Display device

Abstract

The display device comprises a first substrate including a first region, a second region surrounding the first region, and a third region surrounding the second region; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a sealing member disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and disposed in the third region; a color filter layer disposed below the second substrate; a low-refractive index layer disposed below the color filter layer, overlapping with the first region and spaced apart from the sealing member; a protective layer covering the low-refractive index layer and surrounding the side of the low-refractive index layer, comprising an inorganic material; and a color conversion layer disposed below the protective layer, overlapping with the first region, and spaced apart from each other, comprising color conversion parts.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a flat panel display device. Background Technology

[0002] A display device is a device that displays images to provide visual information to a user. Representative examples of such display devices include liquid crystal displays and organic light-emitting diode displays.

[0003] Recently, to improve display quality, a display device is proposed that includes a display substrate comprising a plurality of pixels and a color conversion substrate comprising a color filter layer and a color conversion layer. The color conversion layer can convert the wavelength of light provided from the display substrate. Accordingly, a display device including the color conversion layer can emit light having a color different from the incident light. For example, the color conversion layer may include wavelength conversion particles such as quantum dots. The problem to be solved

[0004] The objective of the present invention is to provide a display device with improved reliability.

[0005] However, the objectives of the present invention are not limited to the objectives described above and may be expanded in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. means of solving the problem

[0006] To achieve the objective of the present invention, a display device according to embodiments may include a first substrate comprising a first region, a second region surrounding the first region, and a third region surrounding the second region; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a sealing member disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and disposed in the third region; a color filter layer disposed below the second substrate; a low-refractive index layer disposed below the color filter layer, overlapping with the first region, and spaced apart from the sealing member; a protective layer covering the low-refractive index layer and surrounding the side of the low-refractive index layer, comprising an inorganic material; and a color conversion layer disposed below the protective layer, overlapping with the first region, and spaced apart from each other, comprising color conversion members.

[0007] In one embodiment, the protective layer may overlap with the first region, the second region, and the third region.

[0008] In one embodiment, the protective layer may be in contact with the side of the low-refractive layer.

[0009] In one embodiment, the color filter layer may overlap with the sealing member.

[0010] In one embodiment, the protective layer may surround the side of the color filter layer.

[0011] In one embodiment, the color filter layer may be spaced apart from the sealing member on a plane.

[0012] In one embodiment, the protective layer may surround the sides of the color filter layer and the low-refractive layer.

[0013] In one embodiment, the display device may further include a barrier layer disposed below the protective layer.

[0014] In one embodiment, the barrier layer may overlap with the second region.

[0015] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the barrier layer overlaps with the color conversion layer, and at least a portion of the barrier layer may be positioned below the color conversion layer.

[0016] In one embodiment, the barrier layer may overlap with the sealing member.

[0017] In one embodiment, the barrier layer may be spaced apart from the sealing member on a plane.

[0018] In one embodiment, the barrier layer may include at least one organic film or at least one inorganic film.

[0019] In one embodiment, the low refractive index layer may have a metal ion concentration of less than about 1 at%.

[0020] To achieve the objective of the present invention, a display device according to embodiments may include a first substrate comprising a first region, a second region surrounding the first region, and a third region surrounding the second region; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a sealing member disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and disposed in the third region; a color filter layer disposed below the second substrate and spaced apart from the sealing member in a plane; a low-refractive index layer disposed below the color filter layer and overlapping with the first region; a protective layer covering the low-refractive index layer and surrounding the side of the low-refractive index layer and comprising an inorganic material; and a color conversion layer comprising color conversion parts disposed below the protective layer, overlapping with the first region, and spaced apart from each other.

[0021] In one embodiment, the low-refractive layer may be in contact with the side of the color filter layer.

[0022] In one embodiment, the low-refractive layer may overlap with the sealing member.

[0023] In one embodiment, the display device may further include a barrier layer disposed below the protective layer and overlapping with the second region.

[0024] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the barrier layer overlaps with the color conversion layer, and at least a portion of the barrier layer may be positioned below the color conversion layer.

[0025] In one embodiment, the barrier layer may include at least one organic film or at least one inorganic film. Effects of the invention

[0026] In a display device according to embodiments of the present invention, a low-refractive layer included in the display device is spaced apart from a sealing member in a planar plane, and a protective layer covers the low-refractive layer to prevent the low-refractive layer from being exposed to the outside, thereby preventing external moisture, etc. from entering through the low-refractive layer. Accordingly, defects in the display device can be prevented, and the reliability of the display device can be improved.

[0027] By including an additional barrier layer in the display device, the barrier layer can prevent moisture introduced through the upper substrate from moving toward the lower substrate. Therefore, defects in the display device can be prevented, thereby improving the reliability of the display device.

[0028] By ensuring that the color filter layer does not overlap with the sealing member, the color filter layer and the low-refractive index layer can be prevented from being exposed to the outside. Therefore, moisture and the like can be more effectively prevented from entering through the color filter layer and the low-refractive index layer.

[0029] However, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and may be extended in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0030] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II' of Figure 1. Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of area A of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of Figure 3. FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 6 are cross-sectional views showing display devices according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 8 to 10 are cross-sectional views showing enlarged views of region B of FIG. 7. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of Figure 7. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of Figure 12. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of Fig. 14. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of Fig. 16. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view to show another example of FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of FIG. 20. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of FIG. 22. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of FIG. 24. Specific details for implementing the invention

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

[0032] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II' of FIG. 1.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a display device (10) may include a lower substrate (100), an upper substrate (200), and a sealing member (SLM). The upper substrate (200) may be opposite to the lower substrate (100). The upper substrate (200) may be located in a first direction (D1) from the lower substrate (100). For example, the first direction (D1) may be the front direction of the display device (10) from the lower substrate (100). The sealing member (SLM) may be disposed between the lower substrate (100) and the upper substrate (200). The sealing member (SLM) may join the lower substrate (100) and the upper substrate (200).

[0034] The display device (10) may include a first area (A1) on which an image is displayed, a second area (A2) disposed outside the first area (A1), and a third area (A3) disposed outside the second area (A2). For example, the first area (A1) may be a display area, the second area (A2) may be a non-display area, and the third area (A3) may be a sealing area. The second area (A2) may surround the first area (A1) on a plane, and the third area (A3) may surround the second area (A2) on a plane.

[0035] The lower substrate (100) includes a plurality of pixels and may be referred to as a display substrate. The pixels may be disposed in the first region (A1) of the lower substrate (100). Each of the pixels may include a driving element and a light-emitting element. The driving element may include at least one thin-film transistor. The light-emitting element may generate light according to a driving signal. For example, the light-emitting element may be an inorganic light-emitting diode or an organic light-emitting diode.

[0036] The upper substrate (200) includes a color conversion layer and may be referred to as a color conversion substrate. The color conversion layer is disposed in the first region (A1) and can convert the wavelength of light generated from the light-emitting element of the lower substrate (100). The upper substrate (200) may further include a color filter layer that transmits light of a specific color.

