Display device

Abstract

To provide a touch input-type display device that is capable of low-power driving at lower costs by avoiding use of a polarizing plate, and can accommodate high-resolution technology while implementing a low reflectance compared with the prior art even without the polarizing plate.SOLUTION: Embodiments of the disclosure can provide a display device including: a substrate SUB; a light emitting element positioned on the substrate; a bank BANK including a first opening O1 corresponding to the light emitting element; an encapsulation layer ENCAP positioned on the light emitting element; a touch electrode TE positioned on the encapsulation layer; a matrix MAT positioned on the touch electrode; and a color filter CF positioned on the touch electrode. The display device can realize a low reflectance by a matrix including a first layer and a second layer, which is positioned on the first layer and has a lower refractive index than the first layer, and by a color filter present between the first and second layers.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device.

Background Art

[0002] A display device may include a light-emitting part and a non-light-emitting part, and may include a plurality of pixels including a light-emitting element and various circuit elements for driving the same. At this time, when external light is reflected by various material layers constituting the light-emitting element and the circuit element, there may be a problem that it is difficult for a user using the display device to identify information displayed on the display device by the external light.

[0003] Conventional display devices use a polarizing plate to reduce the reflectance of external light. In this case, the reflectance of external light could be effectively reduced. However, the use of an expensive polarizing plate increases the manufacturing cost of the display device, there are limitations in making the display device thinner, the brightness of the light emitted from the light-emitting element decreases while passing through the polarizing plate, and there is a problem that higher power is used to achieve the required brightness.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the field of display technology, technologies have been studied to achieve a low reflectance without using an expensive polarizing plate that significantly reduces the light emitted from the display device. However, when not using a polarizing plate, a rainbow mura phenomenon occurs due to the light reflected from the display device, or an optical layer needs to be added to prevent the rainbow mura phenomenon, resulting in problems such as cost increase and complex structure. Also, due to the rising requirements for display technology, a technology that can be implemented in small pixels to support higher resolutions is required, and a lower reflectance is also required for external light reflection. In addition, it is required to include a touch technology that enables external input for using the display device as an input device in addition to the display device. Therefore, the present invention provides a touch input type display device that can support high-resolution technology while achieving a lower reflectance compared to the conventional one without using a polarizing plate, and enables lower cost and low-power driving by not using a polarizing plate.

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a display device having a matrix structure that reduces reflectance.

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a display device including a matrix including a first layer and a second layer located on the first layer and having a refractive index lower than that of the first layer, with a color filter located between the first matrix and the second matrix to achieve a low reflectance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a display device including a substrate, a light-emitting element located on the substrate, a bank including a first opening corresponding to the light-emitting element, a sealing layer located on the light-emitting element, a touch electrode located on the sealing layer, a matrix located on the touch electrode, and a color filter located on the touch electrode.

[0008] The matrix can include a first layer and a second layer. The second layer is located on the first layer and may have a lower refractive index than the first layer. Further, the color filter can be disposed on the first layer and can be disposed under the second layer.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a display device including a matrix including a first layer and a second layer located on the first layer and having a lower refractive index than the first layer, and a color filter located between the first layer and the second layer, which realizes a low reflectance.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6a

Figure 6b

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, for the same components, even if they are shown on different drawings, the same numerals can be used as much as possible. In addition, when explaining the present disclosure, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known configuration or function obscures the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description thereof can be omitted. When terms such as "including", "having", and "performed" are used in this specification, unless "only" is used, other parts may be added. When a component is expressed in the singular, unless there is a specific description, it may include the case where a plurality are included.

[0012] In addition, when explaining the components of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. can be used. These terms are for distinguishing the components from other components, and the essence, order, procedure, number, etc. of the components are not limited by these terms.

[0013] In the description of the positional relationship of components, when it is described that two or more components are "connected", "coupled", or "joined", etc., it should be understood that two or more components can be directly "connected", "coupled", or "joined", but it is also possible that another component "intervenes" between two or more components and they are "connected", "coupled", or "joined". Here, another component may be included in one or more of the two or more components that are "connected", "coupled", or "joined" to each other.

[0014] In the description of the temporal flow relationship regarding components, operation methods, manufacturing methods, etc., for example, when the temporal front-back relationship or flow front-back relationship is described by "after ~", "subsequent to ~", "after ~", "before ~", etc., unless "immediately" or "directly" is used, it can include the case where it is not continuous.

[0015] On the one hand, when referring to numerical values for components or their corresponding information (e.g., levels, etc.), even without separate explicit description, the numerical values or their corresponding information can be interpreted as including an error range that can be caused by various factors (e.g., process factors, internal or external impacts, noise, etc.).

[0016] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, a display device according to an embodiment can provide both a function for video display and a function for touch sensing.

[0019] To provide a video display function, a display device according to an embodiment can include a display panel DISP in which a large number of data lines and a large number of gate lines are arranged, and a large number of sub-pixels defined by the large number of data lines and the large number of gate lines are arrayed, a data driving circuit DDC for driving the large number of data lines, a gate driving circuit GDC for driving the large number of gate lines, and a display controller DCTR for controlling the operations of the data driving circuit DDC and the gate driving circuit GDC, etc.

[0020] Each of the data driving circuit DDC, the gate driving circuit GDC, and the display controller DCTR can also be implemented by one or more individual components. In some cases, two or more of the data driving circuit DDC, the gate driving circuit GDC, and the display controller DCTR can be integrated and implemented as one component. For example, the data driving circuit DDC and the display controller DCTR can be implemented by one integrated circuit chip (IC Chip).

