 correspond to the second light-emitting portions EA2 of the respective sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3.

[0096] Thus, in the light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, hemispherical first lenses 232-1, 232-2, 232-3 are provided corresponding to the first anode electrodes 162-1, 162-2, 162-3, and semi-cylindrical second lenses 234-1, 234-2, 234-3 are provided corresponding to the second anode electrodes 164-1, 164-2, 164-3, so that the viewing angle can be limited. At this time, the viewing angle limiting directions of the first lenses 232-1, 232-2, 232-3 and the second lenses 234-1, 234-2, 234-3 are different, and a wide viewing angle and a narrow viewing angle can be realized selectively through driving.

[0097] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, the operations for selectively realizing the first mode which is a wide viewing angle mode and the second mode which is a narrow viewing mode will be described in detail.

[0098] First, FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the first lens of the light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the second lens of the light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 4, the first lens 232 is a half-spherical lens and has a semi-circular cross-section in the X direction and the Y direction. Therefore, the first lens 232 restricts the viewing angles in the X direction and the Y direction. For example, the first light-emitting unit EA1 provided with the hemispherical first lens 232 may have a narrow viewing angle of 30 degrees or less in all directions of up, down, left, and right.

[0100] In contrast, as shown in FIG. 5, the second lens 234 is a half-cylindrical lens, has a rectangular cross-section in the X direction, and has a semi-circular cross-section in the Y direction. Therefore, the second lens 234 restricts the viewing angle in the Y direction, and the viewing angle in the longitudinal direction of the second lens 234, that is, the X direction, is not restricted. For example, the second light-emitting unit EA2 provided with the semi-cylindrical second lens 234 may have a narrow viewing angle of 30 degrees or less in the up and down directions and a wide viewing angle of 60 degrees or more in the left and right directions.

[0101] Therefore, by driving the first light-emitting unit EA1, the up and down narrow viewing angle modes and the left and right narrow viewing angle modes can be demonstrated, and by driving the second light-emitting unit EA2, the up and down narrow viewing angle modes and the left and right wide viewing angle modes can be realized.

[0102] That is, in the light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first lens 232 and the second lens 234 are configured to always have a narrow viewing angle in the up and down directions, and the wide viewing angle mode and the narrow viewing angle mode can be selectively realized in the left and right directions.

[0103] The wide viewing angle mode and the narrow viewing angle mode in the left and right directions will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0104] FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the operations of the wide viewing angle mode and the narrow viewing angle mode of the light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 6, a pixel PXL of a light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3, and each of the first, second, and third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 has a first light-emitting portion EA1 and a second light-emitting portion EA2.

[0106] A hemispherical first lens 232 is provided corresponding to the first light-emitting portion EA1, and a semi-cylindrical second lens 234 is provided corresponding to the second light-emitting portion EA2.

[0107] When operating in the wide viewing angle mode, the first light-emitting element De1 of the first light-emitting portion EA1 is in an off state, the second light-emitting element De2 of the second light-emitting portion EA2 is in an on state, and the light emitted from the second light-emitting element De2 is restricted in the viewing angle in the Y direction, that is, the up-and-down direction, by the second lens 234, and is output without restriction of the viewing angle in the X direction, that is, the left-and-right direction. That is, the viewing angles of the second lens 234 are different, and in most situations, it is larger than the viewing angle of the first lens 232.

[0108] On the contrary, when operating in the narrow viewing angle mode, the first light-emitting element De1 of the first light-emitting portion EA1 is in an on state, the second light-emitting element De2 of the second light-emitting portion EA2 is in an off state, and the light emitted from the first light-emitting element De1 is restricted in the viewing angle in the up-and-down direction and the left-and-right direction by the first lens 232 and is output.

[0109] Thus, since the light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention always has a narrow viewing angle in the up-and-down direction, when applied to a vehicle, it is possible to prevent the image from being reflected by the front glass of the vehicle and disturbing the driving view.

