Display apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a display device having a first pixel and a second pixel, which are arranged adjacently on a substrate and integrally provided with a common layer and a counter electrode, a pixel defining film having an opening corresponding to each of the first pixel and the second pixel to define a light-emitting region, and a structural layer disposed on the pixel defining film and having an upper surface, a first side surface connected to the upper surface and having a tapered slope in the reverse direction, and a second side surface having a tapered slope in the forward direction, wherein the common layer and the counter electrode have a discontinuity portion separated by the first side surface.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device, and more specifically, to a display device with improved display quality by preventing light emission caused by leakage current. Background Technology

[0002] Among display devices, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays are attracting attention as next-generation display devices due to their advantages, including a wide viewing angle, excellent contrast, and fast response speed.

[0003] Generally, organic light-emitting display devices form thin-film transistors and organic light-emitting diodes on a substrate, and operate by the organic light-emitting diodes emitting light themselves. Such organic light-emitting display devices are used as display units for small products, such as mobile phones, or for large products, such as televisions.

[0004] An organic light-emitting display device has organic light-emitting elements as each (sub)pixel, wherein an intermediate layer including a light-emitting layer is interposed between a pixel electrode and a counter electrode. In such an organic light-emitting display device, the light emission status or degree of light emission of each pixel is generally controlled through a thin-film transistor electrically connected to the pixel electrode, and the counter electrode is in a form that is integrated with a plurality of (sub)pixels. The problem to be solved

[0005] However, in conventional display devices, there was a problem in which non-emissive pixels placed around an emissive pixel emitted light together due to leakage current between adjacent pixels, resulting in degraded display quality.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve various problems, including those mentioned above, by providing a display device with improved display quality that prevents light emission caused by leakage current. However, this problem is exemplary and does not limit the scope of the present invention. means of solving the problem

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a display device is provided comprising: a first pixel and a second pixel having an opening corresponding to each of the first pixel and the second pixel and defining a light-emitting region, wherein the common layer and the counter electrode are disposed adjacently on a substrate and integrally provided; a pixel defining film having an opening corresponding to each of the first pixel and the second pixel; and a structural layer disposed on the pixel defining film and having an upper surface, a first side surface having a tapered slope in the reverse direction and a second side surface having a tapered slope in the forward direction, wherein the common layer and the counter electrode have a discontinuity portion separated by the first side surface.

[0008] According to the present embodiment, the first side and the second side may be arranged along a first direction parallel to one side of the first pixel.

[0009] According to the present embodiment, the structural layer has a third side and a fourth side having a tapered slope in the forward direction, and the third side and the fourth side may be arranged along a second direction that intersects the first direction.

[0010] According to the present embodiment, the structural layer has a third side and a fourth side having a tapered slope in the reverse direction, and the third side and the fourth side may be arranged along a second direction that intersects the first direction.

[0011] According to the present embodiment, the structural layer has a third side having a tapered slope in the reverse direction and a fourth side having a tapered slope in the forward direction, and the third side and the fourth side may be arranged along a second direction that intersects the first direction.

[0012] According to the present embodiment, the structural layer has a third side having a tapered slope in the reverse direction and a fourth side having a tapered slope in the forward direction, the first side and the third side are arranged along a first direction parallel to one side of the first pixel, and the second side and the fourth side may be arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0013] According to the present embodiment, the structural layer includes a first substructure layer and a second substructure layer spaced apart from each other in parallel between the first pixel and the second pixel, and the first substructure layer has a first upper surface, a first-1 side connected to the first upper surface and having a tapered slope in the reverse direction, and a first-2 side having a tapered slope in the forward direction, and the second substructure layer may have a second upper surface, a second-1 side connected to the second upper surface and having a tapered slope in the reverse direction, and a second-2 side having a tapered slope in the forward direction.

[0014] According to the present embodiment, the first-1 side, the first-2 side, the second-1 side, and the second-2 side are arranged along a first direction parallel to one side of the first pixel, and the first-2 side and the second-2 side may be arranged facing each other.

[0015] According to the present embodiment, the first-1 side, the first-2 side, the second-1 side, and the second-2 side are arranged along a first direction parallel to one side of the first pixel, and the first-2 side and the second-1 side may be arranged facing each other.

[0016] According to the present embodiment, the first-1 side, the first-2 side, the second-1 side, and the second-2 side are arranged along a first direction parallel to one side of the first pixel, and the first-1 side and the second-1 side may be arranged facing each other.

[0017] According to the present embodiment, the first substructure layer has a first-third side that is connected to the first upper surface and has a tapered slope in the reverse direction, and the second substructure layer has a second-third side that is connected to the second upper surface and has a tapered slope in the reverse direction, and the first-first side, the first-third side, the second-first side, and the second-third side are arranged along a first direction parallel to one side of the first pixel, and the first-second side and the second-second side may be arranged along a second direction that intersects the first direction.

[0018] According to the present embodiment, the first pixel and the second pixel each comprise an organic light-emitting diode, and the organic light-emitting diode comprises a pixel electrode, a lower light-emitting layer disposed on the pixel electrode, an upper light-emitting layer disposed on the lower light-emitting layer, a charge-generating layer disposed between the lower light-emitting layer and the upper light-emitting layer, and a counter electrode disposed on the upper light-emitting layer, wherein the charge-generating layer and the counter electrode may be integrally provided across the first pixel and the second pixel.

[0019] According to the present embodiment, the display device further includes a third pixel disposed adjacent to the first pixel and the second pixel, each emitting light of a different wavelength, and the structural layer may include a first structural layer disposed along a first direction between the first pixel and the third pixel.

[0020] According to the present embodiment, the first structural layer may be equal to or larger than the width of the third light-emitting region of the third pixel along the first direction.

[0021] According to the present embodiment, the structural layer may further include a second structural layer disposed along a second direction between the first pixel and the second pixel.

[0022] According to the present embodiment, the display device further includes a third pixel that emits light of a different wavelength and is positioned adjacent to the first pixel and the second pixel, and the structural layer may include a first structural layer positioned parallel to the four sides of the third light-emitting region of the third pixel.

[0023] According to the present embodiment, the width of the first structural layer along the first direction may be equal to or greater than the width of the third light-emitting region.

[0024] According to the present embodiment, the structural layer may further include a second structural layer disposed between the first pixel and the second pixel.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, a display device is provided comprising: a first pixel and a second pixel having an opening corresponding to each of the first pixel and the second pixel and defining a light-emitting region, wherein the common layer and the counter electrode are integrally provided and disposed adjacently on a substrate; a pixel defining film having an opening corresponding to each of the first pixel and the second pixel; and a structural layer disposed on the pixel defining film and having a first side having a tip structure protruding toward the light-emitting region and a second side having a tapered slope in the forward direction, wherein the common layer and the counter electrode have a discontinuity portion separated by the first side.

[0026] According to the present embodiment, the structural layer may include an inorganic material or an organic material.

[0027] Other aspects, features, and advantages other than those described above will become clear from the following drawings, claims, and detailed description of the invention. Effects of the invention

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention as described above, a display device with improved display quality can be realized by preventing light emission caused by leakage current. Of course, the scope of the present invention is not limited by this effect. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross-section taken along the line AA' of the display device (1) of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel that may be included in a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5 are plan views schematically showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically showing a part of the display area of ​​a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 7a to 7d are plan views schematically showing the structural layer illustrated in FIG. 6. FIGS. 8a to 8d are schematic cross-sectional views showing a cross-section of the structural layer shown in FIG. 6 taken along the BB' line. FIG. 9a is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device shown in FIG. 6 taken along the CC' line, and FIG. 9b is an enlarged view showing a portion of the display device shown in FIG. 9a. FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing a part of the display area of ​​a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device illustrated in FIG. 10 taken along the line DD'. FIGS. 12a to 12e are enlarged views showing a portion of the display device illustrated in FIG. 11. FIGS. 13 and FIGS. 14 are enlarged views showing a portion of the display device illustrated in FIG. 11. FIGS. 15a to 15d are schematic plan views illustrating a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 16a to 16d are schematic plan views illustrating a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 17a to 17d are schematic plan views illustrating a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0030] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments; specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but can be implemented in various forms.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0032] In this specification, terms such as first, second, etc. are used not in a limiting sense, but for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0033] In this specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0034] In this specification, terms such as "include" or "have" mean that the features or components described in the specification exist, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0035] In this specification, when a part such as a film, region, or component is described as being on or above another part, it includes not only cases where it is immediately above the other part, but also cases where another film, region, or component is interposed therein.

[0036] In this specification, when it is stated that a membrane, region, component, etc. is connected, it includes cases where the membrane, region, or component is directly connected, or / or cases where other membranes, regions, or components are interposed between them to form an indirect connection. For example, when it is stated that a membrane, region, or component, etc. is electrically connected in this specification, it indicates cases where the membrane, region, or component, etc. are directly electrically connected, and / or cases where other membranes, regions, or components are interposed between them to form an indirect electrical connection.

[0037] In this specification, "A and / or B" indicates the case where it is A, B, or both A and B. And, "at least one of A and B" indicates the case where it is A, B, or both A and B.