[0037] The sealing member (SLM) can join the lower substrate (100) and the upper substrate (200). The sealing member (SLM) can be positioned between the lower substrate (100) and the upper substrate (200) and can be positioned in the third region (A3). For example, the sealing member (SLM) can be positioned in the third region (A3) between the lower substrate (100) and the upper substrate (200) to surround the second region (A2) on a plane. For example, the sealing member (SLM) may have a hollow rectangular planar shape. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the sealing member (SLM) may have various planar shapes depending on the planar shape of the lower substrate (100) or the upper substrate (200). For example, if the lower substrate (100) or the upper substrate (200) has a planar shape such as a triangle, rhombus, polygon, circle, or ellipse, the sealing member (SLM) may have a planar shape such as a hollow triangle, hollow rhombus, hollow polygon, hollow circle, or hollow ellipse.

[0038] In one embodiment, a filling layer may be disposed between the lower substrate (100) and the upper substrate (200). For example, the filling layer may act as a buffer against external pressure, etc., applied to the display device (10). For example, the filling layer may maintain a gap between the lower substrate (100) and the upper substrate (200).

[0039] Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of area A of Figure 2.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the first region (A1) may include a light-emitting region and a light-blocking region (BA). Light (hereinafter, incident light) (L1) generated in the lower substrate (100) and incident on the upper substrate (200) may be emitted to the outside through the light-emitting region. The light-emitting region may include first to third light-emitting regions (LA1, LA2, LA3) for emitting light of different colors. For example, a first transmitted light (L2R) having red color may be emitted from the first light-emitting region (LA1), a second transmitted light (L2G) having green color may be emitted from the second light-emitting region (LA2), and a third transmitted light (L2B) having blue color may be emitted from the third light-emitting region (LA3).

[0041] In one embodiment, the first to third light-emitting regions (LA1, LA2, LA3) may be spaced apart from each other on a plane and arranged to repeat each other. The light-blocking region (BA) may surround the first to third light-emitting regions (LA1, LA2, LA3) on a plane. For example, the light-blocking region (BA) may have a grid shape on a plane.

[0042] In one embodiment, the lower substrate (100) may include a first substrate (SUB1), a buffer layer (BFR), first to third driving elements (TR1, TR2, TR3), an insulating layer (IL), a pixel defining film (PDL), first to third light-emitting elements (LED1, LED2, LED3), and an encapsulation layer (ECL).

[0043] The first substrate (SUB1) may include the first region (A1), the second region (A2), and the third region (A3) as the display device (10) includes the first region (A1), the second region (A2), and the third region (A3).

[0044] The first substrate (SUB1) may be an insulating substrate formed from a transparent or opaque material. In one embodiment, the first substrate (SUB1) may include glass. In this case, the lower substrate (100) may be a rigid display substrate. In another embodiment, the first substrate (SUB1) may include plastic. In this case, the lower substrate (100) may be a flexible display substrate.

[0045] The buffer layer (BFR) may be disposed on the first substrate (SUB1). The buffer layer (BFR) can prevent impurities, such as oxygen and moisture, from diffusing to the upper surface of the first substrate (SUB1) through the first substrate (SUB1). The buffer layer (BFR) may include inorganic materials such as silicon compounds and metal oxides. Examples of such inorganic materials include silicon oxide (SiO), silicon nitride (SiN), silicon oxynitride (SiON), silicon oxycarbide (SiOC), silicon carbonitride (SiCN), aluminum oxide (AlO), aluminum nitride (AlN), tantalum oxide (TaO), hafnium oxide (HfO), zirconium oxide (ZrO), and titanium oxide (TiO). These may be used individually or in combination with each other. The buffer layer (BFR) may have a single-layer structure or a multilayer structure including a plurality of insulating layers.

[0046] The first to third driving elements (TR1, TR2, TR3) may be disposed in the first region (A1) on the buffer layer (BFR). Each of the first to third driving elements (TR1, TR2, TR3) may include at least one thin-film transistor. The channel layer of the thin-film transistor may include an oxide semiconductor, a silicon semiconductor, an organic semiconductor, etc. For example, the oxide semiconductor may include at least one oxide selected from indium (In), gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), hafnium (Hf), cadmium (Cd), germanium (Ge), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), and zinc (Zn). The silicon semiconductor may include amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, etc.

[0047] The insulating layer (IL) can cover the first to third driving elements (TR1, TR2, TR3). The insulating layer (IL) may include a combination of an inorganic insulating layer and an organic insulating layer.

[0048] The first to third light-emitting elements (LED1, LED2, LED3) may be disposed on the insulating layer (IL). For example, the first to third pixel electrodes (AE1, AE2, AE3) may be disposed on the insulating layer (IL). Each of the first to third pixel electrodes (AE1, AE2, AE3) may include a conductive material such as a metal, an alloy, a conductive metal nitride, a conductive metal oxide, or a transparent conductive material. Each of the first to third pixel electrodes (AE1, AE2, AE3) may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure including a plurality of conductive layers.

[0049] The first to third pixel electrodes (AE1, AE2, AE3) can be electrically connected to the first to third driving elements (TR1, TR2, TR3) respectively through contact holes formed in the insulating layer (IL).

[0050] The pixel defining film (PDL) may be disposed on the first to third pixel electrodes (AE1, AE2, AE3). The pixel defining film (PDL) may include an organic material. Examples of the organic material include photoresist, polyacryl-based resin, polyimide-based resin, polyamide-based resin, siloxane-based resin, acrylic-based resin, epoxy-based resin, etc. These may be used alone or in combination with each other. The pixel defining film (PDL) may define a pixel opening that exposes at least a portion of each of the first to third pixel electrodes (AE1, AE2, AE3).

[0051] The light-emitting layer (EL) may be disposed on the first to third pixel electrodes (AE1, AE2, AE3) exposed by the pixel opening of the pixel defining film (PDL). In one embodiment, the light-emitting layer (EL) may be continuously extended over the first region (A1) across a plurality of pixels. In another embodiment, the light-emitting layer (EL) may be separated from the light-emitting layer of an adjacent pixel.

[0052] The light-emitting layer (EL) may include at least one of an organic light-emitting material and quantum dots. In one embodiment, the light-emitting layer (EL) may generate blue light. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the light-emitting layer (EL) may generate red light or green light, or generate light having different colors depending on the pixel.

[0053] For example, the light-emitting layer (EL) may all include organic materials for emitting blue light. In this case, the light-emitting layer (EL) may be formed in multiple layers and may have a structure in which a plurality of blue organic light-emitting layers are stacked. For example, the light-emitting layer (EL) may have a structure in which three blue organic light-emitting layers are stacked.

[0054] However, embodiments according to the present invention are not limited thereto, and the light-emitting layer (EL) may have a structure in which a plurality of blue organic light-emitting layers and an organic light-emitting layer emitting light of a different color are stacked. For example, the light-emitting layer (EL) may have a structure in which three blue organic light-emitting layers and one green organic light-emitting layer are stacked. In one embodiment, functional layers such as a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer may be disposed on the upper and / or lower portions of the light-emitting layer (EL).

[0055] A common electrode (CE) may be disposed on the light-emitting layer (EL). The common electrode (CE) may include a conductive material such as a metal, an alloy, a conductive metal nitride, a conductive metal oxide, or a transparent conductive material. The common electrode (CE) may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure including a plurality of conductive layers. In one embodiment, the common electrode (CE) may be continuously extended over the first region (A1) across a plurality of pixels.