[0110] In addition, it is possible to display an image with a wide viewing angle in the left - right direction in the wide - viewing - field mode and an image with a narrow viewing angle in the left - right direction in the narrow - viewing - field mode. In the wide - viewing - field mode, users in both the driver's seat and the passenger seat can view the image. In the narrow - viewing - field mode, only one of the users in the driver's seat and the passenger seat can view the image. For example, according to one embodiment of the narrow - viewing - field mode, the display device can display an image such that only one of the users sitting in the driver's seat or the passenger seat can see the image, and two people cannot see it simultaneously. That is, in one embodiment, since the degree of the viewing angle restricted in the left - hand direction in the narrow - viewing - field mode is different from the degree of the viewing angle restricted in the right - hand direction, only one of the users sitting in either the driver's seat or the passenger seat can view the image through the display device. For example, the viewing angle is restricted in the left - hand direction (e.g., the driver's - seat direction), and there is no viewing - angle restriction in the right - hand direction (e.g., the passenger - seat direction), and only the user sitting in the passenger seat can view the image of the display device. Therefore, the wide - viewing - field mode and the narrow - viewing - field mode can be selectively realized in the left - right direction.

[0111] Also, by applying the first lens 232 and the second lens 234, due to the light - collecting effect, the luminance increases compared to the same area when no lens is applied. Therefore, the display device of the present invention can reduce the driving voltage compared to a display device that does not include a lens. Thus, since the driving voltage can be reduced to drive the first light - emitting part EA1 and the second light - emitting part EA2, the power consumption can be reduced, and since the luminance and heat generation decrease, the lifetimes of the plurality of light - emitting elements De1, De2 can be improved.

[0112] As described above, the first to third sub - pixels SP1, SP2, SP3 of the light - emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention have different areas from each other. That is, the areas of the openings that define the light - emitting regions of the respective sub - pixels SP1, SP2, SP3 can be different from each other. The areas of the first to third sub - pixels SP1, SP2, SP3 can be determined in consideration of the lifetimes and luminous efficiencies of the light - emitting elements provided in each sub - pixel. Specifically, the lifetime of the red light - emitting element is the longest. Therefore, in order to make the lifetimes of the sub - pixels uniform, the area of the opening of the first sub - pixel SP1 may be smaller than the areas of the openings of the second sub - pixel SP2 and the third sub - pixel SP3 respectively.

[0113] On the one hand, referring to FIG. 2, in the light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in order to realize a wide viewing angle mode and a narrow viewing angle mode, each sub-pixel SP1, SP2, SP3 includes two light-emitting elements De1, De2. Therefore, the area of each light-emitting element De1, De2 can be significantly reduced compared to the area of a single light-emitting element provided in a conventional light-emitting display device. For example, compared with the light-emitting area of the red sub-pixel in a conventional general light-emitting display device, the areas of the first light-emitting element De1 and the second light-emitting element De2 of the first sub-pixel SP1 of the light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention are reduced to 1 / 10 and 1 / 3 or less, respectively. By significantly reducing the area of each light-emitting element De1, De2 in this way, the capacitance of each of the light-emitting elements De1, De2 is reduced.

[0114] In this case, the coupling degree between the anode electrode of each of the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element and the scan signal line may increase, or when the scan signal is rising, the anode electrode voltage of each of the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element may undesirably increase. More specifically, at the end of the sampling period, which is the period of sampling the threshold voltage of the driving transistor and programming the data voltage, when all the scan signals rise, the voltage difference between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode of each of the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element rises above the threshold voltage, resulting in the problem that the luminance of each of the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element undesirably increases.

[0115] In order to solve such a problem, in the light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one bank layer 165 among the first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3 is formed to further include a third opening that exposes at least one of the first anode electrode 162 and the second anode electrode 164.

[0116] Hereinafter, with reference to both FIG. 3 and FIG. 7, the bank layer structure with the third opening formed will be specifically described.

[0117] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I' of FIG. 3.

[0118] As described above, the first sub-pixel SP1 includes a first light-emitting portion EA1 and a second light-emitting portion EA2. At this time, the first light-emitting portion EA1 is provided with a first light-emitting element De1, and the second light-emitting portion EA2 is provided with a second light-emitting element De2.

[0119] The first sub-pixel SP1 is provided with a first thin-film transistor Tr1 and a first anode electrode 162-1, and the second sub-pixel SP2 is provided with a second thin-film transistor Tr2 and a second anode electrode 164-1. For independent driving of the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2, the first anode electrode 162-1 and the second anode electrode 164-1 are arranged independently of each other and spaced apart from each other on the protective layer 150.

