Display panel, and electronic device including the same

Abstract

A display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a base layer including a plurality of light-emitting regions and a non-light-emitting region surrounding the plurality of light-emitting regions, a circuit layer disposed on the base layer, and a display layer disposed on the circuit layer and including a plurality of light-emitting elements corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting regions, wherein each of the plurality of light-emitting elements comprises a first electrode, a second electrode disposed on the first electrode, a functional layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and having a first groove defined on its upper surface that overlaps the non-light-emitting region, and a pattern layer disposed within the first groove, wherein the pattern layer comprises an acidic material.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display panel and an electronic device. More specifically, it relates to a display panel with improved efficiency and lifespan, and an electronic device including the same. Background Technology

[0002] Multimedia electronic devices such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, navigation systems, game consoles, and wearable devices may include a display panel that displays images. The display panel uses a so-called self-emissive light-emitting element that realizes display by emitting a light-emitting material, such as an organic compound or quantum dots, in a light-emitting layer disposed between opposing electrodes.

[0003] To improve the quality of display panels and electronic devices including them, it is necessary to improve the light efficiency and lifespan of light-emitting elements. The problem to be solved

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a display panel having excellent light efficiency and improved lifespan characteristics, and an electronic device including the same.

[0005] In addition, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a display panel including a light-emitting element with improved efficiency and lifespan. means of solving the problem

[0006] A display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a base layer including a plurality of light-emitting regions and a non-light-emitting region surrounding the plurality of light-emitting regions, a circuit layer disposed on the base layer, and a display layer disposed on the circuit layer and including a plurality of light-emitting elements corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting regions, wherein each of the plurality of light-emitting elements comprises a first electrode, a second electrode disposed on the first electrode, a functional layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and having a first groove defined on its upper surface that overlaps the non-light-emitting region, and a pattern layer disposed within the first groove, wherein the pattern layer comprises an acidic material.

[0007] The material included in each of the plurality of light-emitting elements may be different from the material included in the pattern layer.

[0008] The above acidic substance may include polyacrylic acid or citric acid.

[0009] The functional layer comprises a first light-emitting part on the first electrode and a second light-emitting part disposed on the first light-emitting part, and the first groove may be defined on the upper surface of the second light-emitting part.

[0010] The first light-emitting part comprises a hole transport layer and a light-emitting layer disposed on the hole transport layer, and the second light-emitting part comprises an electron transport layer disposed on the light-emitting layer, and the acidic material can supply hydrogen ions to the electron transport layer.

[0011] The first light-emitting part includes a hole transport layer, and the second light-emitting part includes a light-emitting layer disposed on the hole transport layer and an electron transport layer disposed on the light-emitting layer, and the acidic material can supply hydrogen ions to the electron transport layer.

[0012] The above display layer further includes a pixel defining film that exposes at least a portion of the upper surface of the first electrode and defines a pixel opening, and the first light-emitting part is disposed within the pixel opening, and the second light-emitting part may include a first portion disposed within the pixel opening and a second portion disposed on the pixel defining film and having the first groove defined on the upper surface.

[0013] The pixel defining film comprises a first layer disposed on the circuit element layer and a second layer disposed on the upper surface of the first layer, and a second groove corresponding to the first groove may be defined on the upper surface of the first layer.

[0014] The second layer may be spaced apart from the first groove and the second groove in a plane.

[0015] The above second layer may be in a shape extended with respect to the first direction.

[0016] The material included in the second layer above may have stronger liquid-repellent properties compared to the material included in the first layer above.

[0017] The above circuit element layer includes a plurality of insulating layers and an organic layer disposed on the insulating layers, and a third groove corresponding to the second groove may be defined on the upper surface of the organic layer.

[0018] The plurality of light-emitting regions may each emit a first light and include a plurality of first light-emitting regions arranged side by side with respect to a first direction, and a plurality of second light-emitting regions each emit a second light and arranged side by side with respect to the first direction.

[0019] The first light is red light or green light, and the second light may be blue light.

[0020] The above non-luminous region may include a first non-luminous region defined between the plurality of first luminous regions, and a second non-luminous region defined between the plurality of second luminous regions.

[0021] The first groove includes a plurality of first-1 grooves overlapping the first non-luminous region and a plurality of first-2 grooves overlapping the second non-luminous region, wherein the plurality of first-1 grooves and the plurality of first luminous regions are arranged alternately with respect to the first direction, and the plurality of first-2 grooves and the plurality of second luminous regions may be arranged alternately with respect to the first direction.

[0022] The above pattern layer includes a first pattern layer disposed within the first-1 groove and a second pattern layer disposed in the first-2 groove, and the thickness of the first pattern layer and the thickness of the second pattern layer may be different.

[0023] A display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a base layer including a plurality of first light-emitting regions, each emitting a first light, a plurality of second light-emitting regions, each emitting a second light different from the first light, a first non-light-emitting region defined between the plurality of first light-emitting regions, and a second non-light-emitting region defined between the plurality of second light-emitting regions; a circuit layer disposed on the base layer; a display layer disposed on the circuit layer and including a plurality of first light-emitting elements corresponding to a plurality of first light-emitting regions and a plurality of second light-emitting elements corresponding to a plurality of second light-emitting regions; wherein each of the plurality of first light-emitting elements includes a first anode, a first cathode disposed on the first anode, and a first functional layer disposed between the first anode and the first cathode, and each of the plurality of second light-emitting elements includes a second anode, a second cathode disposed on the second anode, and a second functional layer disposed between the second anode and the second cathode, and on the upper surface of the first functional layer, the A first indentation pattern is defined that overlaps a first non-luminous region, and on the upper surface of the second functional layer, a second indentation pattern is defined that overlaps the second non-luminous region and has a thickness different from that of the first indentation pattern.

[0024] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a display device that provides an image and includes a display panel, and a power module that supplies power to the display device. The display panel includes a base layer comprising a plurality of light-emitting regions and a non-light-emitting region surrounding the plurality of light-emitting regions, a circuit layer disposed on the base layer, and a display layer disposed on the circuit layer and comprising a plurality of light-emitting elements corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting regions. Each of the plurality of light-emitting elements includes a first electrode, a second electrode disposed on the first electrode, a functional layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and having a first groove defined on its upper surface that overlaps the non-light-emitting region, and a pattern layer disposed within the first groove. The pattern layer includes an acidic material.

[0025] An electronic device of one embodiment may further include a processor and memory. Effects of the invention

[0026] A display panel of one embodiment and an electronic device including the display panel can exhibit excellent luminous efficiency and long lifespan characteristics by including a pattern layer disposed within a light-emitting element.

[0027] The display panel of one embodiment and the electronic device including the display panel can exhibit excellent luminous efficiency and long lifespan characteristics by arranging the thickness of the pattern layer differently according to the light-emitting area. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0028] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a display device according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a part of a display panel according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a light-emitting element according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a plan view of a display panel according to one embodiment. FIGS. 10a and FIGS. 10b are cross-sectional views of a portion of a display panel of one embodiment, respectively. FIGS. 11a to 11f are drawings illustrating, respectively, one step of a method for manufacturing a display panel of one embodiment. FIGS. 12a to 12e are drawings illustrating, respectively, one step of a method for manufacturing a display panel of one embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0029] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may take various forms, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to the specific disclosed forms, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0030] In this specification, where a component (or region, layer, part, etc.) is described as being "on," "connected," or "combined" with another component, it means that it may be directly placed / connected / combined with the other component, or that a third component may be placed between them.

[0031] Identical reference numerals denote identical components. Additionally, in the drawings, the thicknesses, proportions, and dimensions of components are exaggerated for the effective illustration of the technical content. "And / or" includes all one or more combinations that the associated components may define.

[0032] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0033] Additionally, terms such as "below," "lower side," "above," and "upper side" are used to describe the relationships between the components depicted in the drawings. These terms are relative concepts and are described based on the directions indicated in the drawings.

[0034] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0035] In this specification, "directly placed" may mean that there are no additional layers, films, regions, plates, etc. between a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate and another part. For example, "directly placed" may mean placing two layers or two members without using additional members such as adhesive members between them.

