DISPLAY DEVICE

A display device can include a bank exposing a first open portion of a first sub-pixel and a first open portion of a second sub-pixel, a plurality of first lenses disposed to correspond to the first open portion of the first sub-pixel and the first open portion of the second sub-pixel, an optical layer disposed between the bank and the plurality of first lenses, the optical layer including a first groove between one of the plurality of first lenses corresponding to the first open portion of the first sub-pixel and another one of the plurality of first lenses corresponding to the first open portion of the second sub-pixel, the first groove having a first thickness, and a filler disposed in the first groove of the optical layer. Also, the filler is aligned with two of the plurality of first lenses in a first direction.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0126165, filed on Sep. 21, 2023, the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a display device capable of stably depositing a lens.

Discussion of the Related Art

Recently, with the advent of a full-scale information age, display devices capable of visually expressing electrical information signals have rapidly developed. Correspondingly, various display devices, such as liquid crystal display devices (LCDs) and organic light-emitting display devices (OLEDs), have been developed and used in various fields.

Among display devices, a light-emitting display device includes a self-light-emitting device which does not require a separate light source. Therefore, a light-emitting display device has advantages of a light weight and a thin profile. Further, a light-emitting display device has no limitation on viewing angle due to the self-light-emitting properties thereof.

Such a light-emitting display device can include lenses corresponding to a plurality of respective light-emitting devices in order to control the viewing angle for privacy protection, information protection, application thereof to vehicular display devices, etc.

Lenses for viewing angle control can include a first lens, which has a narrow viewing angle in one of an up-down direction and a left-right direction and a wide viewing angle in the other direction, and a second lens, which has a narrow viewing angle both in the up-down direction and in the left-right direction.

Among these lenses, the first lens having a wide viewing angle in one of the up-down direction and the left-right direction can be formed to be elongated in a direction in which the first lens has the wide viewing angle. The first lenses can be provided on one plane, and side surfaces of the plurality of first lenses adjacent to each other may undesirably come into contact with each other during a reflow process. In this situation, the plurality of first lenses can be consecutively disposed linearly in a first direction (e.g., forming a long dam type of structure).

However, a sufficient step difference may not be formed between the first lenses linearly disposed. When a planarization film is formed on the first lenses using an organic insulating material, the linear alignment of the first lenses may act as a structure that impedes the flow of the organic insulating material (e.g., the first lenses may connect to form a long continuous dam structure). In addition, a relatively large fixing force may be desirable for the first lenses consecutively disposed on the same plane in the first direction compared to individual lenses not consecutively disposed on the same plane (e.g., the first lenses may have issues regarding peeling off). Because the structure of the first lenses can impede flow of the planarization film, lack of planarization can occur in some areas and an upper surface can become too thin, too thick, wavy or uneven. In the area where the planarization film is not sufficiently applied, the first lenses consecutively disposed linearly in the first direction may get peeled off more easily and the image may become impair to due to an uneven upper surface. Thus, there exists is a need for creating a flat surface above the lenses for improving image quality and for securely fixing the first lenses in place.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to a display device that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a display device capable of preventing side surfaces of first lenses disposed in a first direction and having a wide viewing angle from coming into contact with each other and capable of allowing the surface of a planarization film formed on the first lenses to be formed flat by creating a defined step difference between the first lenses.

In addition, another object of the present disclosure is to provide a display device capable of preventing peeling off of the first lenses by allowing the entire surface of the planarization film to be formed evenly and flat on the first lenses to firmly secure them in place. There is provided a display device in which, when lenses including the first lenses and second lenses are disposed corresponding to a plurality of open portions, it is possible to separate the side surfaces of the first lenses from each other without increasing the size of a non-open portion between the plurality of open portions, thereby allowing the planarization film to be formed evenly on the first lenses. In other words, the first lenses can be packed close together and still be individually defined and spaced apart from each other.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or can be learned from practice of the disclosure. The objects and other advantages of the disclosure can be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

In a display device of the present disclosure, a groove is formed in a portion of an optical layer located under the first lenses to correspond to an area between the first lenses disposed in a first direction, thereby creating a defined step difference between the first lenses. Accordingly, in the display device of the present disclosure, since the side surfaces of the first lenses are separated from each other, a planarization film can be formed to be flat on the first lenses.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, a display device includes a bank exposing a first open portion included in each of a first sub-pixel and a second sub-pixel, a first lens disposed on the bank to correspond to the first open portion of each of the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel, an optical layer disposed between the bank and the first lens and including a groove having a first thickness and located between the first lens corresponding to the first open portion of the first sub-pixel and the first lens corresponding to the first open portion of the second sub-pixel, and a filler disposed in the groove in the optical layer. The first lens corresponding to the first open portion of the first sub-pixel, the first lens corresponding to the first open portion of the second sub-pixel, and the filler are disposed in a row in a first direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the drawings for explaining the example embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, the illustrated shape, size, ratio, angle, and number are given by way of example, and thus, are not limited to the disclosure. Throughout the present specification, the same reference numerals designate the same constituent elements. In addition, in the following description of the present disclosure, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when it can make the subject matter of the present disclosure rather unclear.

The terms “comprises,” “includes,” and/or “has” used in this specification, do not preclude the presence or addition of other elements unless used along with the term “only.” The singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In the interpretation of constituent elements, the constituent elements are interpreted as including an error range even if there is no explicit description thereof.

In the description of the various embodiments, when describing positional relationships, for example, when the positional relationship between two parts is described using “on,” “above,” “below,” “next to” or the like, one or more other parts can be located between the two parts unless the term “directly” or “closely” is used.

In the description of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, when describing temporal relationships, for example, when the temporal relationship between two actions is described using “after,” “subsequently,” “next,” “before” or the like, the actions may not occur in succession unless the term “directly” or “just” is used therewith.

It can be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, these elements are not to be limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, in the present specification, an element indicated by “first” can be the same as an element indicated by “second” without exceeding the technical scope of the present disclosure, unless otherwise mentioned.

A first horizontal axis direction, a second horizontal axis direction, and a vertical axis direction should not be construed as only a geometric relationship where a relationship therebetween is strictly perpendicular, and can denote having a broader directionality within a scope where elements of the present disclosure operate functionally.

