Patent Description:
People's pursuit after high brightness and high color saturation for the display quality dominates the development and application of the color display technology. In everyday life, the applications of display such as advertising board, TV, and vehicle navigation can be seen everywhere. From the cathode ray tube (CRT) screen, plasma screen to the liquid crystal screen, many types of display screens have been provided. Therefore, how to provide a display device with good quality or manufacturing competiveness has become a prominent task for the industries. <CIT> discloses a substrate in the display device which includes a conductor pattern constituting a circuit section and an insulating film serving as an organic film covering the conductor pattern, in which the insulating film extends to a peripheral edge of the substrate. The substrate also includes a slit which penetrates the insulating film in a thickness direction at a conner part of the insulating film.

The disclosure is directed to a display device. According to the design of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the covering layer in the peripheral area has a recess which may interfere with the moisture or charges of the covering layer to move to the display area from the peripheral area. Thus, the display area may be less interfered by charges or moisture, the abnormalities of the display frame may be reduced, or the lifespan of the display device may be prolonged. The embodiment of the present invention is reflected in independent claim <NUM>. The preferred embodiments of the present invention are reflected in dependent claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a display device including a substrate, a plurality of sub-pixels, a covering layer, a first filler layer and a sealant layer is provided. The substrate includes a display area and a peripheral area. The peripheral area is adjacent to the display area. The sub-pixels are disposed in the display area and arranged along a first direction. The sub-pixels have a first color, and two adjacent ones of the sub-pixels have a first pixel pitch along the first direction. The covering layer is disposed in the peripheral area and has a first recess and a second recess. The first recess has a first portion a second portion and a third portion. The first portion is extended along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the second portion is extended along the first direction, the first portion and the second portion are connected by the third portion. The first portion has a first width along the first direction. A ratio of the first width to the first pixel pitch is greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>.

The above and other aspects of the disclosure will become preferred embodiment (s). The following description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A number of embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed below with reference to accompanying drawings. However, the structure and content disclosed in the embodiments are for exemplary and explanatory purposes only, and the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments. Designations common to the accompanying drawings and embodiments are used to indicate identical or similar elements. Anyone skilled in the technology field of the disclosure will be able to make suitable modifications or changes based on the specification disclosed below to meet actual needs.

<FIG> is a top view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is an enlarged view of the region 2A of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view along the cross-sectional line 2B-2B' of <FIG>. <FIG> is an enlarged view of the region 3A of <FIG>. It should be noted that some of the structural details are omitted in the top view but are represented in the enlarged view.

As indicated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the display device <NUM> includes a substrate <NUM>, a plurality of sub-pixels and a covering layer <NUM>. The substrate <NUM> includes a display area 100A and a peripheral area 100B adjacent to the display area 100A. The sub-pixels 200B are disposed in the display area 100A and arranged along a first direction D1. The sub-pixels 200B have a first color, and adjacent sub-pixels 200B have a first pixel pitch P1 along the first direction D1. The covering layer <NUM> is disposed in the peripheral area 100B and has a first recess <NUM>. The first recess <NUM> has a first portion 310A extended along a second direction D2 different from the first direction D1. In one embodiment, the second direction D2 is perpendicular to the first direction D1. The first portion 310A has a first width W1 along the first direction D1. A ratio of the first width W1 to the first pixel pitch P1 (that is, W1/P1) is greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second direction D2 is perpendicular to the first direction D1, and this represents that the angel between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is about <NUM>-<NUM>°. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first portion 310A is extended along the second direction D2, and this represents that the first portion 310A is substantially a straight recess extended along the second direction D2 or a curved recess extended along the second direction D2.