[0021] To provide a touch sensing function, a display device according to an embodiment may include a touch panel TSP including a number of touch electrodes, a touch driving circuit TDC that supplies a touch driving signal to the touch panel TSP, detects a touch sensing signal from the touch panel TSP, and senses the presence or absence of a user's touch or the touch position (or touch coordinates) on the touch panel TSP based on the detected touch sensing signal, and a touch sensing circuit TSC.

[0022] As an example, the touch sensing circuit TSC may include a touch driving circuit TDC that supplies a touch driving signal to the touch panel TSP and detects a touch sensing signal from the touch panel TSP, and a touch controller TCTR that senses the presence or absence and / or touch position of a user's touch on the touch panel TSP based on the touch sensing signal detected by the touch driving circuit TDC.

[0023] The touch driving circuit TDC may include a first circuit part that supplies a touch driving signal to the touch panel TSP and a second circuit part that detects a touch sensing signal from the touch panel TSP.

[0024] The touch driving circuit TDC and the touch controller TCTR may be implemented as separate components, or may be implemented as integrated into one component in some cases. On the other hand, each of the data driving circuit DDC, the gate driving circuit GDC, and the touch driving circuit TDC may be implemented by one or more integrated circuits, and may be implemented in a COG (Chip On Glass) type, a COF (Chip On Film) type, or a TCP (Tape Carrier Package) type, etc., from the perspective of electrical connection with the display panel DISP, and the gate driving circuit GDC may also be implemented in a GIP (Gate In Panel) type.

[0025] On the one hand, each of the circuit configurations DDC, GDC, DCTR for display driving and the circuit configurations TDC, TCTR for touch sensing can be embodied in one or more individual components. In some cases, one or more of the circuit configurations DDC, GDC, DCTR for display driving and one or more of the circuit configurations TDC, TCTR for touch sensing can also be functionally integrated and embodied as one or more components. For example, the data driving circuit DDC and the touch driving circuit TDC can also be integrated and embodied in one or two or more integrated circuit chips. When the data driving circuit DDC and the touch driving circuit TDC are integrated and embodied in two or more integrated circuit chips, each of the two or more integrated circuit chips can have a data driving function and a touch driving function.

[0026] On the other hand, the display device according to an embodiment may be of various types such as an organic light emitting display device, an inorganic light emitting display device, and a liquid crystal display device. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, it will be described by taking the case where the display device is an organic light emitting display device as an example. That is, the display panel DISP may be of various types such as an organic light emitting display panel, an inorganic light emitting display panel, and a liquid crystal display panel. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, it will be described by taking the case where the display panel DISP is an organic light emitting display panel as an example.

[0027] On the other hand, as will be described later, the touch panel TSP can include a number of touch electrodes to which a touch driving signal can be applied or a touch sensing signal can be detected, and a number of touch electrode wirings for connecting such a number of touch electrodes to the touch driving circuit TDC.

[0028] The touch panel TSP may exist outside the display panel DISP. That is, the touch panel TSP and the display panel DISP can be separately manufactured and combined. Such a touch panel TSP is called an external type or an add-on type.

[0029] In contrast, the touch panel TSP can also be built inside the display panel DISP. That is, when manufacturing the display panel DISP, the touch sensor structure such as a large number of touch electrodes and a large number of touch electrode wirings that make up the touch panel TSP can be formed together with the electrodes and signal lines for display driving. Such a touch panel TSP is called a built-in type. Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, the case where the touch panel TSP is of the built-in type will be taken as an example for explanation.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a display panel of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 2, the display panel DISP can include a display area AA where an image is displayed and a non-display area NA which is an outer area surrounding the outer boundary line BL of the display area AA.

[0032] In the display area AA of the display panel DISP, a large number of sub-pixels for video display are arranged, and various electrodes and signal lines for display driving are arranged. Also, in the display area AA of the display panel DISP, a large number of touch electrodes for touch sensing and a large number of touch electrode wirings electrically connected thereto can be arranged. Thereby, the display area AA can also be a touch sensing area capable of touch sensing.

[0033] In the non-display area NA of the display panel DISP, a link line extending from various signal lines arranged in the display area AA or a link line electrically connected to various signal lines arranged in the display area AA and a pad electrically connected to this link line can be arranged. The pads arranged in the non-display area NA can be bonded or electrically connected by a display driving circuit (such as DDC, GDC).

[0034] In addition, in the non-display area NA of the display panel DISP, a link line extending from a large number of touch electrode wirings arranged in the display area AA or a link line electrically connected to a large number of touch electrode wirings arranged in the display area AA, and a pad electrically connected to this link line can be arranged. The pad arranged in the non-display area NA can be bonded or electrically connected by the touch drive circuit TDC.

[0035] In the non-display area NA, there may be a portion where a part of the outermost touch electrode among a large number of touch electrodes arranged in the display area AA is extended, and one or more electrodes (touch electrodes) made of the same material as the large number of touch electrodes arranged in the display area AA may be further arranged.

[0036] That is, all of the large number of touch electrodes arranged in the display panel DISP may be entirely within the display area AA, or a part of the large number of touch electrodes arranged in the display panel DISP (for example, the outermost touch electrode) may be in the non-display area NA, or a part of the large number of touch electrodes arranged in the display panel DISP (for example, the outermost touch electrode) may straddle the display area AA and the non-display area NA.

[0037] On the other hand, referring to FIG. 2, the display panel DISP of the display device according to an embodiment may include a dam area DA where a dam for preventing any layer (Layer, for example, the sealing layer in an organic light-emitting display panel) within the display area AA from collapsing is arranged.