[0120] A bank layer 165 is formed as a common layer on the first anode electrode 162-1 and the second anode electrode 164-1. The bank layer 165 overlaps the edges of the first anode electrode 162-1 and the second anode electrode 164-1 and covers the edges of the first anode electrode 162-1 and the second anode electrode 164-1. At this time, the bank layer 165 has a first opening 165a-1 and a third opening 165c-1 that expose the first anode electrode 162-1 and a second opening 165b-1 that exposes the second anode electrode 164-1. The first opening 165a-1 and the second opening 165b-1 respectively define the light-emitting regions of the first light-emitting element De1 and the second light-emitting element De2. In contrast, the third opening 165c-1 is formed in the non-light-emitting region NEA.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 7, the first opening 165a-1 exposes the first anode electrode 162-1 of the first light-emitting element De1, and the second opening 165b-1 exposes the upper surface of the second anode electrode 164-1 of the second light-emitting element De2. A light-emitting portion 170-1 including an organic layer 172 and a light-emitting layer 174-1 is disposed on the anode electrode 162-1 through the first opening 165a-1 and the second opening 165b-1, and a cathode electrode 180 is disposed on the light-emitting portion 170-1. Through this, the first light-emitting element De1 and the second light-emitting element De2 corresponding to the first opening 165a-1 and the second opening 165b-1 emit light.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 7, the third opening 165c-1 exposes the upper surface of the first anode electrode 162-1, like the first opening 165a-1. However, in the third opening 165c-1, the organic layer 172 is disposed on the exposed upper surface of the first anode electrode 162-1, and the cathode electrode 180 is disposed on the organic layer 172. That is, in the third opening 165c-1, unlike the first opening 165a-1 and the second opening 165b-1, the light-emitting layer 174-1 is not disposed. Therefore, when a voltage is applied to the first anode electrode 162-1 through the first thin-film transistor Tr1, light is emitted from the first opening 165a-1 corresponding to the first light-emitting element De1, but since the light-emitting layer 174-1 does not exist in the third opening 165c-1, no separate light is emitted.

[0123] The third opening 165c-1 is formed in the non-light-emitting region NEA. Referring to FIG. 3, the third opening 165c-1 can be formed at a position adjacent to the first opening 165a-1. On the other hand, unlike the conventional light-emitting display device, the first anode electrode 162-1 can have an additionally elongated shape so as to be able to overlap with the third opening 165c-1. Different from the anode electrode generally formed to correspond to the light-emitting region, referring to FIG. 3, the first anode electrode 162-1 of the first sub-pixel SP1 can further include an extension 162-1' protruding additionally in one direction, for example, the Y-axis direction, in order to secure a space where the third opening 165c-1 is formed. That is, the extension 162-1' is a part of the first anode electrode 162-1 and is continuously connected to the first anode electrode 162-1. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, the extension 162-1' is arranged simultaneously with the first anode electrode 162-1 and is made of the same material as the first anode electrode 162-1.

[0124] In FIG. 3, the third opening 165c-1 is shown as having a rectangular shape on the plane, but the third opening 165c-1 can have a polygonal shape other than circular, elliptical or square shape and is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 3, the third opening 165c-1 is located in the non-light-emitting region NEA at the outer contour of the first sub-pixel SP1. The first sub-pixel SP1 has a trapezoidal shape, the second sub-pixel SP2 has a trapezoidal shape, and the third opening 165c-1 is located between the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2, but can also be located outside the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2.

[0125] In the third opening 165c-1, the capacitance of the first anode electrode 162-1 can increase where the distance D1 between the cathode electrode 180 and the first anode electrode 162-1 decreases (compared to the distance D2 between the cathode electrode 180 and the first anode electrode 162-1 in the first opening 165a-1). Since the light-emitting layer 174-1 does not exist in the third opening 165c-1, while not increasing the area of the light-emitting region, the capacitance between the first anode electrode 162-1 and the cathode electrode 180 can be increased, and the capacitance decreased in each of the light-emitting elements De1 and De2 due to the decrease in the area of the light-emitting elements De1 and De2 can be compensated. Thereby, the problem of luminance reduction caused by the decrease in the area of the light-emitting elements De1 and De2 can be solved.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 7, the bank layer 165 includes a first opening 165a-1, a second opening 165b-1, and a third opening 165c-1. The openings of the bank layer 165 penetrate the bank layer 165 to expose the upper surface of the anode electrode. For example, the first opening 165a-1 penetrates the bank layer 165 to expose the upper surface 162TS of the first anode electrode 162-1. Similarly, the third opening 165c-1 penetrates the bank layer 165 to expose the upper surface 162TS' of the first anode electrode 162-1' (or an extended portion of the first anode electrode 162-1). Here, the first bank FB and the second bank SB are formed by the first opening 165a-1. Similarly, the third bank TB and the first bank FB are formed by the third opening 165c-1. The third bank TB is located adjacent to the first bank FB. However, the third bank TB is located in the non-light-emitting region NEA.