The term “at least one” should be understood as including all possible combinations which can be suggested from one or more relevant items. For example, the meaning of “at least one of a first item, a second item, or a third item” can be each one of the first item, the second item, or the third item and also be all possible combinations that can be suggested from two or more of the first item, the second item, and the third item.

The respective features of the various embodiments of the present disclosure can be partially or entirely coupled to and combined with each other, and various technical linkages and modes of operation thereof are possible. These various embodiments can be performed independently of each other or can be performed in association with each other.

Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Because a scale of each of the elements illustrated in the accompanying drawings is different from an actual scale for convenience of description, the disclosure is not limited to the scale illustrated in the drawings.

Hereinafter, a preferred example of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.1is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIGS.2A to2Care enlarged views showing various characteristics of the same components shown inFIG.1.

The display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can include a bank (160inFIG.3) including a first open portion OA1included in each of a first sub-pixel SP1and a second sub-pixel SP2, a first lens L1disposed on the bank160to correspond to the first open portion OA1of each of the first sub-pixel SP1and the second sub-pixel SP2, an optical layer (220inFIG.4) disposed between the bank160and the first lens L1and including a groove H having a first thickness t1and formed between the first lens L1corresponding to the first open portion OA1of the first sub-pixel SP1and the first lens L1corresponding to the first open portion OA1of the second sub-pixel SP2, and a filler L3disposed in the groove H in the optical layer220. The first lens L1corresponding to the first open portion OA1of the first sub-pixel SP1, the first lens L1corresponding to the first open portion OA1of the second sub-pixel SP2, and the filler L3can be disposed in a row in a first direction D1.

Referring toFIG.1, the display device of the present disclosure can include a plurality of unit pixels, each of which includes a first sub-pixel SP1, a second sub-pixel SP2, and a third sub-pixel SP3. The first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3can be sub-pixels that emit light of different colors. For example, each of the first to third sub-pixels SP1to SP3can be a sub-pixel that emits one of red light, green light, and blue light.

The first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3can be formed to have different area ratios. Correspondingly, a first lower electrode171aand a second lower electrode171bof each of the first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3and a light-emitting portion and open portions OA (OA1and OA2) of each of the first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3can have different area ratios from those of the other sub-pixels. The area of each of the first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3can be determined in consideration of the lifespan and luminous efficiency of the light-emitting device that emits light of a color corresponding thereto. That is, a sub-pixel that emits short-wavelength light can have a larger area size than the other sub-pixels, and a sub-pixel that emits long-wavelength light can have a smaller area size than the other sub-pixels. Based thereon, in the present disclosure, the area size of each sub-pixels that emit light of different colors and ratios between the area size of each sub-pixels can be different from each other, thereby making the lifespans and luminous efficiencies of the light-emitting devices of the sub-pixels uniform. For example, as shown inFIG.1, the second sub-pixel SP2can have an area size larger than area sizes for the first and third sub-pixels SP1and SP3, and the third sub-pixel SP3can have an area size smaller than the area sizes for first and second sub-pixels SP1and SP2. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The arrangement, area sizes and area ratios of the first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3can be different from those described above.

The first sub-pixel SP1and the second sub-pixel SP2can be alternately disposed in a second direction D2. The third sub-pixel SP3can be disposed adjacent to the first sub-pixel SP1and the second sub-pixel SP2in the first direction D1that intersects the second direction D2. Here, the first direction D1and the second direction D2can be directions that perpendicularly intersect each other. However, the placement of the first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Referring toFIGS.2A to2Ctogether, each of the first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3can include a first lower electrode171aand a second lower electrode171b. The first lower electrode171aand the second lower electrode171bcan be provided independently of each other and can be driven independently by different driving circuits. The first lower electrode171aand the second lower electrode171bcan be formed to have different areas. In addition, the first lower electrodes171aof the first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3can be formed to have different area sizes and corresponding ratios. Correspondingly, the second lower electrodes171bof the first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3can also be formed to have different area sizes and corresponding ratios.

The first lower electrode171acan be longer in the first direction D1than in the second direction D2. The first lower electrode171acan include one first open portion OA1. The second lower electrode171bcan also be longer in the first direction D1than in the second direction D2. In addition, the second lower electrode171bcan include a plurality of second open portions OA2.

The first open portion OA1and the plurality of second open portions OA2can be areas in which emitted light is radiated. For example, the first open portion OA1and the second open portions OA2can be areas exposed from the bank160disposed between light-emitting devices (170aand170binFIG.3). In addition, the first open portion OA1and the second open portions OA2can have different sizes from an open portion formed by a black matrix210on an encapsulation film (180inFIG.3) covering the bank160and the light-emitting devices170aand170bor an open portion formed by a sensor electrode (230inFIG.3) overlapping the black matrix210(SeeFIG.4). That is, the first open portion OA1and the second open portions OA2exposed by the bank160can have smaller sizes than the open portion formed by the black matrix210and the open portion formed by the sensor electrode230. The first open portion OA1and each of the second open portions OA2can have different area sizes.

The first open portion OA1can be arranged along the first direction D1of the first lower electrode171a. The first open portion OA1can be longer in the first direction D1than in the second direction D2.

The plurality of second open portions OA2can be disposed in a row within the second lower electrode171bto be spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1. A sum of the lengths of the plurality of second open portions OA2in the first direction D1can be less than the length of the second lower electrode171bin the first direction D1. The length of each of the plurality of second open portions OA2in the first direction D1can be less than the length of the first open portion OA1in the first direction D1. Each of the plurality of second open portions OA2can be formed such that the length thereof in the first direction D1is similar to the length thereof in the second direction D2.

There can be provided a first lens L1corresponding to the first open portion OA1and a plurality of second lenses L2corresponding to the plurality of second open portions OA2. The first lens L1and the plurality of second lenses L2can have different shapes and different sizes. In addition, the first lens L1and each of the second lenses L2can have different area ratios when viewed in plan.