[0038] The dam region DA can be located at the boundary between the display region AA and the non-display region NA, or at a location in the non-display region NA that is the outer contour region of the display region AA. The dam disposed in the dam region DA can be disposed while surrounding the display region AA in all directions, or can be disposed only on the outer contour of one or more portions of the display region AA (for example, a portion with an easily collapsible layer). The dams disposed in the dam region DA may be in one connected pattern, or may be composed of two or more disconnected patterns. Further, only the primary dam may be disposed in the dam region DA, two dams (primary dam, secondary dam) may be disposed, or three or more dams may be disposed. In the dam region DA, there may be only the primary dam in one direction and both the primary dam and the secondary dam in the other direction.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a diagram exemplarily showing a structure in which a touch panel is incorporated in a display panel according to an embodiment.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 3, a large number of sub-pixels SP are arranged on the substrate SUB in the display region AA of the display panel DISP.

[0041] Each sub-pixel SP can include a light-emitting element ED, a first transistor T1 for driving the light-emitting element ED, a second transistor T2 for transmitting a data voltage VDATA to the first node N1 of the first transistor T1, a storage capacitor Cst for maintaining a constant voltage during one frame, and the like.

[0042] The first transistor T1 can include a first node N1 to which a data voltage VDATA can be applied, a second node N2 electrically connected to the light-emitting element ED, and a third node N3 to which a driving voltage VDD is applied from a driving voltage line DVL. The first node N1 is a gate node, the second node N2 may be a source node or a drain node, and the third node N3 may be a drain node or a source node. Such a first transistor T1 is also referred to as a driving transistor for driving the light-emitting element ED.

[0043] The light-emitting element ED can include an anode electrode ANO, a light-emitting layer EL, and a cathode electrode CAT. The anode electrode ANO is electrically connected to the second node N2 of the first transistor T1, and a base voltage (or a driving low voltage, VSS) can be applied to the cathode electrode CAT. The light-emitting layer EL in such a light-emitting element ED may be an organic light-emitting layer containing an organic substance. In this case, the light-emitting element ED may be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED: Organic Light Emitting Diode).

[0044] The second transistor T2 is controlled to be turned on and off by a scan signal SCAN applied via a gate line GL, and can be electrically connected between the first node N1 of the first transistor T1 and a data line DL. Such a second transistor T2 is also referred to as a switching transistor. When the second transistor T2 is turned on by the scan signal SCAN, it transmits the data voltage VDATA supplied from the data line DL to the first node N1 of the first transistor T1.

[0045] Each sub-pixel SP can have a 2T1C structure including two transistors T1, T2 and one capacitor Cst as shown in FIG. 3, and in some cases, can further include one or more transistors or one or more capacitors.

[0046] The storage capacitor Cst is not a parasitic capacitor (e.g., Cgs, Cgd) which is an internal capacitor (Internal Capacitor) that may exist between the first node N1 and the second node N2 of the first transistor T1, but may be an external capacitor (External Capacitor) intentionally designed outside the first transistor T1.

[0047] Each of the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2 may be an n-type transistor or a p-type transistor.

[0048] On one hand, as described above, circuit elements such as a light-emitting element ED, two or more transistors T1, T2, and one or more capacitors Cst are arranged on the display panel DISP. Since such circuit elements (especially the light-emitting element ED) are vulnerable to external moisture, oxygen, etc., a sealing layer ENCAP may be arranged on the display panel DISP to prevent external moisture and oxygen from penetrating into the circuit elements (especially the light-emitting element ED). Such a sealing layer ENCAP may consist of one layer or multiple layers.

[0049] On the other hand, in a display device according to an embodiment, a touch panel TSP may be formed on the sealing layer ENCAP. That is, in the display device, touch sensor structures such as a number of touch electrodes TE forming the touch panel TSP can be arranged on the sealing layer ENCAP.

[0050] During touch sensing, a touch drive signal or a touch sensing signal can be applied to the touch electrode TE. Therefore, during touch sensing, a potential difference may be formed between the touch electrode TE and the cathode electrode CAT arranged with the sealing layer ENCAP in between, and unnecessary parasitic capacitance may be formed. Since such parasitic capacitance can generate noise and reduce touch sensitivity, in order to reduce the parasitic capacitance, a separate electrode (i.e., a shielding electrode) can be positioned between the touch electrode TE and the cathode electrode CAT to shield the noise generated between the touch electrode TE and the cathode electrode CAT.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the mesh-type touch electrode TE and the region of the mesh-type touch electrode TE and the sub-pixel region in the display device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 4, in the display device 100 according to the embodiment, each of a number of touch electrodes TE may be patterned in a mesh type (mesh type) and may be an electrode metal EM with holes OA. Here, the holes OA are also referred to as open regions.

[0053] In a touch electrode TE formed by patterning an electrode metal EM into a mesh type (mesh type), each of the holes OA can correspond to a light emitting portion of one or more sub-pixels.

[0054] For example, when the display panel PNL is an LCD panel, the light emitting portion of the sub-pixel can include a pixel electrode or a color filter, etc. When the display panel PNL is an OLED panel, the light emitting portion of the sub-pixel can include an anode electrode of an organic light emitting diode OLED, an organic light emitting layer, etc., and in some cases, can include a color filter, etc.

[0055] As described above, in a plan view, by patterning the electrode metal EM of the touch electrode TE so that a light emitting portion of one or more sub-pixels corresponds to each position of the open region OA existing within the region of the touch electrode TE, even if the electrode metal EM is made of an opaque substance, the light emission efficiency of the display panel PNL can be increased.

[0056] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to a comparative example of the present disclosure, and is a diagram exemplarily showing the positions of a color filter and a black matrix.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 5, a cathode CE of an organic light emitting diode OLED can exist under the encapsulation layer ENCAP.

[0058] As an example, the thickness T of the encapsulation layer ENCAP may be 5 micrometers or more.