[0038] In this specification, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are not limited to three axes in an orthogonal coordinate system and may be interpreted in a broader sense that includes them. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may be orthogonal to each other, but they may also refer to different directions that are not orthogonal to each other.

[0039] Where any embodiment in this specification can be implemented differently, a specific process sequence may be performed differently from the order described. For example, two processes described consecutively may be performed substantially simultaneously or proceed in the reverse order of the order described.

[0040] In the drawings, the size of components may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of explanation. For example, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are depicted arbitrarily for convenience of explanation, so the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is illustrated.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, a display device (1) includes a display area (DA) and a peripheral area (NDA) outside the display area (DA). A plurality of pixels (P) containing display elements are arranged in the display area (DA), and the display device (1) can provide an image using light emitted from an array of a plurality of pixels (P) arranged two-dimensionally in the display area (DA). The peripheral area (NDA) is a type of non-display area in which display elements are not arranged, and the display area (DA) can be entirely surrounded by the peripheral area (NDA).

[0043] In FIG. 1, a display device (1) having a flat display surface is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the display device (1) may include a three-dimensional display surface or a curved display surface.

[0044] When the display device (1) includes a three-dimensional display surface, the display device (1) includes a plurality of display areas indicating different directions, and, for example, may include a polygonal columnar display surface. In another embodiment, when the display device (1) includes a curved display surface, the display device (1) can be implemented in various forms such as a flexible, foldable, or rollable display device.

[0045] In addition, as an embodiment, FIG. 1 illustrates a display device (1) that can be applied to a mobile phone terminal. Although not illustrated, electronic modules mounted on a main board, a camera module, a power module, etc. can be arranged together with the display device (1) in a bracket / case, etc. to form a mobile phone terminal. The display device (1) according to the present invention can be applied to large electronic devices such as televisions and monitors, as well as small and medium-sized electronic devices such as tablets, car navigation systems, game consoles, and smartwatches.

[0046] In FIG. 1, the display area (DA) of the display device (1) is illustrated as a square with rounded corners, but in other embodiments, the shape of the display area (DA) may be a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon such as a triangle or a pentagon.

[0047] In the following description, an organic light-emitting display device is used as an example of a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, but the display device of the present invention is not limited thereto. As another embodiment, the display device (1) of the present invention may be an inorganic light-emitting display device (Inorganic Light Emitting Display or Inorganic EL Display Device) or a display device such as a quantum dot light-emitting display device. For example, the light-emitting layer of a display element provided in the display device (1) may include an organic material, an inorganic material, a quantum dot, an organic material and a quantum dot, or an inorganic material and a quantum dot.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross-section taken along the line AA' of the display device (1) of FIG. 1.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 2, a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a display layer (DU), a thin film encapsulation layer (TFE), an input sensing layer (TU), an anti-reflection layer (PU), and a window layer (WU). At least some of the components of the display layer (DU), the thin film encapsulation layer (TFE), the input sensing layer (TU), the anti-reflection layer (PU), and the window layer (WU) may be formed by a continuous process, or at least some of the components may be joined together through an adhesive member. An optically transparent adhesive member (OCA) is exemplarily illustrated as the adhesive member in FIG. 2. The adhesive member described below may include a conventional adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive. In one embodiment of the present invention, the anti-reflection layer (PU) and the window layer (WU) may be replaced with other components or omitted.

[0050] The display layer (DU) may include a plurality of pixels (P) as described in FIG. 1. The thin film encapsulation layer (TFE) may be arranged to encapsulate a display element, such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED, FIG. 4, FIG. 5), included in each of the plurality of pixels (P). The thin film encapsulation layer (TFE) may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and / or at least one organic encapsulation layer.

[0051] The display layer (DU) generates an image, and the input detection layer (TU) acquires coordinate information of an external input (e.g., a touch event). Although not separately illustrated, a display panel (DP) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a protective member disposed on the back surface of a substrate (100). The protective member and the substrate (100) may be joined through an adhesive member.

[0052] In one embodiment, the input sensing layer (TU) is placed directly on the thin film encapsulation layer (TFE). In this specification, "the configuration of B is placed directly on the configuration of A" means that no separate adhesive layer / adhesive member is placed between the configuration of A and the configuration of B. The configuration of B is formed through a continuous process on the base surface provided by the configuration of A after the configuration of A is formed. However, in another embodiment, the input sensing layer (TU) may not be placed directly on the thin film encapsulation layer (TFE), but may be formed through a separate process and then placed on the thin film encapsulation layer (TFE) via the adhesive member described above.

[0053] A display panel (DP) can be defined by including a display layer (DU) disposed on a substrate (100), a thin film encapsulation layer (TFE), an input sensing layer (TU) and an anti-reflection layer (PU) disposed directly on the thin film encapsulation layer (TFE). An optically transparent adhesive member (OCA) may be disposed between the display panel (DP) and the window layer (WU).

[0054] The anti-reflection layer (PU) can reduce the reflectivity of external light incident from the upper side of the window layer (WU). In one embodiment, the anti-reflection layer (PU) may include a black matrix and a color filter. The color filter may be arranged to correspond to the light-emitting area of ​​each pixel, and a black matrix provided to correspond to the non-light-emitting area between each pixel may be arranged. In one embodiment, an adhesive member is not interposed between the input sensing layer (TU) and the anti-reflection layer (PU), and the anti-reflection layer (PU) may be placed directly on the input sensing layer (TU).

[0055] Meanwhile, Figure 2 illustrates that the anti-reflection layer (PU) is disposed on the input sensing layer (TU), but in another embodiment, the anti-reflection layer (PU) may be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer (TFE), and the input sensing layer (TU) may be disposed on the anti-reflection layer (PU).

[0056] FIG. 3 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel that may be included in a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 3, each pixel (P) includes a pixel circuit (PC) connected to a scan line (SL) and a data line (DL), and a display element (OLED) connected to the pixel circuit (PC).

[0058] The pixel circuit (PC) includes a driving thin-film transistor (Td), a switching thin-film transistor (Ts), and a storage capacitor (Cst). The switching thin-film transistor (Ts) is connected to a scan line (SL) and a data line (DL), and transmits a data signal (Dm) input through the data line (DL) to the driving thin-film transistor (Td) according to a scan signal (Sn) input through the scan line (SL).

[0059] The storage capacitor (Cst) is connected to the switching thin-film transistor (Ts) and the driving voltage line (PL), and stores a voltage corresponding to the difference between the voltage received from the switching thin-film transistor (Ts) and the driving voltage (ELVDD) supplied to the driving voltage line (PL).

[0060] The driving thin-film transistor (Td) is connected to the driving voltage line (PL) and the storage capacitor (Cst), and can control the driving current flowing from the driving voltage line (PL) to the display element (OLED) in correspondence with the voltage value stored in the storage capacitor (Cst). The display element (OLED) can emit light having a predetermined brightness by the driving current (Id).

[0061] FIG. 3 describes a case where the pixel circuit (PC) includes two thin-film transistors and one storage capacitor, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the pixel circuit (PC) may include seven thin-film transistors and one storage capacitor. In another embodiment, the pixel circuit (PC) may include two or more storage capacitors.

[0062] FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5 are cross-sectional views schematically illustrating a cross-section of a pixel of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a pixel (P) located in a display area (DA) includes a pixel circuit (PC), and the pixel circuit (PC) includes a thin-film transistor (TFT) and a storage capacitor (Cst). The thin-film transistor (TFT) of FIGS. 4 and 5 may be one of the thin-film transistors (Td, Ts) of FIG. 3, for example, a driving thin-film transistor (Td).

[0064] The inorganic insulating layer (IOL) may include a buffer layer (111), a gate insulating layer (112), a first interlayer insulating layer (113), and a second interlayer insulating layer (115) sequentially located on a substrate (100).

[0065] A buffer layer (111) is placed on a substrate (100) to prevent the penetration of impurities, and a gate insulating layer (112) may be interposed between the semiconductor layer (Act) and the gate electrode (GE) of the thin-film transistor (TFT). A first interlayer insulating layer (113) may be interposed between the lower electrode (CE1) and the upper electrode (CE2) of the storage capacitor (Cst) and function as a dielectric. A second interlayer insulating layer (115) is interposed between the gate electrode (GE), the source electrode (SE), and the drain electrode (DE) of the thin-film transistor (TFT).

[0066] The buffer layer (111), gate insulating layer (112), first interlayer insulating layer (113), and second interlayer insulating layer (115) are all formed from insulating inorganic materials. For example, the buffer layer (111), gate insulating layer (112), first interlayer insulating layer (113), and second interlayer insulating layer (115) may each be formed from silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and / or silicon oxynitride.

[0067] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a case where a thin-film transistor (TFT) and a storage capacitor (Cst) are arranged to overlap, and the gate electrode (GE) of the thin-film transistor (TFT) is the lower electrode (CE1) of the storage capacitor (Cst), but the present invention is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the lower electrode (CE1) and the upper electrode (CE2) of the storage capacitor (Cst) may be located on the same layer as the gate electrode (GE), source electrode (SE), and drain electrode (DE), respectively, and may contain the same material, but the present invention is not limited thereto and can be modified in various ways.

[0068] Additionally, FIGS. 4 and 5 describe a case where the thin-film transistor (TFT) of the pixel circuit (PC) is of the top gate type, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the thin-film transistor (TFT) may be of the bottom gate type.