A first lens L1corresponding to the first open portion OA1can be provided. In correspondence with the shape of the first open portion OA1, the first lens L1can be longer in the first direction D1than in the second direction D2. The first lens L1can be sized to cover the entire area of the first open portion OA1of the first lower electrode171a. In addition, the first lens L1can be provided above the first lower electrode171a, have a larger area than the first open portion OA1and extend over at least the length of the first lower electrode171ain the first direction D1. Referring toFIG.4together, the first lens L1can be implemented as a semicylindrical lens having a length in the first direction D1. In detail, the first lens L1can be implemented as a hemi-ellipsoidal lens that is cut along the long axis thereof.

The semicylindrical first lens L1can have a rectangular section when viewed in a plan view and can have a semicircular section when cut along a cutting line extending in the second direction D2. In addition, the hemi-ellipsoidal first lens L1can have an elliptical section when viewed in a plan view. Accordingly, the first lens L1can limit the viewing angle in the second direction D2without limiting the viewing angle in the first direction D1.

Second lenses L2respectively corresponding to the plurality of second open portions OA2can be provided. Each of the second lenses L2can be sized to completely cover an area corresponding one of the plurality of second open portions OA2. In addition, the length of each of the second lenses L2in the first direction D1can be less than the length of the first lens L1in the first direction D1. Each of the plurality of second lenses L2can be implemented as a hemispherical lens or a domed shape lens.

The hemispherical second lens L2can have a circular section when viewed in plan and can have a semicircular section when cut along a cutting line extending in the first direction D1and when cut along a cutting line extending in the second direction D2. Such a hemispherical second lens L2can limit the viewing angle in the first and second directions D1and D2. For example, the first lens L1can be for providing a wide viewing angle (e.g., a public viewing mode) and the second lens L2can be for providing a narrow viewing angle (e.g., a privacy viewing mode).

As described above, the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be a display device capable of controlling/limiting the viewing angle using the hemi-ellipsoidal first lens L1corresponding to the first lower electrode171aand the plurality of hemispherical second lenses L2corresponding to the second lower electrode171b. The display device of the present disclosure can selectively achieve a wide viewing angle and a narrow viewing angle because a direction in which the first lens L1limits the viewing angle and a direction in which the second lenses L2limit the viewing angle are different from each other. Also, the display device can switch between a wide viewing angle mode (e.g., public viewing mode) by activating the subpixels corresponding to the first lenses L1and a narrow viewing angle mode (e.g., private viewing mode) by activating the subpixels corresponding to the second lenses L2. Also, a third mode (e.g., high brightness mode) can be provided in which both the subpixels corresponding to the first lenses L1and the subpixels corresponding to the second lenses L2are all activated together (e.g., to improve brightness during a sunny day, etc.).

Referring toFIG.2C, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a filling lens L3can be disposed between adjacent lenses L1or L2. In the display device according to the an embodiment of the present disclosure, the filling lens L3can be disposed between adjacent first lenses L1. That is, the filling lens L3can be disposed between the first lenses L1of adjacent sub-pixels. For examples, as illustrated inFIG.2B, the filling lens L3can be disposed between the first lens L1of sub-pixel SP2and the first lens L1of sub-pixel SP3. The filling lens L3can be referred to as a filler.

The filling lenses L3according to an embodiment can be disposed in all of areas between the first lenses L1. In some situations, the filling lenses L3may be absent from some of the areas between the first lenses L1. If the filling lenses L3are disposed in all of the areas between the first lenses L1, the first lenses L1and the filling lenses L3can be alternately disposed in the first direction D1.

An overlap portion OL in which the edge of the first lens L1and the edge of the filling lens L3adjacent to each other partially overlap with each other can be provided. Alternatively, a connection portion in which the edge of the first lens L1and the filling lens L3are connected to each other can be provided. Here, the connection portion between the first lens L1and the filling lens L3can overlap with the overlap portion OL between the first lens L1and the filling lens L3. The first lens L1and the filling lens L3can be disposed in different layers and can be consecutively formed via the connection portion. Accordingly, the first lens L1and the filling lens L3can implement a line-type lens LL that is consecutively formed in the first direction D1when viewed in plan. For example, a material for implementing the line-type lens LL can be laid down as a long continuous strip and grooves in the optical layer can be used to define and separate the first lenses L1from each other (e.g., lens material can fall into the groove and define a step different between adjacent first lens L1). Also, since portions of the lens material is fitted within the grooves between adjacent subpixels, the adhering force for fixing the first lenses L1can be improved and peeling can be prevented or minimized.

FIG.3is a cross-sectional view taken along lines I-I′ and II-II′ inFIG.1.FIG.3is a cross-sectional view of a light-emitting device array100and the light-emitting devices170aand170b. That is,FIG.3is a cross-sectional view showing the driving array and the light-emitting devices corresponding to the first open portion and the second open portion of any one sub-pixel. In an example,FIG.3is a cross-sectional view of the first open portion OA1and the second open portion OA2of the first sub-pixel SP1.

Referring toFIG.3, the display device of the present disclosure can include a thin-film transistor Ta and a light-emitting device170acorresponding to the first open portion OA1on the substrate110, and can include a thin-film transistor Tb and a light-emitting device170bcorresponding to the second open portion OA2on the substrate110. In addition, the display device of the present disclosure can include a bank160disposed between the light-emitting devices170aand170band an encapsulation film180covering the light-emitting devices170aand170b.

The substrate110can be divided into an active area in which a screen is displayed and a non-active area in which a screen is not displayed, and the active area can be constituted by a plurality of sub-pixels. The plurality of sub-pixels can include emission portions that actually emit light and non-emission portions that are formed around the emission portions and do not emit light. The emission portions can be referred to as the first open portion OA1and the second open portion OA2inFIG.3. That is, in the present disclosure, because the first open portion OA1and the second open portion OA2are areas exposed from the bank160, intermediate layers173aand173bbetween the first and second lower electrodes171aand171band the upper electrodes175aand175bcan be emission areas. For example, if the substrate110is a plastic substrate, the substrate110can include polyimide or polyamide.

On the substrate110, a circuit device, which includes various signal lines such as a data line and a gate line, transistors such as a driving thin-film transistor, a switching thin-film transistor, and a sensing thin-film transistor, and a capacitor can be provided for each of the lower electrodes171aand171b. In the present disclosure, for convenience of description, one first thin-film transistor Ta driving the first lower electrode171aand one second thin-film transistor Tb driving the second lower electrode171bare illustrated.