[0056] The first pixel electrode (AE1), the light-emitting layer (EL), and the common electrode (CE) may form the first light-emitting element (LED1), the second pixel electrode (AE2), the light-emitting layer (EL), and the common electrode (CE) may form the second light-emitting element (LED2), and the third pixel electrode (AE3), the light-emitting layer (EL), and the common electrode (CE) may form the third light-emitting element (LED3).

[0057] The above encapsulation layer (ECL) may be disposed on the common electrode (CE). The encapsulation layer (ECL) may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer. In one embodiment, the encapsulation layer (ECL) may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer (IEL1) disposed on the common electrode (CE), an organic encapsulation layer (OEL) disposed on the first inorganic encapsulation layer (IEL1), and a second inorganic encapsulation layer (IEL2) disposed on the organic encapsulation layer (OEL).

[0058] In one embodiment, a dam (DM) may be disposed in the second region (A2) on the first substrate (SUB1). For example, the dam (DM) may surround the first region (A1) in a planar shape. The dam (DM) can prevent organic material from overflowing to the outside of the dam (DM) (e.g., to the second direction (D2) in FIG. 3) during the formation process of the organic encapsulation layer (OEL).

[0059] The above dam (DM) may be formed as one or multiple dams. The above dam (DM) may be formed as a single layer in which one organic layer is stacked. However, it is not limited thereto, and the above dam (DM) may be formed as a multilayer in which multiple organic layers are stacked.

[0060] The upper substrate (200) may be positioned in the first direction (D1) from the encapsulation layer (ECL). Hereinafter, the first direction (D1) may be referred to as the front direction or the thickness direction.

[0061] In one embodiment, the upper substrate (200) may include a second substrate (SUB2), a color filter layer (CF), a partition structure (PT), a color conversion layer (CCL), a low refractive index layer (LRL), a protective layer (PL), and a capping layer (CP).

[0062] The second substrate (SUB2) may include the first region (A1), the second region (A2), and the third region (A3) as the first substrate (SUB1) includes the first region (A1), the second region (A2), and the third region (A3) described above.

[0063] The second substrate (SUB2) may be an insulating substrate formed of a transparent material. The second substrate (SUB2) may include glass or plastic, etc.

[0064] The organic layer may be further disposed in the first region (A1) below the second substrate (SUB2). In one embodiment, the organic layer may overlap with the light-blocking region (BA) and may not overlap with the first to third light-emitting regions (LA1, LA2, LA3). That is, the organic layer may define the light-blocking region (BA) and the first to third light-emitting regions (LA1, LA2, LA3) within the first region (A1). The organic layer may be formed of a transparent or opaque organic material. In another embodiment, the organic layer may also overlap with the first to third light-emitting regions (LA1, LA2, LA3).

[0065] The color filter layer (CF) may be disposed below the second substrate (SUB2). For example, the color filter layer (CF) may be disposed below the second substrate (SUB2) and may overlap with the first region (A1). The color filter layer (CF) may include a red color filter (CFR), a green color filter (CFG), and a blue color filter (CFB).

[0066] The red color filter (CFR) overlaps with the first light emission region (LA1) and can selectively transmit red light. The green color filter (CFG) overlaps with the second light emission region (LA2) and can selectively transmit green light. The blue color filter (CFB) overlaps with the third light emission region (LA3) and can selectively transmit blue light.

[0067] In one embodiment, the red color filter (CFR), the green color filter (CFG), and the blue color filter (CFB) may each be positioned to overlap further with the light-blocking area (BA). That is, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the red color filter (CFR) may overlap with the first light-emitting area (LA1) and the light-blocking area (BA), but may not overlap with the second and third light-emitting areas (LA2, LA3). The green color filter (CFG) may overlap with the second light-emitting area (LA2) and the light-blocking area (BA), but may not overlap with the first and third light-emitting areas (LA1, LA3). The blue color filter (CFB) may overlap with the third light-emitting area (LA3) and the light-blocking area (BA), but may not overlap with the first and second light-emitting areas (LA1, LA2). In this case, in the light-blocking area (BA), some of the red, green, and blue color filters (CFR, CFG, CFB) may overlap each other in the first direction (D1). Accordingly, color mixing between adjacent first to third light-emitting areas (LA1, LA2, LA3) can be prevented.

[0068] The color filter layer (CF) is disposed below the second substrate (SUB2) and may optionally overlap further with the second region (A2) and the third region (A3). That is, the color filter layer (CF) may extend from the first region (A1) to the second region (A2) and the third region (A3). However, embodiments according to the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0069] The portion of the color filter layer (CF) that overlaps with the second region (A2) and the third region (A3) can serve as a light-blocking member. In the second region (A2) and the third region (A3), the green color filter (CFG), the red color filter (CFR), and the blue color filter (CFB) may be arranged in an overlapping manner in the first direction (D1). Accordingly, in the second region (A2) and the third region (A3), the color filter layer (CF) can effectively block light traveling in the first direction (D1).

[0070] For example, in the second region (A2) and the third region (A3), the blue color filter (CFB) may be placed on the bottom surface of the second substrate (SUB2), the red color filter (CFR) may be placed below the blue color filter (CFB), and the green color filter (CFG) may be placed below the red color filter (CFR). However, the order of placement in the embodiments according to the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0071] In the second region (A2) and the third region (A3), the color filter layer (CF) can prevent circuit structures, such as wiring and driving circuits, disposed in the second region (A2) of the first substrate (100) from being visible from outside the display device (10). Additionally, the color filter layer (CF) can prevent light leakage phenomena, such as light reflected from the circuit structures or light emitted from the first region (A1), from being emitted through the second region (A2) and the third region (A3) of the second substrate (SUB2).

[0072] The above partition structure (PT) may be disposed in the first region (A1) below the color filter layer (CF). A plurality of openings may be formed in the partition structure (PT). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the openings of the partition structure (PT) may each expose the first to third light-emitting regions (LA1, LA2, LA3). The partition structure (PT) may form a space capable of accommodating an ink composition during the process of forming the color conversion layer (CCL). For example, the partition structure (PT) may overlap the entire light-blocking region (BA) and have a grid shape on a plane.

[0073] In one embodiment, the partition structure (PT) may include an organic material. In one embodiment, the partition structure (PT) may further include a light-blocking material. For example, at least a portion of the partition structure (PT) may include a light-blocking material such as a black pigment, a dye, carbon black, etc.

[0074] In one embodiment, the low refractive index layer (LRL) may be disposed below the color filter layer (CF). The low refractive index layer (LRL) may overlap with the first region (A1). For example, the low refractive index layer (LRL) may cover the color filter layer (CF) that overlaps the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) below the second substrate (SUB2).

[0075] The low refractive index layer (LRL) may have a lower refractive index than the color conversion layer (CCL). The low refractive index layer (LRL) can improve light extraction efficiency, thereby increasing the brightness and lifespan of the display device (10).

[0076] In one embodiment, the low refractive index layer (LRL) may include hollow particles. The hollow particles may be dispersed in a resin matrix. The hollow particles may include inorganic materials. For example, the hollow particles may include silica (SiO2), magnesium fluoride (MgF2), iron oxide (Fe3O4), or a combination thereof. The resin matrix may include acrylic resin, siloxane resin, urethane resin, imide resin, etc., and may be selected considering refractive index and processability.