[0069] An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) comprises a pixel electrode (210) electrically connected to a pixel circuit (PC) through a contact metal (CM) with a first flattening layer (117) and a second flattening layer (119) having contact holes in between, a counter electrode (230) facing the pixel electrode (210), and an intermediate layer (220) interposed between them. In one embodiment, the first flattening layer (117) and the second flattening layer (119) may be formed of an insulating organic material.

[0070] A pixel defining film (120) is disposed on the second planarization layer (119). The pixel defining film (120) may include an organic insulating material. In some embodiments, the pixel defining film (120) may include a light-blocking material and may be provided in black. The light-blocking material may include carbon black, carbon nanotubes, a resin or paste containing a black dye, metal particles such as nickel, aluminum, molybdenum and their alloys, metal oxide particles (e.g., chromium oxide), or metal nitride particles (e.g., chromium nitride). When the pixel defining film (120) includes a light-blocking material, it may reduce external light reflection by metal structures disposed on the underside of the pixel defining film (120).

[0071] The pixel electrode (210) is exposed through an opening (OP) provided in the pixel defining film (120), and the edge of the pixel electrode (210) can be covered by the pixel defining film (120) formed of an insulating organic material. In one embodiment, the pixel electrode (210) may include silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), or a compound thereof.

[0072] The counter electrode (230) is formed integrally and can cover the entire display area (DA). In one embodiment, the counter electrode (230) may be a thin film metal layer containing silver (Ag) and magnesium (Mg), or a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In2O3), indium gallium oxide (IGO), or aluminum zinc oxide (AZO).

[0073] In some embodiments, a capping layer (240, see FIG. 9a) may be located on the counter electrode (230). For example, the capping layer (240) may be provided as a single layer or a multilayer, comprising a material selected from organic materials, inorganic materials, and mixtures thereof. As an optional embodiment, a LiF layer may be located on the capping layer (240).

[0074] An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) can emit light in one of red, green, blue, and white colors. To achieve such light emission, the intermediate layer (220) may be formed from an organic material containing a fluorescent or phosphorescent material that emits red, green, and blue light, and may be patterned to correspond to a pixel (P) in the display area (DA).

[0075] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the intermediate layer (220) may include a single light-emitting layer (222) patterned corresponding to a pixel (P). The upper and lower portions of the light-emitting layer (222) may include a first common layer (221) interposed between the light-emitting layer (222) and the pixel electrode (210) with the light-emitting layer (222) in between, and a second common layer (223) provided between the light-emitting layer (222) and the counter electrode (230). The first common layer (221) and the second common layer (223) may be formed integrally to cover the entire display area (DA).

[0076] In one embodiment, the first common layer (221) may include a hole injection layer (HIL) and a hole transport layer (HTL), and the second common layer (223) may include an electron transport layer (ETL) and an electron injection layer (EIL). In another embodiment, at least one of the hole injection layer (HIL), the hole transport layer (HTL), the electron transport layer (ETL), and the electron injection layer (EIL) may be omitted.

[0077] The hole injection layer (HIL) can facilitate the injection of holes and may be composed of one or more selected from the group consisting of HATCN and CuPc (cupper phthalocyanine), PEDOT (poly(3,4)-ethylenedioxythiophene), PANI (polyaniline) and NPD (N, N-dinaphthyl-N, N'-diphenylbenzidine), but is not limited thereto.

[0078] The hole transport layer (HTL) may include a triphenylamine derivative with high hole mobility and excellent stability, such as TPD (N,N'-diphenyl-N,N'-bis(3-methylphenyl)-1,1'-bi-phenyl-4,4'-diamine) or NPB (N,N'-di(naphthalen-1-yl)-N,N'-diphenyl-benzidine), as a host of the hole transport layer.

[0079] The electron transport layer (ETL) facilitates the transport of electrons and may be composed of one or more selected from the group consisting of Alq3 (tris(8-hydroxyquinolino)aluminum), PBD, TAZ, spiro-PBD, BAlq, Liq (lithium quinolate), BMB-3T, PF-6P, TPBI, COT, and SAlq, but is not limited thereto.

[0080] The electron injection layer (EIL) can facilitate electron injection, and the electron injection layer (EIL) may use Yb, Alq3 (tris(8-hydroxyquinolino)aluminum), PBD, TAZ, spiro-PBD, BAlq, or SAlq, but is not limited thereto.

[0081] In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the intermediate layer (220) may include a plurality of light-emitting layers (222a, 222b). That is, the intermediate layer (220) may have a lower light-emitting layer (222a) and an upper light-emitting layer (222b) arranged in an overlapping manner. The lower light-emitting layer (222a) and the upper light-emitting layer (222b) may be patterned in correspondence with the opening (OP) of the pixel defining film (120).

[0082] In one embodiment, the lower light-emitting layer (222a) and the upper light-emitting layer (222b), which are arranged to overlap each other, may emit light of the same wavelength or may emit light of different wavelengths. For example, when an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) emits red light, the lower light-emitting layer (222a) may emit red light, and the upper light-emitting layer (222b) may emit red light.

[0083] In one embodiment, a charge generating layer (224) may be disposed between the lower light-emitting layer (222a) and the upper light-emitting layer (222b). Unlike the lower light-emitting layer (222a) and the upper light-emitting layer (222b), which are patterned corresponding to the pixel (P), the charge generating layer (224) may be a common layer formed across the entire front surface of the display area (DA). The charge generating layer (224) may serve to supply charge to the first common layer (221), the lower light-emitting layer (222a), the upper light-emitting layer (222b), and the second common layer (223), respectively.

[0084] The charge generation layer (224) may include an n-type charge generation layer (n-CGL) for supplying electrons to the first common layer (221) and the lower light-emitting layer (222a), and a p-type charge generation layer (p-CGL) for supplying holes to the upper light-emitting layer (222b) and the second common layer (223).

[0085] An n-type charge generation layer (n-CGL) may include an n-type dopant material and an n-type host material. The n-type dopant material may be a metal of Group 1 or Group 2 of the periodic table, an organic material capable of injecting electrons, or a mixture thereof. For example, the n-type dopant material may be either an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal. That is, the n-type charge generation layer (n-CGL) may be composed of an organic layer doped with an alkali metal such as lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), or cesium (Cs), or an alkaline earth metal such as magnesium (Mg), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), or radium (Ra), but is not limited thereto. The n-type host material is an electron-transferable substance, e.g., Alq3 (tris(8-hydroxyquinolino)aluminum), Liq (8-hydroxyquinolinolato-lithium), PBD (2-(4-biphenylyl)-5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole), TAZ (3-(4-biphenyl)4-phenyl-5-tert-butylphenyl-1,2,4-triazole), spiro-PBD, and BAlq (bis(2-methyl-8-quinolinolate)-4-(phenylphenolato)aluminum), SAlq, TPBi (2,2',2-(1,3,5-benzinetriyl)-tris(1-phenyl-1-H-benzimidazole), oxadiazole, triazole, phenanthroline, benzoxazole, or benzthiazole. It may consist of one or more of the following, but is not limited thereto.

[0086] The p-type charge generation layer (p-CGL) may include a p-type dopant material and a p-type host material. The p-type dopant material may be composed of organic materials such as metal oxides, tetrafluoro-tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4-TCNQ), HAT-CN (Hexaazatriphenylene-hexacarbonitrile), hexaazatriphenylene, etc., or metal materials such as V2O5, MoOx, WO3, etc., but is not limited thereto. The p-type host material may be composed of one or more of the following materials capable of transmitting holes, for example, NPD (N,N-dinaphthyl-N,N'-diphenyl benzidine) (N,N'-bis(naphthalene-1-yl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl)-2,2'-dimethylbenzidine), TPD (N,N'-bis-(3-methylphenyl)-N,N'-bis-(phenyl)-benzidine), and MTDATA (4,4',4-Tris(N-3-methylphenyl-N-phenyl-amino)-triphenylamine), but is not limited thereto.

[0087] A thin film encapsulation layer (TFE) is disposed on an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). Although FIGS. 4 and 5 show the thin film encapsulation layer (TFE) located on the display area (DA), the thin film encapsulation layer (TFE) may also be partially disposed on the peripheral area (NDA).

[0088] The thin film encapsulation layer (TFE) includes first and second inorganic encapsulation layers (310, 330) and an organic encapsulation layer (320). For example, the thin film encapsulation layer (TFE) may be formed by sequentially stacking the first inorganic encapsulation layer (310), the organic encapsulation layer (320), and the second inorganic encapsulation layer (330). The first and second inorganic encapsulation layers (310, 330) may include at least one material selected from silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, zirconium nitride, titanium nitride, hafnium nitride, tantalum nitride, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tin oxide, cerium oxide, and silicon oxynitride. The first and second inorganic encapsulation layers (310, 330) may be formed, for example, by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process.

[0089] The organic encapsulation layer (320) may comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of acrylic resin, methacrylate resin, polyisoprene, vinyl resin, epoxy resin, urethane resin, cellulose resin, and perylene resin. In one embodiment, the organic encapsulation layer (320) may be formed by an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process using a material such as HMDSO (Hexamethyldisiloxane) or TEOS (tetraethyl orthosilicate) as a source gas. In another embodiment, the organic encapsulation layer (320) may be formed by depositing a liquid monomer and then curing it using heat or light such as ultraviolet light.