[0036] Meanwhile, in this specification, "regions / parts correspond to each other" means "overlaps with each other" and is not limited to having the same area and / or the same shape. Additionally, in this specification, "regions / parts overlap" includes cases where at least one part of the regions / parts identified as overlapping when viewed on a plane overlaps on a plane.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an overly ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0038] Hereinafter, a display panel of one embodiment and an electronic device of one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic device (EA) according to one embodiment may include a display module (11), a processor (12), a memory (13), and a power module (14).

[0040] The processor (12) may include at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), a graphic processing unit (GPU), a communication processor (CP), an image signal processor (ISP), and a controller.

[0041] The memory (15) may store data information necessary for the operation of the processor (12) or the display module (11). When the processor (12) executes an application stored in the memory (15), an image data signal and / or an input control signal are transmitted to the display module (11), and the display module (11) can process the received signal and output image information through a display screen. The display module (11) may include a display panel that displays an image.

[0042] The power module (14) may include a power supply module, such as a power adapter or battery device, and a power conversion module that converts the power supplied by the power supply module to generate power required for the operation of the electronic device (EA).

[0043] At least one of each component of the electronic device (EA) described above may be included within a display device including a display panel according to the embodiments described below. Additionally, some of the individual modules functionally included within a single module may be included within the display device, while others may be provided separately from the display device. For example, the display device may include a display module (11), and the processor (12), memory (13), and power module (14) may be provided in the form of other devices within the electronic device (EA) other than the display device.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 2, various electronic devices including a display device according to one embodiment may include not only image display electronic devices such as a smartphone (10_1a), tablet PC (10_1b), laptop (10_1c), TV (10_1d), and desk monitor (10_1e), but also wearable electronic devices including display modules such as smart glasses (10_2a), head-mounted display (10_2b), and smart watch (10_2c), and automotive electronic devices (10_3) including display modules such as a CID (Center Information Display) and room mirror display placed on the instrument panel, center fascia, and dashboard of a car.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0047] An electronic device (EA) of one embodiment may include a display device (DM) that displays an image through a display surface (EA-IS). The display device (DM) may be housed and placed in a housing (HAU). The electronic device (EA) may include a display device (DM) and a control unit that controls the operation of the display device (DM).

[0048] The display surface (EA-IS) of the electronic device (EA) may have a rectangular shape having long sides extending in a first direction (DR1) on a plane and short sides extending in a second direction (DR2) intersecting the first direction (DR1). However, it is not limited thereto, and the display surface (EA-IS) may have various shapes such as a circle or a polygon.

[0049] In this specification, the third direction (DR3) may be defined as a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2). The front (or top) and back (or bottom) surfaces of each component constituting the electronic device (EA) may face each other in the third direction (DR3), and the normal direction of each of the front and back surfaces may be substantially parallel to the third direction (DR3). The distance between the front and back surfaces defined along the third direction (DR3) may correspond to the thickness of the component.

[0050] In this specification, "in a plane" may be defined as a state viewed from a third direction (DR3). That is, "in a plane" may be described with respect to a plane defined by the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2) together. In this specification, "in a cross-section" may be defined as a state viewed from the first direction (DR1) or the second direction (DR2). Meanwhile, the directions indicated by the first to third directions (DR1, DR2, DR3) are relative concepts and may be converted to other directions.

[0051] In FIG. 3, a tablet terminal is illustrated as an example of an electronic device (EA). An electronic module, camera module, power module, etc., mounted on a main board can be arranged together with a display device (DM) in a bracket / housing (HAU), etc., to form a tablet terminal. Meanwhile, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the display device (DM) and display panel according to an embodiment described below may be applied to large electronic devices such as televisions, monitors, or external billboards, as well as small and medium-sized electronic devices such as personal computers, laptop computers, personal digital terminals, automotive navigation units, game consoles, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and cameras. Furthermore, these are merely examples presented, and as long as they do not deviate from the concept of the present invention, the display device (DM) according to an embodiment may be adopted in other electronic devices. Meanwhile, an electronic device (EA) including a display device (DM) may also be referred to as a display device.

[0052] In one embodiment, an electronic device (EA) including a display device (DM) having a planar display surface is illustrated, but is not limited thereto. The electronic device (EA) may include a curved display surface or a three-dimensional display surface. For example, the three-dimensional display surface may include a plurality of display areas indicating different directions and may include a bent display surface. The electronic device (EA) according to the present embodiment may be a flexible electronic device. The flexible electronic device may be a foldable electronic device.

[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the display surface (EA-IS) includes an active area (AA) where an image is displayed and a bezel area (NAA) adjacent to the active area (AA). The bezel area (NAA) is an area where no image is displayed. Icon images are illustrated in FIG. 3 as an example of an image. The active area (AA) may be referred to as the display area of ​​the display device (DM), and the bezel area (NAA) may be referred to as the non-display area of ​​the display device (DM).

[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the active region (AA) may be substantially rectangular. "Substantially rectangular" includes not only a rectangular shape in the mathematical sense but also a rectangular shape in which no vertices are defined in the vertex region (or corner region) and the boundaries of the curves are defined.

[0055] The bezel area (NAA) may surround the active area (AA). However, it is not limited to this, and the shape of the bezel area (NAA) may be modified. For example, the bezel area (NAA) may be placed on only one side of the active area (AA).

[0056] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows an enlarged and detailed view of a portion of the display area (DA) of the display device (DM) shown in FIG. 4.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 4, the display device (DM) includes a display surface (IS), and the display device (DM) can display an image through the display surface (IS). The display surface (IS) of the display device (DM) may correspond to the display surface (EA-IS) of the electronic device (EA).

[0058] The display surface (IS) may include a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NDA). Multiple light-emitting areas (PXA) may be disposed in the display area (DA). A non-light-emitting area (NPXA) is disposed around the light-emitting areas (PXA). The light-emitting areas (PXA) may be referred to as light-emitting areas, and the non-light-emitting area (NPXA) may be referred to as a non-light-emitting area.

[0059] Light-emitting regions are not placed in the non-display area (NDA) of the display surface (IS), and the non-display area (NDA) may surround the display area (DA). However, it is not limited thereto, and in one embodiment of the present invention, the non-display area (NDA) may be omitted or placed only on one side of the display area (DA).

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the display area (DA) may include a plurality of light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) and a non-light-emitting region (NPXA) surrounding the plurality of light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B). The plurality of light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) may be arranged in a stripe shape on a plane. The plurality of light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) may be aligned along a first direction (DR1) or a second direction (DR2). However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the arrangement of the light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) may be a Pentile™ arrangement or a Diamond Pixel™ arrangement.

[0061] The light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) may each correspond to regions from which light provided by a light-emitting element is emitted. The light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) may include a first light-emitting region (PXA-R), a second light-emitting region (PXA-G), and a third light-emitting region (PXA-B). The first to third light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) may be distinguished according to the color of the light emitted toward the outside of the electronic device (EA). A non-light-emitting region (NPXA) sets the boundaries of the first to third light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) and can prevent color mixing between the first to third light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B).

[0062] One of the first to third light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) may provide a first color light corresponding to the source light provided by the light-emitting element, another may provide a second color light different from the first color light, and the remaining one may provide a third color light different from the first and second color lights. For example, the first color light may be red light, the second color light may be green light, and the first color light may be blue light. However, examples of color light are not necessarily limited to the above examples.

[0063] The first to third light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) may be repeatedly arranged in a predetermined arrangement within the display region (DA). Each of the first to third light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) may be provided in plurality and arranged in a predetermined arrangement. The first light-emitting regions (PXA-R) may be arranged side by side along the first direction (DR1) to form a first column, the second light-emitting regions (PXA-G) may be arranged side by side along the first direction (DR1) to form a second column, and the third light-emitting regions (PXA-B) may be arranged side by side along the first direction (DR1) to form a third column. Each of the first column including first light-emitting regions (PXA-R), the second column including second light-emitting regions (PXA-G), and the third column including third light-emitting regions (PXA-B) may be provided in plurality and arranged along the second direction (DR2).

[0064] Meanwhile, the arrangement of the first to third light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) shown in FIG. 5 is exemplary and is not limited thereto, and the arrangement of the light-emitting regions may vary depending on the design of the electronic device (EA, see FIG. 3). That is, the shape, area, arrangement, etc. of the light-emitting regions can be designed in various ways according to the light emission efficiency according to color, and is not limited to the embodiments shown in FIG. 5.