[0077] In one embodiment, the low refractive index layer (LRL) may have a metal ion concentration of less than about 1 at%. The metal ions contained in the low refractive index layer (LRL) may move together with external moisture when it moves. If the low refractive index layer (LRL) has a metal ion concentration of more than about 1 at%, external moisture introduced through the low refractive index layer (LRL) may move toward the lower substrate (100) together with the metal ions. This may cause parasitic capacitance to increase. Therefore, the low refractive index layer (LRL) may have a metal ion concentration of less than about 1 at%, and preferably a metal ion concentration close to 0 at%.

[0078] The protective layer (PL) may be disposed on the bottom surface of the low-refractive index layer (LRL). For example, the protective layer (PL) may cover the low-refractive index layer (LRL). Specifically, the protective layer (PL) may surround the side surface (LRLa) of the low-refractive index layer (LRL) and come into contact with the side surface (LRLa) of the low-refractive index layer (LRL).

[0079] In one embodiment, the protective layer (PL) may be disposed entirely over the first region (A1), the second region (A2), and the third region (A3). For example, the protective layer (PL) may cover the color filter layer (CF) overlapping the first to third regions (A1, A2, A3) on the bottom surface of the low-refractive index layer (LRL).

[0080] In one embodiment, the protective layer (PL) may include an inorganic material. For example, the protective layer (PL) may include silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy), etc. The above materials may be used alone or in combination.

[0081] The color conversion layer (CCL) may be disposed below the protective layer (PL) and may overlap with the first region (A1). The color conversion layer (CCL) may include color conversion sections disposed spaced apart from each other on the bottom surface of the protective layer (PL). In one embodiment, the color conversion layer (CCL) may include a first color conversion section (CCL1), a second color conversion section (CCL2), and a transmission section (TL). The first color conversion section (CCL1), the second color conversion section (CCL2), and the transmission section (TL) are disposed in the first region (A1) below the color filter layer (CF) and may overlap with the first to third light-emitting regions (LA1, LA2, LA3), respectively. For example, the first color conversion section (CCL1), the second color conversion section (CCL2), and the transmission section (TL) may each be disposed within the openings of the partition structure (PT).

[0082] The first color conversion unit (CCL1) may overlap with the first light emission region (LA1). The first color conversion unit (CCL1) may convert the incident light (L1) into a first transmitted light (L2R) having red. For example, the first color conversion unit (CCL1) may include a resin part (CCL1a), a scatterer (CCL1b), and a wavelength conversion particle (CCL1c).

[0083] The scatterer (CCL1b) can increase the light path by scattering the incident light (L1) without substantially changing the wavelength of the incident light (L1) incident on the first color conversion unit (CCL1). The scatterer (CCL1b) may include a metal oxide or an organic material. Optionally, the scatterer (CCL1b) may be omitted.

[0084] In one embodiment, the wavelength conversion particle (CCL1c) may include a quantum dot. The quantum dot may be defined as a semiconductor material having a nanocrystal. The quantum dot has a specific bandgap depending on its composition and size. Accordingly, the quantum dot may absorb the incident light (L1) and emit light having a wavelength different from the incident light (L1). For example, the quantum dot may have a diameter of about 100 nm or less, and specifically, may have a diameter of about 1 nm to about 20 nm. For example, the wavelength conversion particle (CCL1c) of the first color conversion unit (CCL1) may include a quantum dot that absorbs the incident light (L1) and emits red light.

[0085] The scatterer (CCL1b) and the wavelength conversion particle (CCL1c) may be disposed within the resin portion (CCL1a). For example, the resin portion (CCL1a) may include an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, a phenolic resin, a melamine resin, a cardo resin, an imide resin, etc.

[0086] The first color conversion unit (CCL1) can convert the incident light (L1) to emit the first transmitted light (L2R) having red. The incident light (L1) that is not converted by the first color conversion unit (CCL1) can be blocked by the red color filter (CFR). Accordingly, in the first light emission region (LA1), the first transmitted light (L2R) having red can pass through the second substrate (SUB2) and be emitted to the outside (i.e., to the first direction (D1)).

[0087] The second color conversion unit (CCL2) may overlap with the second light-emitting region (LA2). The second color conversion unit (CCL2) may convert the incident light (L1) into a second transmitted light (L2G) having green. For example, the second color conversion unit (CCL2) may include the resin part (CCL2a), the scatterer (CCL2b), and the wavelength conversion particle (CCL2c). The resin part (CCL2a) and the scatterer (CCL2b) of the second color conversion unit (CCL2) may be substantially identical or similar to the resin part (CCL1a) and the scatterer (CCL1b) of the first color conversion unit (CCL1).

[0088] For example, the wavelength conversion particle (CCL2c) of the second color conversion unit (CCL2) may include a quantum dot that absorbs the incident light (L1) and emits green light. Accordingly, the second color conversion unit (CCL2) can convert the incident light (L1) and emit the second transmitted light (L2R) having green. The incident light (L1) that is not converted by the second color conversion unit (CCL2) can be blocked by the green color filter (CFG). Accordingly, in the second light emission region (LA2), the second transmitted light (L2G) having green can pass through the second substrate (SUB2) and be emitted to the outside (i.e., to the first direction (D1).

[0089] The above-mentioned transmission portion (TL) may overlap with the third light-emitting region (LA3). The above-mentioned transmission portion (TL) may transmit the incident light (L1) to emit the third transmitted light (L2B). For example, the above-mentioned transmission portion (TL) may include the resin portion (TLa) and the scatterer (TLb). The resin portion (TLa) and the scatterer (TLb) of the above-mentioned transmission portion (TL) may be substantially identical or similar to the resin portion (CCL1a) and the scatterer (CCL1b) of the first color conversion portion (CCL1).

[0090] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the transmission portion (TL) may convert the incident light (L1) into the third transmitted light (L2B) having blue. At this time, the transmission portion (TL) may further include a wavelength conversion particle comprising a quantum dot that absorbs the incident light (L1) and emits blue light.

[0091] Some of the incident light (L1) may be blocked by the blue color filter (CFB). Accordingly, in the third light emission region (LA3), the third transmitted light (L2B) having blue light may pass through the second substrate (SUB2) and be emitted to the outside (i.e., to the first direction (D1)).

[0092] In the first to third light-emitting regions (LA1, LA2, LA3), the first to third transmitted lights (L2R, L2G, L2B) emitted to the outside through the second substrate (SUB2) are combined, so that the image can be displayed in the first region (A1).

[0093] The capping layer (CP) may be placed below the protective layer (PL). The capping layer (CP) may protect the color conversion layer (CCL) from oxygen, moisture, foreign matter, etc. The capping layer (CP) may be placed entirely in the first region (A1), the second region (A2), and the third region (A3). For example, the capping layer (CP) may cover the color filter layer (CF), the low-refractive index layer (LRL), the protective layer (PL), the partition structure (PT), and the color conversion layer (CCL). The capping layer (CP) may surround the sides of the protective layer (PL).

[0094] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of Figure 3.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in one embodiment, the low-refractive index layer (LRL) included in the display device (10, 10') may be spaced apart from the sealing member (SLM) in a plane. The low-refractive index layer (LRL) may overlap with the first region (A1) and may not overlap with the third region (A3). Specifically, the low-refractive index layer (LRL) may be placed between the color conversion layer (CCL) and the color filter layer (CF) in the first region (A1), and may be placed on the bottom surface of the color filter layer (CF) in the second region (A2).

