Display module and display device including inorganic light emitting element and light blocking member on connecting member

Disclosed is a display module that includes a substrate including a plurality of interconnection wires, a connecting member comprising a conductive material disposed on one side of the substrate, a plurality of inorganic light emitting elements comprising light emitting circuitry arranged on the connecting member, and a light blocking member comprising an opaque material disposed on a region other than regions where the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements are disposed. A portion of each of the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements is disposed to pass through a portion of the connecting member and is spaced apart from the substrate. The connecting member electrically connects each of the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements with at least one interconnection wire among the plurality of interconnection wires. The light blocking member is spaced apart from the substrate and disposed on the connecting member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0140918, filed on Nov. 15, 2018, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to a technology for disposing an inorganic light emitting element and a light blocking member on a connecting member to improve the contrast ratio (CR) of a display.

2. Description of Related Art

A display module including a display device may display a screen in various ways. A display device, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) device or a light emitting diode (LED) chip, which includes a back light has a thin film transistor (TFT) substrate and a color filter substrate that are sequentially disposed on the back light, in which the color filter substrate imparts colors to light emitted from the back light. A light blocking member such as a black matrix (BM) for preventing the mixture of light passing through color filters of different colors is disposed between the color filters. The light blocking member is disposed on a region through which light does not pass.

Recently, a display module having micro light emitting diodes (μLEDs) applied thereto has emerged. The display module having the μLEDs applied thereto includes micrometer-scale inorganic light emitting elements having an area less than about 0.01 times to about 0.1 times the areas of LED chips. The inorganic light emitting elements are at least partly exposed on an upper side of a TFT substrate and emit light of their own colors.

In the case of the display module having the color filters, the luminance of a screen displayed may be decreased. Furthermore, in the case of the display module having the light blocking member disposed between the color filters, the viewing angle may be reduced, and therefore the display quality of the display module may be degraded when the display module is viewed from a side.

In the case of the display module having the inorganic light emitting elements at least partly exposed on the upper side of the TFT substrate, a connecting member may be disposed to fix the inorganic light emitting elements. In this case, the performance of displaying a black gradation may be degraded due to the color of the connecting member. Furthermore, the display quality of the display module may be degraded due to diffused reflection caused by a non-uniform rough surface of the connecting member.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an example aspect of the disclosure is to provide a display module and a display device that have a light blocking member for improving the contrast ratio of an inorganic light emitting element without reducing a viewing angle and without invading an emissive area of the inorganic light emitting element.

In accordance with an example aspect of the disclosure, a display module includes a substrate including a plurality of interconnection wires, a connecting member comprising a conductive material disposed on one side of the substrate, a plurality of inorganic light emitting elements arranged on the connecting member, and a light blocking member comprising an opaque material disposed on a region other than regions where the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements are disposed. A portion of each of the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements is disposed to pass through a portion of the connecting member and is spaced apart from the substrate. The connecting member electrically connects each of the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements with at least one interconnection wire among the plurality of interconnection wires. The light blocking member is spaced apart from the substrate and disposed on the connecting member.

In accordance with another example aspect of the disclosure, a display device includes one or more display modules and a connecting portion including a region joining the one or more display modules. Each of the one or more display modules includes a substrate including a plurality of interconnection wires, a connecting member comprising a conductive material disposed on one side of the substrate, a plurality of inorganic light emitting elements arranged on the connecting member, and a light blocking member comprising an opaque material disposed on a region other than regions where the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements are disposed. A portion of each of the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements is disposed to pass through a portion of the connecting member and is spaced apart from the substrate. The connecting member electrically connects each of the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements with at least one interconnection wire among the plurality of interconnection wires. The light blocking member is spaced apart from the substrate and disposed on the connecting portion and the connecting member.

In accordance with another example aspect of the disclosure, a display module includes a substrate, a connecting member comprising a conductive material disposed on an upper side of the substrate, a plurality of inorganic light emitting elements, each of which is disposed to pass through at least a portion of the connecting member and is fixed in a specified position, and a black matrix (BM) spaced apart from the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements. The plurality of inorganic light emitting elements are spaced apart from the substrate. The connecting member electrically connects the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements with a plurality of electrodes or a plurality of pads disposed on the substrate. The BM is spaced apart from the substrate and disposed on the connecting member.

With regard to the description of the drawings, identical or similar reference numerals may be used to refer to identical or similar components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, various example embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives on the various example embodiments described herein can be variously made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

The program840may be stored in the memory130as software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS)842, middleware844, or an application146.

The power management module188may manage power supplied to the electronic device101. According to an example embodiment, the power management module188may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

FIG. 2is a block diagram200illustrating an example display device160according to various embodiments. Referring toFIG. 2, the display device160may include a display210and a display driver integrated circuit (DDI)230to control the display210. The DDI230may include an interface module231, memory233(e.g., buffer memory), an image processing module235, or a mapping module237. The DDI230may receive image information that contains image data or an image control signal corresponding to a command to control the image data from another component of the electronic device101via the interface module231. For example, according to an embodiment, the image information may be received from the processor120(e.g., the main processor121(e.g., an application processor)) or the auxiliary processor123(e.g., a graphics processing unit) operated independently from the function of the main processor121. The DDI230may communicate, for example, with touch circuitry250or the sensor module176via the interface module231. The DDI230may also store at least part of the received image information in the memory233, for example, on a frame by frame basis.