The first thin-film transistor Ta can include an active layer37aand a gate electrode43aoverlapping a channel region35aof the active layer37awith a gate insulating film41ainterposed therebetween, and can include a source electrode51aand a drain electrode53arespectively connected to two opposite sides of the active layer37a.

The second thin-film transistor Tb can include an active layer37band a gate electrode43boverlapping a channel region35bof the active layer37bwith a gate insulating film41binterposed therebetween, and can include a source electrode51band a drain electrode53brespectively connected to two opposite sides of the active layer37b.

The active layer37aor37bcan include a source region31aor31band a drain region33aor33brespectively provided at two opposite sides thereof and can include a channel region35aor35bdisposed between the source region31aor31band the drain region33aor33b. Each of the source region31aor31band the drain region33aor33bis formed of a semiconductor material doped with an n-type or p-type dopant. The channel region35aor35boverlapping with the gate electrode43aor43bcan be formed of a semiconductor material not doped with an n-type or p-type dopant.

The gate electrode43aor43band the channel region35aor35bof the active layer37aor37bcan have the same width and can be disposed to overlap with each other with the gate insulating film41aor41binterposed therebetween. The gate insulating film41aor41bcan overlap with the channel region35aor35bof the active layer37aor37bin the same pattern as the gate electrode43aor43b. For example, the gate electrode43aor43bcan take the form of a single layer or multiple layers made of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), or an alloy thereof. The gate insulating film41aor41bcan be made of an inorganic insulating material. For example, the gate insulating film41aor41bcan be implemented as a silicon oxide (SiOx) film, a silicon nitride (SiNx) film, a silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy) film, or a multilayered film thereof.

A light-shielding layer21aor21bon the substrate110is disposed under the active layer37aor37bwhile overlapping with at least the channel region35aor35bof the active layer37aor37bof the thin-film transistor Ta or Tb. The light-shielding layer21aor21bprevents external light from traveling to the thin-film transistor Ta or Tb through the substrate110. For example, the light-shielding layer21aor21bcan be implemented as a single layer made of a metallic material such as molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), aluminum-neodymium (AlNd), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), or an alloy thereof or can be formed in a multilayered structure including the above metallic materials.

A buffer film120can be disposed on the light-shielding layer21aor21bto cover the light-shielding layer21aor21b. For example, the buffer film120can take the form of a single layer or multiple layers made of silicon oxide (SiOx) or silicon nitride (SiNx).

An interlayer insulating film130can be disposed on the buffer film120. The interlayer insulating film130can include a source contact hole and a drain contact hole respectively exposing the source region31aor31band the drain region33aor33bof the active layer37aor37band can cover the gate insulating film41aor41band the gate electrode43aor43b. For example, the interlayer insulating film130can be made of an inorganic insulating material. For example, the interlayer insulating film130can be implemented as a silicon oxide (SiOx) film, a silicon nitride (SiNx) film, a silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy) film, or a multilayered film thereof.

The source electrode51aor51band the drain electrode53aor53bcan be disposed in the same layer on the interlayer insulating film130. The source electrode51aor51band the drain electrode53aor53bare connected to the source region31aor31band the drain region33aand33bof the active layer37aand37bthrough the source contact hole and the drain contact hole, respectively. For example, each of the source electrode51aor51band the drain electrode53aor53bcan take the form of a single layer made of a metallic material such as molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), or an alloy thereof or can be formed in a multilayered structure including the above metallic materials.

A passivation layer140can be disposed on the interlayer insulating film130to cover the thin-film transistor Ta or Tb. Accordingly, the thin-film transistor Ta or Tb can be protected by the passivation layer140. For example, the passivation layer140can be a type of inorganic insulating film and can be implemented as a silicon oxide (SiOx) film, a silicon nitride (SiNx) film, a silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy) film, or a multilayered film thereof.

A first planarization film150can be disposed on the passivation layer140. The first planarization film150can be formed to a thickness sufficient to provide a substantially planar surface on the uneven surface of the upper portion of the thin-film transistor Ta or Tb, and can be implemented as an organic insulating film. In a case in which the first planarization film150also functions to protect the thin-film transistor Ta or Tb, the passivation layer140can be omitted. For example, the first planarization film150can be a type of organic insulating film. For example, the first planarization film150can be implemented as a photo acryl film, a polyimide film, a benzocyclobutene resin film, or an acrylate film or, in some situations, can be implemented as a multilayered film thereof.

A first light-emitting device170a, which corresponds to the first open portion OA1and includes a first lower electrode171a, an intermediate layer173a, and an upper electrode175aand a second light-emitting device170b, which corresponds to the second open portion OA2and includes a second lower electrode171b, an intermediate layer173b, and an upper electrode175b, can be disposed on the first planarization film150. The first light-emitting device170aand the second light-emitting device170bcan be driven independently in response to different signals received from the different thin-film transistors Ta and Tb. The first light-emitting device170acan be driven in such a manner that the intermediate layer173aemits light as an electric field is formed between the first lower electrode171aand the upper electrode175a. The second light-emitting device170bcan be driven in such a manner that the intermediate layer173bemits light as an electric field is formed between the second lower electrode171band the upper electrode175b.

The first lower electrode171aand the second lower electrode171bcan be provided together in each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3. Each of the first lower electrode171aand the second lower electrode171bcan be formed in a multilayered structure including a transparent conductive film and an opaque conductive film having high reflection efficiency. The transparent conductive film of each of the first lower electrode171aand the second lower electrode171bcan be formed of a material having a relatively large work function, e.g., indium-tin-oxide (ITO) or indium-zinc-oxide (IZO), and the opaque conductive film thereof can be formed in a single-layered or multilayered structure including a material selected from the group consisting of silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), tungsten (W), and alloys thereof. For example, each of the first lower electrode171aand the second lower electrode171bcan be formed in a structure in which a transparent conductive film, an opaque conductive film, and a transparent conductive film are sequentially stacked or can be formed in a structure in which a transparent conductive film and an opaque conductive film are sequentially stacked.

A bank160, which covers the edge of each of the first lower electrode171aand the second lower electrode171b, can be disposed on the entire surface of the planarization film150while exposing the first open portion OA1and the second open portion OA2. In addition, the bank160can include a light-absorbing material. For example, the bank160can include a black dye. Accordingly, the display device of the present disclosure can prevent optical interference and light leakage between adjacent sub-pixels.