[0096] The low-refractive layer (LRL) may overlap entirely with the second region (A2) (see FIG. 3). Optionally, the low-refractive layer (LRL) may partially overlap or not overlap with the second region (A2) (see FIG. 4). Accordingly, the side (LRLa) of the low-refractive layer (LRL) may be located between the boundary between the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) and the boundary between the second region (A2) and the third region (A3).

[0097] The color filter layer (CF) may overlap with the sealing member (SLM) in the third region (A3). The color filter layer (CF) may extend from the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) into the second direction (D2).

[0098] In one embodiment, the protective layer (PL) can cover the low-refractive index layer (LRL) in the first region (A1) and the second region (A2), and can cover the color filter layer (CF) in the third region (A3). The protective layer (PL) can surround the side (LRLa) of the low-refractive index layer (LRL) in the second region (A2) and surround the side of the color filter layer (CF) in the third region (A3). Thus, the low-refractive index layer (LRL) and the color filter layer (CF) can be prevented from being exposed to the outside by the protective layer (PL).

[0099] In one embodiment, the low refractive index layer (LRL) may be formed on the color filter layer (CF) during the manufacturing process of the display device (10, 10'). The portion of the low refractive index layer (LRL) that overlaps with the third region (A3) may be removed through a patterning process. The protective layer (PL) may be formed on the low refractive index layer (LRL) to cover the low refractive index layer (LRL).

[0100] In one embodiment, the low-refractive index layer (LRL) included in the display device (10, 10') is spaced apart from the sealing member (SLM) in a plane, and the protective layer (PL) covers the low-refractive index layer (LRL) to prevent the low-refractive index layer (LRL) from being exposed to the outside, thereby preventing external moisture, etc. from entering through the low-refractive index layer (LRL) of the display device (10, 10'). Accordingly, defects in the display device (10, 10') can be prevented, and the reliability of the display device (10, 10') can be improved.

[0101] FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 6 are cross-sectional views showing display devices according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0102] Among the display devices (11, 11') described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the configuration identical to the display device (10, 10') described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 may be omitted below.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in one embodiment, the color filter layer (CF) included in the display device (11, 11') may be spaced apart from the sealing member (SLM) in a plane. Likewise, the low refractive index layer (LRL) may be spaced apart from the sealing member (SLM) in a plane. The color filter layer (CF) and the low refractive index layer (LRL) may not overlap with the third region (A3).

[0104] The low refractive index layer (LRL) and the color filter layer (CF) may overlap entirely with the second region (A2) (see FIG. 5). Optionally, the low refractive index layer (LRL) and the color filter layer (CF) may partially overlap or not overlap with the second region (A2) (see FIG. 6). Accordingly, the side (LRLa) of the low refractive index layer (LRL) and the side (CFa) of the color filter layer (CF) may be located between the boundary between the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) and the boundary between the second region (A2) and the third region (A3).

[0105] In one embodiment, the protective layer (PL) may cover the low-refractive index layer (LRL) in the first region (A1) and the second region (A2). The protective layer (PL) may surround the side (LRLa) of the low-refractive index layer (LRL) and the side (CFa) of the color filter layer (CF) in the second region (A2). Thus, the low-refractive index layer (LRL) and the color filter layer (CF) may not be exposed to the outside by the protective layer (PL). Additionally, the capping layer (CP) may cover the protective layer (PL).

[0106] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Among the display devices (12) described with reference to FIG. 7, the same configuration as the display device (10) described with reference to FIG. 3 may be omitted below.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 7, the upper substrate (200) included in the display device (12) may further include a barrier layer (BRL). The barrier layer (BRL) may be disposed below the protective layer (PL). Specifically, the barrier layer (BRL) may be disposed on the bottom surface of the capping layer (CP).

[0109] The barrier layer (BRL) may overlap with the second region (A2). The barrier layer (BRL) may protect the lower substrate (100) from external moisture, etc. in the second region (A2).

[0110] The barrier layer (BRL) is not placed in the first region (A1) and may be spaced apart from the color conversion layer (CCL) in a plane. The barrier layer (BRL) is not placed in the third region (A3) and may be spaced apart from the sealing member (SLM) in a plane. That is, the barrier layer (BRL) may not overlap with the color conversion layer (CCL) and the sealing member (SLM).

[0111] In one embodiment, the barrier layer (BRL) may include at least one organic film or at least one inorganic film. The barrier layer (BRL) may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0112] FIGS. 8 to 10 are cross-sectional views showing enlarged views of region B of FIG. 7.

[0113] Referring further to FIG. 8, the barrier layer (BRL) may have a single-layer structure. For example, the barrier layer (BRL) may be an organic film containing an organic material. Examples of the organic material forming the barrier layer (BRL) include polyimide-based materials, acrylate-based materials, epoxy-based materials, siloxane-based materials, propylene glycol monomethyl etheracetate (PGMEA), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(melamine-co-formaldehyde)methylated (PMF), PVP-co-PMMA, P(VDF-TrFE), c-PVP, etc. The organic materials may be used alone or in combination.

[0114] For example, the barrier layer (BRL) may be an inorganic film containing an inorganic material. Examples of the inorganic material forming the barrier layer (BRL) include SixNy, SixOy, SixOyNz, HfOx, AlxOy, ZrOx, Zr-Al2O3, HfLaO, TiO2, ZAO, p-SiOx, ZnO, In2O3, Ga2O3, InON, ITO, IZO, IGO, ITGO, IGZO, ITGZO, AIZO, etc. The inorganic materials may be used alone or in combination.

[0115] Referring further to FIG. 9, the barrier layer (BRL) may have a multilayer structure. For example, the barrier layer (BRL) may include a first barrier layer (BRL1) and a second barrier layer (BRL2) disposed on the first barrier layer (BRL1).

[0116] The barrier layer (BRL) may include both organic and inorganic films. For example, the first barrier layer (BRL1) may be the organic film. Accordingly, examples of organic materials constituting the first barrier layer (BRL1) include polyimide-based materials, acrylate-based materials, epoxy-based materials, siloxane-based materials, propylene glycol monomethyl etheracetate (PGMEA), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(melamine-co-formaldehyde)methylated (PMF), PVP-co-PMMA, P(VDF-TrFE), c-PVP, etc. The above organic materials may be used alone or in combination.

[0117] For example, the second barrier layer (BRL2) may be the inorganic film. Accordingly, examples of inorganic materials forming the second barrier layer (BRL2) include SixNy, SixOy, SixOyNz, HfOx, AlxOy, ZrOx, Zr-Al2O3, HfLaO, TiO2, ZAO, p-SiOx, ZnO, In2O3, Ga2O3, InON, ITO, IZO, IGO, ITGO, IGZO, ITGZO, AIZO, etc. The above inorganic materials may be used alone or in combination.

[0118] However, embodiments according to the present invention are not limited thereto, and the first barrier layer (BRL1) may be the inorganic film and the second barrier layer (BRL2) may be the organic film.