The image processing module235may perform pre-processing or post-processing (e.g., adjustment of resolution, brightness, or size) with respect to at least part of the image data. According to an embodiment, the pre-processing or post-processing may be performed, for example, based at least in part on one or more characteristics of the image data or one or more characteristics of the display210.

The mapping module237may generate a voltage value or a current value corresponding to the image data pre-processed or post-processed by the image processing module235. According to an embodiment, the generating of the voltage value or current value may be performed, for example, based at least in part on one or more attributes of the pixels (e.g., an array, such as an RGB stripe or a pentile structure, of the pixels, or the size of each sub-pixel). At least some pixels of the display210may be driven, for example, based at least in part on the voltage value or the current value such that visual information (e.g., a text, an image, or an icon) corresponding to the image data may be displayed via the display210.

According to an embodiment, the display device160may further include the touch circuitry250. The touch circuitry250may include a touch sensor251and a touch sensor IC253to control the touch sensor951. The touch sensor IC253may control the touch sensor251to sense a touch input or a hovering input with respect to a certain position on the display210. To achieve this, for example, the touch sensor251may detect (e.g., measure) a change in a signal (e.g., a voltage, a quantity of light, a resistance, or a quantity of one or more electric charges) corresponding to the certain position on the display210. The touch circuitry250may provide input information (e.g., a position, an area, a pressure, or a time) indicative of the touch input or the hovering input detected via the touch sensor251to the processor120. According to an embodiment, at least part (e.g., the touch sensor IC253) of the touch circuitry250may be formed as part of the display210or the DDI230, or as part of another component (e.g., the auxiliary processor123) disposed outside the display device160.

According to an embodiment, the display device160may further include at least one sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, a pressure sensor, or an illuminance sensor) of the sensor module176or a control circuit for the at least one sensor. In such a case, the at least one sensor or the control circuit for the at least one sensor may be embedded in one portion of a component (e.g., the display210, the DDI230, or the touch circuitry250)) of the display device160. For example, when the sensor module176embedded in the display device160includes a biometric sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor), the biometric sensor may obtain biometric information (e.g., a fingerprint image) corresponding to a touch input received via a portion of the display210. As another example, when the sensor module176embedded in the display device160includes a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor may obtain pressure information corresponding to a touch input received via a partial or whole area of the display210. According to an embodiment, the touch sensor251or the sensor module176may be disposed between pixels in a pixel layer of the display210, or over or under the pixel layer.

FIG. 3is a sectional view illustrating an example display module300according to an embodiment. The display module300may include a substrate310, a connecting member (e.g., including a conductive material)320, a plurality of inorganic light emitting elements (e.g., including light emitting circuitry, such as, for example, a light emitting diode)330, and a light blocking member (e.g., including an opaque material)340. In the following drawings, a front side of the display module300faces a Z-axis direction, lateral sides of the display module300face an X-axis or Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction is directed upward.

In an embodiment, the substrate310may include a plurality of interconnection wires. The plurality of interconnection wires arranged on the substrate310may be connected to at least one inorganic light emitting element among the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330to supply current.

In an embodiment, the substrate310may include a support substrate311and a thin film transistor (hereinafter, referred to as TFT) substrate312.

In an embodiment, the support substrate311may form one side of the display module300. For example, the support substrate311may form a rear side of the display module300. The support substrate311may, for example, and without limitation, be comprise glass or plastic. The support substrate311may maintain the shape of the display module300and may protect the display module300from an external impact.

In an embodiment, the TFT substrate312may be disposed on one side of the support substrate311. For example, the TFT substrate312may be disposed on an upper side of the support substrate311. The TFT substrate312may include a plurality of electrodes connected with the display driver IC230(see, e.g.,FIG. 2). The TFT substrate312may include, on an upper side thereof, a plurality of pads electrically connected with at least one inorganic light emitting element among the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330. The plurality of pads may be conductive. For example, the plurality of pads may be a plurality of metal pads. The TFT substrate312may include a plurality of interconnection wires connected with the plurality of electrodes and/or the plurality of pads.

In an embodiment, the connecting member320may be disposed on one side of the substrate310. For example, the connecting member320may be disposed on (the term “on” as used herein covers both directly on and indirectly on, and thus the term “on” is not limited to being directly on or contacting) the upper side of the TFT substrate312.

In an embodiment, the connecting member320may have the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330mounted in preset positions on the connecting member320. The connecting member320may fix the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330. The connecting member320may serve to hold the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330in place on the connecting member320.

In an embodiment, the connecting member320may electrically connect each of the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330with at least one interconnection wire among the plurality of interconnection wires. The connecting member320may connect the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330with the plurality of electrodes and/or the plurality of pads of the TFT substrate312. For example, the connecting member320may include an anisotropic conductive film (hereinafter, referred to as ACF). In this case, the ACF may be attached to at least part of an emissive area on an upper side of the substrate310. The ACF may be attached to the entire upper side of the substrate310.