In the present disclosure, the display area 100A may be defined as an illuminating area of the sub-pixels. In other words, the display area 100A may be defined as a virtual outermost boundary of the sub-pixels which could illuminate lights (as indicated by dash lines and labeled with 100A). In other words, the display device <NUM> may further include multiple dummy sub-pixels (not illustrated) which cannot illuminate but are disposed in the peripheral area 100B. In some embodiments, the display device may comprise liquid crystal (LC), organic light-emitting diodes (OLED), quantum dots (QD), a fluorescence material, a phosphor material, light-emitting diodes (LED), micro light-emitting diodes, mini light-emitting diodes, quantum dots light-emitting diodes (QLED) or other display media, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the display device may be realized by a flexible display, a touch display, a curved display or a tiled display, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

In an embodiment, when the covering layer comprises a material (such as black matrix) with better conductivity, charges may be accumulated at the boundary between the peripheral area 100B and the display area 100A. Since the liquid crystal of the display device <NUM> is driven by the electric field to form the bright/dark state of the display frame, accumulation of charges in the peripheral area 100B may interfere with the electric field at the boundary of the display area 100A to cause abnormalities of the display frame (for example, the light may pass through even when the display frame is in the dark state) and affect the driving of the liquid crystal in the display area 100A. Conversely, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the covering layer <NUM> disposed in the peripheral area 100B has a first recess <NUM> which may interfere with the charges of the covering layer <NUM> to move to the display area 100A from the peripheral area 100B. Thus, the liquid crystal of the display area 100A is less interfered with by the electric field generated by the charges of the peripheral area 100B, and the abnormalities of the display frame may be decreased.

In an embodiment, the first recess <NUM> may interfere with the moisture entering the display area 100A from the peripheral area 100B and therefore prolong the lifespan of the display device (such as the organic light-emitting diode display device or the liquid crystal display device). In an embodiment, the covering layer may comprise an organic insulating layer, an inorganic insulating layer, a planarization layer, a pixel defined layer, or a black photoresist, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. When the covering layer is a black photoresist, the covering layer also provides a light blocking effect, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

In some embodiments as indicated in <FIG>, the first width W1 is greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM> (i.e. <NUM> ≤W1≤<NUM>). In some other embodiments, the first width W1 is greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM> (i.e. <NUM> ≤W1≤<NUM>).

When the first width W1 of the first recess <NUM> is greater than <NUM> or a ratio of the first width W1 to the first pixel pitch P1 (that is, W1/P1) is greater than <NUM>, the area of the peripheral area 100B might become too large to realize narrow border display device, or the size of the first recess <NUM> relative to the pixel size might be too large to be visible to human eyes.

When the first width W1 of the first recess <NUM> is less than <NUM> or a ratio of the first width W1 to the first pixel pitch P1 (that is, W1/P1) is less than <NUM>, the size of the first recess <NUM> might be too small, and the moisture or charges of the peripheral area 100B may cross over the first recess <NUM> and interfere with the display quality at the boundary between the peripheral area 100B and the display area 100A. If the size of the first recess <NUM> relative to the pixel size is too small, the manufacturing process may reach its limit and increase the difficulties of manufacturing process.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the ratio of the first width W1 to the first pixel pitch P1 (that is, W1/P1) is greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>, the first recess <NUM> may interfere with the moisture or charges of the covering layer <NUM> to move to the display area 100A from the peripheral area 100B, or reduce the abnormalities of the display frame. The first recess <NUM> may not be invisible to human eyes (for example, the first recess <NUM> is invisible or unnoticeable to human eyes) or may be feasible to manufacturing process.

As indicated in <FIG>, the display device <NUM> further includes a first filler layer <NUM>. At least a part of the first filler layer <NUM> is disposed in the first recess <NUM>. The first filler layer <NUM> may provide a light blocking effect to the first recess <NUM>.

In some embodiments as indicated in <FIG>, the first filler layer <NUM> includes a middle portion <NUM> and an extending portion <NUM>. The middle portion <NUM> is disposed in the first recess <NUM> and connected to the extending portion <NUM>. The extending portion <NUM> covers a part of the covering layer <NUM>. In other words, the part of the first filler layer <NUM> disposed in the first recess <NUM> is defined as the middle portion <NUM>, and the part of the first filler layer <NUM> disposed on the covering layer <NUM> is defined as the extending portion <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the middle portion <NUM> of the first filler layer <NUM> is disposed in the first recess <NUM>, the extending portion <NUM> of the first filler layer <NUM> is extended outside the first recess <NUM> and disposed on a part of the covering layer <NUM> on the two sides of the first recess <NUM> to assure that the first filler layer <NUM> completely fills the first recess <NUM>, and the deviation or error of the manufacturing process will not affect the light blocking effect inside the first recess <NUM>.