[0127] In one embodiment, the cathode electrode 180 extends over the third opening 165c-1 to cover the side surface TBSS and the upper surface TBTS of the third bank TB. As shown in the figure, the cathode electrode 180 is continuously arranged from the non-light-emitting region NEA to the first light-emitting region EA1 and the second light-emitting region EA2.

[0128] Although not shown, in one embodiment, the cathode electrode 180 can be continuously arranged over the entire display panel.

[0129] The distance D1 between the lower surface 180BS’ of the cathode electrode 180 and the upper surface 162TS’ of the first anode electrode 162-1’ at the third opening 165c-1 is smaller than the distance D2 between the bottom surface 180BS of the cathode electrode 180 and the upper surface 162TS of the first anode electrode 162-1 at the first opening 165a-1.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 7, the upper surface 162TS of the first anode electrode between the first bank FB and the second bank SB and the upper surface 162TS’ of the first anode electrode between the first bank FB and the third bank TB are located on the same plane.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 7, the second opening 165b-1 is located between the second bank SB and the fourth bank FRB. The light-emitting layer 174-1 can completely cover both side surfaces of the second bank SB, overlap with the second opening 165b-1, cover one side surface of the fourth bank FRB, and at least partially cover the upper surface of the fourth bank FRB.

[0132] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 9, a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a fourth opening 365c-1 defined by a space between the fourth bank FRB and the fifth bank. The fifth bank is not shown in FIG. 7, but a cross-section of the fifth bank can be seen by taking a cross-section along the line II-II’ in FIG. 9. Here, as shown in FIG. 9, the fourth opening 365c-1 overlaps with a non-light-emitting region of the display device. The second anode electrode 164 extends to the non-light-emitting region and overlaps with the fifth bank. The first cathode electrode extends to the fourth opening and covers the upper surface and side surfaces of the fifth bank. Here, the distance between the lower surface of the second anode electrode and the upper surface of the second cathode electrode between the fourth bank and the second bank is larger than the distance between the lower surface of the first cathode electrode and the upper surface of the first anode electrode between the fourth bank and the fifth bank.

[0133] According to an embodiment, different from the embodiment of FIG. 7, the third bank TB and the first bank FB are connected to each other so that it is not necessary to expose the upper surface of the anode electrode (for example, the first anode electrode, the second anode electrode).

[0134] For example, as shown in Table 1 below, in Comparative Example 1 in which a general light-emitting display device includes one light-emitting element in a red sub-pixel, and Comparative Example 2 in which a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element are provided in one red sub-pixel to realize a wide viewing angle mode and a narrow viewing angle mode but no separate third opening is formed, and the capacitance value and black luminance of Example 1 in which a third opening having the same area as the light-emitting area of the first light-emitting element is formed in the light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention were compared. At this time, the light-emitting area of the light-emitting element in Comparative Example 1, and the light-emitting areas of the first light-emitting elements in Comparative Example 2 and Example 1 are as shown in Table 1 (operating conditions, V DD : 14V, V SS : 1V, V REF : 2.5V, VGH: 15.5V, VGL: -9V, V DATA : 0.2V).

[0135]

Table 1

[0136] Referring to Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2, the light-emitting area of the first light-emitting element for driving the narrow viewing angle mode in the light-emitting display device provided with the lens layer for viewing angle control is greatly reduced. When the area of the light-emitting region is greatly reduced as in Comparative Example 2, it was confirmed that the capacitance between the anode and the cathode is greatly reduced, and thereby the luminance value increases greatly when black is realized. Referring to Table 1, when a third opening having an area similar to that of the first opening is formed adjacent to the first opening defining the light-emitting region of the first light-emitting element as in Example 1, it can be confirmed that the capacitance increases and the luminance value greatly decreases when black is realized. Comparing Example 1 with Comparative Example 2, it was confirmed that the luminance increase of the first light-emitting element of the red sub-pixel is reduced by 97%. FIG. 3 shows that the third opening 165c-1 is formed only in the first sub-pixel SP1 to expose the first anode electrode 162-1, but it is not limited thereto. That is, depending on the type of the sub-pixel and the hue of light emission, the third opening may be formed in the second sub-pixel or the third sub-pixel, or may be formed in two or more of the first sub-pixel to the third sub-pixel.