In an embodiment, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330may be arranged on the connecting member320. The plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330may be connected with the plurality of interconnection wires included in the substrate310. The plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330may be connected with the plurality of electrodes and/or the plurality of pads included in the TFT substrate312. The plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330may be supplied with current and may emit light having specified colors. For example, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330may include a red light element331that emits red light and a green light element332that emits green light. The plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330may emit light by themselves using inorganic materials. For example, each of the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330may be a micro light emitting diode (μLED).

In an embodiment, the display module300having μLEDs applied thereto may refer, for example, to a display module300including densely arranged micrometer (μm)-scale LEDs having, for example, and without limitation, an area less than about 0.01 times to about 0.1 times the area of a light emitting diode chip (LED chip) and may be too small to be identified with eyes. The μLEDs have high response speed, consume low power, and have high luminance. The μLEDs are capable of implementing high resolution and excellent color, contrast, and brightness.

In an embodiment, the μLEDs may accurately represent a wide range of colors and may implement a clear screen even outdoors in bright sunlight. Furthermore, the μLEDs may ensure a long service life without deformation due to high resistance to burn-in and low heat. The μLEDs are appropriate for a virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) display module, which has to display rapidly changing images, because the μLEDs are capable of rapidly changing colors in nanoseconds. For example, the μLEDs may be used in a display module, such as, for example, and without limitation, a light, a bio-contact lens, a medical patch, a medical field, a wearable display, a camera module, a head up display (HUD), or the like, for which low-power consumption, down-sizing, and light weight are preferred.

In an embodiment, a portion of each of the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330may pass through a portion of the connecting member320and may be spaced apart from the substrate310. Lower portions of the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330may be surrounded by the connecting member320. Upper portions of the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330may be exposed. For example, in the case where the connecting member320has a thickness of not less than about 5 μm and not more than about 10 μm in the Z-axis direction and the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330have a length of not less than about 4 μm and not more than about 5 μm in the Z-axis direction, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330may pass through the connecting member320by a distance of not less than about 3 μm and nor more than about 4 μm in a lower direction and may be exposed upwards by a distance of not less than about 1 μm and not more than about 2 μm. The plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330may be attached to the connecting member320by, for example, being pressed in the Z-axis direction after aligned in preset positions on the connecting member320.

In an embodiment, the light blocking member340may include, for example, an opaque (or substantially opaque) material and be disposed on a region other than the regions where the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330are disposed. The light blocking member340may prevent and/or reduce the mixture of light emitted from different pixels among the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330. For example, the light blocking member340may prevent and/or reduced the mixture of red light emitted from the red light element331and green light emitted from the green light element332of adjacent pixels among the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330.

In an embodiment, the light blocking member340may include a black matrix (hereinafter, referred to as BM). The BM may represent a black gradation or a black color between a pixel and a pixel or between the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330. The light blocking member340including the BM may increase the contrast ratio (hereinafter, referred to as CR) of the display module300.

In an embodiment, the light blocking member340may be patterned and disposed so as not to overlap the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330. For example, the light blocking member340may be applied, for example, and without limitation, by a jetting method using a jetting head, a printing method using a printing apparatus, or the like. The light blocking member340may, for example, be formed by applying black ink to the connecting member320.

In an embodiment, the light blocking member340may be spaced apart from the substrate310and disposed on the connecting member320. For example, the light blocking member340may be disposed on an upper side of the connecting member320. The light blocking member340may be disposed on at least one side of the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330. The light blocking member340and the TFT substrate312may be spaced apart from each other by a specified distance in the Z-axis direction by the thickness of the connecting member320.

In an embodiment, the light blocking member340may be spaced apart from the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330. The light blocking member340including the BM may block light emitted from the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330to prevent and/or reduce the light from passing though the light blocking member340. In the case where the light blocking member340including the BM is in contact with lateral sides of the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330, the light blocking member340may block light emitted from the lateral sides of the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330, and therefore the viewing angle of the display module300may be reduced. The light blocking member340may be laterally spaced apart from the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330by a specified distance. For example, the BM may be applied so as not to make contact with the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330, for example, according to settings of the jetting head.

FIG. 4is a sectional view illustrating an example display module400according to an embodiment. The display module400may include a substrate310, a connecting member (e.g., including a conductive material)320, a plurality of inorganic light emitting elements (e.g., including light emitting circuitry, for example, a light emitting diode)330, and a transparent layer (e.g., including a transparent material)410. The substrate310, the connecting member320, and the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330ofFIG. 4may be components substantially identical to or similar to the substrate310, the connecting member320, and the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330described above in relation toFIG. 3. Descriptions of the identical components may not be repeated here.

In an embodiment, the transparent layer410may be disposed on the connecting member320and the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330. For example, the transparent layer410may be disposed on an upper side of the connecting member320and upper sides of the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330. The transparent layer410may include a polymer compound with excellent light transmittance. For example, the transparent layer410may comprise, for example, and without limitation, a clear resin, an optical clear resin (hereinafter, referred to as OCR), or the like. The OCR may enhance luminance and may be cured by ultraviolet (UV) light. The OCR may have an adhesive force, and therefore an additional protective layer may be disposed on the transparent layer410.