In some embodiments, when the first filler layer <NUM> comprises a low translucent material, a low conducting material, a light-absorption material, or a metal material, the first filler layer <NUM> may have a light blocking effect or interfere with the moisture or charges of the covering layer <NUM> to move to the display area 100A from the peripheral area 100B. The first filler layer <NUM> may comprise a material with an optical density (OD) greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM> (i.e. <NUM>≤OD≤<NUM>), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, if the first filler layer comprises a material with a poor light blocking effect, a covering layer (such as a metal layer or metal traces) may be disposed on a corresponding position of other layers or the opposite substrate to help blocking the light or increase the invisibility of the first recess <NUM> to the human eyes.

In some embodiments, the first filler layer <NUM> may include a first photoresist. For example, the first filler layer <NUM> includes at least one of a red photoresist and a blue photoresist. In some embodiments, the first filler layer <NUM> may further include a second photoresist, that is, include at least two photoresists. For example, the first photoresist and the second photoresist respectively are a red photoresist or a blue photoresist. In some embodiments, the first filler layer <NUM> and the sub-pixels of the display area 100A may be formed in the same manufacturing process or multiple manufacturing processes.

In an embodiment as indicated in <FIG>, the display device <NUM> further includes a protection layer <NUM> disposed on the covering layer <NUM> and the first filler layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, the protection layer <NUM> may be used as the planarization layer, such that after the covering layer <NUM> and the first filler layer <NUM> are formed, the substrate <NUM> may have a relatively planarization surface to benefit the subsequent manufacturing process (such as the alignment layer). In some embodiments, the protection layer <NUM> may comprise an organic insulating layer, an inorganic insulating layer or a combination thereof to reduce the sub-pixels of the display area 100A being affected by moisture or oxygen.

In some embodiments, the first recess <NUM> may have an enclosed structure and surround the display area 100A. In an embodiment as indicated in <FIG>, the first recess <NUM> may have an enclosed, oblong structure and surround the display area 100A to provide a better effect for interfering charges or moisture or oxygen.

As indicated in <FIG>, a first distance S1 extended along the first direction D1 is formed between the first recess <NUM> and the display area 100A. In an embodiment, the first distance S1 is the greatest distance between the first recess <NUM> and the display area 100A. The first distance S1 is greater than the first pixel pitch P1. In an embodiment, the first pixel pitch P1 represents the distance between the centers of two adjacent sub-pixels of the same color along the first direction D1, or the distance between the same side of two adjacent sub-pixels of the same color (as indicated in <FIG>, such as the distance from the underside of the first sub-pixel to the underside of the second sub-pixel), or the distance between the same part of two adjacent sub-pixels of the same color (such as the distance from the top-left corner of the first sub-pixel to the top-left corner of the second sub-pixel).

As indicated in <FIG>, <FIG>, the sub-pixels 200B have a second pixel pitch P2 along the second direction D2. In an embodiment, the second pixel pitch P2 represents the distance between the centers of two adjacent sub-pixels of the same color along the second direction D2, or the distance between the same side of two adjacent sub-pixels of the same color (such as the distance from the left-side of the first sub-pixel to the left-side of the second sub-pixel), or the distance between the same part of two adjacent sub-pixels of the same color (as indicated in <FIG>, such as the distance from the top-left corner of the first sub-pixel to the top-left corner of the second subpixel). In an embodiment, the first pixel pitch P1 and the second pixel pitch P2 may substantially be the same, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the first pixel pitch P1 and the second pixel pitch P2 may be different. Also, the first recess <NUM> includes several portions respectively disposed outside the display area 100A, wherein two or more of those portions can be separately disposed or connected to each other. As shown in <FIG>, the first recess <NUM> further has a second portion 310B along the first direction D1. The second portion 310B has a second width W2 along the second direction D2. A ratio of the second width W2 to the second pixel pitch P2 (W2/P2) is greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>. In the embodiments according to the present invention, the first portion 310A connects the second portion 310B; the junction between the first portion 310A and the second portion 310B in <FIG> further includes a third portion 310C used for connecting the first portion 310A and the second portion 310B. In an embodiment, the first portion 310A and the second portion 310B may be designed as recesses of different widths, the first width W1 or the second width W2 may be designed as the minimum width in a local region.