[0137] However, as mentioned above, when considering the point that generally the lifetime of the red light-emitting element is longer than the lifetimes of the blue light-emitting element and the green light-emitting element, the areas of the first opening 165a-1 of the first light-emitting element De1 and the second opening 165b-1 of the second light-emitting element De2 that define the light-emitting area in the first sub-pixel SP1, which is the red sub-pixel, are smaller than the areas of the first openings 165a-2, 165a-3 and the second openings 165b-2, 165b-3 of the first openings of the second sub-pixel SP2 and the third sub-pixel SP3, respectively. Therefore, it can be said that the third opening 165c-1 is preferably formed in the first sub-pixel SP1.

[0138] Also, as mentioned above, in order to realize a wide viewing angle mode and a narrow viewing angle mode, the light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first lens 232-1 corresponding to the first light-emitting element De1 and a second lens 234-1 corresponding to the second light-emitting element De2. At this time, the first lens 232-1 has a semi-circular cross-section in the X direction and the Y direction in order to provide a narrow viewing angle in all of the up, down, left, and right directions. As a result, the light-emitting area of the first light-emitting element De1 is smaller than that of the second light-emitting element De2 corresponding to the second lens 234-1 having a semi-cylindrical shape. Therefore, within one sub-pixel, the area of the first opening 165a-1 of the first light-emitting element De1 can be smaller than the area of the second opening 165b-1 of the second light-emitting element De2. Therefore, since the capacitance reduction due to the reduction of the light-emitting area in the first light-emitting element De1 is further emphasized, it can be said that it is preferable that the first anode electrode 162-1 of the first light-emitting element De1 extends and a third opening 165c-1 is formed to expose the first anode electrode 162-1.

[0139] The light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention provides a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element in one sub-pixel in order to selectively limit the viewing angle, and includes a first lens and a second lens that respectively correspond to the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element and have different patterns from each other. At this time, by providing a plurality of light-emitting elements in one sub-pixel, the area of the light-emitting region of each light-emitting element becomes smaller than that of a conventional general display device. The capacitance of the light-emitting element with a reduced light-emitting area decreases, and a phenomenon may occur in which the voltage of the anode electrode rises unnecessarily during element driving and the luminance increases. Therefore, the light-emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention extends the anode electrode of the sub-pixel with a reduced light-emitting area and forms a further opening in the bank layer so as to expose the anode electrode in the non-light-emitting region, thereby increasing the capacitance of the anode electrode. Through this, the problem of luminance reduction caused by the reduction of the area of the light-emitting element can be solved.

[0140] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a pixel of a light-emitting display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The light-emitting display device shown in FIG. 8 is substantially the same as the light-emitting display device shown in FIG. 3 except for the position where the third opening is formed and the shape of the anode electrode. Therefore, the description of overlapping components will be omitted.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 8, the first sub-pixel SP1 includes a first opening 165a-1, a second opening 165b-1, and a third opening 265c-1. The first opening 165a-1 exposes the first anode electrode 262-2 of the first light-emitting element De1, and the second opening 165b-1 and the third opening 265c-1 expose the upper surface of the second anode electrode 264-1 of the second light-emitting element De3.

[0142] At this time, the third opening 265c-1 is formed in the non-light-emitting region. Different from the case where the third opening 165c-1 exposes the first anode electrode 162-1 in the light-emitting display device shown in FIG. 3, in the pixel of the light-emitting display device shown in FIG. 8, the third opening 265c-1 exposes the second anode electrode 264-1. Accordingly, the third opening 265c-1 is formed at a position adjacent to the second opening 165b-1. Specifically, the third opening 265c-1 may be arranged at a distance from the second opening 165b-1 in the Y-axis direction with the second opening 165b-1 as the center. At this time, the second anode electrode 264-1 may have a shape that extends additionally so as to be superimposed on the third opening 265c-1. As shown in FIG. 8, the second anode electrode 264-1 may further include an extension portion that protrudes additionally in the Y-axis direction to secure a space where the third opening 265c-1 is formed.

[0143] On the other hand, the area of the third opening 265c-1 of the light-emitting display device shown in FIG. 8 may be larger than the area of the third opening 165c-1 of the light-emitting display device shown in FIG. 3. Considering the light-emitting area of the second light-emitting element De2 corresponding to the second lens 234-1 having a semi-cylindrical shape, the size of the third opening 265c-1 may be formed to be similar to the size of the second opening 165b-1.