[0065] The first to third light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) may have various shapes in a plane. For example, each of the first to third light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) may have an elliptical shape as shown in FIG. 5. However, not limited thereto, each of the first to third light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) may have a polygonal, circular, or irregular shape.

[0066] The first to third light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) may have the same shape on a plane. However, not limited thereto, at least some of the first to third light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) may have different shapes. The first to third light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) may have the same area. However, not limited thereto, at least some of the first to third light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) may have different areas on a plane. The area of ​​the first to third light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) may be set according to the light-emitting color.

[0067] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a part of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a light-emitting element according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line I-I' of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 exemplarily illustrates a light-emitting element (ED) and a transistor (TR), etc., included in any pixel included in a display panel (DP) of an embodiment. FIG. 8 exemplarily illustrates the stacked structure of the light-emitting element (ED) to show it in more detail. The light-emitting element (ED) shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 may refer to any one of the light-emitting elements (ED-R, ED-G, ED-B) shown in FIG. 6, and the functional layer (EL) may refer to any one of the functional layers (EL-R, EL-G, EL-B) shown in FIG. 6.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a display device (DM) according to one embodiment may include a display panel (DP). The display panel (DP) may be a configuration that substantially generates image data. The display panel (DP) of one embodiment may be a configuration that displays an image and is included in an electronic device (EA, see FIG. 3) of one embodiment. The display panel (DP) of one embodiment may be a light-emitting display panel. In one embodiment, the display panel (DP) may include an inorganic light-emitting material such as a quantum dot.

[0069] The display panel (DP) may include a base layer (BS), a circuit layer (DP-CL), a display layer (DP-EL), and an encapsulation layer (TFE) that are sequentially stacked in the direction of the third direction axis (DR3).

[0070] In a display panel (DP), the base layer (BS) may be a member that provides a base surface on which a display layer (DP-EL) and a circuit layer (DP-CL) are placed. The base layer (BS) may be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, a plastic substrate, etc. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and the base layer (BS) may be an inorganic layer, an organic layer, or a composite material layer.

[0071] The circuit layer (DP-CL) includes at least one insulating layer and a circuit element. The circuit element includes a signal line, a pixel driving circuit, etc. The circuit layer (DP-CL) can be formed through a process of forming an insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, and a conductive layer by coating, deposition, etc., and a process of patterning an insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, and a conductive layer by photolithography.

[0072] The buffer layer (BFL) may include at least one stacked inorganic layer. A semiconductor pattern is placed on the buffer layer (BFL). The buffer layer (BFL) enhances the bonding strength between the base layer (BS) and the semiconductor pattern.

[0073] The semiconductor pattern may include polysilicon. However, it is not limited thereto, and the semiconductor pattern may include amorphous silicon or metal oxide. FIG. 7 illustrates only a portion of the semiconductor pattern, and additional semiconductor patterns may be placed in other areas of the pixels on a plane. The semiconductor pattern may be arranged across the pixels according to a specific rule.

[0074] The electrical properties of a semiconductor pattern differ depending on whether it is doped. The semiconductor pattern may include a first region (A1) with low doping concentration and conductivity and a second region (S1, D1) with relatively high doping concentration and conductivity. One second region (S1) may be placed on one side of the first region (A1), and another second region (D1) may be placed on the other side of the first region (A1). The second regions (S1, D1) may be doped with an N-type dopant or a P-type dopant. A P-type transistor includes a doped region doped with a P-type dopant. The first region (A1) may be a non-doped region or may be doped at a lower concentration compared to the second regions (S1, D1).

[0075] The second region (S1, D1) substantially functions as an electrode or a signal line. One second region (S1) may correspond to the source of the transistor, and one second region (D1) may be the drain. FIG. 7 illustrates a portion of a connected signal line (SCL) formed from a semiconductor pattern. Although not separately illustrated, the connected signal line (SCL) may be connected to the drain of the transistor (TR) on a plane.

[0076] The first insulating layer (10) may be disposed on the buffer layer (BFL). The first insulating layer (10) overlaps commonly with a plurality of pixels disposed in the display area (DA) and covers a semiconductor pattern. The first insulating layer (10) may be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer and may have a single layer or a multilayer structure. The first insulating layer (10) may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. The insulating layer of the circuit layer (DP-CL) described later, as well as the first insulating layer (10), may be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer and may have a single layer or a multilayer structure.

[0077] A gate (G1) is placed on a first insulating layer (10). The gate (G1) may be part of a metal pattern. The gate (G1) overlaps with a first region (A1). In a process of doping a semiconductor pattern, the gate (G1) may function as a mask.

[0078] A second insulating layer (20) is disposed on the first insulating layer (10) and can cover the gate (G1). The second insulating layer (20) overlaps the pixels in common. An upper electrode (UE) can be disposed on the second insulating layer (20). The upper electrode (UE) can overlap with the gate (G1). The upper electrode (UE) may include a multilayer metal layer. In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper electrode (UE) may be omitted.

[0079] The third insulating layer (30) is placed on the second insulating layer (20) and can cover the upper electrode (UE). The first connecting electrode (CNE1) can be placed on the third insulating layer (30). The first connecting electrode (CNE1) can be connected to a connecting signal line (SCL) through a contact hole (CNT-1) that penetrates the first to third insulating layers (10 to 30).

[0080] The fourth insulating layer (40) may be disposed on the third insulating layer (30) and may be disposed on the organic layer (50). The second connecting electrode (CNE2) may be disposed on the organic layer (50). The second connecting electrode (CNE2) may be connected to the first connecting electrode (CNE1) through a contact hole (CNT-2) penetrating the fourth insulating layer (40). The organic layer (50) may be disposed on the fourth insulating layer (40) and may cover the second connecting electrode (CNE2).

[0081] A light-emitting element (OLED) may be disposed on an organic layer (50). The light-emitting element (OLED) includes a first electrode (AE), a functional layer (FL), and a second electrode (CE) that are sequentially stacked. Meanwhile, in this specification, the first electrode may be referred to as "first anode, second anode" and the second electrode may be referred to as "first cathode, second cathode".

[0082] The first electrode (AE) can be placed on the organic layer (50). The first electrode (AE) is connected to the second connecting electrode (CNE2) through a contact hole (CNT-3) penetrating the organic layer (50).

[0083] The display layer (DP-EL) may include light-emitting elements (ED-R, ED-G, ED-B). Each of the plurality of light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) may be a region where light generated from each of the light-emitting elements (ED-R, ED-G, ED-B) is emitted. The light-emitting elements (ED-R, ED-G, ED-B) may emit light in different wavelength regions. For example, in one embodiment, the first light-emitting element (ED-R) may be a red light-emitting element that emits red light, the second light-emitting element (ED-G) may be a green light-emitting element that emits green light, and the third light-emitting element (ED-B) may be a blue light-emitting element that emits blue light.

[0084] The pixel defining layer (PDL) may separate the first to third light-emitting elements (ED-R, ED-G, ED-B). The non-light-emitting regions (NPXA) may be regions between adjacent first to third light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) and may be regions corresponding to the pixel defining layer (PDL). The functional layers (EL-R, EL-G, EL-B) of the first to third light-emitting elements (ED-R, ED-G, ED-B) may be separated by being disposed within the pixel opening (OH) defined in the pixel defining layer (PDL).

[0085] The pixel defining layer (PDL) can be formed from a polymer resin. For example, the pixel defining layer (PDL) can be formed by including a polyacrylate-based resin or a polyimide-based resin. Additionally, the pixel defining layer (PDL) can be formed by including inorganic materials in addition to the polymer resin. Meanwhile, the pixel defining layer (PDL) can be formed by including a light-absorbing material, or by including a black pigment or a black dye. A pixel defining layer (PDL) formed by including a black pigment or a black dye can realize a black pixel defining layer. When forming the pixel defining layer (PDL), carbon black or the like may be used as the black pigment or black dye, but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0086] In addition, the pixel defining layer (PDL) can be formed from inorganic materials. For example, the pixel defining layer (PDL) can be formed from inorganic materials such as silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), and silicon nitrate (SiOxNy).

