Patent Description:
The market for display devices serving as connection media between users and information is growing as information technology further develops. Accordingly, the use of flat panel displays such as organic light emitting displays and liquid crystal displays is increasing.

Recently, display devices including a color conversion panel have been proposed to implement a display device having excellent color gamut and high luminance. The color conversion panel may include a bank to prevent or reduce color mixing between pixel areas. Meanwhile, a reflective layer may be disposed on a side of the bank to prevent or reduce the absorption of light by the bank. However, liquid repellency at an upper portion of the bank may decrease as the reflective layer is formed or the number of mask processes may be increased to form the reflective layer. <CIT> discloses an organic EL display device which can discharge heat generated in an organic EL layer of an organic EL element or heat generated by driving of a TFT circuit or by wiring resistance, to the outside. <CIT> discloses a substrate having a plurality of pixel regions and a light shielding region surrounding the pixel regions; a light shielding layer disposed on the light shielding region; a first color conversion layer disposed on a first pixel region among the pixel regions and for converting incident light into light in a first color; a first color filter layer disposed between the substrate and the first color conversion layer and for selectively transmitting the light in the first color emitted from the first color conversion layer; and a light reflecting layer interposed between the first color conversion layer and first color filter layer and comprising a reflective material.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a color conversion panel having improved light efficiency and a display device including the color conversion panel.

Embodiments provide a method of manufacturing a color conversion panel in which a manufacturing cost and a manufacturing time are reduced.

According to an aspect, there is provided a color conversion panel as set out in claim <NUM>. Additional features are set out in claims <NUM> to <NUM>. According to an aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a color conversion panel as set out in claim <NUM>. Additional features are set out in claims <NUM> and <NUM>. According to an aspect, there is provided a display device as set out in claim <NUM>. Additional features are set out in claims <NUM> and <NUM>.

In the color conversion panels and the display devices of present embodiments, the reflection bank may be in the opening of the transmission bank, so that the light efficiency of the display devices may be improved.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the subject matter of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings:.

Hereinafter, color conversion panels, methods of manufacturing the color conversion panels, and display devices in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a plan view illustrating the display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a display device <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a first pixel area PA1, a second pixel area PA2, a third pixel area PA3, and a non-pixel area NPA.

The first pixel area PA1 may emit a first light L1 of a first color; the second pixel area PA2 may emit a second light L2 of a second color; and the third pixel area PA3 may emit a third light L3 of a third color. In one or more embodiments, the first color may be red, the second color may be green, and the third color may be blue. The first pixel area PA1 may be a red pixel area, the second pixel area PA2 may be a green pixel area, and the third pixel area PA3 may be a blue pixel area.

The first pixel area PA1, the second pixel area PA2, and the third pixel area PA3 in combination may form one complete pixel area. The pixel area may emit a light in which the first light L1, second light L2, and third light L3 are mixed.

The non-pixel area NPA may be positioned between the first pixel area PA1, the second pixel area PA2, and the third pixel area PA3. For example, the non-pixel area NPA may surround the first pixel area PA1, the second pixel area PA2, and the third pixel area PA3 when viewed in a plan view. The non-pixel area NPA may not emit light.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may include a display panel <NUM>, a color conversion panel <NUM>, and a filling layer <NUM>.

The display panel <NUM> may provide light having one color to the color conversion panel <NUM>. In one embodiment, the display panel <NUM> may provide the third light L3 to the color conversion panel <NUM>. The display panel <NUM> may include a first substrate <NUM>, a transistor <NUM>, a light emitting device <NUM>, and a thin film encapsulation layer <NUM>.

The first substrate <NUM> may be a transparent or opaque insulating substrate. In one embodiment, the first substrate <NUM> may include glass, quartz, and/or other similar materials. In another embodiment, the first substrate <NUM> may include an organic insulating material such as polyimide, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, and/or polyacrylate.

An active pattern <NUM> may be on the first substrate <NUM>. In one embodiment, the active pattern <NUM> may include amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, and/or other similar materials. In another embodiment, the active pattern <NUM> may include an oxide semiconductor.

A gate insulating layer <NUM> may be on the first substrate <NUM>, and cover the active pattern <NUM>. The gate insulating layer <NUM> may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or silicon oxynitride.

The gate electrode <NUM> may be on the gate insulating layer <NUM>, and overlap the active pattern <NUM>. The gate electrode <NUM> may include a conductive material such as copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), and/or aluminum (Al).

The interlayer insulating layer <NUM> may be on the gate insulating layer <NUM>, and cover the gate electrode <NUM>. The interlayer insulating layer <NUM> may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or silicon oxynitride.