[0144] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a pixel of a light-emitting display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The light-emitting display device shown in FIG. 9 further includes a fourth opening 365c-1 and is substantially the same as the light-emitting display device shown in FIG. 3 except that the shape of the second anode electrode 364-1 is changed. Therefore, the description of overlapping components is omitted.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 9, the first sub-pixel SP1 includes a first opening 165a-1, a second opening 165b-1, a third opening 165c-1, and a fourth opening 365c-1. The first opening 165a-1 and the third opening 165c-1 expose the first anode electrode 162-1 of the first light-emitting element De1, and the second opening 165b and the fourth opening 365c-1 expose the second anode electrode 364-1 of the second light-emitting element De2.

[0146] Different from the light-emitting display device shown in FIG. 3, in the pixel of the light-emitting display device shown in FIG. 9, a fourth opening 365c-1 that exposes the second anode electrode 364-1 is also formed together with the third opening 165c-1 that exposes the first anode electrode 162-1 in the non-light-emitting region. As a result, the first anode electrode 162-1 can be additionally protruded in the Y-axis direction so as to secure a space where the third opening 165c-1 is formed, and the second anode electrode 364-1 can be additionally protruded in the Y-axis direction so as to secure a space where the fourth opening 365c-1 is formed.

[0147] The light-emitting display device shown in FIG. 9 can solve the problem caused by the area reduction in the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element by additionally forming openings in the bank layer for both the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element that constitute the first sub-pixel having a smaller light-emitting area than the second sub-pixel and the third sub-pixel.

[0148] The light-emitting display device according to the embodiment of the present specification can be described as follows.

[0149] The light-emitting display device according to the embodiments of this specification has a plurality of pixels arranged on a display panel. Each of the plurality of pixels includes a plurality of sub-pixels. Each of the plurality of sub-pixels includes a first thin-film transistor and a second thin-film transistor, a planarization layer disposed on the first thin-film transistor and the second thin-film transistor, a first anode electrode disposed on the planarization layer and connected to the first thin-film transistor, a first light-emitting element including a first light-emitting part and a cathode electrode, a second anode electrode disposed on the planarization layer and connected to the second thin-film transistor, a second light-emitting element including a second light-emitting part and a cathode electrode, a bank layer disposed on the planarization layer and including a first opening for exposing the first anode electrode and a second opening for exposing the second anode electrode, a sealing layer covering the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element, and a lens layer disposed on the sealing layer and including a first lens for refracting the light from the first light-emitting element corresponding to the first light-emitting element and a second lens for refracting the light from the second light-emitting element corresponding to the second light-emitting element. Among at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels, the bank layer further includes a third opening for exposing the first anode electrode.

[0150] According to some embodiments of this specification, the third opening is disposed in a non-light-emitting region adjacent to the first opening, and the first anode electrode may have a shape extending so as to overlap the third opening.

[0151] According to some embodiments of this specification, the first light-emitting layer of the first light-emitting part is disposed in the first opening, the second light-emitting layer of the second light-emitting part is disposed in the second opening, and the first light-emitting layer and the second light-emitting layer may be disposed in the third opening.

[0152] According to some embodiments of this specification, the first light-emitting part includes a first organic layer and a first light-emitting layer, the second light-emitting part includes a second organic layer and a second light-emitting layer, and in the third opening, the first anode electrode and the first organic layer are in direct contact, and the first organic layer may be disposed such that the cathode electrode is in direct contact.

[0153] According to some embodiments of this specification, the first light-emitting layer and the second light-emitting layer may be connected to each other and integrated.

[0154] According to some embodiments of the present specification, the area of the first opening may be smaller than the area of the second opening.

[0155] According to some embodiments of the present specification, the area of the third opening may be the same as the area of the first opening.

[0156] According to some embodiments of the present specification, the plurality of sub-pixels includes red sub-pixels, green sub-pixels, and blue sub-pixels, and the third opening can be formed in the bank layer of the red sub-pixels.

[0157] According to some embodiments of the present specification, the area of the first opening of the red sub-pixels is smaller than the area of the first opening of each of the green sub-pixels and the blue sub-pixels, and the area of the second opening of the red sub-pixels may be smaller than the area of the second opening of each of the green sub-pixels and the blue sub-pixels.

[0158] According to some embodiments of the present specification, in at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels, the bank layer can further include a fourth opening that exposes the second anode electrode.

[0159] According to some embodiments of the present specification, the first light-emitting layer of the first light-emitting part is disposed in the first opening, the second light-emitting layer of the second light-emitting part is disposed in the second opening, and both the first light-emitting layer and the second light-emitting layer can be disposed in the third opening and the fourth opening.