[0087] The pixel defining film (PDL) may include a first layer (PDL1) and a second layer (PDL2) disposed on the first layer (PDL1). The second layer (PLD2) may have stronger liquid-repellent properties compared to the first layer (PDL1). For a certain material, the contact angle of the second layer (PLD2) may be greater than the contact angle of the first layer (PDL1). For example, for methyl ethyl benzene, the contact angle of the second layer (PLD2) may be 65 degrees or more and 80 degrees or less, and the contact angle of the first layer (PDL1) may be 50 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less. As described later in FIG. 9, the first layer (PDL1) may be disposed corresponding to the front surface of the non-luminous region (NPXA), whereas the second layer (PDL2) may be patterned by overlapping only a part of the non-luminous region (NPXA).

[0088] The encapsulation layer (TFE) may be placed directly on the display layer (DP-EL). The encapsulation layer (TFE) may cover the light-emitting elements (ED-R, ED-G, ED-B). The encapsulation layer (TFE) may seal the display layer (DP-EL). The encapsulation layer (TFE) may be a thin film encapsulation layer. The encapsulation layer (TFE) may be a plurality of stacked layers.

[0089] A sealing layer (TFE) according to one embodiment may include at least one inorganic film (hereinafter, sealing inorganic film) and at least one organic film (hereinafter, sealing organic film). In one embodiment, the sealing layer (TFE) may include a first sealing inorganic film (IOL1), a sealing organic film (OL), and a second sealing inorganic film (IOL2) sequentially disposed on a display layer (DP-EL).

[0090] The encapsulating inorganic film (IOL1, IOL2) protects the labeling layer (DP-EL) from moisture / oxygen, and the encapsulating organic film (OL) protects the labeling layer (DP-EL) from foreign substances such as dust particles. The encapsulating inorganic film (IOL1, IOL2) may include silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon oxide, titanium oxide, or aluminum oxide, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0091] The encapsulating organic film (OL) may include acrylic compounds or epoxy compounds, etc.

[0092] A display device (DM) according to one embodiment may include an optical member (PP). The optical member (PP) may be disposed on a display panel (DP). The optical member (PP) may be disposed on the display panel (DP) to control reflected light from the display panel (DP) by external light. For example, the optical member (PP) may include a polarizing film comprising a phase delayer and / or a polarizer, multilayer reflective layers that destructively interfere with reflected light, or color filters disposed in correspondence with the pixel array and light emission color of the display panel (DP). Additionally, in one embodiment, the optical member (PP) may be omitted.

[0093] The optical member (PP) may include a base substrate (BL) and a color filter layer (CFL).

[0094] The base substrate (BL) may be a member that provides a base surface on which a color filter layer (CFL), etc. is placed. The base substrate (BL) may be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, a plastic substrate, etc. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and the base substrate (BL) may be an inorganic layer, an organic layer, or a composite material layer.

[0095] The color filter layer (CFL) may include first to third color filters (CF-R, CF-G, CF-B). Each of the first to third color filters (CF-R, CF-G, CF-B) may be arranged to correspond to first to third light-emitting elements (ED-R, ED-G, ED-B). For example, the first color filter (CF-R) may be a red filter, the second color filter (CF-G) may be a green filter, and the third color filter (CF-B) may be a blue filter. Each of the first to third color filters (CF-R, CF-G, CF-B) may be arranged to correspond to each of the first to third light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B).

[0096] Additionally, in correspondence with a non-emissive region (NPXA) positioned between the emissive regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B), multiple filters (CF-R, CF-G, CF-B) that transmit different light may be superimposed. Multiple filters (CF-R, CF-G, CF-B) may be superimposed in the third direction (DR3), which is the thickness direction, to distinguish the boundary between adjacent emissive regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B). Accordingly, the light-blocking effect of external light is increased, allowing it to function like a black matrix. The superimposed structure of multiple color filters (CF-R, CF-G, CF-B) may have the function of preventing color mixing.

[0097] Each of the first to third color filters (CF-R, CF-G, CF-B) may comprise a polymer photosensitive resin and a pigment or dye. The first color filter (CF-R) may comprise a red pigment or a blue dye, the second color filter (CF-G) may comprise a green pigment or a green dye, and the third color filter (CF-B) may comprise a blue pigment or a red dye. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and the third color filter (CF-B) may not comprise a pigment or dye. The third color filter (CF-B) may comprise a polymer photosensitive resin and not comprise a pigment or dye. The third color filter (CF-B) may be transparent. The third color filter (CF-B) may be formed of a transparent photosensitive resin.

[0098] The color filter layer (CFL) may further include a buffer layer (BFL). For example, the buffer layer (BFL) may be a protective layer that protects the first to third filters (CF-R, CF-G, CF-B). The buffer layer (BFL) may be an inorganic layer comprising at least one inorganic material selected from silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and silicon oxynitride. The buffer layer (BFL) may be composed of a single layer or multiple layers.

[0099] Additionally, the first color filter (CF-R) and the second color filter (CF-G) may be yellow filters. The first color filter (CF-R) and the second color filter (CF-G) may also be provided as a single unit without being distinguished from each other.

[0100] Although not shown, the color filter layer (CFL) may further include a light-blocking portion (not shown). The light-blocking portion may be a black matrix. The light-blocking portion may be formed by including an organic light-blocking material or an inorganic light-blocking material containing a black pigment or a black dye. The light-blocking portion may prevent light leakage and distinguish the boundaries between adjacent color filters (CF-R, CF-G, CF-B).

[0101] In addition, unlike as illustrated in FIG. 6, the optical member (PP) of the display device (DM) according to one embodiment may not include a color filter layer (CFL).

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, in a display panel (DP) of one embodiment, each of the first to third light-emitting elements (ED-R, ED-G, ED-B) may include a first electrode (AE), a functional layer (EL-R, EL-G, EL-B), and a second electrode (CE). Additionally, each of the light-emitting elements (ED-R, ED-G, ED-B) may include a capping layer (not shown) disposed on the second electrode (CE).

[0103] The first electrode (AE) may be exposed at the pixel opening (OH) of the pixel defining film (PDL). The first electrode (AE) is conductive. The first electrode (AE) may be formed of a metallic material, a metal alloy, or a conductive compound. The first electrode (AE) may be an anode or a cathode. Additionally, the first electrode (AE) may be a pixel electrode. The first electrode (AE) may be a transmissive electrode, a transmissive electrode, or a reflective electrode.

[0104] The second electrode (CE) may be disposed on the first electrode (AE). The second electrode (CE) may be disposed opposite the first electrode (AE) with the light-emitting layer (EML-R, EML-G, EML-B) in between. The second electrode (CE) may be a cathode or an anode. In one embodiment, if the first electrode (AE) is an anode, the second electrode (CE) may be a cathode, and if the first electrode (AE) is a cathode, the second electrode (CE) may be an anode. The second electrode (CE) may be a common electrode. The second electrode (CE) may be a transmissive electrode, a transmissive electrode, or a reflective electrode.

[0105] The first electrode (AE) may be separated and arranged to correspond to each of the light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B). The second electrode (CE) may be provided as a common layer over the entire light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B).

[0106] The functional layer (EL-R, EL-G, EL-B) may be divided into a first emitting part (EL1-R, EL1-G, EL1-B) and a second emitting part (EL2-R, EL2-G, EL2-B) disposed on the first emitting part (EL1-R, EL1-G, EL1-B). In this specification, the first emitting part (EL1) refers to a group of some components that correspond only to the emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) among the components of the functional layer (EL), and the second emitting part (EL2) may refer to a group of remaining components that overlap not only the emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) but also at least some of the non-emitting regions (NPXA) among the components of the functional layer (EL). The second light-emitting part may be a group that extends along the first direction (DR1) and is spaced apart from each other with respect to the second direction, as described later in FIG. 9.

[0107] The functional layer (EL) may include a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an emitting layer (EML), and an electron transport layer (ETL) that are stacked sequentially. For example, a first emitting part (EL1) may include a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), and an emitting layer (EML), and a second emitting part (EL2) may include an electron transport layer (ETL). In another embodiment, the first emitting part (EL1) may include a hole injection layer (HIL) and a hole transport layer (HTL), and the second emitting part (EL2) may include an emitting layer (EML) and an electron transport layer (ETL).

[0108] The hole injection layer (HIL) and the hole transport layer (HTL) may each include a known hole transport material. Although not illustrated, at least one of a buffer layer, a light-emitting auxiliary layer, and an electron blocking layer may be further included on the first electrode (AE).