[0090] In this embodiment, a case was described in which the thin film encapsulation layer (TFE) comprises two first and second inorganic encapsulation layers (310, 330) and one organic encapsulation layer (320), but the stacking order and number of inorganic and organic encapsulation layers are not limited thereto.

[0091] FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically showing a part of the display area of ​​a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 6, a plurality of pixels (P1, P2) may be arranged adjacent to each other in a display area (DA). FIG. 6 illustrates a plurality of pixels (P1, P2) arranged in parallel with the same area, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. The first pixel (P1) and the second pixel (P2) are arranged adjacently and may emit different colors. For example, the first pixel (P1) may emit green light, and the second pixel (P2) may emit blue light. In this case, the light-emitting area (EA) of the first pixel (P1) emitting green light may be smaller than the light-emitting area (EA) of the second pixel (P2) emitting blue light.

[0093] The light-emitting regions (EA) of a plurality of pixels (P1, P2) can be defined in correspondence with openings (OP1, OP2) provided in the pixel defining film (120). The display region (DA) may include a first light-emitting region of the first pixel (P1), a second light-emitting region of the second pixel (P2), and a non-light-emitting region (NEA) between the first light-emitting region and the second light-emitting region.

[0094] A structural layer (130) may be disposed on a pixel defining film (120) between a first pixel (P1) and a second pixel (P2). That is, the structural layer (130) may be disposed in a non-luminescent region (NEA) between a plurality of pixels (P1, P2).

[0095] The structural layer (130) may have an upper surface (130-US, see FIG. 8a) protruding from the pixel defining film (120), a first side (130-S1) connected to the upper surface (130-US) and having a tapered slope in the reverse direction, and a second side (130-S2) having a tapered slope in the forward direction. In one embodiment, the structural layer (130) may be in the shape of a rectangle arranged along a first direction (ax1, e.g., the y direction) parallel to one side of the first pixel (P1). The structural layer (130) may have four sides (130-S1, S2, S3, S4) connected along four sides of the upper surface (130-US). This will be described in detail later through FIG. 7a to 7d and FIG. 8a to 8d.

[0096] The length (l1) of the structural layer (130) along the first direction (ax1) may be equal to or greater than the width (w1, w2) of the first light-emitting region of the first pixel (P1) and the second light-emitting region of the second pixel (P2). In one embodiment, the width (w1) of the first light-emitting region of the first pixel (P1) may be greater than the width (w2) of the second light-emitting region of the second pixel (P2). In this case, the length (l1) of the structural layer (130) may be equal to or greater than the width (w1) of the first pixel (P1).

[0097] In one embodiment, the structural layer (130) may include an organic material or an inorganic material. In another embodiment, the structural layer (130) may be formed of the same material as the pixel defining film (120). For example, the structural layer (130) may be formed by patterning the upper surface of the pixel defining film (120).

[0098] The structural layer (130) may be formed by first exposing sides having a tapered slope in the reverse direction and secondly exposing sides having a tapered slope in the forward direction. At this time, the order of the first exposure and the second exposure may be changed. The exposure mask may be a half-tone mask. In another embodiment, the structural layer (130) may be formed by applying laser scan exposure technology. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0099] The first pixel (P1) and the second pixel (P2) may have a first and second common layer (221, 223, see FIG. 9a), a charge generating layer (224), and a counter electrode (230) that are integrally provided. At this time, the first and second common layer (221, 223), the charge generating layer (224), and the counter electrode (230) may have a discontinuity (da, see FIG. 9b) that is cut off by the first side (130-S1). Since the electrical conductivity of the first and second common layer (221, 223), the charge generating layer (224), and the counter electrode (230) is significantly reduced at the discontinuity (da), an effect such as electrical short circuit can be achieved between mutually adjacent pixels (P1, P2) without leakage current in the second direction (ax2) occurring.

[0100] The first and second common layers (221, 223), charge generation layer (224), and counter electrode (230) disposed on the upper surface (130-US) of the structural layer can be smoothly connected to the first and second common layers (221, 223), charge generation layer (224), and counter electrode (230) disposed on the upper surface (120-US) of the pixel defining film by the second side (130-S2) and formed as a single unit. Accordingly, the area loss of the counter electrode (230) can be minimized, thereby preventing a voltage drop (IR drop) caused by an increase in the resistance of the counter electrode (230).

[0101] In some display devices, as the distance (d1) between pixels (P1, P2) becomes close due to high resolution, the current applied to one pixel (P1) leaks along the common layers (221, 223, 224) included in the intermediate layer (220), causing the adjacent pixel (P2) to emit light. In one embodiment of the present invention, by placing a structural layer (130) between mutually adjacent pixels (P1, P2), the leakage current is reduced to prevent color mixing between pixels, while minimizing the area loss of the opposing electrode (230), thereby improving the display quality of the display device.

[0102] FIGS. 7a to 7d are plan views schematically illustrating a structural layer according to embodiments of the present invention, and FIGS. 8a to 8d are cross-sectional views schematically illustrating a cross-section of a structural layer according to embodiments of the present invention taken along the BB' line.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 7a, FIGS. 8a and FIGS. 8b, according to one embodiment, the structural layer (130) may be arranged along a first direction (ax1, e.g., y direction) and may have a first side (130-S1) having a tapered slope in the reverse direction and a second side (130-S2) having a tapered slope in the forward direction, connected to the upper surface (130-US) of the structural layer.

[0104] The structural layer (130) may have a third side (130-S3) and a fourth side (130-S4) connected to the upper surface (130-US) of the structural layer and having a forward tapered slope. In this case, the third side (130-S3) and the fourth side (130-S4) may be arranged along a second direction (ax2, e.g., the x direction). In one embodiment, the third side (130-S3) and the fourth side (130-S4) having a forward tapered slope may be flat surfaces, as shown in FIG. 8a. In another embodiment, the third side (130-S3) and the fourth side (130-S4) may be non-flat curved surfaces, as shown in FIG. 8b.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 7b, according to another embodiment, the structural layer (130) has a first side (130-S1) and a third side (130-S3) that are connected to the upper surface (130-US) of the structural layer and have a tapered slope in the reverse direction, and a second side (130-S2) and a fourth side (130-S4) that have a tapered slope in the forward direction. The first side (130-S1) and the third side (130-S3) may be arranged along a first direction (ax1), and the second side (130-S2) and the fourth side (130-S4) may be arranged along a second direction (ax2).

[0106] Referring to FIG. 7c and FIG. 8c, according to another embodiment, the structural layer (130) may be arranged along a first direction (ax1) and may have a first side (130-S1) with a tapered slope in the reverse direction and a second side (130-S2) with a tapered slope in the forward direction, connected to the upper surface (130-US) of the structural layer. The structural layer (130) may be arranged along a second direction (ax2) and may have a third side (130-S3) and a fourth side (130-S4) with a tapered slope in the reverse direction, connected to the upper surface (130-US) of the structural layer. For example, the first side (130-S1), the third side (130-S3), and the fourth side (130-S4) of the structural layer (130) have a tapered slope in the reverse direction, and only the second side (130-S2) may have a tapered slope in the forward direction.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 7d and FIG. 8d, in one embodiment, the structural layer (130) may be arranged along a first direction (ax1) and may have a first side (130-S1) with a tapered slope in the reverse direction and a second side (130-S2) with a tapered slope in the forward direction, connected to the upper surface (130-US) of the structural layer. The structural layer (130) may be arranged along a second direction (ax2) and may have a third side (130-S3) with a tapered slope in the reverse direction and a fourth side (130-S4) with a tapered slope in the forward direction, connected to the upper surface (130-US) of the structural layer. That is, the first side (130-S1) and the third side (130-S3) connected to each other may have a tapered slope in the reverse direction, and the second side (130-S2) and the fourth side (130-S4) connected to each other may have a tapered slope in the forward direction.

[0108] In the embodiments described above, the structural layer (130) may have at least one side (130-S1) connected to the upper surface (130-US) of the structural layer and having a tapered slope in the reverse direction, and at least one side (130-S2) having a tapered slope in the forward direction. In this case, the sides having a tapered slope in the forward direction may be flat surfaces or non-flat curved surfaces.

[0109] FIG. 9a is a cross-sectional view of the display device shown in FIG. 6 taken along the CC' line, and FIG. 9b is an enlarged view showing a portion of the display device shown in FIG. 9a.

[0110] The configuration of the first and second organic light-emitting diodes (OLED1, OLED2) and the pixel circuit (PC) in FIGS. 9a and 9b is identical to the configuration of the organic light-emitting diode (OLED) and the pixel circuit (PC) in FIG. 5 described above, so duplicate content is omitted below.

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 9a and 9b, a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a plurality of mutually adjacent organic light-emitting diodes (OLED1, OLED2).

[0112] In one embodiment, the first and second organic light-emitting diodes (OLED1, OLED2) may each be provided with a tandem structure including a plurality of light-emitting layers. In another embodiment, the first and second organic light-emitting diodes (OLED1, OLED2) may include a single light-emitting layer as shown in FIG. 4.