The intermediate layers173aand173bcan be disposed on the first and second lower electrodes171aand171band the bank160over the entire area of the substrate110. The intermediate layers173aand173brespectively corresponding to the first open portion OA1and the second open portion OA2can be formed in the same layer through the same process. Each of the intermediate layers173aand173bcan be an organic layer having a single-stack structure constituted by multiple layers including a hole injection layer HIL, a hole transport layer HTL, an emission layer EML1or EML2, an electron transport layer ETL, and an electron injection layer EIL. In some situations, each of the intermediate layers173aand173bcan be formed in a tandem structure including multiple stacks (first stack and second stack), which include a first emission layer EML1and a second emission layer EML2, respectively, and a charge generation layer (CGL) disposed between the stacks. The tandem structure is not limited to the illustrated 2-stack structure, but can be a multi-stack structure including three or more stacks. The first and second emission layers EML1and EML2in the multiple stacks can be emission layers emitting light of the same color among red light, green light, and blue light and can be patterned in each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3.

The upper electrodes175aand175bdisposed on the intermediate layers173aand173bcan be formed on the entire surface of the substrate110through a common mask. That is, the upper electrodes175aand175brespectively corresponding to the first open portion OA1and the second open portion OA2can be formed in the same layer through the same process. For example, the upper electrodes175aand175bcan be made of a transparent conductive material such as indium-tin-oxide (ITO) or indium-zinc-oxide (IZO), or can be made of silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), or an alloy thereof and can be formed to be thin enough to transmit light.

The encapsulation film180can be disposed on the upper electrodes175aand175bto cover the entire surface of the active area and the non-active area on the substrate110. The encapsulation film180prevents oxygen and moisture from entering the light-emitting devices170aand170b, thereby improving the lifespan of the light-emitting display device. In an example, the encapsulation film180can be formed in a structure in which one or more pairs of an inorganic encapsulation film and an organic encapsulation film are stacked.

FIG.4is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III′ inFIG.1, which shows a lens array of the first lenses adjacent to each other on the light-emitting device array100.FIG.5is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV′ inFIG.1, which shows a lens array of the second lenses adjacent to each other on the light-emitting device array100.

Referring toFIGS.4and5, the display device of the present disclosure can include a black matrix210, an optical layer220, a loss preventing lens structure240, and a second planarization film260, which are disposed on the encapsulation film180covering the light-emitting device array100. The light-emitting device array100can include a substrate110, a buffer film120, an interlayer insulating film130, a passivation layer140, a first planarization film150, and a bank160exposing the light-emitting devices170aand170band the first and second open portions OA1and OA2.

The black matrix210disposed on the encapsulation film180can overlap with the non-open portions except for the first and second open portions OA1and OA2. That is, the black matrix210can overlap with the bank160. The black matrix210can include a light-absorbing material. For example, the black matrix210can include a black dye. This black matrix210can prevent optical interference and light leakage between adjacent sub-pixels.

The optical layer220can be disposed on the black matrix210. The optical layer220can include a groove220aformed in a portion thereof corresponding to the non-open portion. In addition, the portion of the optical layer220except for the groove220acan be disposed on the entire surface of the encapsulation film180and the black matrix210. The groove220ain the optical layer220according to the an embodiment can correspond to an area between the first lenses241adjacent to each other in the first direction (D1inFIG.1).

The groove220ain the optical layer220can be a portion that is depressed from the surface of the optical layer220to have a first thickness t1. For example, the groove220acan be a type of trench disposed between adjacent first lenses L1. The groove220acan expose the black matrix210. The groove220ain the optical layer220can serve as a space into which the patterns of the first lenses241are reflowed and introduced in a process of forming the first lenses241on the optical layer220. The reflowed material of the patterns of the first lenses241can flow into the groove220ain the optical layer220, which is lower than the surface of the optical layer220. Due to the groove220aformed in the optical layer220, the display device of the present disclosure can separate the side surfaces of adjacent first lenses241from each other. In other words, lens material can be laid down for a row or column of subpixels as a long continuous strip, and the lens material can fall into the grooves between adjacent subpixels for individually defining a plurality of first lenses L1. Also, since space is securely obtained between adjacent first lenses L1, then a second planarization film260can be uniformly applied across the display since it can flow between adjacent first lenses L1and the second planarization film260can reliably have a uniformly flat upper surface, which can improve image quality, reduce reflections, and better secure the first lenses L1in place (e.g., a situation of the first lenses L1connecting with each other to form a long dam structure that may block the application of second planarization film260can be prevented).

As shown inFIG.4, the groove220aaccording to the an embodiment can have a trapezoidal shape that is reversely tapered such that the width of the bottom surface is shorter than the width of the top surface. However, the sectional shape of the groove220ais not limited thereto. As shown in part (a) ofFIG.6, a groove520acan have a trapezoidal shape that is tapered such that the width of the top surface is shorter than the width of the bottom surface. As shown in part (b) ofFIG.6, a groove620acan have an inverted-triangular shape formed such that the apex faces the substrate110. As shown in part (c) ofFIG.6, a groove720acan have a semicircular or semielliptical shape formed to have a curved inner surface that is gradually narrowed in a direction toward the substrate110. Correspondingly, filling lenses543,643, and743can be provided to fill the grooves520a,620a, and720ashown in parts (a), (b) and (c) ofFIG.6, respectively. As described above, the sectional shape of the groove220aof embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited to the shapes illustrated in the drawings and can be any of various other shapes, e.g. a polygonal or semicircular shape.

It is illustrated in parts (a), (b) and (c) ofFIG.6that the grooves520a,620a, and720aare selectively provided in some of areas between first lenses541,641, and741, rather than being provided in all of the areas between the first lenses541,641, and741. Optical layers520,620, and720, sensor electrodes530,630, and730, first lenses541,641, and741, connection portions545,645, and745, and second planarization films560,660, and760according to the embodiments shown in parts (a), (b) and (c) ofFIG.6can be formed identically to the optical layer220, the sensor electrode230, the first lens241, the connection portion245, and the second planarization film260according to an embodiment.