[0109] The hole injection layer (HIL) and hole transport layer (HTL) are, respectively, phthalocyanine compounds such as copper phthalocyanine, DNTPD(N 1 ,N 1' -([1,1'-biphenyl]-4,4'-diyl)bis(N 1 -phenyl-N 4 ,N 4-di-m-tolylbenzene-1,4-diamine)), m-MTDATA(4,4',4"-[tris(3-methylphenyl)phenylamino] triphenylamine), TDATA(4,4'4"-Tris(N,N-diphenylamino)triphenylamine), 2-TNATA(4,4',4"-tris[N(2-naphthyl)-N-phenylamino]-triphenylamine), PEDOT / PSS(Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) / Poly(4-styrenesulfonate)), PANI / DBSA(Polyaniline / Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid), PANI / CSA(Polyaniline / Camphor sulfonicacid), PANI / PSS(Polyaniline / Poly(4-styrenesulfonate)), NPB(N,N'-di(naphthalene-l-yl)-N,N'-diphenyl-benzidine), 트리페닐아민을 포함하는 폴리에테르케톤(TPAPEK), 4-Isopropyl-4'-methyldiphenyliodonium [Tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate], HATCN(dipyrazino[2,3-f: 2',3'-h] quinoxaline-2,3,6,7,10,11-hexacarbonitrile) 등을 포함할 수 있다.

[0110] The hole injection layer (HIL) and hole transport layer (HTL) are, respectively, carbazole derivatives such as N-phenylcarbazole and polyvinylcarbazole, fluorene derivatives, triphenylamine derivatives such as TPD (N,N'-bis(3-methylphenyl)-N,N'-diphenyl-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4,4'-diamine) and TCTA (4,4',4"-tris(N-carbazolyl)triphenylamine), NPB (N,N'-di(naphthalene-l-yl)-N,N'-diphenyl-benzidine), TAPC (4,4′-Cyclohexylidene bis[N,N-bis(4-methylphenyl)benzenamine]), and HMTPD (4,4'-Bis[N,N'-(3-tolyl)amino]-3,3'-dimethylbiphenyl), It may also include mCP(1,3-Bis(N-carbazolyl)benzene), etc.

[0111] In addition, the hole injection layer (HIL) and the hole transport layer (HTL) may each include CzSi (9-(4-tert-Butylphenyl)-3,6-bis(triphenylsilyl)-9H-carbazole), CCP (9-phenyl-9H-3,9'-bicarbazole), or mDCP (1,3-bis(1,8-dimethyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)benzene), etc.

[0112] The light-emitting layers (EML-R, EML-G, EML-B) may include quantum dots. The light-emitting layer (EML) according to one embodiment may include a plurality of quantum dots (QDP).

[0113] In this specification, a quantum dot (QDP) refers to a crystal of a semiconductor compound. A quantum dot (QDP) can emit light of various emission wavelengths depending on the size of the crystal. A quantum dot (QDP) can also emit light of various emission wavelengths by controlling the elemental ratios within the semiconductor compound.

[0114] The core of the quantum dot (QDP) can be selected from group II-VI compounds, group III-V compounds, group III-VI compounds, group I-III-VI compounds, group IV-VI compounds, group IV elements, group IV compounds, and combinations thereof.

[0115] Group II-VI compounds are diatomic compounds selected from the group consisting of CdSe, CdTe, CdS, ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, ZnO, HgS, HgSe, HgTe, MgSe, MgS, and mixtures thereof; ternary compounds selected from the group consisting of CdSeS, CdSeTe, CdSTe, ZnSeS, ZnSeTe, ZnSTe, HgSeS, HgSeTe, HgSTe, CdZnS, CdZnSe, CdZnTe, CdHgS, CdHgSe, CdHgTe, HgZnS, HgZnSe, HgZnTe, MgZnSe, MgZnS, and mixtures thereof; and may be selected from the group consisting of four-element compounds selected from the group consisting of HgZnTeS, CdZnSeS, CdZnSeTe, CdZnSTe, CdHgSeS, CdHgSeTe, CdHgSTe, HgZnSeS, HgZnSeTe, HgZnSTe, and mixtures thereof. Meanwhile, the II-VI semiconductor compound may further include a Group I metal and / or a Group IV element. The I-II-VI compound may be selected from CuSnS or CuZnS, and the II-IV-VI compound may be selected from ZnSnS, etc. The I-II-IV-VI compound may be selected from four-element compounds selected from the group consisting of Cu2ZnSnS2, Cu2ZnSnS4, Cu2ZnSnSe4, Ag2ZnSnS2, and mixtures thereof.

[0116] Group III-VI compounds include binary compounds such as In2S3 and In2Se3, and InGaS 3 It may include ternary compounds such as InGaSe3, or any combination thereof.

[0117] Group I-III-VI compounds are ternary compounds selected from the group consisting of AgInS, AgInS2, CuInS, CuInS2, AgGaS2, CuGaS2CuGaO2, AgGaO2, AgAlO2, and mixtures thereof, or AgInGaS2, It can be selected from four-element compounds such as CuInGaS2.

[0118] III-V group compounds may be selected from the group consisting of diatomic compounds selected from the group consisting of GaN, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, AlN, AlP, AlAs, AlSb, InN, InP, InAs, InSb, and mixtures thereof; ternary compounds selected from the group consisting of GaNP, GaNAs, GaNSb, GaPAs, GaPSb, AlNP, AlNAs, AlNSb, AlPAs, AlPSb, InGaP, InAlP, InNP, InNAs, InNSb, InPAs, InPSb, and mixtures thereof; and quaternary compounds selected from the group consisting of GaAlNP, GaAlNAs, GaAlNSb, GaAlPAs, GaAlPSb, GaInNP, GaInNAs, GaInNSb, GaInPAs, GaInPSb, InAlNP, InAlNAs, InAlNSb, InAlPAs, InAlPSb, and mixtures thereof. Meanwhile, III-V group compounds may further include a group II metal. For example, InZnP, etc., can be selected as a Group III-II-V compound.

[0119] Group IV-VI compounds may be selected from the group consisting of diatomic compounds selected from SnS, SnSe, SnTe, PbS, PbSe, PbTe and mixtures thereof; ternary compounds selected from the group consisting of SnSeS, SnSeTe, SnSTe, PbSeS, PbSeTe, PbSTe, SnPbS, SnPbSe, SnPbTe and mixtures thereof; and quaternary compounds selected from the group consisting of SnPbSSe, SnPbSeTe, SnPbSTe and mixtures thereof.

[0120] Examples of II-IV-V semiconductor compounds may be ternary compounds selected from the group consisting of ZnSnP, ZnSnP2, ZnSnAs2, ZnGeP2, ZnGeAs2, CdSnP2, and CdGeP2 and mixtures thereof.

[0121] Group IV elements may be selected from the group consisting of Si, Ge, and mixtures thereof. Group IV compounds may be diatomic compounds selected from the group consisting of SiC, SiGe, and mixtures thereof.

[0122] Each element contained in multi-element compounds, such as binary, ternary, and quaternary compounds, can exist within the particle at a uniform or non-uniform concentration. In other words, the chemical formula representing a quantum dot (QDP) indicates the types of elements contained in the quantum dot compound, and the ratio of elements within the compound may vary.

[0123] In this case, the binary, ternary, or quaternary compounds may exist within the particle at a uniform concentration, or they may exist within the same particle with their concentration distributions partially divided into different states. Additionally, the structure may have a core / shell configuration where one quantum dot surrounds another. In a core / shell structure, the concentration of the element in the shell may have a concentration gradient where the concentration decreases as it moves toward the core.

[0124] The shell of a quantum dot (QDP) can serve as a protective layer to maintain semiconductor properties by preventing chemical degradation of the core, and / or as a charging layer to impart electrophoretic properties to the quantum dot (QDP). The shell can be single-layer or multi-layered. Examples of the quantum dot shell include metal or non-metal oxides, semiconductor compounds, or combinations thereof.