In an embodiment, the connecting member320may include a conductive material for electrically connecting the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330with a plurality of interconnection wires included in the substrate310. The surface of the connecting member320may include a bumpy structure of the conductive material. The upper side of the connecting member320may not be smooth like a mirror, and therefore light emitted from the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330may be diffusely reflected, which may lead to a decrease in the transparency of the display module400. The transparency of the display module400may be increased by applying the transparent layer410to the upper side of the connecting member320. In the case of increasing the transparency of the display module400, the color of the substrate310covered with the connecting member320may appear to be dark, and thus the CR of the display module400may be improved.

FIG. 5is a sectional view illustrating an example display module500according to an embodiment. The display module500may include a substrate310, a connecting member (e.g., including a conductive material)320, a plurality of inorganic light emitting elements (e.g., including light emitting circuitry, for example, a light emitting diode)330, a light blocking member (e.g., including an opaque material)340, and a transparent layer (e.g., including a transparent material)410. The substrate310, the connecting member320, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330, and the light blocking member340ofFIG. 5may be components substantially identical to or similar to the substrate310, the connecting member320, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330, and the light blocking member340described above in relation toFIG. 3. Furthermore, the transparent layer410ofFIG. 5may be a component substantially identical to or similar to the transparent layer410described above in relation toFIG. 4.

In an embodiment, the transparent layer410may be disposed on the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330and the light blocking member340. For example, the transparent layer410may be disposed on upper sides of the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330and an upper side of the light blocking member340. The transparent layer410may be integrally formed with an upper portion of the connecting member320, upper portions of the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330, and an upper portion of the light blocking member340.

In an embodiment, the light blocking member340may be applied between the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330. The transparent layer410may be applied all over the surface. The transparent layer410may include a material having no repulsive force on the light blocking member340. In the case of applying both the light blocking member340and the transparent layer410to the display module500, the CR of the display module500may be further improved.

FIG. 6is a sectional view illustrating an example display module600according to another embodiment. The display module600may include a substrate310, a connecting member (e.g., including a conductive material)320, a plurality of inorganic light emitting elements (e.g., including light emitting circuitry, for example, a light emitting diode)330, a transparent layer (e.g., including a transparent material)410, and a light blocking member (e.g., including an opaque material)610. The substrate310, the connecting member320, and the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330ofFIG. 6may be components substantially identical to or similar to the substrate310, the connecting member320, and the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330described above in relation toFIG. 3. Furthermore, the transparent layer410ofFIG. 6may be a component substantially identical to or similar to the transparent layer410described above in relation toFIG. 4.

In an embodiment, the transparent layer410may be disposed on the connecting member320and the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330, and the light blocking member610may be disposed on the transparent layer410. For example, the light blocking member610may be disposed on an upper side of the transparent layer410. The light blocking member610may be disposed so as not to overlap the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330. The light blocking member610may include a material having no repulsive force on the transparent layer410.

In an embodiment, the transparent layer410may be applied all over the surface. The light blocking member610may be applied to a region of the upper side of the transparent layer410that does not overlap the regions where the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330are disposed, with respect to the Z-axis direction. In the case where the transparent layer410is applied all over the surface and the light blocking member610is applied, the light blocking member610may be prevented from and/or avoid invading lateral sides or upper sides of the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330when applied.

In an embodiment, in the case where the light blocking member610is disposed on the upper side of the transparent layer410, a coating layer may be disposed on the upper side of the transparent layer410. The coating layer may be configured such that the light blocking member610is removable from the transparent layer410. In the case where an error in alignment occurs while the light blocking member340is applied between the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330, re-work to apply the light blocking member340again is impossible due to damage to the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330. In the case where the coating layer is disposed on the upper side of the transparent layer410, re-working of the light blocking member610may be easy when an error in alignment of the light blocking member610occurs.

FIGS. 7A and 7Bare sectional views illustrating an example display module700according to another embodiment. The display module700may include a substrate310, a connecting member (e.g., including a conductive material)320, a plurality of inorganic light emitting elements (e.g., including light emitting circuitry, for example, a light emitting diode)330, a light blocking member (e.g., including an opaque material)340, and a first transparent pattern (e.g., including a transparent material)710. The substrate310, the connecting member320, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330, and the light blocking member340ofFIGS. 7A and 7Bmay be components substantially identical to or similar to the substrate310, the connecting member320, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330, and the light blocking member340described above in relation toFIG. 3.

In an embodiment, the first transparent pattern710may be disposed on the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330. For example, the first transparent pattern710may be disposed to surround upper sides and parts of lateral sides of the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330. The first transparent pattern710may be disposed on a region other than the region where the light blocking member340is disposed. The first transparent pattern710may include, for example, a polymer compound with excellent light transmittance. For example, the first transparent pattern710may be formed of a clear resin, or the like, but is not limited thereto. The first transparent pattern710may be partly applied to the upper sides of the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330. For example, the first transparent pattern710may be applied by a jetting method using a jetting head or a printing method using, for example, a printing apparatus, or the like, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

In an embodiment, in the case of disposing the first transparent pattern710on the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330, the light blocking member340may be spaced apart from the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330. The first transparent pattern710and the light blocking member340may make contact with each other because the light blocking member340and the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330are spaced apart from each other by the first transparent pattern710. However, without being limited thereto, the first transparent pattern710and the light blocking member340may be spaced apart from each other within a range satisfying a specified CR.