[0059] As described above, by designing the thickness of the encapsulation layer ENCAP to be 5 micrometers or more, the parasitic capacitance formed between the cathode CE of the organic light emitting diode OLED and the touch electrode TE can be reduced. Thereby, a decrease in touch sensitivity due to parasitic capacitance can be prevented.

[0060] On one hand, each of the plurality of touch electrodes TE has an electrode metal EM patterned in a mesh shape (network shape) with a plurality of open regions OA, and in the plurality of open regions OA, one or more sub-pixels or their light-emitting portions can be present when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0061] As described above, in a plan view, by patterning the electrode metal EM of the touch electrode TE so that the light-emitting portions of one or more sub-pixels correspond to and exist at the respective positions of the open regions OA existing within the region of the touch electrode TE, the aperture ratio and light-emitting efficiency of the display panel PNL can be increased.

[0062] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the position of the black matrix BM overlaps with the position of the electrode metal EM of the touch electrode TE.

[0063] By positioning a plurality of color filters CF at positions corresponding to the positions of the plurality of open regions OA, an organic light-emitting display panel and a display device having excellent light-emitting performance can be provided.

[0064] Looking at the vertical positional relationship between the color filter CF and the touch electrode TE, it is as follows.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of color filters CF and the black matrix BM can be positioned on the plurality of touch electrodes TE.

[0066] That is, the color filter CF can be positioned on the encapsulation layer ENCAP and on touch sensor metals such as the touch electrode TE and the touch line TL (not shown).

[0067] The plurality of color filters CF and the black matrix BM can be positioned on the first touch buffer layer TBUF1 and the second touch buffer part TBUF2 on the plurality of touch electrodes TE.

[0068] According to the above, considering display performance such as light emission performance and touch performance, it is possible to provide a display device of an OLED display type having an optimal positional relationship between a color filter CF and a touch electrode TE.

[0069] On the other hand, in order to improve the convenience of manufacturing the display device and reduce the size, attempts have been made conventionally to incorporate a touch panel TSP composed of a touch electrode TE into a display panel PNL.

[0070] However, in order to incorporate the touch panel TSP into the display panel PNL which is an organic light-emitting display panel, there are considerable difficulties and many restrictive matters.

[0071] For example, in the manufacturing process of the display panel PNL which is an organic light-emitting display panel, there is a limit point that a high-temperature process for forming the touch electrode TE generally made of a metal substance inside the panel is not free due to the organic matter.

[0072] Due to such structural characteristics and restrictive factors such as the process of the organic light-emitting display panel, it has been difficult to arrange the touch electrode TE as a touch sensor inside the display panel PNL which is an organic light-emitting display panel. Therefore, conventionally, instead of incorporating the touch panel TSP into the display panel PNL which is an organic light-emitting display panel, a touch structure has been implemented by a method of attaching it on the display panel PNL which is an organic light-emitting display panel.

[0073] However, as shown in FIG. 5, through a TOE (Touch On Encapsulation Layer) structure such as forming the touch electrode TE on the encapsulation layer ENCAP and a COE (Color On Encapsulation Layer) structure of forming the color filter CF on the encapsulation layer ENCAP, it is possible to provide a display panel PNL which is an organic light-emitting display panel incorporating a touch panel TSP capable of having excellent display performance and touch performance.

[0074] Referring further to FIG. 5, the display device according to the comparative example may include a substrate SUB, a thin film transistor layer TFT, a bank BANK, a sealing layer ENCAP, a first touch buffer layer TBUF1, a touch electrode TE, a second touch buffer layer TBUF2, a black matrix BM, and a color filter CF.

[0075] The first touch buffer layer TBUF1 and the second touch buffer layer TBUF2 can be composed of an inorganic insulating film, and may be, but are not limited to, insulating films SiNx, SiOx, SiON containing silicon.

[0076] External light incident on the display device can be reflected by various parts of the display device. For example, L1 is external light reflected from the light-emitting region of the light-emitting element, and L2 is external light reflected from the black matrix.

[0077] The touch electrode TE and the touch line TL (not shown) can be formed of a metal such as Cu, Mo, Ti, Al, or a transparent metal in the form of an oxide containing indium. Since the reflectance is high when the electrode conductivity is formed of a metal material, in order to prevent such metal reflection, the touch electrode TE and the touch line TL are located under the black matrix BM to prevent reflection of external light. The color filter CF is formed corresponding to the open region OA in FIG. 4, and a part of the color filter can be formed on the black matrix BM.

[0078] The color filter CF must be formed corresponding to the open region OA for the corresponding color, and when it is not formed for adjacent different colors, only the desired color can be displayed at the pixel. Therefore, the end of the color filter can be formed on the black matrix BM.

[0079] On top of the black matrix BM and the color filter CF, an organic insulating layer PAC, an optical adhesive layer OCA, and a cover window CW can be further included. The optical adhesive layer OCA is located under the cover window CW, is in direct contact with the cover window, and can have adhesiveness.

[0080] Figures 6a and 6b are diagrams showing the case where reflection occurs with respect to incident light in a general multilayer film.

[0081] Figure 6a is a diagram showing the process in which incident light is reflected when composed of two layers. Since light can be reflected at the interface between two objects with different refractive indices, in two layers like those in Figure 6a, reflected light 1 that is reflected by the incident light in the first layer (layer 1) may occur, and reflected light 2 that is reflected at the interface where the light passing through the first layer (layer 1) meets the second layer (layer 2) may occur, and two different reflected lights may occur. At this time, reflected light 1 and reflected light 2 may have different phases due to the distance difference, and these two reflected lights with different phases may be combined and cancel each other out. When such destructive interference occurs, the amplitude of the reflected light decreases compared to the existing reflected light 1, and the reflected light may decrease.