[0125] For example, oxides of metals or nonmetals may be exemplified as diatomic compounds such as SiO2, Al2O3, TiO2, ZnO, MnO, Mn2O3, Mn3O4, CuO, FeO, Fe2O3, Fe3O4, CoO, Co3O4, NiO, or ternary compounds such as MgAl2O4, CoFe2O4, NiFe2O4, and CoMn2O4, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0126] In addition, semiconductor compounds may include CdS, CdSe, CdTe, ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, ZnSeS, ZnTeS, GaAs, GaP, GaSb, HgS, HgSe, HgTe, InAs, InP, InGaP, InSb, AlAs, AlP, AlSb, etc., but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0127] For example, when a quantum dot of a group III-V compound has a core-shell structure, the core may include InP or InZnP, and the shell may include ZnSeS or have a double-shell structure of ZnSe / ZnS. However, the examples are not limited thereto, and the quantum dot may have a combination of a core and a shell selected from the semiconductor compounds described above.

[0128] Quantum dots (QDPs) can have a full width of half maximum (FWHM) of the emission wavelength spectrum of about 45 nm or less, preferably about 40 nm or less, and more preferably about 30 nm or less, and color purity or color reproducibility can be improved in this range. In addition, since the light emitted through these quantum dots is emitted in all directions, the wide viewing angle can be improved.

[0129] In addition, the shape of the quantum dots (QDP) is not specifically limited to shapes commonly used in the field, but more specifically, shapes such as spherical, pyramidal, multi-arm, or cubic nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanowires, nanofibers, and nanoplate particles may be used.

[0130] Since the energy band gap of quantum dots (QDPs) can be controlled by adjusting the size of the quantum dots or the elemental ratio within the quantum dot compound, light of various wavelengths can be obtained from an emissive layer (EML) containing quantum dots (QDPs). Therefore, by using quantum dots as described above (using quantum dots of different sizes or different elemental ratios within the quantum dot compound), a light-emitting device that emits light of various wavelengths can be realized. Specifically, the size of the quantum dots or the elemental ratio within the quantum dot compound can be selected to emit red, green, and / or blue light. Additionally, the quantum dots (QDPs) can be configured to emit white light by combining various colors of light.

[0131] In one embodiment, the smaller the particle size of the quantum dot (QDP), the more likely it is to emit light in the short wavelength region. For example, among quantum dots with the same core, the particle size of a quantum dot (QDP) emitting green light may be smaller than the particle size of a quantum dot emitting red light. Additionally, among quantum dots (QDPs) with the same core, the particle size of a quantum dot emitting blue light may be smaller than the particle size of a quantum dot emitting green light. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and even among quantum dots with the same core, the particle size may be controlled depending on the shell forming material and shell thickness. Meanwhile, if the quantum dots (QDPs) have various emission colors such as blue, red, and green, the core materials of the quantum dots (QDPs) with different emission colors may be different from each other.

[0132] The electron transport layer (ETL) may include known electron transport materials. Although not illustrated, the emitting layer (EML) may further include at least one of an electron injection layer, a buffer layer, an emitting auxiliary layer, and an electron blocking layer.

[0133] The electron transport layer (ETL) may include a metal oxide. The electron transport region (ETR) may include at least one type of metal oxide such as Li2O, BaO, ZnO, ZnMgO, or MgO.

[0134] The electron transport layer (ETL) may further include other known electron transport materials. For example, the electron transport region (ETR) may include Alq3(Tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum), 1,3,5-tri[(3-pyridyl)-phen-3-yl]benzene, 2,4,6-tris(3'-(pyridin-3-yl)biphenyl-3-yl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2-(4-(N-phenylbenzoimidazol-1-yl)phenyl)-9,10-dinaphthylanthracene, TPBi(1,3,5-Tri(1-phenyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)benzene), BCP(2,9-Dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline), Bphen(4,7-Diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline), TAZ(3-(4-Biphenylyl)-4-phenyl-5-tert-butylphenyl-1,2,4-triazole), NTAZ(4-(Naphthalen-1-yl)-3,5-diphenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole), tBu-PBD(2-(4-Biphenylyl)-5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole), BAlq(Bis(2-methyl-8-quinolinolato-N1,O8)-(1,1'-Biphenyl-4-olato)aluminum), Bebq2(berylliumbis(benzoquinolin-10-olate)), ADN (9,10-di(naphthalene-2-yl)anthracene), BmPyPhB (1,3-Bis[3,5-di(pyridin-3-yl)phenyl]benzene) and mixtures thereof, or It may include Liq(8-hydroxyl-Lithium quinolate), etc.

[0135] The electron transport layer (ETL) may further include at least one of BCP (2,9-dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline), TSPO1 (diphenyl(4-(triphenylsilyl)phenyl)phosphine oxide) and Bphen (4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline) in addition to the aforementioned materials, but the examples are not limited thereto.

[0136] The light-emitting element (ED) may further include a capping layer (not shown). The capping layer (not shown) may be disposed on top of the second electrode (CE). If the capping layer (not shown) includes an inorganic material, the inorganic material may be an alkali metal compound such as LiF, an alkaline earth metal compound such as MgF2, SiON, or SiN X It may include SiOy, etc. If the capping layer (not shown) includes an organic material, the organic material may include α-NPD, NPB, TPD, m-MTDATA, Alq3, CuPc, TPD15 (N4,N4,N4',N4'-tetra (biphenyl-4-yl) biphenyl-4,4'-diamine), TCTA (4,4',4"- Tris (carbazol sol-9-yl) triphenylamine), etc., or may include an epoxy resin or an acrylate such as methacrylate. However, the examples are not limited thereto.

[0137] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10a and FIG. 10b are cross-sectional views of a portion of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 shows a plan view corresponding to the display area (DA) shown in FIG. 6. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 9 shows a component disposed on the lower surface of the second electrode (CE, see FIG. 8) among the components of the display panel (DP) according to the area. FIG. 10a and FIG. 10b show a cross-sectional view corresponding to line II-II' and a cross-sectional view corresponding to line III-III', respectively, shown in FIG. 9. Unlike FIG. 8, FIG. 10a and FIG. 10b show only some of the components of the display panel (DP) for convenience. Hereinafter, a detailed description of reference numerals identical to those shown in FIG. 8 is omitted.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 9, FIG. 10a, and FIG. 10b, a first groove (H1) is defined on the upper surface of a functional layer (EL-R, EL-B). The functional layer (EL-R, EL-B) includes a first light-emitting part (EL1-R, EL1-B) and a second light-emitting part (EL2-R, EL2-B), and the first groove (H1) may be defined on the upper surface of the second light-emitting part (EL2-R, EL2-B). The second light-emitting part (EL2-R, EL2-B) includes a first part (EL21) disposed within a pixel opening (OH) and a second part (EL22) disposed on a pixel defining film (PDL1), and the first groove (H1) may be defined on the upper surface of the second part (EL22).

[0139] The non-luminous region (NPXA) includes a first non-luminous region (NPXA1) and a second non-luminous region (NPXA2), and the first groove (H1) may include a plurality of first-1 grooves (H1-1) overlapping the first non-luminous region (NPXA1) and a plurality of first-2 grooves (H1-2) overlapping the second non-luminous region (NPXA2). The first non-luminous region (NPXA1) may be a region defined between a plurality of first luminous regions (PXA-R) in a first direction (DR1), or a region defined between a plurality of second luminous regions (PXA-G) in a first direction (DR1). In FIG. 10a and FIG. 10b, a first non-emissive region (NPXA1) defined between a plurality of first emissive regions (PXA-R) is illustrated as an example, but the description of the first non-emissive region (NPXA1) described below also applies to a region defined between a plurality of second emissive regions (PXA-G). The second non-emissive region (NPXA2) may be a region defined between a plurality of third emissive regions (PXA-B) in the first direction (DR1).

[0140] The first groove (H1) and the light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) may be arranged alternately with respect to the first direction (DR1). The first-1 groove (H1-1) and the first light-emitting region (PXA-R) may be arranged alternately along the first direction (DR1) to form a first column, the first-1 groove (H1-1) and the second light-emitting region (PXA-G) may be arranged side by side along the first direction (DR1) to form a second column, and the first-2 groove (H1-2) and the third light-emitting regions (PXA-B) may be arranged side by side along the first direction (DR1) to form a third column. Each of the first column, the second column, and the third column may be provided in plurality and arranged along the second direction (DR2).