In an embodiment, the first transparent pattern710may adjust a patterned unit size to satisfy the specified CR and increase the degree of freedom in manufacturing or design.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 7A, the first transparent pattern710may be formed on the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330forming one pixel. In this case, upper portions of a red light element331and a green light element332that form one pixel may be covered with one first transparent pattern710.

In another example, as illustrated inFIG. 7B, the first transparent pattern710may be formed on an element-by-element basis. In this example, one first transparent pattern710may cover the red light element331, and another first transparent pattern710may cover the upper portion of the green light element332. The first transparent patterns710may be separately formed to cover the upper portions of the inorganic light emitting elements331and332forming one pixel (the term “cover” as used herein may refer, for example, to overlapping when viewed from a normal viewing direction, e.g., Z+ direction).

In an embodiment, the light blocking member340and the first transparent pattern710may have repulsive forces therebetween. A repellent liquid characteristic may be formed between the light blocking member340and the first transparent pattern710. Because the viewing angle is reduced in the case where the light blocking member340spreads along a lateral side of the first transparent pattern710, it is advantageous that the repellent liquid characteristic between the light blocking member340and the first transparent pattern710increases.FIGS. 7A and 7Billustrate a case in which the first transparent pattern710is in an island shape and the first transparent pattern710and the light blocking member340have a complete repellent liquid characteristic. In the case where the first transparent pattern710and the light blocking member340have the complete repellent liquid characteristic, the light blocking member340may be more assuredly prevented from and/or avoid invading the first transparent pattern710or making contact with the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330when the light blocking member340is applied after the first transparent pattern710.

In an embodiment, the first transparent pattern710may be disposed on the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330to prevent and/or avoid the light blocking member340from invading the lateral sides or the upper sides of the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330. Furthermore, by disposing the first transparent pattern710on a region other than the region where the light blocking member340is disposed, the height of the upper side of the light blocking member340may be lowered, and thus the viewing angle of the display module700may be more easily ensured.

FIG. 8is a sectional view illustrating an example display module800according to an embodiment. The display module800may include a substrate310, a connecting member (e.g., including a conductive material)320, a plurality of inorganic light emitting elements (e.g., including light emitting circuitry, for example, a light emitting diode)330, a light blocking member (e.g., including an opaque material)340, a first transparent pattern (e.g., including a transparent material)710, and a second transparent pattern (e.g., including a transparent material)720. The substrate310, the connecting member320, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330, and the light blocking member340ofFIG. 8may be components substantially identical to or similar to the substrate310, the connecting member320, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330, and the light blocking member340described above in relation toFIG. 3. Furthermore, the first transparent pattern710ofFIG. 8may be a component substantially identical to or similar to the first transparent pattern710described above in relation toFIGS. 7A and 7B.

In an embodiment, the second transparent pattern720may be disposed on the light blocking member340and the first transparent pattern710. For example, the second transparent pattern720may be disposed to surround an upper side of the light blocking member340and an upper portion of the first transparent pattern710. The second transparent pattern720may include, for example, a polymer compound with excellent light transmittance. For example, the second transparent pattern720may be formed of a clear resin, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

In an embodiment, the second transparent pattern720may uniformly cover an upper side of the connecting member320. The second transparent pattern720may include a material having no repulsive force on the light blocking member340and the first transparent pattern710. After the first transparent pattern710is partly applied to upper portions of the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330, the light blocking member340may be applied to a region other than the regions where the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330are disposed, and the second transparent pattern720may be applied to the entire upper side.

In an embodiment, in the case of uniformly covering the entire upper side of the connecting member320with the second transparent pattern720, depressions generated on the upper side of the connecting member320by the light blocking member340and the first transparent pattern710may be flattened. Accordingly, a change in light emitting characteristics by the convex shape of the first transparent pattern710may be compensated for.

FIG. 9is a front view illustrating an example display module900according to various embodiments. The display module900may include a connecting member (e.g., including a conductive material)320, a plurality of inorganic light emitting elements (e.g., including light emitting circuitry, for example, a light emitting diode)330, and a light blocking member (e.g., including an opaque material)340. The connecting member320, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330, and the light blocking member340ofFIG. 9may be components substantially identical to or similar to the connecting member320, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330, and the light blocking member340described above in relation toFIG. 3.

In an embodiment, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330may be grouped and arranged by pixels. The plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330may be continuously arranged in all directions on the XY plane. The plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330may each include a red light element331that emits red light, a green light element332that emits green light, and a blue light element333that emits blue light. One pixel formed by the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330may include RGB sub-pixels.

In an embodiment, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330may be arranged in a pentile structure. For example, the red light element331, the green light element332, and the blue light element333may be disposed on a lower left side, a lower right side, and an upper right side of one pixel with respect to the XY plane. However, without being limited thereto, the red light element331, the green light element332, and the blue light element333may be disposed in three positions among an upper left side, a lower left side, an upper right side, and a lower right side of one pixel.