[0082] Such reflection of a multilayer film is a phenomenon that generally occurs in two or more layers. When composed of a four-layer film as in Figure 6b, more reflected lights are generated than in Figure 6a. When adjusting the phase difference between these reflected lights, due to the occurrence of destructive interference among a large number of reflected lights, the reflected light can be made to decrease even more than the decrease due to reflection by two layers.

[0083] In Figure 5, the external light L2 reflected by the black matrix BM may be a single-layer reflected light formed by reflection by the black matrix BM, or the sum of the reflected light made by the color filter CF formed on the black matrix BM and the light reflected and passed through by the black matrix after passing through the color filter, that is, the reflected light of two layers.

[0084] As described above, when a polarizing plate is not used, visibility deficiency in the display area AA may occur due to the light reflected. To solve such a phenomenon, pigments can be added to an overcoat layer or an optical adhesive layer positioned between the color filter CF and the cover window CW. However, even when pigments are added to the overcoat layer or the optical adhesive layer, there is still a limit in making the display device have a low reflectance.

[0085] Figs. 7 to 10 are cross-sectional views of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] Referring to Figs. 7 to 10, the display device may include a substrate SUB, a light-emitting element ED, a bank BANK, a sealing layer ENCAP, a touch electrode TE, a matrix MAT, and a color filter CF. Further, the display device may include a thin-film transistor layer TFT on which a thin-film transistor for driving the light-emitting element ED is positioned, a first touch buffer layer TBUF1 positioned on the sealing layer ENCAP, a second touch buffer layer TBUF2 positioned on the touch electrode TE, an organic insulating layer PAC positioned on the color filter CF, and an optical adhesive layer OCA.

[0087] The substrate SUB may include a display area. A number of light-emitting elements ED may be positioned in the display area. The thin-film transistor layer TFT may be positioned on the substrate SUB. The thin-film transistor layer TFT may be a layer on which a transistor for driving the light-emitting element ED is positioned. The light-emitting element ED may be positioned on the substrate SUB. The light-emitting element ED may be electrically connected to and driven by a transistor positioned in the thin-film transistor layer TFT. The light-emitting element ED may include an anode electrode ANO, a light-emitting layer EL, and a cathode electrode CAT.

[0088] The bank can be located on the substrate SUB. Also, the bank can be located on the thin-film transistor layer TFT, and a part of the bank can be located on the anode electrode ANO of the light-emitting element ED. The bank can distinguish between the light-emitting region and the non-light-emitting region and define the light-emitting region of the sub-pixel. The light-emitting region of the sub-pixel may be a region where the bank is open and the anode electrode ANO of the light-emitting element ED is exposed.

[0089] The bank can have a width BK_W of a bank of a certain size and can include a first opening O1 corresponding to the light-emitting layer EL. The fact that the first opening O1 corresponds to the light-emitting layer EL may mean that the first opening O1 is positioned so that the light generated in the light-emitting layer EL of the light-emitting element ED is directed to the outside of the display device through the first opening O1. The light-emitting region can be defined by the first opening O1 of the bank, and the first opening O1 region of the bank and the light-emitting region may be the same.

[0090] The inorganic insulating layer PAS and the encapsulation layer ENCAP can be located on the light-emitting element ED. By locating the inorganic insulating layer PAS and the encapsulation layer ENCAP on the light-emitting element ED, the light-emitting element ED can be protected from external oxygen, moisture, etc.

[0091] The touch electrode TE can be located on the encapsulation layer ENCAP. A first touch buffer layer TBUF1 can be located between the touch electrode TE and the encapsulation layer ENCAP. On the first touch buffer layer TBUF1, the touch electrode TE can have a width TE_W of a touch electrode of a certain size and can include a second opening O2. The second opening O2 of the touch electrode TE may refer to the hole OA described in FIG. 4 above. The first opening O1 of the bank can be located within the second opening O2 of the touch electrode TE. The touch electrode TE can be located on the non-light-emitting region defined by the bank and can be located overlapping the bank.

[0092] The width TE_W of the touch electrode may be equal to or narrower than the width BK_W of the bank, and the second opening O2 may be equal to or larger than the first opening O1. Due to such a size difference, when the light generated in the light-emitting region is emitted to the outside, the blocking of the light by the touch electrode can be minimized.

[0093] The matrix MAT can be located on the touch electrode TE. A second touch buffer layer TBUF2 can be located between the touch electrode TE and the matrix MAT, but the second touch buffer layer TBUF2 may not be located if not necessary. By having the matrix MAT overlap and be located on the touch electrode TE on the second touch buffer layer TBUF2, it is possible to prevent external light from being reflected by the touch electrode TE and the display device from having a high reflectance.

[0094] The matrix MAT can include a first matrix MAT1 and a second matrix MAT2. The second matrix MAT2 can be located on the first matrix MAT1. Also, the second matrix MAT2 may have a lower refractive index than the first matrix MAT1.

[0095] The first matrix MAT1 can have a width MAT1_W of a first matrix of a certain size and can include a third opening O3. The third opening O3 of the first matrix MAT1 is located within the second opening O2 of the touch electrode TE, and the first opening O1 of the bank can be located within the third opening O3 of the first matrix MAT1. The first matrix MAT1 can be located on the non-light-emitting region defined by the bank BANK and can overlap and be located with the bank BANK and the touch electrode TE.

[0096] The width MAT1_W of the first matrix MAT1 may be equal to or greater than the width TE_W of the touch electrode, and may be equal to or less than the width BK_W of the bank. The third opening O3 of the first matrix MAT1 may be equal to or greater than the first opening O1 of the bank BANK, and may be equal to or less than the second opening O2 of the touch electrode TE.