[0141] A pixel defining film (PDL, see FIG. 6) comprises a first layer (PDL1) and a second layer (PDL2) disposed on the first layer (PDL1), and a second groove (H2) corresponding to a first groove (H1) may be defined on the upper surface of the first layer (PDL1). The second layer (PDL2) may be spaced apart from the first groove (H1) and the second groove (H2) in a plane. While the first layer (PDL1) is disposed corresponding to the front surface of a non-emissive region (NPXA), the second layer (PDL2) may be patterned by overlapping only a part of the non-emissive region (NPXA). The second layer (PDL2) may be disposed corresponding to a third non-emissive region (NPXA3). The first to third light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) are spaced apart from each other and arranged side by side with respect to the second direction (DR2), and the third non-light-emitting region (NPXA) may be a region defined between any one of the first to third light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) and any one of the other regions in the second direction (DR2).

[0142] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the second layer (PDL2) and the second light-emitting portions (EL2-R, EL2-B) may each be in a form that extends with respect to the first direction (DR1). The second layer (PDL2) and the second light-emitting portions (EL2-R, EL2-B) may be in a form that alternately arranges with respect to the second direction (DR2).

[0143] The circuit layer (DP-CL) includes a plurality of insulating layers (10 to 40, see FIG. 7) and an organic layer (50), and a third groove (H3) corresponding to a first groove (H1) and a second groove (H2) may be defined on the upper surface of the organic layer (50).

[0144] The pattern layer (PA) is placed in the first groove (H1). The material included in the pattern layer (PA) may be different from the material included in the light-emitting element (ED-R, ED-G, ED-B, see FIG. 6). The pattern layer (PA) includes an acidic material. The acidic material included in the pattern layer (PA) may include polyacrylic acid or citric acid. The acidic material included in the pattern layer (PA) may include both polyacrylic acid and citric acid. The acidic material included in the pattern layer (PA) may supply hydrogen ions to the second light-emitting part (EL2-R, EL2-B) of the functional layer (EL-R, EL-B). The acidic material included in the pattern layer (PA) may supply hydrogen ions to the electron transport layer (ETL, see FIG. 8) included in the second light-emitting part (EL2-R, EL2-B). Meanwhile, in this specification, the pattern layer may be referred to as a "depression pattern."

[0145] The pattern layer (PA) may include a first pattern layer (PA1) and a second pattern layer (PA2). The first pattern layer (PA1) may be placed in a first-1 groove (H1-1) that overlaps the first non-luminous region (NPXA1), and the second pattern layer (PA2) may be placed in a first-2 groove (H1-2) that overlaps the second non-luminous region (NPXA2). The thickness of the first pattern layer (PA1) and the thickness of the second pattern layer (PA2) may be different. The thickness of the second pattern layer (PA2) may be thicker compared to the thickness of the first pattern layer (PA1). The thickness of the second pattern layer (PA2) may be at least 2 times and no more than 4.5 times the thickness of the first pattern layer (PA1). Accordingly, the amount of hydrogen ions supplied to the second light-emitting part (EL-R) in contact with the first pattern layer (PA1) may be relatively small compared to the amount of hydrogen ions supplied to the second light-emitting part (EL-B) in contact with the second pattern layer (PA2). However, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and the amount of hydrogen ions supplied to the second light-emitting part (EL-R, EL-B) can be controlled by designing various factors such as the type and amount of acidic substances included in each of the first pattern layer (PA1) and the second pattern layer (PA2).

[0146] A second electrode (CE) may be disposed on the pattern layer (PA). The thickness of the second electrode (CE) may be 200 Å or more and 2000 Å or less. For example, the thickness of the second electrode (CE) may be 500 Å or more and 1000 Å or less. As the thickness of the second electrode (CE) falls within the above range, hydrogen ions generated from the acidic material of the pattern layer (PA) can be prevented from being supplied to other components above the second electrode (CE). Accordingly, oxidation prevention and reliability of a component included in the display panel (DP) can be ensured.

[0147] A display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention may have improved luminous efficiency by including a pattern layer on the upper surface of a light-emitting element. In the light-emitting element of one embodiment, defects may occur if the electron transport layer includes a metal oxide; however, a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention may prevent defects in the metal oxide within the electron transport layer by including a pattern layer disposed on a second light-emitting part and containing an acidic substance. Specifically, hydrogen ions supplied from the acidic substance in the pattern layer passivate defects in ZnO or ZnMgO included in the electron transport layer, thereby improving electron injection into the electron transport layer. Furthermore, as the pattern layer contacts the second light-emitting part and is not in contact with the first light-emitting part, the acidic substance is not supplied to the hole transport layer, etc., in addition to the electron transport layer, so degradation in the hole transport layer, etc., can be prevented.

[0148] In addition, the display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention may improve the lifespan of the device by arranging the pattern layer differently according to the light-emitting region. There may be differences in the amount of hydrogen ions required for each light-emitting element included in the first to third light-emitting regions. For example, the amount of acidic substance required for the third light-emitting element emitting blue light may be relatively greater compared to the amount of acidic substance required for the first or second light-emitting element emitting red or green light. If the amount of acidic substance required for the third light-emitting element is supplied to the first or second light-emitting element, the lifespan of the first or second light-emitting element may be reduced. If the amount of acidic substance required for the first or second light-emitting element is supplied to the third light-emitting element, a problem of rapid failure of the third light-emitting element may occur. The display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention can secure optimal light-emitting efficiency for red, green, and blue, respectively, and can secure improved lifespan characteristics in a single display panel by setting the thickness of the pattern layer differently according to the light-emitting color of the light-emitting region.

[0149] A display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a pattern layer within a light-emitting element, thereby improving light-emitting efficiency and element lifespan. Accordingly, an electronic device including a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention can have improved display efficiency and reliability.

[0151] A method for manufacturing a display panel according to one embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 11a to 11f and FIGS. 12a to 12e. In describing the method for manufacturing a display panel according to one embodiment, details that overlap with the description of the display panel according to one embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10b, etc., will not be explained again, and the differences will be explained in detail.

[0152] FIGS. 11a to 11f are drawings illustrating an exemplary step of a method for manufacturing a display panel according to one embodiment. FIGS. 12a to 12e are drawings illustrating an exemplary step of a method for manufacturing a display panel according to one embodiment.

[0153] FIGS. 11a through 11f illustrate some components within a display panel in any two light-emitting regions adjacent to the first direction (DR1). FIGS. 11a through 11f illustrate, by way of example, third light-emitting regions (PXA-B, see FIG. 9) adjacent to the first direction (DR1). FIGS. 12a through 12e illustrate some components within a display panel in any two light-emitting regions adjacent to the second direction (DR2). FIGS. 12a through 12e illustrate, by way of example, second light-emitting region (PXA-G, see FIG. 9) and third light-emitting region (PXA-B, see FIG. 9) adjacent to the second direction (DR2). Meanwhile, FIGS. 11a and FIGS. 12a correspond to cross-sectional views of substantially the same process step viewed from different directions (DR1, DR2), and FIGS. 11a and FIGS. 12a may correspond to cross-sectional views of substantially the same process step viewed from different directions (DR1, DR2). Likewise, FIGS. 11b and FIGS. 12b, FIGS. 11c and FIGS. 12c, FIGS. 11d and FIGS. 12d, and FIGS. 11f and FIGS. 12e may correspond to cross-sectional views of substantially the same process step viewed from different directions (DR1, DR2), respectively.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 11a and FIG. 12a, a method for manufacturing a display panel of one embodiment may include the step of forming pixel definition films (PDL1, PDL2) on a circuit element layer (DP-CL).

[0155] The pixel definition layer (PDL) may include a first layer (PDL1) and a second layer (PDL2) disposed on the first layer (PDL1). A second groove (H2) may be defined on the upper surface of the first layer (PDL1). A third groove (H3) may be defined on the upper surface of the circuit element layer (DP-CL).

[0156] The material contained in the second layer (PLD2) may have stronger liquid-repellent properties compared to the material contained in the first layer (PDL1). The second layer (PDL2) extends in the first direction (DR1), and a plurality of second layers (PDL2) may be arranged in the second direction (DR2).