[0113] In one embodiment, the first intermediate layer (220G) and the second intermediate layer (220B) may each have a plurality of light-emitting layers within an organic light-emitting diode. That is, the first and second intermediate layers (220G, 220B) may each have first and second lower light-emitting layers (222ga, 222ba) and first and second upper light-emitting layers (222gb, 222bb) arranged in an overlapping manner. The first and second lower light-emitting layers (222ga, 222ba) and the first and second upper light-emitting layers (222gb, 222bb) may be patterned and individually provided for each first and second organic light-emitting diode (OLED1, OLED2).

[0114] The first and second organic light-emitting diodes (OLED1, OLED2) can each emit light in one of red, green, blue, and white. To achieve such light emission, the first and second lower light-emitting layers (222ga, 222ba) and the first and second upper light-emitting layers (222gb, 222bb) can each emit light in red, green, or blue. In one embodiment, the first and second organic light-emitting diodes (OLED1, OLED2) can emit light in different colors. For example, the first organic light-emitting diode (OLED1) can emit green light, and the second organic light-emitting diode (OLED2) can emit blue light. When the first organic light-emitting diode (OLED1) emits green light, the first lower light-emitting layer (222ga) can emit green light, and the first upper light-emitting layer (222gb) can emit green light. When the second organic light-emitting diode (OLED2) emits blue light, the second lower light-emitting layer (222ba) emits blue light, and the second upper light-emitting layer (222bb) can emit blue light in the same way.

[0115] The first and second organic light-emitting diodes (OLED1, OLED2) may include a first common layer (221) provided between the first pixel electrode (210G) and the second pixel electrode (210B) and the first lower light-emitting layer (222ga) and the second lower light-emitting layer (222ba), and a second common layer (223) provided between the first upper light-emitting layer (222gb) and the second upper light-emitting layer (222bb) and the counter electrode (230). In one embodiment, the first common layer (221) may include a hole injection layer (HIL) and a hole transport layer (HTL), and the second common layer (223) may include an electron transport layer (ETL) and an electron injection layer (EIL). In another embodiment, at least one of the hole injection layer (HIL), the hole transport layer (HTL), the electron transport layer (ETL), and the electron injection layer (EIL) may be omitted.

[0116] In one embodiment, a charge generating layer (224) may be disposed between the first and second lower light-emitting layers (222ga, 222ba) and the first and second upper light-emitting layers (222gb, 222bb). The charge generating layer (224) may be provided in common across the first and second organic light-emitting diodes (OLED1, OLED2).

[0117] The pixel defining film (120) includes an opening (OP) that exposes the upper surface of each of the first pixel electrode (210G) and the second pixel electrode (210B), and can cover the edges of each pixel electrode (210G, 210B). The light-emitting regions (EA) of each organic light-emitting diode (OLED1, OLED2) can be defined by the opening (OP) of the pixel defining film (120). A non-light-emitting region (NEA) may be provided between each organic light-emitting diode (OLED1, OLED2). The non-light-emitting region (NEA) may substantially be the region between the light-emitting regions (EA).

[0118] A structural layer (130) may be provided on the pixel definition film (120). The structural layer (130) may have an upper surface (130-US), a first side (130-S1) connected to the upper surface (130-US) and having a tapered slope in the reverse direction, and a second side (130-S2) connected to the upper surface (130-US) and having a tapered slope in the forward direction.

[0119] In one embodiment, the structural layer (130) may include an organic material or an inorganic material. In one embodiment, the structural layer (130) may be formed of the same material as the pixel defining film (120). For example, the structural layer (130) may be integrally formed with the pixel defining film (120).

[0120] The first and second common layers (221, 223), charge generation layer (224), and counter electrode (230) integrally provided across the first and second organic light-emitting diodes (OLED1, OLED2) may have a discontinuity (da) that is interrupted by the first side (130-S1) of the structural layer. Accordingly, the discontinuity (da) can achieve an effect such as electrical short circuit without causing leakage current flowing in the second direction (ax2, e.g., x direction) along the first and second common layers (221, 223) and the charge generation layer (224).

[0121] Meanwhile, the first and second common layers (221, 223), charge generating layer (224), and counter electrode (230) disposed on the upper surface (130-US) of the structural layer can be smoothly connected to the first and second common layers (221, 223), charge generating layer (224), and counter electrode (230) disposed on the upper surface (120-US) of the pixel defining film by the second side (130-S2) and can be provided as a single unit. Accordingly, the second side (130-S2) prevents the counter electrode (230) disposed on the upper surface (130-US) of the structural layer from being completely short-circuited with the counter electrode (230) disposed on the upper surface (120-US) of the pixel defining film, thereby minimizing the reduction in the area of ​​the counter electrode (230).

[0122] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing a part of the display area of ​​a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] FIG. 10 is similar to FIG. 6 described above, but differs in that the structural layer (130) comprises a first sub-structural layer (131) and a second sub-structural layer (133). Hereinafter, redundant content will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences in the structural layer (130).

[0124] Referring to FIG. 10, the structure layer (130) may include a first substructure layer (131) and a second substructure layer (133) arranged in parallel and spaced apart from each other between a first pixel (P1) and a second pixel (P2).

[0125] The first substructure layer (131) may have a first upper surface (131-US), a first-1 side (131-S1) connected to the first upper surface (131-US) and having a tapered slope in the reverse direction, and a first-2 side (131-S2) having a tapered slope in the forward direction.

[0126] The second substructure layer (133) may have a second upper surface (133-US), a second-1 side (133-S1) connected to the second upper surface (133-US) and having a tapered slope in the reverse direction, and a second-2 side (133-S2) having a tapered slope in the forward direction.

[0127] In one embodiment, the first and second substructure layers (131, 133) may each be in the shape of a rectangle arranged along a first direction (ax1, e.g., the y-direction) parallel to one side of the first pixel (P1). The length of the first substructure layer (131) and the length of the second substructure layer (133) along the first direction may be the same or different. In one embodiment, the lengths of the first and second substructure layers (131) along the first direction (ax1) may have a length equal to or greater than the width of the first pixel (P1).

[0128] In one embodiment, the first and second substructure layers (131, 133) may each comprise an organic material or an inorganic material. In another embodiment, the first and second substructure layers (131, 133) may be formed from the same material as the pixel defining film (120). For example, the first and second substructure layers (131, 133) may be formed by patterning the upper surface of the pixel defining film (120). For example, the first and second substructure layers (131, 133) may be formed by first exposing sides with a tapered slope in the reverse direction and secondly exposing sides with a tapered slope in the forward direction. In this case, the exposure mask may be a half-tone mask. In another embodiment, the first and second substructure layers (131, 133) may be formed by applying laser scan exposure technology. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0129] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device shown in FIG. 10 taken along the line DD', and FIG. 12a to 12e are enlarged views showing a portion of the display device shown in FIG. 11.

[0130] FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 9a described above, but differs in that the structural layer (130) comprises a first sub-structural layer (131) and a second sub-structural layer (133). Hereinafter, redundant content will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences in the structural layer (130).

[0131] Referring to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12a, a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may have mutually adjacent organic light-emitting diodes (OLED1, OLED2).

[0132] The pixel defining film (120) includes an opening (OP) that exposes the upper surface of each of the first pixel electrode (210G) and the second pixel electrode (210B), and can cover the edges of each pixel electrode (210G, 210B). The light-emitting regions (EA) of the organic light-emitting diodes (OLED1, OLED2) can be defined by the opening (OP) of the pixel defining film (120). A non-light-emitting region (NEA) may be provided between the organic light-emitting diodes (OLED1, OLED2). The non-light-emitting region (NEA) may substantially be the region between the light-emitting regions (EA).

[0133] First and second substructure layers (131, 133) may be provided on the pixel defining film (120). The first substructure layer (131) may have a first upper surface (131-US), a first-1 side (131-S1) connected to the first upper surface (131-US) and having a tapered slope in the reverse direction, and a first-2 side (131-S2) having a tapered slope in the forward direction. Similarly, the second substructure layer (133) may have a second upper surface (133-US), a second-1 side (133-S1) connected to the second upper surface (133-US) and having a tapered slope in the reverse direction, and a second-2 side (133-S2) having a tapered slope in the forward direction.

[0134] In one embodiment, the first-1 side (131-S1), the first-2 side (131-S2), the second-1 side (133-S1), and the second-2 side (133-S2) may be arranged along a first direction (ax1, e.g., the y direction). In this case, the first-2 side (131-S2) and the second-2 side (133-S2) may be arranged facing each other.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 12a, the first-2 side and the second-2 side (131-S2, 133-S2) may be flat surfaces. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12b, the first-2 side and the second-2 side (131-S2, 133-S2) may be curved surfaces.

[0136] The first and second common layers (221, 223), charge generation layer (224), and counter electrode (230) integrally provided across the first and second organic light-emitting diodes (OLED1, OLED2) may have a first discontinuity (da1) separated by the first-1 side (131-S1) and a second discontinuity (da2) separated by the second-1 side (133-S1). Accordingly, the first and second discontinuity (da1, da2) can achieve an effect such as electrically short-circuiting between mutually adjacent pixels (P1, P2) so that no leakage current flows in the second direction (ax2, e.g., x direction) along the first and second common layers (221, 223) and charge generation layer (224).