[0160] According to some embodiments of the present specification, the area of the first opening is smaller than the area of the second opening, and the area of the third opening may be smaller than the area of the fourth opening.

[0161] According to some embodiments of the present specification, it is selectively driven in a narrow viewing angle mode and a wide viewing angle mode. In the narrow viewing angle mode, the first light-emitting element emits light, and the light from the first light-emitting element is output with the viewing angle limited with respect to the first direction and the second direction by the first lens. In the wide viewing angle mode, the second light-emitting element emits light, and the light from the second light-emitting element can be output with the viewing angle limited only with respect to the first direction by the second lens.

[0162] According to some embodiments of the present specification, the first lens may be a Half-Spherical Lens, and the second lens may be a Half-Cylindrical Lens.

[0163] As described above, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the embodiments of the present specification have been described in more detail. However, the present specification is not necessarily limited to such embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope not departing from the technical idea of the present specification. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification are not for limiting the technical idea of the present specification, but for explanation, and the scope of the technical idea of the present specification is not limited by such embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The protection scope of the present specification should be interpreted by the scope of the claims, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of the present specification.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0164] 100 Display panel 110 Substrate 190 Encapsulation layer 210 Light-shielding pattern 220 Optical gap layer 230 Lens layer 232 First lens 234 Second lens 240 Planarization layer 250 Polarizing layer De1 First light-emitting element De2 Second light-emitting element EA1 First light-emitting part EA2 Second light-emitting part L1 First light L2 Second light SP1 First sub-pixel SP2 Second sub-pixel SP3 Third sub-pixel

Claims

1. A plurality of pixels are arranged on a display panel, Each of the plurality of pixels includes a plurality of sub-pixels, Each of the plurality of sub-pixels includes a first thin film transistor and a second thin film transistor, a planarization layer disposed on the first thin film transistor and the second thin film transistor, a first light emitting element disposed on the planarization layer and including a first anode electrode, a first light emitting part, and a cathode electrode connected to the first thin film transistor, a second light emitting element disposed on the planarization layer and including a second anode electrode, a second light emitting part, and the cathode electrode connected to the second thin film transistor, a bank layer disposed on the planarization layer and including a first opening exposing the first anode electrode and a second opening exposing the second anode electrode, a sealing layer covering the first light emitting element and the second light emitting element, a lens layer disposed on the sealing layer and including a first lens that refracts light from the first light emitting element corresponding to the first light emitting element and a second lens that refracts light from the second light emitting element corresponding to the second light emitting element, Among at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels, the bank layer further includes a third opening exposing the first anode electrode, The third opening is disposed in a non-light emitting region adjacent to the first opening, The first anode electrode has a shape extending so as to overlap the third opening, a light emitting display device.

2. A first light emitting layer of the first light emitting part is disposed in the first opening, A second light emitting layer of the second light emitting part is disposed in the second opening, The light emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein the first light emitting layer and the second light emitting layer are not disposed in the third opening.

3. The first light emitting part includes a first organic layer and a first light emitting layer, The second light-emitting part includes a second organic layer and a second light-emitting layer. The light-emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein in the third opening, the first anode electrode and the first organic layer are in direct contact, and the first organic layer is arranged such that the cathode electrode is in direct contact.

4. The light-emitting display device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first light-emitting layer and the second light-emitting layer are connected to each other and integrated.

5. The light-emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein the area of the first opening is smaller than the area of the second opening.

6. The light-emitting display device according to claim 5, wherein the area of the third opening is the same as the area of the first opening.

7. The plurality of sub-pixels include red sub-pixels, green sub-pixels, and blue sub-pixels. The light-emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein the third opening is formed in the bank layer of the red sub-pixel.

8. The area of the first opening of the red sub-pixel is smaller than the area of the first opening of each of the green sub-pixel and the blue sub-pixel. The light-emitting display device according to claim 7, wherein the area of the second opening of the red sub-pixel is smaller than the area of the second opening of each of the green sub-pixel and the blue sub-pixel.

9. The light-emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein in at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels, the bank layer further includes a fourth opening for exposing the second anode electrode.

10. The first light-emitting layer of the first light-emitting part is arranged in the first opening. The second light-emitting layer of the second light-emitting part is arranged in the second opening. The light-emitting display device according to claim 9, wherein neither the first light-emitting layer nor the second light-emitting layer is arranged in the third opening and the fourth opening.

11. The area of the first opening is smaller than the area of the second opening. The light-emitting display device according to claim 10, wherein the area of the third opening is smaller than the area of the fourth opening.