[0119] Referring further to FIG. 10, the barrier layer (BRL) may have a multilayer structure. For example, the barrier layer (BRL) may include a first barrier layer (BRL1), a second barrier layer (BRL2) disposed on the first barrier layer (BRL1), and a third barrier layer (BRL3) disposed on the second barrier layer (BRL2).

[0120] The barrier layer (BRL) may include both the organic film and the inorganic film, and may have a structure in which the organic film and the inorganic film are alternately stacked. For example, the first barrier layer (BRL1) may be an organic film, the second barrier layer (BRL2) may be an inorganic film, and the third barrier layer (BRL3) may be an organic film. As another example, the first barrier layer (BRL1) may be an inorganic film, the second barrier layer (BRL2) may be an organic film, and the third barrier layer (BRL3) may be an inorganic film.

[0121] However, embodiments according to the present invention are not limited thereto, and the barrier layer (BRL) may have a multilayer structure in which three or more layers are stacked.

[0122] Referring again to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the barrier layer (BRL) may be formed on the capping layer (CP) during the manufacturing process of the display device (12). The portion of the barrier layer (BRL) that overlaps with the first region (A1) and the third region (A3) may be removed through a patterning process.

[0123] In one embodiment, the display device (12) further includes the barrier layer (BRL), so that the barrier layer (BRL) can prevent moisture introduced through the upper substrate (200) from moving toward the lower substrate (100). Accordingly, the reliability of the display device (12) can be improved by preventing defects in the display device (12).

[0124] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of Figure 7.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 11, the upper substrate (200) included in the display device (12') may further include a barrier layer (BRL). The barrier layer (BRL) may overlap with the second region (A2) and the third region (A3). The barrier layer (BRL) is placed in the third region (A3) and may overlap with the sealing member (SLM). That is, the barrier layer (BRL) may be placed between the sealing member (SLM) and the capping layer (CP) in the third region (A3). The barrier layer (BRL) may not be placed in the first region (A1) and may not overlap with the color conversion layer (CCL).

[0126] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 12, the upper substrate (200) included in the display device (13) may further include a barrier layer (BRL). The barrier layer (BRL) may be disposed below the protective layer (PL). Specifically, the barrier layer (BRL) may be disposed on the bottom surface of the capping layer (CP).

[0128] The barrier layer (BRL) may overlap with the first region (A1) and the second region (A2). At least a portion of the barrier layer (BRL) may overlap with the color conversion layer (CCL), and at least a portion of the barrier layer (BRL) may be placed below the color conversion layer (CCL) in the first region (A1). That is, the barrier layer (BRL) may be placed entirely in the first region (A1), but may optionally be placed partially in the first region (A1).

[0129] In the first region (A1) and the second region (A2), the barrier layer (BRL) can cover the color conversion layer (CCL) and the low refractive index layer (LRL) on the bottom surface of the capping layer (CP).

[0130] The barrier layer (BRL) is not placed in the third region (A3) and may be spaced apart from the sealing member (SLM) in a plane. That is, the barrier layer (BRL) may not overlap with the sealing member (SLM).

[0131] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of Figure 12.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 13, the barrier layer (BRL) included in the display device (13') may overlap entirely with the first region (A1), the second region (A2), and the third region (A3). Optionally, the barrier layer (BRL) may partially overlap with the first region (A1). Unlike the display device (13) of FIG. 12, the barrier layer (BRL) is placed in the third region (A3) and may overlap with the sealing member (SLM). That is, the barrier layer (BRL) may be placed between the sealing member (SLM) and the capping layer (CP) in the third region (A3).

[0133] However, embodiments according to the present invention are not limited thereto, and in FIGS. 12 and 13, the barrier layer (BRL) may not overlap with the first region (A1) and may be spaced apart from the color conversion layer (CCL) in a plane (e.g., see FIGS. 7 and 11).

[0134] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] Among the display devices (14) described with reference to FIG. 14, the same configuration as the display device (11) described with reference to FIG. 5 may be omitted below.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 14, in one embodiment, a color filter layer (CF) included in the display device (14) may be spaced apart from the sealing member (SLM) in a plane. Likewise, a low refractive index layer (LRL) may be spaced apart from the sealing member (SLM) in a plane. The protective layer (PL) may cover the low refractive index layer (LRL) and the color filter layer (CF).

[0137] The barrier layer (BRL) may overlap with the first region (A1) and the second region (A2). At least a portion of the barrier layer (BRL) may overlap with the color conversion layer (CCL). That is, the barrier layer (BRL) may be placed entirely in the first region (A1), but may optionally be placed partially in the first region (A1). The barrier layer (BRL) is not placed in the third region (A3) and may be spaced apart from the sealing member (SLM) in a plane.

[0138] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of Fig. 14.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 15, the barrier layer (BRL) included in the display device (14') may overlap entirely with the first region (A1), the second region (A2), and the third region (A3). Optionally, the barrier layer (BRL) may partially overlap with the first region (A1). Unlike the display device (14) of FIG. 14, the barrier layer (BRL) is placed in the third region (A3) and may overlap with the sealing member (SLM).

[0140] However, embodiments according to the present invention are not limited thereto, and in FIGS. 14 and 15, the barrier layer (BRL) may not overlap with the first region (A1) and may be spaced apart from the color conversion layer (CCL) in a plane (e.g., see FIGS. 7 and 11). FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0141] Among the display devices (15) described with reference to FIG. 16, the same configuration as the display device (11') described with reference to FIG. 6 and the display device (12) described with reference to FIG. 7 may be omitted below.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 16, the low-refractive index layer (LRL) and the color filter layer (CF) included in the display device (15) may partially overlap or not overlap with the second region (A2). The side (LRLa) of the low-refractive index layer (LRL) and the side (CFa) of the color filter layer (CF) may be located between the boundary between the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) and the boundary between the second region (A2) and the third region (A3).

[0143] The upper substrate (200) included in the display device (15) may further include a barrier layer (BRL), unlike the display device (11') of FIG. 6. The barrier layer (BRL) may be placed below the protective layer (PL) and the capping layer (CP). The barrier layer (BRL) may overlap with the first region (A1) and the second region (A2). At least a portion of the barrier layer (BRL) may overlap with the color conversion layer (CCL), and at least a portion of the barrier layer (BRL) may be placed below the color conversion layer (CCL). The barrier layer (BRL) may not be placed in the third region (A3) and may be spaced apart from the sealing member (SLM) in a plane.

[0144] Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of Fig. 16.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 17, the barrier layer (BRL) included in the display device (15') may overlap with the first region (A1), the second region (A2), and the third region (A3). Unlike the display device (15) of FIG. 16, the barrier layer (BRL) is placed in the third region (A3) and may overlap with the sealing member (SLM). That is, the barrier layer (BRL) may be placed between the sealing member (SLM) and the capping layer (CP) in the third region (A3).

[0146] However, embodiments according to the present invention are not limited thereto, and in FIGS. 16 and 17, the barrier layer (BRL) may not overlap with the first region (A1) and may be spaced apart from the color conversion layer (CCL) in a plane (e.g., see FIGS. 7 and 11).