[0137] Meanwhile, the first and second common layers (221, 223), charge generating layer (224), and counter electrode (230) disposed on the first and second upper surfaces (131-US, 133-US) can be smoothly connected to the first and second common layers (221, 223), charge generating layer (224), and counter electrode (230) disposed on the upper surface (120-US) of the pixel defining film by the first-2 side surface and the second-2 side surface (131-S2, 133-S2) and formed integrally. Therefore, the counter electrode (230) placed on the first and second upper surfaces (131-US, 133-US) is prevented from being completely short-circuited with the counter electrode (230) placed on the upper surface (120-US) of the pixel definition film, thereby minimizing the reduction in the area of ​​the counter electrode (230).

[0138] Referring to FIG. 12c, the first-1 side (131-S1), the first-2 side (131-S2), the second-1 side (133-S1), and the second-2 side (133-S2) may be arranged parallel to each other along the first direction (ax1). At this time, the first-2 side (131-S2) and the second-1 side (133-S1) may be arranged facing each other. The first and second common layers (221, 223), the charge generation layer (224), and the counter electrode (230) integrally provided across the first and second organic light-emitting diodes (OLED1, OLED2) may have a first discontinuity (da1) separated by the first-1 side (131-S1) and a second discontinuity (da2) separated by the second-1 side (133-S1).

[0139] Referring to FIG. 12d, the first-1 side (131-S1), the first-2 side (131-S2), the second-1 side (133-S1), and the second-2 side (133-S2) may be arranged parallel to each other along the first direction (ax1). At this time, the first-1 side (131-S1) and the second-1 side (133-S1) may be arranged facing each other. The first and second common layers (221, 223), the charge generation layer (224), and the counter electrode (230) integrally provided across the first and second organic light-emitting diodes (OLED1, OLED2) may have a first discontinuity (da1) separated by the first-1 side (131-S1) and a second discontinuity (da2) separated by the second-1 side (133-S1).

[0140] Referring to FIG. 12e, the first substructure layer (131) may have a first-third side (131-S3) connected to the first upper surface (131-US) and having a tapered slope in the reverse direction, and the second substructure layer (133) may have a second-third side (133-S3) connected to the second upper surface (133-US) and having a tapered slope in the reverse direction. The first-first side (131-S1), the first-third side (131-S3), the second-first side (133-S1), and the second-third side (133-S3) may be arranged parallel to each other along the first direction (ax1). At this time, the first-second side (131-S2) and the second-second side (133-S2), which have a tapered slope in the forward direction, may be arranged parallel to each other along the second direction (ax2).

[0141] The first and second common layers (221, 223), charge generation layer (224), and counter electrode (230) integrally provided across the first and second organic light-emitting diodes (OLED1, OLED2) may have a first discontinuity (da1) to a fourth discontinuity (da4) that is interrupted by a first-1 side (131-S1), a first-3 side (131-S3), a second-1 side (133-S1), and a second-3 side (133-S3). At this time, meanwhile, the first and second common layers (221, 223), charge generating layer (224), and counter electrode (230) disposed on the first and second upper surfaces (131-US, 133-US) can be smoothly connected to the first and second common layers (221, 223), charge generating layer (224), and counter electrode (230) disposed on the upper surface (120-US) of the pixel defining film by the first-2 side surface (131-S2) and the second-2 side surface (133-S2) and can be integrally provided.

[0142] As described above in the description of the structural layer (130), the first substructural layer (131) and the second substructural layer (133) may each have at least one side (131-S1, 133-S1) that is connected to the upper surface (131-US, 133-US) and has a tapered slope in the reverse direction, and at least one side (131-S2, 133-S2) that has a tapered slope in the forward direction. In this case, the sides that have a tapered slope in the forward direction may be flat surfaces or curved surfaces.

[0143] Mutually adjacent first pixel (P1) and second pixel (P2) may have a first and second common layer (221, 223), a charge generating layer (224), and a counter electrode (230) integrally provided. At this time, the first and second common layer (221, 223), the charge generating layer (224), and the counter electrode (230) may have at least two discontinuous parts (da1, da2) separated by a first-1 side (131-S1) and a second-1 side (133-S1). Since the electrical conductivity of the first and second common layers (221, 223), the charge generation layer (224), and the counter electrode (230) is significantly reduced at at least two discontinuous sections (da1, da2), it is possible to achieve an effect such as electrical short circuit without leakage current occurring between mutually adjacent pixels (P1, P2).

[0144] The first and second common layers (221, 223), charge generating layer (224), and counter electrode (230) disposed on the first and second upper surfaces (131-US, 133-US) can be smoothly connected to the first and second common layers (221, 223), charge generating layer (224), and counter electrode (230) disposed on the upper surface (120-US) of the pixel defining film by the first-2 side surface and the second-2 side surface (131-S2, 133-S2), respectively, and can be integrally provided. Accordingly, the counter electrode (230) disposed on the upper surface (131-US, 133-US) of the first and second substructure layers is prevented from being completely short-circuited with the counter electrode (230) disposed on the upper surface (120-US) of the pixel definition film, thereby minimizing the reduction of the area of ​​the counter electrode (230).

[0145] FIGS. 13 and FIGS. 14 are enlarged views showing a portion of the display device illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0146] FIGS. 13 and 14 are similar to FIG. 9b described above, but differ in that the structural layers (135, 137) have a tip structure protruding toward the light-emitting region (EA). Below, redundant details will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences in the structural layers (135, 137).

[0147] Referring to FIG. 13, a structural layer (135) may be disposed on a pixel defining film (120). The structural layer (135) may have a tip structure (135-T) protruding toward the light-emitting region (EA) and a second side (135-S2) connected to the upper surface (135-US) of the structural layer and having a forward tapered slope. The tip structure (135-T) may cover a portion of the upper surface (120-US) of the pixel defining film. Accordingly, the first and second common layers (221, 223), charge generating layer (224), and counter electrode (230) integrally provided across the first and second organic light-emitting diodes (OLED1, OLED2) may have a discontinuity (da) that is cut off by the tip structure (135-T). Meanwhile, the first and second common layers (221, 223), charge generating layer (224), and counter electrode (230) disposed on the upper surface (135-US) of the structural layer can be smoothly connected to the first and second common layers (221, 223), charge generating layer (224), and counter electrode (230) disposed on the upper surface (120-US) of the pixel defining film by the second side (135-S2) and formed integrally.

[0148] In one embodiment, the structural layer (135) may include an organic material. For example, the structural layer (135) may be made of the same material as the pixel defining film (120). In one embodiment, the structural layer (135) may be formed integrally with the pixel defining film (120).

[0149] Referring to FIG. 14, the structural layer (137) may be an inorganic film layer formed by protruding toward the light-emitting region (EA). The structural layer (137) may have a tip structure (137-T) protruding toward the light-emitting region (EA) from the upper surface (120-US) of the pixel defining film (120). In one embodiment, the second side (137-S2) of the structural layer (137) may be spaced apart toward the center from the boundary of the upper surface (120-US) of the pixel defining film (120). In another embodiment, the second side (137-S2) of the structural layer (137) may be placed on the boundary of the upper surface (120-US) of the pixel defining film (120). In one embodiment, although not illustrated, the second side (137-S2) of the structural layer (137) may have a forward tapered slope to smoothly connect the upper surface (120-US) of the pixel defining film (120) and the upper surface of the structural layer (137-US).

[0150] The tip structure (137-T) can cover a portion of the upper surface (120-US) of the pixel defining film. Accordingly, the first and second common layers (221, 223), charge generating layer (224), and counter electrode (230) integrally provided across the first and second organic light-emitting diodes (OLED1, OLED2) may have a discontinuity (da) that is cut off by the tip structure (137-T). Meanwhile, the first and second common layers (221, 223), charge generating layer (224), and counter electrode (230) disposed on the upper surface (137-US) of the structural layer can be smoothly connected to the first and second common layers (221, 223), charge generating layer (224), and counter electrode (230) disposed on the upper surface (120-US) of the pixel defining film by the second side (137-S2) and formed as a single unit.

[0151] As described above in FIGS. 7a to 7d, the structural layer (135, 137) may have a tip structure (135-T, 137-T) or a third side and a fourth side having a tapered slope in the forward direction, and the first to fourth sides may be arranged in various ways.

[0152] FIGS. 15a to 15d are schematic plan views illustrating a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 15a, a plurality of pixels (P) may be arranged on a display area (DA). Each of the plurality of pixels (P) may include a display element such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). In this specification, a pixel (P) may be a sub-pixel that emits red, green, blue, or white light.

[0154] In one embodiment, a plurality of pixels (P) placed on a display area (DA) may include a pixel (P1) that emits red light, a pixel (P2) that emits green light, and a pixel (P3) that emits blue light. In one embodiment, assuming virtual cells arranged in a grid shape, three pixels (P) may be placed within one cell. For example, in FIG. 15a, a red-emitting pixel (P1), a green-emitting pixel (P2), and a blue-emitting pixel (P3) may each be placed within one cell.