[0097] The first matrix MAT1 can contain white nanoparticles. The white nanoparticles can include particles composed of oxides, and can be composed of titanium-based oxides such as rutile and anatase, titnia, or silicon nanoparticles, without being limited thereto. The first matrix MAT1 can include a binder, a photosensitizer, and an additive in addition to the white nanoparticles. The first matrix MAT1 can be formed by a low-temperature process of 100°C or less. The first matrix MAT1 can contain black nanoparticles instead of white nanoparticles, or the first matrix MAT1 can further contain black nanoparticles together with the white nanoparticles. The "black nanoparticles" referred to in the present disclosure can be black particles. Also, the "black" referred to in the present disclosure can mean a color effective for light absorption (or light blocking), and can be a complete black, or various dark colors similar to black even if it is not a complete black.

[0098] The color filter CF can be located on the touch electrode TE. The color filter CF can fill the third opening O3 of the first matrix MAT1 and can include a color filter pattern corresponding to the color of the light emitted from the light-emitting element.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, a part of the color filter CF can be located on the first matrix MAT1, and the color filter CF may have a refractive index lower than that of the first matrix MAT1.

[0100] The second matrix MAT2 can be positioned overlapping the first matrix MAT1 and the touch electrode TE on the first matrix MAT1.

[0101] The second matrix MAT2 can have a width MAT2_W of a second matrix of a certain size and can include a fourth opening O4. The fourth opening O4 of the second matrix MAT2 is located within the second opening O2 of the touch electrode TE, and the third opening O3 of the first matrix MAT1 and the first opening O1 of the bank BANK can be located within the fourth opening O4 of the second matrix MAT2. The second matrix MAT2 can be located in a non-light-emitting region, not in the light-emitting region defined by the bank BANK, and can be positioned overlapping the bank BANK, the touch electrode TE, and the first matrix MAT1.

[0102] The width MAT2_W of the second matrix MAT2 is equal to or greater than the width TE_W of the touch electrode, equal to or less than the width BK_W of the bank, equal to or less than the width MAT1_W of the first matrix MAT1, and the fourth opening O4 of the second matrix MAT2 is equal to or greater than the first opening O1 of the bank BANK, equal to or less than the second opening O2 of the touch electrode TE, and equal to or greater than the third opening O2 of the first matrix MAT1.

[0103] The second matrix MAT2 can contain black nanoparticles. The black nanoparticles can include, but are not limited to, particles composed of carbon black or lactam black. The second matrix MAT2 can include a binder, a photosensitizer, and an additive in addition to the black nanoparticles. The second matrix MAT2 can be formed by a low-temperature process of 100°C or lower. The weight ratio of the black nanoparticles contained in the second matrix MAT2 may be greater than that of the black nanoparticles contained in the first matrix MAT1.

[0104] Part of the color filter CF is located on the first matrix MAT1, and the color filter CF located on the first matrix MAT1 is located under the second matrix MAT2.

[0105] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, when the first matrix MAT1, the color filter CF, the second matrix MAT2, and the second touch buffer layer TBUF2 are located corresponding to the touch electrode TE on the touch electrode TE, the light incident from the outside and reflected by the touch electrode TE will generate a large number of reflected lights as shown in FIG. 6b. When destructive interference occurs, the reflected light can be further reduced. When the refractive index of the first matrix MAT1 located at the lower part is high and the refractive index of the second matrix MAT2 located at the upper part is low, the reflectance to external light may be even lower.

[0106] In order to obtain such a low external light reflection, the refractive index of the first matrix MAT1 can be 2.1 to 2.7, and the refractive index of the second matrix MAT2 can be 1.4 to 1.8.

[0107] On the upper part of the second matrix MAT2 and the color filter CF, an organic insulating layer PAC, an optical adhesive layer OCA, and a cover window CW can be further included. The optical adhesive layer OCA is located under the cover window CW and can have adhesiveness while being in direct contact with the cover window. The optical adhesive layer OCA can include pigments and dyes that can reduce the reflectance. The pigments and dyes that can reduce the reflectance can be a mixture of black or red and blue. When the pigments and dyes that can reduce such reflectance are included, the display device can have an even lower reflectance.

[0108] Table 1 below compares the reflectances of the display devices according to the examples and comparative examples of the present disclosure.

Table 1

[0109] In Table 1, the comparative example is the reflectance of a display device having the black matrix BM and the color filter CF structure shown in FIG. 5, and the example is the reflectance of the display device according to the example of FIG. 7 of the present disclosure. As described above, since greater cancellation interference can occur when applying to more multilayer films, the external light L2 reflected by the black matrix BM is more affected by the cancellation interference in the example according to FIG. 7 than in the comparative example according to FIG. 5, and it can be seen that lower reflectance is shown in all measured wavelength bands.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 8, a part of the color filter CF is located on the first matrix MAT1, and the sides of adjacent color filters CF11 and CF12, CF12 and CF13, or CF13 and CF11 can be in direct contact with other adjacent color filters CF on the first matrix MAT1, and the contact portion can be located under the second matrix MAT2. Here, the color filter CF can be composed of red, green, and blue, and CF11 can correspond to red, CF12 can correspond to green, and CF13 can correspond to blue. Also, although the color filter CF is shown in three colors in the drawing, it can be configured to correspond to three or more colors.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 9, which is another example, a part of the color filter CF is located on the first matrix MAT1, and the sides of adjacent color filters CF21 and CF22, CF22 and CF23, or CF23 and CF21 can be spaced apart from other adjacent color filters CF on the first matrix MAT1, and the portion where different color filters CF are spaced apart is located under the second matrix MAT2, and the second matrix MAT2 can be in direct contact with the first matrix MAT1 while filling the spaced-apart portion.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 10, which is yet another embodiment, on the first matrix MAT1, some of the color filters CF; CF31, CF32, CF33 can be positioned overlapping with other adjacent color filters, and the overlapping portions of different color filters with each other are positioned overlapping under the second matrix MAT2, and the width MAT2_W of the second matrix MAT2 may be equal to or smaller than that. For example, the second matrix MAT2 can be positioned above the overlapping portion of the first color filter CF31 and the second color filter CF32, and the first matrix MAT1 can be positioned under the overlapping portion of the first color filter CF31 and the second color filter CF32. The second matrix MAT2 may overlap with a part of the first color filter CF31 and overlap with a part of the second color filter CF32. The first matrix MAT1 may overlap with a part of the first color filter CF31 and overlap with a part of the second color filter CF32.