In an embodiment, the connecting member320may be disposed on a substrate310. The connecting member320may be uniformly formed on an upper side of the substrate310. The connecting member320may be implemented using an ACF. The connecting member320may fix the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330in specified positions. The connecting member320may supply current to the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330.

In an embodiment, the light blocking member340may be disposed to distinguish between the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330by pixels. The light blocking member340may be continuously arranged in all directions on the XY plane. The light blocking member340may have a matrix structure on the XY plane. The light blocking member340may have various forms as described above, depending on the arrangement of the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330. For example, in the case where no sub-pixel is disposed on an upper left side of one pixel with respect to the XY plane, the light blocking member340may cover at least part of the upper left side of the one pixel.

In an embodiment, a black gradation having a feeling of dark black or a low brightness may be increased as the CR of the display module900increases. The black gradation may be increased with an increase in the area of the light blocking member340. In other words, a high black gradation may be represented as an aperture ratio decreases. Accordingly, the light blocking member340may be disposed on a region other than the regions where the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330are disposed. However, the viewing angle of the display module900may be reduced in the case where the light blocking member340makes contact with the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330. Therefore, the light blocking member340may be disposed under the condition that the light blocking member340does not make contact with the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330.

FIG. 10Ais a sectional view illustrating an example display module1000according to another embodiment.FIG. 10Bis a front view illustrating the example display module1000according to the other embodiment. The display module1000may include a substrate310, a connecting member (e.g., including a conductive material)320, a plurality of inorganic light emitting elements (e.g., including light emitting circuitry, for example, a light emitting diode)330, and a light blocking member (e.g., including an opaque material)340. The substrate310, the connecting member320, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330, and the light blocking member340ofFIG. 10Amay be components substantially identical to or similar to the substrate310, the connecting member320, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330, and the light blocking member340described above in relation toFIG. 3.

In an embodiment, the light blocking member340may be disposed between the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330forming one pixel. For example, the light blocking member340may be additionally disposed between a red light element331and a green light element332that form one pixel.

In the case of additionally disposing the light blocking member340between the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330forming one pixel, the CR of the display module100may be further improved.

FIG. 11Ais a sectional view illustrating an example display module1100according to another embodiment. The display module1100may include a substrate310, a connecting member (e.g., including a conductive material)320, a plurality of inorganic light emitting elements (e.g., including light emitting circuitry, for example, a light emitting diode)1010, and a light blocking member (e.g., including an opaque material)340. The substrate310, the connecting member320, and the light blocking member340ofFIG. 11Amay be components substantially identical to or similar to the substrate310, the connecting member320, and the light blocking member340described above in relation toFIG. 3.

In an embodiment, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements1010may be arranged on the connecting member320. The plurality of inorganic light emitting elements1010may include a red light element1011that emits red light, a green light element1012that emits green light, and a blue light element1013that emits blue light.

In an embodiment, the red light element1011, the green light element1012, and the blue light element1013included in the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements1010may implement RGB sub-pixels in one pixel.

In an embodiment, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements1010may be red, green, and blue semiconductor light emitting elements that form sub-pixels. For example, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements1010may be μLED elements.

In an embodiment, the μLED elements may have a length and a width of not less than about 1 μm and not more than about 100 μm. The μLED elements may, for example, be manufactured by growing a thin film on a substrate, such as a sapphire substrate or a silicon substrate, using an inorganic material such as aluminum (Al), gallium (Ga), nitrogen (N), phosphor (P), arsenic (As), or indium (In).

In an embodiment, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements1010may, for example, and without limitation, have a lateral electrode structure, a vertical electrode structure, a flip chip structure, or the like, according to a manufacturing process. The lateral electrode structure may refer, for example, to a structure in which a cathode and an anode are spaced apart from each other on a substrate without overlapping each other. The vertical electrode structure may refer, for example, to a structure in which a cathode and an anode are vertically superimposed on each other. The flip chip structure may refer, for example, to a structure in which a chip is fused as it is, using an electrode pattern on a lower side of the chip without a separate connecting structure such as a metal lead or wire. The flip chip structure may, for example, be referred to as a leadless chip structure.

In an embodiment, in the lateral electrode structure and the vertical electrode structure, a separate connecting structure is used to attach a semiconductor chip to a circuit board. These structures may have a limitation in compactness and high density integration of elements and may have low manufacturing efficiency, in particular, in manufacturing medium and large displays. In the flip chip structure, a space required for a separate connecting structure may be omitted because an electrode does not limit an emissive area and no separate connecting structure is used in combining the electrode with a substrate. Accordingly, the flip chip structure may be advantageous in compactness, light weight, and high density integration of elements. Furthermore, the flip chip structure may improve luminous efficiency and transfer process efficiency in manufacturing a display device and hence is widely applied to a μLED field.

FIG. 11Bis a front view illustrating a display module1100according to another embodiment. The display module1100may include a connecting member (e.g., including a conductive material)320, a plurality of inorganic light emitting elements (e.g., including light emitting circuitry, for example, a light emitting diode)1010, and a light blocking member (e.g., including an opaque material)340. The connecting member320and the light blocking member340ofFIG. 11Bmay be components substantially identical to or similar to the connecting member320and the light blocking member340described above in relation toFIG. 3. Furthermore, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements1010ofFIG. 11Bmay be components substantially identical to or similar to the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements1010described above in relation toFIG. 11A.