12. Selectively driven in a narrow viewing angle mode and a wide viewing angle mode. In the narrow viewing angle mode, the first light-emitting element emits light, and the light from the first light-emitting element is output with the viewing angle limited with respect to the first direction and the second direction by the first lens. The light-emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein in the wide viewing angle mode, the second light-emitting element emits light, and the light from the second light-emitting element is output with the viewing angle limited only with respect to the first direction by the second lens.

13. The first lens is a hemispherical lens (Half-Spherical Lens). The light-emitting display device according to claim 12, wherein the second lens is a half-cylindrical lens (Half-Cylindrical Lens).

14. A substrate including a light-emitting region and a non-light-emitting region. A first light-emitting element disposed on the substrate so as to overlap the light-emitting region, including a first anode electrode, a first cathode electrode, and a light-emitting organic layer between the first anode electrode and the first cathode electrode. A first lens disposed on the first light-emitting element. A bank layer disposed on the substrate. A first opening extending through the bank layer and aligned with the upper surface of the first anode electrode. A first bank and a second bank of the bank layer adjacent to the first opening. Including a third bank adjacent to the first bank and located in the non-light-emitting region. Further including a second opening between the first bank and the third bank. The second opening is disposed in the non-light-emitting region adjacent to the first opening. The first anode electrode has a shape extending so as to overlap the second opening. A display device.

15. The first anode electrode extends to the third bank in the non-emitting region, The second opening exposes an upper surface of the first anode electrode between the first bank and the third bank. The display device according to claim 14.

16. A distance between a lower surface of the first cathode electrode between the first bank and the second bank and an upper surface of the first anode electrode is greater than a distance between a lower surface of the first cathode electrode between the first bank and the third bank and an upper surface of the first anode electrode. The display device according to claim 14.

17. In a display device including a substrate having first sub-pixels, second sub-pixels, and third sub-pixels of different colors respectively, Each of the first sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel, A first light-emitting element, A first lens disposed on the first light-emitting element, A second light-emitting element adjacent to the first light-emitting element, And a second lens disposed on the second light-emitting element, An area of the first sub-pixel is smaller than areas of the second sub-pixel and the third sub-pixel, The display device is selectively driven between a narrow viewing angle mode and a wide viewing angle mode during operation, The narrow viewing angle mode is realized based on the first lens, The wide viewing angle mode is realized based on the second lens, The first sub-pixel, A second bank between the first bank, the first light-emitting element, and the second light-emitting element, A first opening formed in a space between the first bank and the second bank and overlapping with the first lens, A second opening defined by a space between the third bank and the first bank and overlapping with a non-emitting region of the display device, A fourth bank adjacent to the second bank, Further including a third opening formed in the space between the second bank and the fourth bank and overlapping with the second light-emitting element and the second lens. A display device, wherein the area of the first opening is smaller than the area of the third opening. **Claim 18** The display device according to claim 17, wherein the first sub-pixel is a red sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel is a green sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel is a blue sub-pixel. **Claim 19** The first light-emitting element Comprises a first anode electrode A first cathode electrode An organic layer between the first anode electrode and the first cathode electrode And a light-emitting layer between the first anode electrode and the first cathode electrode, The light-emitting layer covers at least a part of the upper surface and the side surface of the first bank, The display device according to claim 17, wherein the first anode electrode extends into the non-light-emitting region and overlaps with the third bank. **Claim 20** The light-emitting layer extends over the second bank and the third opening, The light-emitting layer covers at least a part of the upper surface and the side surface of the fourth bank, The second light-emitting element Comprises a second anode electrode The first cathode electrode The organic layer between the second anode electrode and the first cathode electrode And the light-emitting layer between the second anode electrode and the first cathode electrode, The display device according to claim 19, wherein the first anode electrode and the second anode electrode are separated from each other by the second bank. **Claim 21** Further including a fourth opening defined by the space between the fourth bank and the fifth bank and overlapping with the non-light-emitting region of the display device. The second anode electrode extends into the non-light-emitting region and overlaps with the fifth bank. The display device according to claim 20, wherein the first cathode electrode extends to the fourth opening and covers side surfaces and an upper surface of the fifth bank.

22. The distance between an upper surface of the first cathode electrode between the fourth bank and the second bank and an upper surface of the second anode electrode is greater than a distance between a lower surface of the first cathode electrode between the fourth bank and the fifth bank and an upper surface of the first anode electrode, in the display device according to claim 21.

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