[0113] The display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure does not include a polarizing plate, so while having low power consumption, it includes the first matrix MAT1, the second matrix MAT2, and the color filter located between the first matrix MAT1 and the second matrix MAT2, and effectively reduces the reflectance through multiple cancellation interferences, thus solving the problems of the prior art.

[0114] Briefly described, the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are as follows.

[0115] The display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can include a substrate SUB including a display area, a light-emitting element ED positioned on the substrate SUB, a bank BANK, a sealing layer ENCAP positioned on the light-emitting element ED, a touch electrode TE positioned on the sealing layer ENCAP, a matrix MAT positioned on the touch electrode TE, and a color filter CF positioned on the touch electrode TE.

[0116] The matrix MAT can include a first matrix MAT1 and a second matrix MAT2. The second matrix MAT2 can be located on the first matrix MAT1 and may have a refractive index lower than that of the first matrix MAT1. Also, a part of the color filter CF can be located under the second matrix MAT2 and on the first matrix MAT1, and the refractive index of the color filter CF may be lower than that of the first matrix MAT1.

[0117] For example, the first matrix MAT1 can have a refractive index of 2.1 to 2.7, and the second matrix MAT2 can have a refractive index of 1.4 to 1.8.

[0118] A color filter CF can be located between the first matrix MAT1 and the second matrix MAT2.

[0119] The first matrix MAT1 can include white nanoparticles and black nanoparticles, and the second matrix MAT2 can include black nanoparticles. The weight ratio of the black nanoparticles included in the second matrix MAT2 may be larger than that of the black nanoparticles included in the first matrix MAT1.

[0120] The bank BANK, the touch electrode TE, the first matrix MAT1, and the second matrix MAT2 can be located in a non-emitting region defined by the bank BANK in the display region AA and can be located overlappingly.

[0121] The bank BANK can include a first opening O1 corresponding to the light-emitting element ED, the touch electrode TE can include a second opening O2 corresponding to the light-emitting element ED, the first matrix MAT1 can include a third opening O3 corresponding to the light-emitting element ED, and the second matrix MAT2 can include a fourth opening O4 corresponding to the light-emitting element ED. At this time, the second opening O2 of the touch electrode can be equal to or larger than the first opening O1 of the bank. The third opening O3 of the first matrix MAT1 is located within the second opening O2 of the touch electrode TE, and the first opening O1 of the bank BANK can be located within the third opening O3. The fourth opening O4 of the second matrix MAT2 is located within the second opening O2 of the touch electrode TE, and the third opening O3 of the first matrix MAT1 and the first opening O1 of the bank BANK can be located within the fourth opening O4.

[0122] The bank BANK can have a bank width BK_W of a certain size, the touch electrode TE can have a touch electrode width TE_W of a certain size, the first matrix MAT1 can have a first matrix width MAT1_W of a certain size, and the second matrix MAT2 can have a second matrix width MAT2_W of a certain size. At this time, the width TE_W of the touch electrode is equal to or narrower than the width BK_W of the bank. The width MAT1_W of the first matrix is equal to or larger than the width TE_W of the touch electrode, equal to or narrower than the width BK_W of the bank. The width MAT2_W of the second matrix is equal to or larger than the width TE_W of the touch electrode, equal to or narrower than the width BK_W of the bank, and can be equal to or narrower than the width MAT1_W of the first matrix. That is, the area where the second matrix is located can be equal to or smaller than the area where the first matrix is located. The area where the bank is located can be equal to or smaller than the area where the second matrix is located. The area where the touch electrode is located can be equal to or smaller than the second matrix.

[0123] Part of the color filter CF is located on the first matrix MAT1, and the side surfaces of adjacent color filters CF can be in direct contact with other adjacent color filters CF on the first matrix MAT1, and the contacted parts can be arranged under the second matrix MAT2.

[0124] Part of the color filter CF can be located at a distance from other adjacent color filters CF on the first matrix MAT1, and the separated parts of different color filters CF are located under the second matrix MAT2, and the second matrix MAT2 can be in direct contact with the first matrix MAT1 while filling the separated parts.

[0125] Part of the color filter CF can be located overlapping other adjacent color filters on the first matrix MAT1, and the overlapping parts of different color filters CF are located under the second matrix MAT2, and the width of the second matrix MAT2_W can be equal to or smaller than that.

[0126] On the upper part of the second matrix MAT2 and the color filter CF, an organic insulating layer PAC, an optical adhesive layer OCA, and a cover window CW can be included. The optical adhesive layer OCA can contain pigments, for example.

[0127] The display device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can include a substrate SUB, a bank BANK disposed on the substrate SUB and having a first opening, a matrix MAT located on the bank BANK and having an opening that at least partially overlaps the first opening, and a color filter CF disposed in the opening of the matrix MAT.

[0128] In the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the matrix MAT may include a first layer having a first refractive index and a second layer having a second refractive index lower than the first refractive index. Here, the first layer may be located closer to the substrate than the second layer. The first layer may also be referred to as the first matrix MAT1, and the second layer may also be referred to as the second matrix MAT2.