In an embodiment, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements1010may be grouped and arranged by pixels. The plurality of inorganic light emitting elements1010may be arranged in an RGB stripe structure. The plurality of inorganic light emitting elements1010forming one pixel may, for example, be arranged in a row. The plurality of inorganic light emitting elements1010forming one pixel may be arranged in a row in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction. For example, a red light element1011, a green light element1012, and a blue light element1013may, for example, be disposed on a left side, at the center, and on a right side of one pixel with respect to the XY plane. However, without being limited thereto, the red light element1011, the green light element1012, or the blue light element1013may be disposed in various sequences on a left side, at the center, and on a right side of one pixel. Furthermore, the red light element1011, the green light element1012, or the blue light element1013may be disposed on an upper side, at the center, and on a lower side of one pixel.

FIG. 12is a sectional view illustrating an example display module1200according to an embodiment. The display module1200may include a TFT substrate312, a connecting member (e.g., including a conductive material)320, a plurality of inorganic light emitting elements (e.g., including light emitting circuitry, for example, a light emitting diode)330, a light blocking member (e.g., including an opaque material)340, at least one interconnection wire1210, a fixing member1220, and a plurality of conductive balls1221. The TFT substrate312, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330, and the light blocking member340ofFIG. 12may be components substantially identical to the TFT substrate312, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330, and the light blocking member340described above in relation toFIG. 3.

In an embodiment, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330and the light blocking member340are spaced apart in the X-axis direction. The plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330and the light blocking member340do not contact to each other. The gap G is the distance between the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330and the light blocking member340in the X-axis direction. The gap G prevents or avoids light blocking member340blocking emitted light from the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330. The distance of gap G is above 1 μm.

In an embodiment, the connecting member320may be an ACF that includes the fixing member1220for fixing the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330and the plurality of conductive balls1221for electrically connecting the at least one interconnection wire1210and the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330. The fixing member1220may be the modified ACF which is at the state having supporting strength by adding pressure and/or heat to ACF. The material that comprises the fixing member1220may be various types of resin. For example, the fixing member1220may be made of epoxy resin. The ACF may cause the plurality of conductive balls1221to be connected or pressed together in a region to which pressure is applied. The ACF may form a current path, through which current flows, in the region to which the pressure is applied.

In an embodiment, the at least one interconnection wire1210may be formed on the TFT substrate312. In an embodiment, the at least one interconnection wire1210may be formed on an upper side of the TFT substrate312. The at least one interconnection wire1210may be connected with a plurality of electrodes and/or a plurality of pads included in the TFT substrate312.

In an embodiment, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330may be disposed in specified positions by the fixing member1220.

In an embodiment, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330may be disposed to pass through portions of the connecting member320. The regions of the connecting member320in which the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330are disposed may be pressed. A current path may be formed in the regions where the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330are disposed. For example, a current path may be formed in the Z-axis direction in the regions where the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330are disposed.

In an embodiment, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330and the at least one interconnection wire1210may be electrically connected using the current path. Accordingly, the plurality of electrodes and/or the plurality of pads included in the TFT substrate312and the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330may be electrically connected through the at least one interconnection wire1210and the current path. The plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330may emit light by current supplied from the TFT substrate312.

FIGS. 13A and 13Bare sectional views illustrating an example display module1300according to another embodiment. The display module1300may include a support substrate311, a TFT substrate312, a connecting member (e.g., including a conductive material)320, a plurality of inorganic light emitting elements (e.g., including light emitting circuitry, for example, a light emitting diode)330, a first transparent pattern (e.g., including a transparent material)710, and a light blocking member (e.g., including an opaque material)1310. The support substrate311, the TFT substrate312, the connecting member320, and the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330ofFIGS. 13A and 13Bmay be components substantially identical to or similar to the support substrate311, the TFT substrate312, the connecting member320, and the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330described above in relation toFIG. 3. Furthermore, the first transparent pattern710ofFIGS. 13A and 13Bmay be a component substantially identical to or similar to the first transparent pattern710described above in relation toFIGS. 7A and 7B.

In an embodiment, the light blocking member1310may be disposed to make contact with the first transparent pattern710. The light blocking member1310may make contact with a lateral side of the first transparent pattern710. The light blocking member1310may be disposed to overlap the first transparent pattern710with respect to the Z-axis direction. The light blocking member1310and the first transparent pattern710may overlap each other when the degree of repellent liquid characteristic between the first transparent pattern710and the light blocking member1310is low or the light blocking member1310is abundantly applied. The light blocking member1310may be spaced apart from the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330by the first transparent pattern710.

In an embodiment, the light blocking member1310may be applied to a portion that is defined as the boundary of the first transparent pattern710. In the case where the light blocking member1310is applied to the portion that is defined as the boundary of the first transparent pattern710, the aperture ratio of the display module1300may be decreased. The CR may be increased in the case of decreasing the aperture ratio of the display module1300.