The filling lens243can be disposed in the groove220ain the optical layer220, and first lenses241can be disposed on the optical layer220. The first lens241and the filling lens243can be made of the same material. Also, the first lens241, the connection portion245and the filling lens243can all be connected or in physical communication with each other (e.g., all parts of a same continuous strip of material). The first lens241and the filling lens243can be formed during the same process. In detail, the filling lens243can be formed during a reflow process of the first lens241. Due to the characteristics of the reflow process, the edge of the first lens241can be connected to the filling lens243provided in the groove220a, and thus a connection portion245can be formed between the first lens241and the filling lens243. The connection portion245between the first lens241and the filling lens243can be provided on the groove220a, as shown inFIG.4. However, the connection portion245of embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Depending on the extent to which the filling lens243occupies the interior of the groove220a, the connection portion245can be provided in the groove220aor can be provided on the surface of the optical layer220connected to the groove220a. According to another embodiment, the connection portion245can be absent and the filling lens243can be disconnected or cut from the first lens241by a deep groove.

Each of the first lenses241can be provided corresponding to a respective one of the first open portions OA1of the sub-pixels. Each of the first lenses241can be formed to have a larger area size than at least the first open portion OA1of a corresponding one of the sub-pixels. For example, the area size of the first lens L1inFIG.2Bis larger than the area size of the first open portion OA1inFIG.2A. In addition, the first lenses241can have different sizes according to the different sizes of the sub-pixels corresponding thereto. For example, as shown inFIG.4, the length of the first lens241corresponding to the second sub-pixel SP2in the first direction D1can be greater than the length of the first lens241corresponding to the third sub-pixel SP3in the first direction D1.

InFIG.4, each of the first lenses241can be a lens having a wide viewing angle in the first direction D1(e.g., for providing a wide angle viewing mode or a public viewing mode). The first lenses241can be disposed in a row in the first direction D1, and the filling lens243can be provided in the groove220ain the optical layer220, which is formed in a different layer than the first lenses241, in the first direction D1in which the first lenses241are disposed. A step difference “d” can be formed between each of the first lenses241and the filling lens243. Accordingly, when the second planarization film260is formed, the material of the second planarization film can easily flow between adjacent first lenses241due to the step difference between each of the first lenses241disposed in a row in the first direction D1and the filling lens243disposed between the first lenses241. Thus, the entire surface of the second planarization film260can be formed to be flat and uniformly distributed across the subpixels. In addition, in the loss preventing lens structure240including the first lenses241and the filling lens243, the first lenses241on the optical layer220are connected to the filling lens243, which is formed in a different layer than the first lenses241. Accordingly, the lenses on the optical layer220can be more firmly fixed in place within the display device of the present disclosure. In other words, a situation of the first lenses241becoming peeled off can be prevented. In addition, in the display device of the present disclosure in which the first lenses241correspond to the respective first open portions OA1, it is possible to separate the side surfaces of the first lenses241from each other without increasing the size of the non-open portion between the first open portions OA1. In other words, a plurality of the first lenses241can be packed closer together while still being clearly and individually defined and separated from each other, which can provide higher resolutions.

The filling lens243located between the first lenses241adjacent to each other in the first direction D1can be provided corresponding to the non-open portion of the sub-pixel. The filling lens243can overlap with the bank160and the black matrix210. The extent to which the filling lens243occupies the interior of the groove220acan vary depending on conditions of the reflow process of the first lenses241. The filling lens243can be provided on at least the bottom surface of the groove220a. In the situation in which the groove220ain the optical layer220exposes the black matrix210, the filling lens243can be provided on the surface of the black matrix210exposed by the groove220a. In addition, the second thickness t2of the filling lens243can be greater than the first thickness t1of the groove220a. In some situations, the second thickness t2of the filling lens243can be less than or equal to the first thickness t1of the groove220a. In this situation, the connection portion245between the filling lens243and the first lens241can be located in the groove220a.

With the groove220abetween the first lenses241, a reflow process creates the filling lens243formed inside the groove220ain the optical layer. As a result, it creates a clearly defined step difference “d” between first lenses241and the filling lens243. Subsequently, the step difference helps the second planarization film260to have a smooth, flat surface over the first lenses, since the second planarization film260can more easily flow across the first lenses and is not blocked or dammed.

Referring toFIG.7, the first thickness t1of a groove420aaccording to another embodiment can be less than the overall thickness of an optical layer420. For example, according to some embodiments, the groove can penetrate all the way through optical layer420(e.g., as discussed above), but embodiments are not limited thereto and the groove can extend partially into the optical layer420as shown inFIG.7. In this situation, the groove420acan be depressed from the surface of the optical layer420only to a middle of the optical layer420, and thus may not expose the black matrix210. In this situation, first lenses441can have a different thickness or a different size from the first lenses241according to the embodiment discussed above. The other embodiment may require a relatively small space to receive the material of the first lenses441, and accordingly, the first thickness t1of the groove420acan correspond to the distance from the top surface of the optical layer420to a middle of the optical layer420. In addition, a filling lens443according to the other embodiment can be provided with a connection portion445connected to the edge of the first lens441. A sensor electrode430and a second planarization film460according to the embodiment shown inFIG.7can be formed identically to the sensor electrode230and the second planarization film260according to the first embodiment discussed above.

Referring toFIG.5, the second lenses250can be provided corresponding to the respective second open portions OA2of the first sub-pixel SP1. The optical layer220between the second lenses250according to the first embodiment can also be provided in the non-open portion.

The sensor electrode230can be disposed on the optical layer220. The sensor electrode230can overlap with the non-open portion and can overlap the bank160and the black matrix210. Each of the first lens241and the second lens250can cover the edge of the sensor electrode230. The sensor electrode230according to the first embodiment can be provided on the optical layer220in the non-open portion corresponding to the groove220ato be spatially separated from another sensor electrode230with the groove220ainterposed therebetween.