The display device <NUM> may include sub-pixels 200B, <NUM> and 200R of different colors. The sub-pixels 200B may be blue sub-pixels. The sub-pixels <NUM> may be green sub-pixels. The sub-pixels 200R may be red sub-pixels. Three sub-pixels 200B, <NUM> and 200R may form a pixel unit. The three sub-pixels 200B, <NUM> and 200R may have identical or different sizes or shapes. The first pixel pitch P1 or the second pixel pitch P2 may be defined by the sub-pixels of any color selected from the three sub-pixels 200B, <NUM> and 200R. In some embodiments, the sub-pixels in the display area 100A may comprise photoresists of different colors, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the sub-pixels in the display area 100A may comprise organic light-emitting diodes, quantum dots, a fluorescence material, a phosphor material, light-emitting diodes, micro light-emitting diodes, mini light-emitting diodes, quantum dot light-emitting diodes or other display media, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

As indicated in <FIG>, a second distance S2 extended along the second direction D2 and greater than the second pixel pitch P2 is formed between the first recess <NUM> and the display area 100A.

In some embodiments as indicated in <FIG>, the second width W2 is greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM> (i.e. <NUM> ≤W2≤<NUM>). In some other embodiments, the second width W2 is greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM> (i.e. <NUM> ≤W1 ≤<NUM>). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second width W2 may be designed to have functions similar with the first width W1, and the similarities are not repeated again.

As indicated in <FIG>, <FIG>, the covering layer <NUM> further has a second recess <NUM>. At least a part of the first recess <NUM> is disposed between the display area 100A and the second recess <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second recess <NUM> could also interfere with the charges or moisture or oxygen moving to the display area 100A.

In some embodiments as indicated in <FIG>, the second recess <NUM> has a third width W3 along a direction perpendicular to the extending direction (such as the second direction D2 in the embodiment in <FIG>). The third width W3 is greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM> (i.e. <NUM> ≤W3≤<NUM>). In some other embodiments, the third width W3 of the second recess <NUM> is greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM> (i.e. <NUM> ≤W3≤<NUM>).

In some embodiments, the second recess <NUM> may have an enclosed structure and surround the first recess <NUM>. Or, the second recess <NUM> may have multiple separated sections respectively disposed outside the first recess <NUM>. In an embodiment as indicated in <FIG>, the second recess <NUM> has an enclosed, polygonal structure and surrounds the first recess <NUM> to enhance the effect of interfering the charges or moisture or oxygen moving to the display area 100A.

The first width W1, the second width W2, the first pixel pitch P1, the second pixel pitch P2, the first distance S1, the second distance S2 of the first recess <NUM> and the third width W3 of the second recess <NUM> of the display device <NUM> according to some examples of the embodiment are listed in Table <NUM>. The length unit of different designs in Table <NUM> is micrometer (µm). Although several examples of the embodiments are listed in Table <NUM>, it should be noted that these design parameters are not disclosed for limiting the present disclosure. Anyone skilled in the technical field of the disclosure will be able to make suitable modifications or changes based on the specification disclosed above to meet actual needs without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

As indicated in Table <NUM>, the parameter design of embodiments <NUM>-<NUM> may be used in the display device with lower requirement of pixel resolution, and the parameter design of embodiment <NUM>-<NUM> may be used in the display device with higher requirement of pixel resolution, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

As indicated in <FIG>, the display device <NUM> further includes a sealant layer <NUM> disposed on the second recess <NUM>.

In some embodiments as indicated in <FIG>, the sealant layer <NUM> may include a plurality of filling particles <NUM> and an adhesive layer <NUM>. The filling particles <NUM> are mixed in the adhesive layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, the filling particles <NUM>, such as inorganic particles, has better mechanical strength and provides better support than the adhesive layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, the filling particles <NUM> or the adhesive layer <NUM> comprise a light-absorption material. When the sealant layer <NUM> with light-absorption effect is disposed above the second recess <NUM>, the light blocking effect at the second recess <NUM> of the covering layer <NUM> could be enhanced.

In some embodiments, the protection layer <NUM> is disposed on the covering layer <NUM> but inside the second recess <NUM>, and the sealant layer <NUM> is disposed on the protection layer <NUM>.