In an embodiment, the light blocking member1310may be applied after the first transparent pattern710is applied by, for example, a jetting method, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The light blocking member1310may, for example, be applied by a jetting method, a spray method, or the like, but is not limited thereto. When the light blocking member1310is applied, the first transparent pattern710may have a shape to protect the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330such that the light blocking member1310does not make contact with the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330. The light blocking member1310, when applied, does not need to be jetted in a pattern form. The light blocking member1310may be more easily applied by a spray method, and the tact time of the display module1300may be reduced.

In an embodiment, the thickness of the light blocking member1310on an upper side may be much smaller than that of the light blocking member1310on a lateral side. The light blocking member1310, before cured, may flow down to a height lower than the height of the first transparent pattern710with respect to the Z-axis direction. As illustrated inFIG. 13A, the light blocking member1310may at least partly protrude from the border between the light blocking member1310and the first transparent pattern710. However, the light blocking member1310is not disposed on an upper portion of the first transparent pattern710, and therefore the viewing angle of the display module1300may be ensured.

In an embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 13B, the light blocking member1310may cover at least part of the upper portion of the first transparent pattern710. The upper portion of the first transparent pattern710may have a convex form, and therefore the light blocking member1310may easily flow down to the edge. Accordingly, the light blocking member130may be formed to be very thin on the upper portion of the first transparent pattern710. Furthermore, after the first transparent pattern710is formed, a solvent used to form the first transparent pattern710may evaporate. A thin film may be formed on an upper side of the first transparent pattern710when the solvent evaporates. The thin film may cause the light blocking member1310to flow down. Accordingly, the light blocking member1310may not hide light emitted from the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330even though a structure close to wetting in which the light blocking member1310is formed to an emissive area is formed.

In an embodiment, the first transparent pattern710may be applied to be wider than the emissive area. The light blocking member1310may be formed to be thick on the lateral side of the first transparent pattern710, and thus a high CR may be maintained when the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330are turned on. Furthermore, most of light may pass because most of the light blocking member1310substantially flows down from the upper side of the first transparent pattern710and the remaining light blocking member1310is a very thin film. Accordingly, the viewing angle of the display module1300may be ensured.

FIG. 14is a front view illustrating an example display device1400according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the display device1400may include one or more display modules1410and a connecting portion (e.g., a region between adjacent display modules)1420.

In an embodiment, the display modules1410may include a substrate310, a connecting member320, a plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330, and a light blocking member340. The display modules1410may display a screen based on image data. The connecting portion1420may be formed in the display device1400having a large display that cannot be formed by one display module1410.

In an embodiment, the connecting portion1420may connect the one or more display modules1410. The display modules1410connected by the connecting portion1420may display one screen. The connecting portion1420may include, on a lateral side thereof, a connecting member for connecting the one or more display modules1410or a side coating member for preventing and/or reducing a gap between the display modules1410, which is formed in the connecting portion1420, from being viewed from the outside.

FIGS. 15A and 15Bare sectional views illustrating an example display device1500according to an embodiment. The display device1500may include a substrate310, a connecting member (e.g., including a conductive material)320, a plurality of inorganic light emitting elements (e.g., including light emitting circuitry, for example, a light emitting diode)330, and a light blocking member (e.g., including an opaque material)340. The substrate310, the connecting member320, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330, and the light blocking member340ofFIGS. 15A and 15Bmay be components substantially identical to or similar to the substrate310, the connecting member320, the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330, and the light blocking member340described above in relation toFIG. 3.

In an embodiment, the light blocking member340may be spaced apart from the substrate310and disposed on a connecting portion (or region)1420and the connecting member320. The connecting portion1420may be formed in a structure in which a hole is between display modules1410. The connecting portion1420may be visible from the front of the display device1500in the case where light emitted from the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements330leaks from lateral sides of the display modules1410or external light is reflected from the lateral sides of the display modules1410. In the case of disposing the light blocking member340on the connecting portion1420, the connecting portion1420may be prevented from being viewed.

In an embodiment, the light blocking member340may be disposed on the connecting portion1420. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 15A, due to the viscosity and curing of the light blocking member340, the light blocking member340may be disposed on the connecting member320without flowing down to the connecting portion1420. In another example, as illustrated inFIG. 15B, the light blocking member340may be disposed in the state of at least partly flowing into the connecting portion1420. The connecting portion1420may have a width of about 100 μm or less in the X-axis direction. Accordingly, the amount of the light blocking member340flowing into the connecting portion1420is small, and a specified penetration condition range may be satisfied.

According to the embodiments of the disclosure, the light blocking member may be formed on the upper side of the connecting member, thereby improving the contrast ratio of the display module and enabling representation of a darker black gradation, irrespective of non-uniformity of the color or surface of the connecting member.

Furthermore, according to various example embodiments of the disclosure, the light blocking member is disposed on a region other that the regions where the plurality of inorganic light emitting elements are disposed, thereby implementing a display module having μLEDs applied thereto that has a light blocking member that does not reduce a viewing angle and that does not invade emissive areas of inorganic light emitting elements.

In addition, the disclosure may provide various effects that are directly or indirectly recognized.