[0147] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0148] Among the display devices (16) described with reference to FIG. 18, the same configuration as the display device (10) described with reference to FIG. 3 may be omitted below.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 18, the display device (16) may include a lower substrate (100), an upper substrate (200), and a sealing member (SLM). The lower substrate (100) may include a first substrate (SUB1), a buffer layer (BFR), first to third driving elements (TR1, TR2, TR3), an insulating layer (IL), a pixel defining film (PDL), first to third light-emitting elements (LED1, LED2, LED3), and an encapsulation layer (ECL). The upper substrate (200) may include a second substrate (SUB2), a color filter layer (CF), a partition structure (PT), a color conversion layer (CCL), a low-refractive index layer (LRL), a protection layer (PL), and a capping layer (CP).

[0150] The above display device (16) may include a first region (A1), a second region (A2), and a third region (A3), and accordingly, the first substrate (SUB1) and the second substrate (SUB2) may each include the first region (A1), the second region (A2), and the third region (A3).

[0151] In one embodiment, the color filter layer (CF) is disposed on the bottom surface of the second substrate (SUB2) and may be spaced apart from the sealing member (SLM) in a plane. That is, the color filter layer (CF) may not overlap with the third region (A3).

[0152] The low refractive index layer (LRL) may be positioned below the color filter layer (CF) in the first region (A1) and the second region (A2). The low refractive index layer (LRL) may overlap with the color conversion layer (CCL) and the color filter layer (CF) in the first region (A1), and may overlap with the color filter layer (CF) in the second region (A2). The low refractive index layer (LRL) may surround the side (CFa) of the color filter layer (CF) in the second region (A2) and may come into contact with the side (CFa) of the color filter layer (CF).

[0153] In one embodiment, the low-refractive index layer (LRL) may overlap with the sealing member (SLM) in the third region (A3). The protective layer (PL) covers the low-refractive index layer (LRL) and may surround the side (LRLa) of the low-refractive index layer (LRL) in the third region (A3). The capping layer (CP) may cover the protective layer (PL). Thus, the low-refractive index layer (LRL) and the color filter layer (CF) can be prevented from being exposed to the outside through the protective layer (PL) and the capping layer (CP).

[0154] In one embodiment, the color filter layer (CF) may be formed on the second substrate (SUB2) during the manufacturing process of the display device (16). The portion of the color filter layer (CF) that overlaps with the third region (A3) may be removed through a patterning process. The low refractive index layer (LRL) may cover the color filter layer (CF) and may be formed on the color filter layer (CF). The protective layer (PL) may cover the low refractive index layer (LRL) and be formed to be in contact with the side (LRLa) of the low refractive index layer (LRL).

[0155] In one embodiment, by ensuring that the color filter layer (CF) does not overlap with the sealing member (SLM), the color filter layer (CF) and the low refractive index layer (LRL) can be prevented from being exposed to the outside. Accordingly, moisture and the like can be more effectively prevented from entering through the color filter layer (CF) and the low refractive index layer (LRL).

[0156] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view to show another example of FIG. 18.

[0157] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, in one embodiment, a color filter layer (CF) included in a display device (16, 16') may be spaced apart from the sealing member (SLM) in a plane. The color filter layer (CF) may overlap with the first region (A1) and may not overlap with the third region (A3). Specifically, the color filter layer (CF) overlaps with the color conversion layer (CCL) in the first region (A1) and may be disposed between the color conversion layer (CCL) and the second substrate (SUB2).

[0158] In one embodiment, the color filter layer (CF) may overlap entirely with the second region (A2) (see FIG. 18). Optionally, the color filter layer (CF) may partially overlap or not overlap with the second region (A2) (see FIG. 19). Accordingly, a side (CFa) of the color filter layer (CF) may be located between the boundary between the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) and the boundary between the second region (A2) and the third region (A3).

[0159] The above low-refractive index layer (LRL) surrounds the side (CFa) of the color filter layer (CF) in the second region (A2) and can come into contact with the side (CFa) of the color filter layer (CF).

[0160] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0161] Among the display devices (17) described with reference to FIG. 20, the same configuration as the display device (12) described with reference to FIG. 7 and the display device (15') described with reference to FIG. 18 may be omitted below.

[0162] Referring to FIG. 20, the upper substrate (200) included in the display device (17) may further include a barrier layer (BRL), unlike the display device (15') of FIG. 18.

[0163] The barrier layer (BRL) may be placed below the protective layer (PL) and the capping layer (CP). The barrier layer (BRL) may overlap with the second region (A2).

[0164] The barrier layer (BRL) may overlap with the color conversion layer (CCL) in the first region (A1). At least a portion of the barrier layer (BRL) may overlap with the color conversion layer (CCL), and at least a portion of the barrier layer (BRL) may be placed below the color conversion layer (CCL). The barrier layer (BRL) may overlap with the first region (A1), the second region (A2), and the third region (A3). Unlike the display device (17) of FIG. 18, the barrier layer (BRL) is placed in the third region (A3) and may overlap with the sealing member (SLM). That is, the barrier layer (BRL) may be placed between the sealing member (SLM) and the capping layer (CP) in the third region (A3).

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[0169] However, embodiments according to the present invention are not limited thereto, and the barrier layer (BRL) may not be placed in the first region (A1) and may not overlap with the color conversion layer (CCL) (e.g., see FIG. 11). FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of FIG. 20. Referring to FIG. 21, the barrier layer (BRL) included in the display device (17') may not be placed in the third region (A3) and may be spaced apart from the sealing member (SLM) in a plane. Accordingly, in the third region (A3), the low-refractive index layer (LRL), the protective layer (PL), and the capping layer (CP) may overlap with the sealing member (SLM). However, embodiments according to the present invention are not limited thereto, and the barrier layer (BRL) may not be disposed in the first region (A1) and may not overlap with the color conversion layer (CCL) (e.g., see FIG. 7). In one embodiment, the barrier layer (BRL) may include at least one organic film or at least one inorganic film. The barrier layer (BRL) may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0170] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0171] Among the display devices (18) described with reference to FIG. 22, the same configuration as the display device (16') described with reference to FIG. 19 may be omitted below.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 22, the display device (18) may include a color filter layer (CF), and the color filter layer (CF) may be spaced apart from the sealing member (SLM) in a plane. The color filter layer (CF) may overlap with the first region (A1) and may not overlap with the third region (A3), and may partially overlap or not overlap with the second region (A2).

[0173] The upper substrate (200) included in the above display device (18) may further include a barrier layer (BRL), unlike the display device (16') of FIG. 19. The barrier layer (BRL) may be placed below the protective layer (PL) and the capping layer (CP), and may overlap with the first region (A1) and the second region (A2).

[0174] The barrier layer (BRL) may overlap with the color conversion layer (CCL) and the color filter layer (CF) in the first region (A1). Specifically, at least a portion of the barrier layer (BRL) may overlap with the color conversion layer (CCL), and at least a portion of the barrier layer (BRL) may be placed below the color conversion layer (CCL). The barrier layer (BRL) may not be placed in the third region (A3) and may be spaced apart from the sealing member (SLM) in a plane. Thus, in the third region (A3), the low-refractive index layer (LRL), the protective layer (PL), and the capping layer (CP) may overlap with the sealing member (SLM).

[0175] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of FIG. 22.

[0176] Referring to FIG. 23, the barrier layer (BRL) included in the display device (18') may overlap with the first region (A1), the second region (A2), and the third region (A3). Unlike the display device (18) of FIG. 22, the barrier layer (BRL) is placed in the third region (A3) and may overlap with the sealing member (SLM). That is, the barrier layer (BRL) may be placed between the sealing member (SLM) and the capping layer (CP) in the third region (A3).