[0155] Each pixel (P1, P2, P3) may include organic light-emitting diodes (OLED1, OLED2, OLED3, see FIG. 4 and FIG. 5). Each organic light-emitting diode (OLED1, OLED2, OLED3) may include pixel electrodes (210R, 210G, 210B), a counter electrode (230), and intermediate layers (220R, 220G, 220B) disposed between them. In one embodiment, the intermediate layers (220R, 220G, 220B) may include light-emitting layers (222r, 222g, 222b) respectively disposed on the pixel electrodes (210R, 210G, 210B) and a first and second common layer (221, 223) commonly disposed on the upper and / or lower portions of the light-emitting layers (222r, 222g, 222b) across the pixels (P1, P2, P3). In another embodiment, the intermediate layers (220R, 220G, 220B) may include lower light-emitting layers (222ra, 222ga, 222ba) and upper light-emitting layers (222rb, 222gb, 222bb) respectively disposed on the pixel electrodes (210R, 210G, 210B), and first and second common layers (221, 223) and a charge-generating layer (224) commonly disposed across the pixels (P1, P2, P3).

[0156] The pixel defining film (215) has an opening (OP) that exposes the central portion of each of the pixel electrodes (210R, 210G, 210B), and the light-emitting regions (EA) of each pixel (P1, P2, P3) can be defined by the opening (OP). A non-light-emitting region (NEA) may be provided between the pixels (P1, P2, P3). The non-light-emitting region (NEA) may substantially be the region between the light-emitting regions (EA).

[0157] A plurality of first pixels (P1) and a plurality of second pixels (P2) may be arranged alternately along a first direction. A third pixel (P3) may be arranged spaced apart from the first pixels (P1) and the second pixels (P2) at a predetermined interval along a second direction. The first pixels (P1), the second pixels (P2), and the third pixels (P3) may each emit light of different wavelengths, and in one embodiment, the driving voltage of the third pixel (P3) may be greater than the driving voltage of the first pixels (P1) and the second pixels (P2).

[0158] In one embodiment, the first pixel (P1), the second pixel (P2), and the third pixel (P3) may each have different areas. For example, the width (w3) of the third pixel (P3) may be larger than the width (w1) of the first pixel (P1) and the width (w2) of the second pixel (P2) along the first direction (ax1).

[0159] In one embodiment, a first structural layer (130) may be disposed along a first direction (ax1) between a first pixel (P1) and a third pixel (P3). The length (l1) of the first structural layer (130) along the first direction (ax1) may be equal to or greater than the width (w3) of the third pixel (P3). By the first structural layer (130), the common layers (221, 223), charge generation layer (224), and counter electrode (230) between the first pixel (P1) and the third pixel (P3) and between the second pixel (P2) and the third pixel (P3) may have discontinuities along the first direction (ax1). Accordingly, leakage current between the first pixel (P1) and the third pixel (P3) and between the second pixel (P2) and the third pixel (P3) may be reduced.

[0160] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 15b, the first structural layer (130) may include a first substructural layer (131) and a second substructural layer (133) spaced apart from each other and arranged parallel along a first direction (ax1). By means of the first substructural layer (131) and the second substructural layer (133), common layers (221, 223), charge generation layer (224), and counter electrode (230) between the first pixel (P1) and the third pixel (P3) and between the second pixel (P2) and the third pixel (P3) may have at least two discontinuities along the first direction (ax1).

[0161] Referring to FIG. 15c, the length (l2) of the first structural layer (130) along the first direction (ax1) may be equal to or greater than the sum of the width (w1) of the first pixel (P1), the width (w2) of the second pixel (P2), and the width (d2) of the area between the first pixel (P1) and the second pixel (P2).

[0162] Referring to FIG. 15d, a second structural layer (150) may be disposed along a second direction (ax2) between a first pixel (P1) and a second pixel (P2). The length (l3) of the second structural layer (150) along the second direction (ax2) may be equal to the greater of the width (w4) of the first pixel (P1) and the width (w5) of the second pixel (P2). Similar to the first structural layer (130), the second structural layer (150) may include a first substructural layer and a second substructural layer disposed parallel to each other along the second direction (ax2).

[0163] By means of the second structural layer (150), the common layers (221, 223), charge generation layer (224), and counter electrode (230) between the first pixel (P1) and the second pixel (P2) may have a discontinuity along the second direction (ax2). Accordingly, leakage current between the first pixel (P1) and the second pixel (P2) may be reduced.

[0164] FIGS. 16a to 16d are schematic plan views illustrating a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0165] FIGS. 16a to 16d are similar to FIG. 15a, but differ in the arrangement of the third pixel (P3). Hereinafter, redundant content will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the arrangement of the third pixel (P3) and the differences in the first structural layer (130) resulting therefrom.

[0166] Referring to FIGS. 16a and 16b, a third pixel (P3) included in two adjacent cells (PG1, PG3) in a first direction (ax1) may share the same pixel electrode (210B, see FIG. 9a). The width (d3) of the area between the third pixels (P3) sharing the same pixel electrode (210B) may be smaller than the width (d4) of the area between the third pixels (P3) placed on different pixel electrodes (210B).

[0167] In one embodiment, the length (l1) of the first structural layer (130) along the first direction (ax1) may be equal to the width (w3) of the third pixel (P3). Accordingly, the first structural layer (130) may be positioned corresponding to both sides of the third light-emitting region (EA3) of the third pixel (P3) as shown in FIG. 16a.

[0168] In another embodiment, the length (l4) of the first structural layer (130) may be equal to the sum of the width (w3) of the third pixels (P3) sharing the same pixel electrode (210B) and the width (d3) of the inter-regional area.

[0169] When the driving voltages of the first pixel (P1) and the second pixel (P2) are different, the second structural layer (150) may be placed along the second direction (ax2) between the first pixel (P1) and the second pixel (P2). In another embodiment, when the driving voltages of the first pixel (P1) and the second pixel (P2) are the same or similar, the second structural layer (150) may not be placed.

[0170] In one embodiment, the first structural layer (130) and the second structural layer (150) may each include a first substructural layer and a second substructural layer arranged in parallel and spaced apart from each other.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 16c and FIG. 16d, a third pixel (P3) included in four adjacent cells (PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4) in a first direction may share the same pixel electrode (210B). The width (d3) of the area between the third pixels (P3) sharing the same pixel electrode (210B) may be smaller than the width (d4) of the area between the third pixels (P3) placed on different pixel electrodes (210B).

[0172] As described above in the description of FIG. 16a, the length (l1) of the first structural layer (130) along the first direction (ax1) may be equal to the width (w3) of the third pixel (P3). Accordingly, the first structural layer (130) may be positioned corresponding to one side of the third light-emitting region (EA3) of the third pixel (P3) as shown in FIG. 16c.

[0173] In another embodiment, the length (l4) of the first structural layer (130) along the first direction (ax1) may be equal to the sum of the width (w3) of the third pixels (P3) sharing the same pixel electrode (210B) and the width (d3) of the inter-regional area.

[0174] FIGS. 17a to 17d are schematic plan views illustrating a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0175] Referring to FIGS. 17a and 17b, assuming virtual cells arranged in a grid shape, two pixels (P) may be arranged within one cell. For example, a red light-emitting pixel (P1) and a green light-emitting pixel (P2), or a green light-emitting pixel (P2) and a blue light-emitting pixel (P3) may be arranged within one cell, respectively.

[0176] In the first row (1N), a plurality of first pixels (P1) and third pixels (P3) are arranged alternately, and in the adjacent second row (2N), a plurality of second pixels (P2) are arranged spaced apart at a predetermined interval, and in the adjacent third row (3N), a plurality of third pixels (P3) and first pixels (P1) are arranged alternately, and in the adjacent fourth row (4N), a plurality of second pixels (P2) are arranged spaced apart at a predetermined interval, and the arrangement of these pixels (P1, P2, P3) can be repeated up to the Nth row.

[0177] A plurality of first pixels (P1) and third pixels (P3) arranged in the first row (1N) and a plurality of second pixels (P2) arranged in the second row (2N) can be arranged alternately. Accordingly, a plurality of first pixels (P1) and third pixels (P3) are arranged alternately in the first column (1M), a plurality of second pixels (P2) are arranged at a predetermined interval in the adjacent second column (2M), a plurality of third pixels (P3) and first pixels (P1) are arranged alternately in the adjacent third column (3M), and a plurality of second pixels (P2) are arranged at a predetermined interval in the adjacent fourth column (4M), and such arrangement of pixels (P1, P2, P3) can be repeated up to the Mth column.

[0178] The first structural layer (130) may be positioned between the second pixel (P2) and the third pixel (P3) corresponding to each side of the third light-emitting region (EA3) so as to surround the third light-emitting region (EA3) of one third pixel (P3). The length of the first structural layer (130) along the third direction (ax3) may be equal to or greater than the width (w3) of the third light-emitting region.

[0179] In one embodiment, when the driving voltages of the first pixel (P1) and the second pixel (P2) are different, a second structural layer (150) may be disposed along a fourth direction (ax4) between the first pixel (P1) and the second pixel (P2), as shown in FIG. 17b. At this time, the length (l3) of the second structural layer (150) along the fourth direction (ax4) may be equal to or greater than the larger of the width (w4) of the first pixel (P1) and the width (w5) of the second pixel (P2).