[0129] In the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first layer of the matrix MAT can be the first matrix MAT1, and the second layer of the matrix MAT can be the second matrix MAT2. The first matrix MAT1 and the second matrix MAT2 overlap but can be arranged spaced apart vertically. In contrast, the first matrix MAT1 and the second matrix MAT2 can be arranged without being spaced apart vertically. That is, the upper surface of the first matrix MAT1 and the back surface of the second matrix MAT2 can be in contact.

[0130] The display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can further include a metal layer disposed under the matrix MAT and having an opening that at least partially overlaps with the first opening. Here, a signal with a varying voltage level can be applied to the metal layer at a predetermined timing. For example, the metal layer may be a touch electrode TE.

[0131] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present disclosure. Those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains can make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present disclosure. Also, the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure are for the purpose of explanation rather than for limiting the technical idea of the present disclosure, and the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited by such embodiments. The protection scope of the present disclosure should be construed according to the following claims, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be construed as being included in the scope of rights of the present disclosure.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0132] DCTR: Controller, DDC: Data Driving Circuit GDC: Gate Driving Circuit, DISP: Display Panel TSP: Touch Panel, TSC: Touch Sensing Circuit TDC: Touch Driving Circuit, TCTR: Touch Controller NA: Non-display Area, DA: Dam Area BL: Outer Boundary Line, AA: Display Area TSP: Touch Panel, TE: Touch Electrode ENCAP: Encapsulation Layer, SP: Sub-pixel SUB: Substrate, VDATA: Data Voltage DL: Data Line, GL: Gate Line SCAN: Scan Signal, VDD: Driving Voltage DVL: Driving Voltage Line, VSS: Base Voltage ANO: Anode Electrode, EL: Light Emitting Layer CAT: Cathode Electrode, ED: Light Emitting Element EM: Electrode Metal, OA: Open Area CF: Color Filter, BM: Black Matrix TBUF1: First Touch Buffer Layer, TBUF2: Second Touch Buffer Layer BANK: Bank, PAS: Inorganic Insulating Layer PAC: Organic Insulating Layer, OCA: Optical Adhesive Layer TFT: Thin Film Transistor Layer, L1, L2: External Light to be Reflected MAT: Matrix MAT1: First Matrix MAT2: Second Matrix MAT1_W: Width of the First Matrix MAT2_W: Width of the Second Matrix TE_W: Width of the Touch Electrode BK_W: Width of the Bank

Claims

1. A substrate including a display area; A light-emitting element located on the substrate; A bank that divides a light-emitting area and a non-light-emitting area and includes a first opening corresponding to the light-emitting element; A sealing layer located on the light-emitting element; A touch electrode located on the sealing layer; A first matrix that overlaps and is located on the touch electrode, and a second matrix that overlaps and is located on the first matrix and has a refractive index lower than that of the first matrix; and A display device including a color filter located on the touch electrode.

2. The display device according to Claim 1, wherein the width of the second matrix is narrower than the width of the first matrix.

3. The display device according to Claim 1, wherein the first matrix, the second matrix, the touch electrode, and the bank overlap and are located with respect to each other in the display area.

4. The touch electrode includes a second opening, The display device according to Claim 1, wherein the first opening of the bank is located within the second opening of the touch electrode.

5. The first matrix includes a third opening, The second matrix includes a fourth opening, The display device according to Claim 4, wherein the third opening of the first matrix and the fourth opening of the second matrix are located within the second opening of the touch electrode.

6. The display device according to Claim 5, wherein the third opening of the first matrix is located within the fourth opening of the second matrix.

7. The display device according to Claim 5, wherein the first opening of the bank is located within the fourth opening of the second matrix, The display device according to Claim 5, wherein the first opening of the bank is located within the third opening of the first matrix.

8. The display device according to Claim 1, wherein a part of the color filter is located on the first matrix and under the second matrix.

9. The second matrix includes black particles, The display device according to Claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the black particles included in the second matrix is larger than the weight ratio of the black particles included in the first matrix.

10. The refractive index of the first matrix is 2.1 to 2.7, The display device according to Claim 1, wherein the refractive index of the second matrix is 1.4 to 1.

8.

11. A first substrate including a display area; A light-emitting element located on the first substrate; A bank that divides the first light-emitting region and the second light-emitting region and corresponds to the light-emitting element; A sealing layer located on the light-emitting element; A touch electrode located on the sealing layer; A first matrix that overlaps and is located on the touch electrode, and a second matrix that overlaps and is located on the first matrix and has a lower refractive index than the first matrix; and A first color filter corresponding to the first light-emitting region and a second color filter corresponding to the second light-emitting region are included on the sealing layer, A display device in which a part of the first color filter and a part of the second color filter are located on the first matrix.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein a part of the first color filter located on the first matrix and a part of the second color filter located on the first matrix are located under the second matrix.

13. The display device according to claim 11, wherein a side surface of the first color filter contacts a side surface of the second color filter on the first matrix.

14. A side surface of the first color filter is separated from a side surface of the second color filter on the first matrix, The display device according to claim 12, wherein in the separated region, the second matrix contacts the first matrix.

15. A part of the second color filter located on the first matrix is located on a part of the first color filter, The display device according to claim 12, wherein a region where the second color filter and the first color filter overlap is located on the first matrix and under the second matrix.

16. The display device according to claim 11, further including an organic insulating layer that covers the second matrix, the first color filter, and the second color filter.

17. A second substrate corresponding to the first substrate, Further including an organic layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, The display device according to claim 11, wherein the organic layer contains a dye or a pigment.

18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein the organic layer has adhesiveness.

Images