[0177] However, embodiments according to the present invention are not limited thereto, and in FIGS. 22 and 23, the barrier layer (BRL) may not overlap with the first region (A1) and may be spaced apart from the color conversion layer (CCL) in a plane (e.g., see FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 11).

[0178] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0179] Among the display devices (19) described with reference to FIG. 24, the same configuration as the display device (12) described with reference to FIG. 7 and the display device (13) described with reference to FIG. 12 may be omitted below.

[0180] Referring to FIG. 24, the display device (19) may include a lower substrate (100), an upper substrate (200), and a sealing member (SLM). The lower substrate (100) may include a first substrate (SUB1), a buffer layer (BFR), first to third driving elements (TR1, TR2, TR3), an insulating layer (IL), a pixel defining film (PDL), first to third light-emitting elements (LED1, LED2, LED3), and an encapsulation layer (ECL). The upper substrate (200) may include a second substrate (SUB2), a color filter layer (CF), a partition structure (PT), a color conversion layer (CCL), a low-refractive index layer (LRL), a protection layer (PL), and a capping layer (CP).

[0181] The above display device (19) may include a first region (A1), a second region (A2), and a third region (A3), and accordingly, the first substrate (SUB1) and the second substrate (SUB2) may each include the first region (A1), the second region (A2), and the third region (A3).

[0182] In one embodiment, the low-refractive index layer (LRL) may be disposed below the color filter layer (CF). The side (LRLa) of the low-refractive index layer (LRL) may be exposed to the outside, unlike the display device (13) of FIG. 12.

[0183] In one embodiment, the low refractive index layer (LRL) may overlap with the sealing member (SLM). The low refractive index layer (LRL) covers the color filter layer (CF) and may be exposed to the outside in the third region (A3). The protective layer (PL) may cover the bottom surface of the low refractive index layer (LRL). The protective layer (PL) may expose the side surface (LRLa) of the low refractive index layer (LRL). However, embodiments according to the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0184] In one embodiment, the barrier layer (BRL) may be disposed below the protective layer (PL) and the capping layer (CP). The barrier layer (BRL) may overlap with the second region (A2). The barrier layer (BRL) may overlap with the color conversion layer (CCL) in the first region (A1). At least a portion of the barrier layer (BRL) may overlap with the color conversion layer (CCL) and may be disposed below the color conversion layer (CCL). The barrier layer (BRL) may not be disposed in the third region (A3) and may be spaced apart from the sealing member (SLM) in a plane.

[0185] In one embodiment, when the low-refractive index layer (LRL) is exposed to the outside of the display device (19), external moisture may enter through the low-refractive index layer (LRL). Since the barrier layer (BRL) is a moisture-preventing layer, it can prevent the moisture from moving toward the lower substrate (100). Therefore, the reliability of the display device (19) can be improved by preventing defects in the display device (19).

[0186] However, embodiments according to the present invention are not limited thereto, and the barrier layer (BRL) may not be disposed in the first region (A1) and may not overlap with the color conversion layer (CCL) (e.g., see FIG. 7).

[0187] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of FIG. 24.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 25, the barrier layer (BRL) included in the display device (19') may overlap with the first region (A1), the second region (A2), and the third region (A3). Unlike the display device (19) of FIG. 24, the barrier layer (BRL) is placed in the third region (A3) and may overlap with the sealing member (SLM). That is, the barrier layer (BRL) may be placed between the sealing member (SLM) and the capping layer (CP) in the third region (A3).

[0189] However, embodiments according to the present invention are not limited thereto, and the barrier layer (BRL) may not be disposed in the first region (A1) and may not overlap with the color conversion layer (CCL) (e.g., see FIG. 11). Industrial applicability

[0190] A display device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be applied to a display device including a computer, laptop, mobile phone, smartphone, smartpad, PMP, PDA, MP3 player, etc.

[0191] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0192] 10 - 19': Display device 100: Lower substrate 200: Upper substrate SLM: Sealing member SUB1: First substrate SUB2: Second substrate A1: Area 1 A2: Area 2 A3: Third region CF: Color filter layer LRL: Low refractive layer PL: Protective layer CP: Capping layer PT: Bulkhead structure BRL: Barrier layer LRLa: Side of low-refractive layer CFa: Side of the color filter layer

Claims

Claim 1 A display device comprising: a first substrate including a first region, a second region surrounding the first region, and a third region surrounding the second region; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a sealing member disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and disposed in the third region; a color filter layer disposed below the second substrate; a low-refractive index layer disposed below the color filter layer, overlapping with the first region, and spaced apart from the sealing member; a protective layer covering the low-refractive index layer and surrounding the side of the low-refractive index layer, and comprising an inorganic material; a color conversion layer disposed below the protective layer, overlapping with the first region, and including color conversion portions disposed spaced apart from each other; a capping layer disposed below the protective layer and covering the color conversion layer; and a barrier layer disposed below the capping layer, overlapping with the second region, and spaced apart from the first region in a plane. Claim 2 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the protective layer overlaps the first region, the second region, and the third region. Claim 3 A display device according to claim 1, characterized in that the protective layer contacts the side of the low-refractive layer. Claim 4 A display device according to claim 1, characterized in that the color filter layer overlaps with the sealing member. Claim 5 A display device according to claim 4, characterized in that the protective layer surrounds the side of the color filter layer. Claim 6 A display device according to claim 1, characterized in that the color filter layer is spaced apart from the sealing member on a flat plane. Claim 7 A display device according to claim 6, characterized in that the protective layer surrounds the sides of the color filter layer and the low-refractive layer. Claim 8 delete Claim 9 delete Claim 10 delete Claim 11 A display device according to claim 1, characterized in that the barrier layer overlaps with the sealing member. Claim 12 A display device according to claim 1, characterized in that the barrier layer is spaced apart from the sealing member on a flat plane. Claim 13 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the barrier layer comprises at least one organic film or at least one inorganic film. Claim 14 A display device according to claim 1, characterized in that the low-refractive layer has a metal ion concentration of less than 1 at%. Claim 15 A display device comprising: a first substrate including a first region, a second region surrounding the first region, and a third region surrounding the second region; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a sealing member disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and disposed in the third region; a color filter layer disposed below the second substrate and spaced apart from the sealing member in a plane; a low-refractive index layer disposed below the color filter layer and overlapping with the first region; a protective layer covering the low-refractive index layer and surrounding the side of the low-refractive index layer, and comprising an inorganic material; a color conversion layer disposed below the protective layer, overlapping with the first region, and including color conversion portions disposed spaced apart from each other; a capping layer disposed below the protective layer and covering the color conversion layer; and a barrier layer disposed below the capping layer, overlapping with the second region, and spaced apart from the first region in a plane. Claim 16 A display device according to claim 15, characterized in that the low-refractive layer is in contact with the side of the color filter layer. Claim 17 A display device according to claim 15, characterized in that the low-refractive layer overlaps with the sealing member. Claim 18 delete Claim 19 delete Claim 20 A display device according to claim 15, wherein the barrier layer comprises at least one organic film or at least one inorganic film.

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