[0180] Referring to FIG. 17c and FIG. 17d, assuming virtual cells arranged in a grid shape, three pixels (P) can be arranged within one cell. For example, a red light-emitting pixel (P1), a green light-emitting pixel (P2), and a blue light-emitting pixel (P3) can each be arranged within one cell.

[0181] In the first row (1N), a plurality of first pixels (P1) and a plurality of second pixels (P2) are alternately arranged, and in the adjacent second row (2N), a plurality of third pixels (P3) are spaced apart at a predetermined interval, and in the adjacent third row (3N), a plurality of second pixels (P2) and a plurality of first pixels (P1) are alternately arranged, and in the adjacent fourth row (4N), a plurality of third pixels (P3) are spaced apart at a predetermined interval, and this arrangement of pixels is repeated up to the Nth row. At this time, the third pixels (P3) may be provided larger than the first pixels (P1) and the second pixels (P2).

[0182] At this time, a plurality of first pixels (P1) and a plurality of second pixels (P2) arranged in the first row (1N) are spaced apart in the third direction (ax3) and arranged parallel to the fourth direction (ax4), and a plurality of second pixels (P2) and a plurality of first pixels (P1) arranged in the third row (3N) are spaced apart from each other in the fourth direction (ax4) and arranged parallel to the third direction (ax3). Accordingly, in the first column (1M), a pair of first pixels (P1) and second pixels (P2) arranged parallel to the fourth direction (ax4) and a pair of first pixels (P1) and second pixels (P2) arranged parallel to the third direction (ax3) are alternately arranged, and in the adjacent second column (2M), a plurality of third pixels (P3) are arranged spaced apart at a predetermined interval, and in the adjacent third column (3M), a pair of first pixels (P1) and second pixels (P2) arranged parallel to the fourth direction (ax4) and a pair of first pixels (P1) and second pixels (P2) arranged parallel to the third direction (ax3) are alternately arranged, and in the adjacent second column (2M), a plurality of third pixels (P3) are arranged spaced apart at a predetermined interval, and such arrangement of pixels can be repeated up to the Mth column.

[0183] The first structural layer (130) may be positioned between the first pixel (P1) and the third pixel (P3) or between the second pixel (P2) and the third pixel (P3) in correspondence with each side of the third light-emitting region (EA3) so as to surround the third light-emitting region (EA3) of a third pixel (P3). The length (l1) of the first structural layer (130) along the third direction (ax3) may be equal to or greater than the width (w3) of the third pixel (P3).

[0184] In one embodiment, when the driving voltages of the first pixel (P1) and the second pixel (P2) are different, a second structural layer (150) may be further disposed between the first pixel (P1) and the second pixel (P2). At this time, the length (l3) of the second structural layer (150) along the third direction may be equal to or greater than the larger of the width (w1) of the first pixel (P1) and the width (w2) of the second pixel (P2).

[0185] In one embodiment, the first structural layer (130) and the second structural layer (150) may include a first substructural layer and a second substructural layer arranged in parallel and spaced apart from each other.

[0186] In the present invention, a structural layer (130, 150) is placed in the non-emissive region (NEA) between each pixel (P1, P2, P3) to disconnect the common layer integrally provided across each pixel (P1, P2, P3), thereby reducing horizontal leakage current. On the other hand, the structural layer (130, 150) has a side having a tapered slope in the forward direction so that the four sides of the opposing electrode (230) formed on the structural layer (130, 150) are not disconnected, thereby minimizing the area loss of the opposing electrode (230). Accordingly, light emission of adjacent pixels due to leakage current can be effectively prevented, and the display quality of the display device can be improved.

[0187] The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, but this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0188] 1: Display device 100: Substrate 111: Buffer layer 117: First leveling layer 119: and second leveling layer 120: Pixel definition membrane 130: Structural layer 150: Second structural layer 210 : Pixel electrode 220 : Intermediate layer 221 : 1st Common Layer 223 : Second common layer 224 : Charge generation layer 230 : Counter electrode 240 : Capping layer EA: Luminous area NEA: Non-luminescent region

Claims

Claim 1 A display device comprising: a first pixel and a second pixel, each having a common layer and a counter electrode that are integrally provided and disposed adjacently on a substrate; a pixel defining film having an opening corresponding to each of the first pixel and the second pixel to define a light-emitting region; and a structural layer disposed on the pixel defining film, having an upper surface, a first side surface connected to the upper surface and having a tapered slope in the reverse direction, and a second side surface having a tapered slope in the forward direction; wherein each of the common layer and the counter electrode has a discontinuity portion separated by the first side surface, and a portion disposed on the upper surface of the structural layer and a portion disposed on the upper surface of the pixel defining film are connected by the second side surface. Claim 2 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the first side and the second side are arranged along a first direction parallel to one side of the first pixel. Claim 3 A display device according to paragraph 2, wherein the structural layer has a third side and a fourth side having a tapered slope in the forward direction, and the third side and the fourth side are arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction. Claim 4 A display device according to paragraph 2, wherein the structural layer has a third side and a fourth side having a tapered slope in the reverse direction, and the third side and the fourth side are arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction. Claim 5 A display device according to paragraph 2, wherein the structural layer has a third side having a tapered slope in the reverse direction and a fourth side having a tapered slope in the forward direction, and the third side and the fourth side are arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction. Claim 6 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the structural layer has a third side having a tapered slope in the reverse direction and a fourth side having a tapered slope in the forward direction, the first side and the third side are arranged along a first direction parallel to one side of the first pixel, and the second side and the fourth side are arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction. Claim 7 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the structural layer comprises a first substructural layer and a second substructural layer spaced apart from each other in parallel between the first pixel and the second pixel, the first substructural layer has a first upper surface, a first-1 side connected to the first upper surface and having a tapered slope in the reverse direction, and a first-2 side having a tapered slope in the forward direction, and the second substructural layer has a second upper surface, a second-1 side connected to the second upper surface and having a tapered slope in the reverse direction, and a second-2 side having a tapered slope in the forward direction. Claim 8 A display device according to claim 7, wherein the first-1 side, the first-2 side, the second-1 side, and the second-2 side are arranged along a first direction parallel to one side of the first pixel, and the first-2 side and the second-2 side are arranged facing each other. Claim 9 A display device according to claim 7, wherein the first-1 side, the first-2 side, the second-1 side, and the second-2 side are arranged along a first direction parallel to one side of the first pixel, and the first-2 side and the second-1 side are arranged facing each other. Claim 10 A display device according to claim 7, wherein the first-1 side, the first-2 side, the second-1 side, and the second-2 side are arranged along a first direction parallel to one side of the first pixel, and the first-1 side and the second-1 side are arranged facing each other. Claim 11 A display device according to claim 7, wherein the first substructure layer has a first-third side connected to the first upper surface and having a tapered slope in the reverse direction, the second substructure layer has a second-third side connected to the second upper surface and having a tapered slope in the reverse direction, the first-first side, the first-third side, the second-first side, and the second-third side are arranged along a first direction parallel to one side of the first pixel, and the first-second side and the second-second side are arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction. Claim 12 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the first pixel and the second pixel each comprise an organic light-emitting diode, and the organic light-emitting diode comprises: a pixel electrode; a lower light-emitting layer disposed on the pixel electrode; an upper light-emitting layer disposed on the lower light-emitting layer; a charge-generating layer disposed between the lower light-emitting layer and the upper light-emitting layer; and a counter electrode disposed on the upper light-emitting layer, wherein the charge-generating layer and the counter electrode are integrally provided across the first pixel and the second pixel. Claim 13 A display device according to claim 1, further comprising a third pixel disposed adjacent to the first pixel and the second pixel, each emitting light of a different wavelength, and the structural layer comprising a first structural layer disposed along a first direction between the first pixel and the third pixel. Claim 14 In paragraph 13, the display device wherein the first structural layer is equal to or greater than the width of the third light-emitting region of the third pixel along the first direction. Claim 15 A display device according to claim 13, further comprising: a second structural layer disposed along a second direction between the first pixel and the second pixel. Claim 16 A display device according to claim 1, each emitting light of a different wavelength and further comprising a third pixel disposed adjacent to the first pixel and the second pixel, wherein the structural layer comprises a first structural layer disposed parallel to the four sides of the third light-emitting region of the third pixel. Claim 17 A display device according to claim 16, wherein the width of the first structural layer along the first direction is equal to or greater than the width of the third light-emitting region. Claim 18 A display device according to claim 16, further comprising a second structural layer disposed between the first pixel and the second pixel. Claim 19 A display device comprising: a first pixel and a second pixel having a common layer and a counter electrode that are integrally provided and disposed adjacently on a substrate; a pixel defining film having an opening corresponding to each of the first pixel and the second pixel to define a light-emitting region; and a structural layer disposed on the pixel defining film, having a first side having a tip structure protruding toward the light-emitting region and a second side having a tapered slope in the forward direction; wherein each of the common layer and the counter electrode has a discontinuity portion separated by the tip structure, and a portion disposed on the upper surface of the structural layer and a portion disposed on the upper surface of the pixel defining film are connected by the second side. Claim 20 In claim 19, the above-mentioned structural layer comprises an inorganic material or an organic material, a display device.

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