In some embodiments as indicated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may further include a light blocking structure <NUM> disposed in the display area 100A. The light blocking structure <NUM> is used for separating multiple sub-pixels in the display area 100A to reduce the phenomenon of light mixing between sub-pixels of different colors. In an embodiment, the light blocking structure <NUM> and the covering layer <NUM> may comprise the same or different materials by the same or different manufacturing processes. In some embodiments, the light blocking structure <NUM> and the covering layer <NUM> may be formed by the same manufacturing process and advantageously have a simplified manufacturing process.

<FIG> is a top view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is an enlarged view of the region 4B of <FIG>. It should be noted that some of the structural details are omitted in the top view but are illustrated in the enlarged view. For elements of the present embodiment similar or identical to that of above embodiments, similar or identical designations are used. Relevant descriptions of similar or identical elements which may be obtained with reference to above disclosure are not repeated again.

In some embodiments, the second recess <NUM> may have an enclosed structure and surrounds the display area 100A (As indicated in <FIG>) or the second recess <NUM> may have multiple separate sections disposed outside the first recess <NUM>. As indicated in <FIG>, the first recess <NUM> of the covering layer <NUM> of the display device <NUM> has an enclosed structure and surrounds the display area 100A, and the second recess <NUM> of the covering layer <NUM> includes two separate sections both having an arced structure.

<FIG> is a top view of a reference display device. <FIG> is an enlarged view of the region 5B of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view along the cross-sectional line 5C-5C' of <FIG>. It should be noted that some of the structural details are omitted in the top view but are represented in the enlarged view. For elements of the present embodiment similar or identical to that of above embodiments, similar or identical designations are used. Relevant descriptions of similar or identical elements which may be obtained with reference to above disclosure are not repeated here.

As indicated in <FIG>, the covering layer <NUM> further has a third recess <NUM>, the third recess <NUM> is disposed between the first recess <NUM> and the second recess <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the covering layer <NUM> in the peripheral area 100B disposed outside the display area 100A has multiple recesses (such as the first recess <NUM>, the second recess <NUM> and/or the third recess <NUM>) each having an enclosed structure or multiple separate sections. The recesses interfere with the moisture or charges of the covering layer <NUM> to move to the display area 100A from the peripheral area 100B. Thus, the liquid crystal of the display area 100A is less interfered with by charges or moisture, and the abnormalities of the display frame may be decreased.

As indicated in <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may further include a second filler layer <NUM> disposed in the third recess <NUM>. In some embodiments, the material selection of the second filler layer <NUM> and the disposition of the second filler layer <NUM> with respect to the third recess <NUM> are similar to the design of the first filler layer <NUM> and the first recess <NUM> as disclosed in above embodiments, and the similarities are not repeated again.

Claim 1:
A display device, comprising:
a substrate (<NUM>), comprising a display area (100A) and a peripheral area (100B) adjacent to the display area (100A);
a plurality of sub-pixels (200B, <NUM>, 200R) disposed in the display area (100A) and arranged along a first direction (D1), wherein the plurality of sub-pixels (200B, <NUM>, 200R) have a first color, and two adjacent ones of the plurality of sub-pixels (200B, <NUM>, 200R) have a first pixel pitch (P1) along the first direction (D1);
a covering layer (<NUM>) disposed in the peripheral area (100B) and having a first recess (<NUM>) and a second recess (<NUM>), wherein the first recess (<NUM>) is disposed between the display area (100A) and the second recess (<NUM>) and wherein the first recess (<NUM>) has a first portion (310A), a second portion (310B) and a third portion (310C), the first portion (310A) is extended along a second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1), the second portion (310B) is extended along the first direction (D1), the first portion (310A) and the second portion (310B) are connected by the third portion (310C);
a first filler layer (<NUM>); and
a sealant layer (<NUM>) disposed on the second recess (<NUM>);
wherein at least a part of the first filler layer (<NUM>) is disposed in the first recess (<NUM>); and
wherein the first filler layer (<NUM>) comprises a first photoresist; and
wherein the first portion (310A) has a first width (W1) along the first direction (D1); and
wherein a ratio of the first width (W1) to the first pixel pitch (P1) is greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>, and a distance formed between the first recess (<NUM>) and the second recess (<NUM>) along the first direction (D1) is greater than a distance formed between the first recess (<NUM>) and the display area (100A) along the first direction (D1).