[0157] Referring to FIG. 11b and FIG. 12b, a method for manufacturing a display panel of one embodiment may include the step of forming a first light-emitting part (EL1-G, EL1-B) within a pixel opening (OH). The step of forming the first light-emitting part (EL1-G, EL1-B) may be performed by a printing process.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 11c and FIG. 12c, a method for manufacturing a display panel according to one embodiment may include the step of providing light (LR) on a pixel defining film (PDL1, PDL2). The light (LR) may be provided for a time of 0.1 seconds or more and 10 seconds or less. The light (LR) may be ultraviolet light. As light (LR) is provided to the upper surface of the pixel defining film (PDL1, PDL2), the liquid repellency of the upper surface of the pixel defining film (PDL1, PDL2) may be reduced compared to before. Accordingly, only the second layer (PDL2) may have liquid repellency, and the first layer (PDL1) may effectively lose liquid repellency.

[0159] Referring to FIGS. 11d and 12d, a method for manufacturing a display panel of one embodiment may include the step of forming a second light-emitting part (EL2-G, EL2-B) on a first light-emitting part (EL1-G, EL1-B). The step of forming the second light-emitting part (EL2-G, EL2-B) may be performed by a printing process.

[0160] The second light-emitting part (EL2) may not be placed on the upper surface of the second layer (PDL2) but only on the upper surface of the first layer (PDL1). It may be placed on the upper surface of the first layer (PDL1) which does not have liquid-repellent properties, and not placed on the upper surface of the second layer (PDL2) which has liquid-repellent properties. Accordingly, the second light-emitting part (EL2) extends in the first direction (DR1), and a plurality of second light-emitting parts (EL2) may be arranged alternately with respect to a plurality of second layers (PLD2) and the second direction (DR2).

[0161] A second light-emitting part (EL2) disposed on the upper surface of the first layer (PDL1) may include a first groove (H1) on the upper surface corresponding to a second groove (H2) and a third groove (H3).

[0162] Referring to FIG. 11e, a method for manufacturing a display panel according to one embodiment may include the step of placing a pattern layer (PA) in a first groove (H1) defined on the upper surface of a second light-emitting part (EL2). FIG. 11e exemplarily illustrates a pattern layer (PA) placed between a third light-emitting region (PXA-B, see FIG. 9). As described above in FIG. 10b, the pattern layer (PA) placed between the first or second light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G) may have a relatively thinner thickness compared to the pattern layer (PA) placed between the third light-emitting region (PXA-B, see FIG. 9).

[0163] Referring to FIG. 11f and FIG. 12e, a method for manufacturing a display panel of one embodiment may include the step of placing a second electrode (CE) on a pattern layer (PA) and a second light-emitting part (EL2). The thickness of the second electrode (CE) may be formed sufficiently thick so that an acidic substance contained in the pattern layer (PA) does not spread to other components adjacent in the third direction (DR3) and affects only the second light-emitting part (EL2).

[0165] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art or those with ordinary knowledge in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and technical scope of the invention as described in the claims set forth below.

[0166] Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the contents described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be determined by the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0167] Electronic device EA Display Panel DP 1st electrode AE Second electrode CE Display layer DP-ED Circuit layer DP-CL Functional layer EL Home 1 H1 Pattern layer PA

Claims

Claim 1 A display panel comprising: a base layer including a plurality of light-emitting regions and a non-light-emitting region surrounding the plurality of light-emitting regions; a circuit layer disposed on the base layer; and a display layer disposed on the circuit layer and including a plurality of light-emitting elements corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting regions, wherein each of the plurality of light-emitting elements comprises: a first electrode; a second electrode disposed on the first electrode; a functional layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and having a first groove defined on its upper surface that overlaps the non-light-emitting region; and a pattern layer disposed within the first groove, wherein the pattern layer comprises an acidic material. Claim 2 In claim 1, the material included in each of the plurality of light-emitting elements is different from the material included in the pattern layer, forming a display panel. Claim 3 In claim 1, the acidic substance is a display panel comprising polyacrylic acid or citric acid. Claim 4 In claim 1, the functional layer comprises a first light-emitting part on the first electrode and a second light-emitting part disposed on the first light-emitting part, and the first groove is a display panel defined on the upper surface of the second light-emitting part. Claim 5 In claim 4, the first light-emitting part comprises a hole transport layer and a light-emitting layer disposed on the hole transport layer, the second light-emitting part comprises an electron transport layer disposed on the light-emitting layer, and the acidic material supplies hydrogen ions to the electron transport layer. Claim 6 In claim 4, the first light-emitting part comprises a hole transport layer, the second light-emitting part comprises a light-emitting layer disposed on the hole transport layer and an electron transport layer disposed on the light-emitting layer, and the acidic material supplies hydrogen ions to the electron transport layer. Claim 7 In claim 4, the display layer further comprises a pixel defining film in which at least a portion of the upper surface of the first electrode is exposed and a pixel opening is defined, the first light-emitting part is disposed within the pixel opening, and the second light-emitting part comprises a first portion disposed within the pixel opening and a second portion disposed on the pixel defining film in which the first groove is defined on the upper surface. Claim 8 In claim 7, the pixel defining film comprises a first layer disposed on the circuit layer and a second layer disposed on the upper surface of the first layer, and a display panel having a second groove corresponding to the first groove defined on the upper surface of the first layer. Claim 9 In claim 8, the second layer is a display panel spaced apart from the first groove and the second groove in a plane. Claim 10 In claim 8, the second layer is a display panel extending in the first direction. Claim 11 In claim 8, the material included in the second layer is a display panel with strong liquid repellency compared to the material included in the first layer. Claim 12 In claim 8, the circuit layer comprises a plurality of insulating layers and an organic layer disposed on the insulating layers, and a display panel in which a third groove corresponding to the second groove is defined on the upper surface of the organic layer. Claim 13 A display panel according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light-emitting regions each emit a first light and are arranged side by side with respect to a first direction; and a plurality of second light-emitting regions each emit a second light and are arranged side by side with respect to the first direction. Claim 14 A display panel according to claim 13, wherein the first light is red light or green light and the second light is blue light. Claim 15 In claim 13, the non-luminous region comprises a first non-luminous region defined between the plurality of first luminous regions and a second non-luminous region defined between the plurality of second luminous regions, forming a display panel. Claim 16 A display panel according to claim 15, wherein the first groove comprises a plurality of first-1 grooves overlapping the first non-luminous region and a plurality of first-2 grooves overlapping the second non-luminous region, wherein the plurality of first-1 grooves and the plurality of first luminous regions are arranged alternately with respect to the first direction, and the plurality of first-2 grooves and the plurality of second luminous regions are arranged alternately with respect to the first direction. Claim 17 In claim 16, the pattern layer comprises a first pattern layer disposed within the first-1 groove and a second pattern layer disposed in the first-2 groove, and the thickness of the first pattern layer and the thickness of the second pattern layer are different in the display panel. Claim 18 A base layer comprising a plurality of first light-emitting regions, each emitting a first light, a plurality of second light-emitting regions, each emitting a second light different from the first light, a first non-light-emitting region defined between the plurality of first light-emitting regions, and a second non-light-emitting region defined between the plurality of second light-emitting regions; a circuit layer disposed on the base layer; and a display layer disposed on the circuit layer, comprising a plurality of first light-emitting elements corresponding to the plurality of first light-emitting regions and a plurality of second light-emitting elements corresponding to the plurality of second light-emitting regions. A display panel wherein each of the plurality of first light-emitting elements comprises a first anode, a first cathode disposed on the first anode, and a first functional layer disposed between the first anode and the first cathode, and each of the plurality of second light-emitting elements comprises a second anode, a second cathode disposed on the second anode, and a second functional layer disposed between the second anode and the second cathode, wherein a first indentation pattern is defined on the upper surface of the first functional layer that overlaps with the first non-light-emitting region, and a second indentation pattern is defined on the upper surface of the second functional layer that overlaps with the second non-light-emitting region and has a thickness different from that of the first indentation pattern. Claim 19 An electronic device comprising: a display device including a display panel that provides an image; and a power module that supplies power to the display device, wherein the display panel comprises: a base layer including a plurality of light-emitting regions and a non-light-emitting region surrounding the plurality of light-emitting regions; a circuit layer disposed on the base layer; and a display layer disposed on the circuit layer and comprising a plurality of light-emitting elements corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting regions, wherein each of the plurality of light-emitting elements comprises: a first electrode; a second electrode disposed on the first electrode; a functional layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and having a first groove defined on its upper surface that overlaps the non-light-emitting region; and a pattern layer disposed within the first groove, wherein the pattern layer comprises an acidic material. Claim 20 An electronic device further comprising a processor and memory in paragraph 19.

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