Referring toFIG.8, a sensor electrode330aaccording to another embodiment can be disposed on an optical layer320to overlap with the non-open portion. Here, the sensor electrode330acorresponding to a groove320ain the optical layer320can be provided along the inner side of the groove320afrom the top of the optical layer320corresponding to the non-open portion. For example, the sensor electrode330acan extend all the way across the groove320a. In the situation in which the groove320aexposes the black matrix210, the sensor electrode330acan be in contact with the black matrix210in the groove320a. In addition, a connection portion345between a first lens341and a filling lens343can be disposed on and in contact with the sensor electrode330a. The filling lens343and a second planarization film360according to the embodiment shown inFIG.8can be formed identically to the filling lens243and the second planarization film260according to the first embodiment.

The sensor electrode230,330, or330acan be a touch electrode and can be made of a metal. In this situation, the sensor electrode230,330, or330aas a touch electrode can include a plurality of transmitting electrodes and a plurality of receiving electrodes crossing each other and can detect touch through variation in capacitance between the plurality of transmitting electrodes and the plurality of receiving electrodes.

The second planarization film260can be disposed on the first lenses241, the second lenses250, and the filling lenses220a. The second planarization film260can be implemented as an organic insulating film in order to provide a substantially planar surface on the uneven surfaces of the first lenses241and the second lenses250on the optical layer220. Here, an inkjet printing process can be used to form the organic insulating film. The inkjet printing process can be performed by discharging the material of the second planarization film260onto the optical layer220having the first lenses241and the second lenses250formed thereon through nozzles. In this situation, it is difficult to regularly place the nozzles between the lenses. Thus, the nozzles can be irregularly disposed on the lenses and between the lenses. The material of the second planarization film260discharged from the irregularly placed nozzles can spread on the entire area of the substrate and can form a planar surface. In this situation, however, if there is no sufficient step between the first lenses disposed in the first direction, the discharged material of the second planarization film may not flow over a structure created by the first lenses, and thus the surface of the second planarization film may not be flat (e.g., if the first lenses are not clearly defined and appear connected together, they can from a type of dam structure that can impair the application of the second planarization film). Further, there can occur a line missing phenomenon, which is a phenomenon in which the first lenses disposed in the first direction escape from or peel away from an area between the second planarization film and the optical layer. Therefore, in the display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the groove220acan be formed in a portion of the optical layer220located between the first lenses241disposed in the first direction D1so that the material of the first lenses241flows into the groove220aduring the reflow process of the first lenses241which can improve an adhesive factor between the first lenses241and the optical layer. Accordingly, the step difference “d” can be formed between the first lenses241and the filling lens243that fills the groove220a. In this way, in the display device of the present disclosure, since the step difference “d” is formed in vertical direction between top surfaces of the first lenses241consecutively disposed linearly in the first direction D1and a top surface of the filling lens243, the material of the second planarization film260can easily flow to an area between the first lenses241Accordingly, the surface of the second planarization film260can be formed to be flat and the second planarization film260can be uniformly distributed across the display screen. Further, since the entire surface of the second planarization film260is formed to be flat, the display device of the present disclosure can exhibit an effect of preventing line missing of the first lenses241disposed in the first direction D1.

The second planarization film260can be a type of organic insulating film, for example, a photo acryl film, a polyimide film, a benzocyclobutene resin film, or an acrylate film, or, in some situations, can be implemented as a multilayered film thereof.

FIG.9is a plan view of a display device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. AlthoughFIG.9illustrates a plan view of any one representative sub-pixel SP1, the display device of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.FIG.10is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V′ inFIG.9. Hereinafter, description of the same configuration as that of the previous embodiment will be omitted.

Referring toFIG.9, the display device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure can include a groove H formed between the second lenses L2. The display device according to the second embodiment can include an overlap portion OLH in which the edge of the second lens L2and the edge of the groove H partially overlap with each other. Although the second lenses L2are illustrated as being disposed in one direction, the display device of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The second lenses L2can be disposed adjacent to each other in a placement structure different from that shown in the drawings (e.g., a zigzag arrangement, etc.). Even when the second lenses L2are placed adjacent to each other with a different arrangement from that shown in the drawings, the groove H can be formed between the second lenses L2.

Referring toFIG.10, the display device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure can include an optical layer920, which includes a groove920aformed therein between second lenses950, and a filling lens or a filling lens943that fills the groove920a. The edge of each of the second lenses950can be connected to the filling lens943, so that a connection portion945can be formed between each of the second lenses950and the filling lens943.

Each of the second lenses950can be disposed on the optical layer920to correspond to a respective one of the second open portions OA2exposed by the bank. Each of the second lenses950can have a circular planar shape and a semicircular sectional shape or a domed shape. The second lens950can be a lens that achieves a narrow viewing angle by limiting the viewing angle both in the first direction D1and in the second direction D2.

The second lens950can be a lens with a narrow viewing angle both in the up-down direction (the second direction) and in the left-right direction (the first direction), and can be formed to be shorter in the first direction D1than the first lens L1that achieves a wide viewing angle in the left-right direction (the first direction). Thus, the second lens can be provided in plural in one sub-pixel in order to achieve uniform brightness in different viewing angle modes. In this situation, the plurality of second lenses950can be disposed within or over one second pixel electrode171b, so that the spacing distance between the second lenses950adjacent to each other can be shorter than the spacing distance from the other lenses. If the spacing distance between the plurality of second lenses950is not sufficient, the plurality of second lenses950can be formed in a shape different from the originally designed shape. However, in the display device of the present disclosure, since the groove920ais formed in the portion of the optical layer920located between the plurality of second lenses950, the reflowed material of the plurality of second lenses950can flow into the groove920a. Accordingly, the display device of the present disclosure can prevent the side portions of the plurality of second lenses950adjacent to each other from coming into contact with each other and can allow the plurality of second lenses950to be formed in the originally designed shape. In the display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of second lenses950can have a circular shape when viewed in plan and can have a semicircular sectional shape.

In addition, due to the characteristics of the reflow process, the edges of the plurality of second lenses950adjacent to each other can be connected to the filling lens943. Accordingly, the connection portion945can be formed between each of the second lenses950and the filling lens943. Also, the second lenses950can be more securely attached to the optical layer due to the increased contact surface area provided by the grooves.

Both the display device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure and the display device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to one display device. That is, both the groove formed in the portion of the optical layer located between the first lenses according to the first embodiment and the groove formed in the portion of the optical layer located between the second lenses according to the second embodiment can be applied to one display device. Therefore, in the display device of the present disclosure, the planarization film can be formed evenly over the entire area, line missing phenomenon of the first lenses disposed linearly in the first direction can be prevented, and the second lenses can be formed in the originally designed shape.

In addition, in the display device of the present disclosure, the groove in the optical layer formed is not limited to only between the first lenses disposed in the first direction or only between the second lenses disposed adjacent to each other within one sub-pixel. In detail, in the display device of the present disclosure, the groove in the optical layer can be formed between any lenses adjacent to each other, of which the side surfaces are likely to come into contact with each other during the reflow process. That is, in the display device of the present disclosure, contact between the side surfaces of adjacent lenses can be prevented by the groove formed in the optical layer, thus the lenses can be formed in the originally designed shape.

FIGS.11A to11Fare cross-sectional views showing a process of manufacturing the display device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. That is,FIGS.11A to11Fare cross-sectional views showing a process of manufacturing the display device shown inFIG.4.

Referring toFIG.11A, the encapsulation film180can be formed on the entire surface of the light-emitting device array100on which the light-emitting device and the bank have been formed. The black matrix210can be formed on the encapsulation film180patterned through a mask process to correspond to the non-open portion. An optical layer forming material221can be applied to the entire surface of the encapsulation film180on which the black matrix210has been formed.

Subsequently, referring toFIG.11B, the optical layer forming material221can be patterned through a mask process so that the optical layer220is formed to overlap at least the open portions OA1and OA2. In this process, a portion of the optical layer forming material221can be removed so that the groove220ahaving the first thickness t1is formed corresponding to the non-open portion between the first open portions OA1.

Subsequently, referring toFIG.11C, the sensor electrode230can be formed on a portion of the optical layer220except for the groove220aand the open portion OA1patterned through a mask process.

Subsequently, referring toFIG.11D, the first lens pattern241acan be formed on a portion of the optical layer220overlapping with the open portion OA1patterned through a mask process.

Subsequently, referring toFIG.11E, the first lens pattern241awith fluidity flows into the groove220athrough a reflow process, whereby the first lenses241can be formed on the optical layer220and the filling lens243can be formed in the groove220ain the optical layer220. Here, the connection portion245connecting the edge of each of the first lenses241and the filling lens243can be formed through the reflow process.

Subsequently, referring toFIG.11F, the second planarization film260can be formed on the entire surface of the loss preventing lens structure240including the first lenses241and the filling lens243. Due to the step difference d formed between the first lens241and the filling lens243, the entire surface of the second planarization film260can be formed easily to be flat.

Accordingly, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the entire surface of the second planarization film260can be easily formed to be flat, and line missing phenomenon of the first lenses241consecutively disposed linearly together with the filling lens243in the first direction D1can be prevented.

A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be described as follows.

A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can include a bank exposing a first open portion included in each of a first sub-pixel and a second sub-pixel, a first lens disposed on the bank to correspond to the first open portion of each of the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel, an optical layer disposed between the bank and the first lens and including a groove having a first thickness and located between the first lens corresponding to the first open portion of the first sub-pixel and the first lens corresponding to the first open portion of the second sub-pixel, and a filler disposed in the groove in the optical layer. The first lens corresponding to the first open portion of the first sub-pixel, the first lens corresponding to the first open portion of the second sub-pixel, and the filler can be disposed in a row in a first direction.

According to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the filler can be connected to an edge of the first lens.

According to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the groove can overlap with the bank.

According to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first thickness can be less than the overall thickness of the optical layer.

A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can further include a planarization film covering upper portions of the first lens and the filler.

According to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first lens can be longer in the first direction than in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can further include a plurality of second open portions included in each of the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel and second lenses respectively corresponding to the plurality of second open portions, and the length of each of the second lenses in the first direction can be less than the length of the first lens in the first direction.

According to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first lens can be provided in plural, and the plurality of first lenses can correspond to the first open portion of the first sub-pixel and the first open portion of the second sub-pixel.

A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can further include an encapsulation film disposed between the optical layer and the bank and a black matrix disposed between the encapsulation film and the optical layer while overlapping with the bank, and the groove can expose the black matrix.

According to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the filler can be in contact with the black matrix.

According to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the filler can have a thickness greater than the first thickness.

A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can further include a sensor electrode disposed on the optical layer while overlapping with the bank.

According to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor electrode can be spatially separated from another sensor electrode with the groove interposed therebetween.

According to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor electrode can be provided along the inner side of the groove from the top of the optical layer overlapping with the bank.

As is apparent from the above description, the display device of the present disclosure has the following effects.

First, in the display device of the present disclosure, since a groove is formed in a portion of an optical layer located under first lenses to correspond to an area between the first lenses disposed in a first direction, it is possible to separate the side surfaces of adjacent first lenses from each other without increasing the size of the space of a non-open portion.

Second, in the display device of the present disclosure, since a step difference is formed between the first lenses, the entire surface of a planarization film can be formed to be flat on the first lenses.

Third, in the display device of the present disclosure, since the entire surface of the planarization film is formed to be flat and the first lenses are connected to a filling lens disposed between the first lenses in the first direction and formed in a different layer from the first lenses, line missing phenomenon of the first lenses disposed on the same plane in the first direction can be prevented, and accordingly, mura effect due to line missing can be prevented.

Fourth, in the display device of the present disclosure, since the groove in the optical layer is formed not only between the first lenses disposed in the first direction but also between any lenses adjacent to each other, of which the side surfaces are likely to come into contact with each other during a reflow process, the lenses can be formed in the originally designed shape.

Fifth, in the display device of the present disclosure, it is possible to separate the side surfaces of the plurality of first lenses from each other and to evenly form the planarization film merely by forming the groove in the optical layer, and thus the amount of energy consumed for production of the display device can be reduced. As a result, the display device of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of environment and process optimization, i.e., has environment/social/governance (ESG) effects.

Although example embodiments of the present disclosure have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions, and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure as disclosed in the accompanying claims. Therefore, the embodiment disclosed in the present disclosure is intended to illustrate the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the embodiment. The scope of the present disclosure shall be construed based on the accompanying claims, and it shall be construed that all of the technical ideas included within the scope equivalent to the claims belong to the present disclosure.