A source electrode <NUM> and a drain electrode <NUM> may be on the interlayer insulating layer <NUM>, and connected to the active pattern <NUM>. The source electrode <NUM> and the drain electrode <NUM> may include a conductive material such as copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), and/or aluminum (Al).

The active pattern <NUM>, the gate electrode <NUM>, the source electrode <NUM>, and the drain electrode <NUM> may form the transistor <NUM>. The transistor <NUM> may be in each of the first pixel area PA1, the second pixel area PA2, and the third pixel area PA3.

A planarization layer <NUM> may be on the interlayer insulating layer <NUM>, and cover the source electrode <NUM> and the drain electrode <NUM>. The planarization layer <NUM> may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or silicon oxynitride, and/or; an organic insulating material such as acryl-based resin, epoxy-based resin, phenol-based resin, polyamide-based resin, polyimide-based resin, unsaturated polyester-based resin, polyphenylene-based resin, polyphenylene-based sulfide resin, and/or benzocyclobutene.

A pixel electrode <NUM> may be on the planarization layer <NUM>, and connected to the drain electrode <NUM>. The pixel electrode <NUM> may include a transparent conductive layer including indium-tin-oxide (ITO), indium-zinc-oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In2O3), and/or the like; and and/or a reflective conductive layer including silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), lead (Pb), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), and/or the like. In one embodiment, the pixel electrode <NUM> may have a laminated structure of ITO, Ag, and ITO. The pixel electrode <NUM> may be a reflective electrode.

A pixel defining layer <NUM> may be on the planarization layer <NUM>, and cover at least a part of the pixel electrode <NUM>. In one embodiment, the pixel defining layer <NUM> may cover a periphery of the pixel electrode <NUM>, and have a pixel opening exposing a central portion of the pixel electrode <NUM>. The pixel defining layer <NUM> may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or silicon oxynitride; and/or an organic insulating material such as acryl-based resin, epoxy-based resin, phenol-based resin, polyamide-based resin, polyimide-based resin, unsaturated polyester-based resin, polyphenylene-based resin, polyphenylene-based sulfide resin, and/or benzocyclobutene.

A light emitting layer <NUM> may be on the pixel electrode <NUM> and the pixel defining layer <NUM> exposed by the pixel opening. Holes provided from the pixel electrode <NUM> and electrons provided from a counter electrode <NUM> may be combined in the light emitting layer <NUM> to form excitons, and the light emitting layer <NUM> may emit light while the excitons are converted from (e.g., transition from) an excited state to a ground state. In one embodiment, the light emitting layer <NUM> may emit the third light L3.

A counter electrode <NUM> may be on the light emitting layer <NUM>. The counter electrode <NUM> may include a transparent conductive layer including lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), gold (Au), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), barium (Ba), and/or the like. The counter electrode <NUM> may be a transmission electrode.

The pixel electrode <NUM>, the light emitting layer <NUM>, and the counter electrode <NUM> may form the light emitting device <NUM>. The light emitting device <NUM> may be in each of the first pixel area PA1, the second pixel area PA2, and the third pixel area PA3.

The thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> may be on the counter electrode <NUM>. The thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> may prevent or reduce permeation of impurities, moisture, and the like to the light emitting element <NUM> from the outside. The thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer. In one embodiment, the thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> may include: a first inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM>; a second inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> on the first inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM>; and an organic encapsulation layer <NUM> in between the first inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM> and the second inorganic encapsulation layer <NUM>.

The color conversion panel <NUM> may be on the display panel <NUM>. The color conversion panel <NUM> may convert light having one color provided from the display panel <NUM> into light having another color, or transmit the light. In one embodiment, the color conversion panel <NUM> may convert the third light L3 provided from the display panel <NUM> into the first light L1 or second light L2, or transmit the third light L3. The color conversion panel <NUM> may include a second substrate <NUM>, a light blocking layer <NUM>, a color filter layer <NUM>, a first protective layer <NUM>, a transmission bank <NUM>, a color conversion layer <NUM>, a second protective layer <NUM>, a reflection bank <NUM>, and the like. The color conversion panel <NUM> will be described in more detail below with reference to <FIG>.

The filling layer <NUM> may be in between the display panel <NUM> and the color conversion panel <NUM>. The filling layer <NUM> may be in between the thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> of the display panel <NUM> and the second protective layer <NUM> of the color conversion panel <NUM>. The filling layer <NUM> may serve as a buffer so that the display panel <NUM> and the color conversion panel <NUM> are stably adhered to each other. The filling layer <NUM> may transmit light provided from the display panel <NUM>. The filling layer <NUM> may include an organic material such as a silicone-based organic material, an epoxy-based organic material, and/or an epoxy-acryl-based organic material. For example, the filling layer <NUM> may include silicon rubber.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a color conversion panel of according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, <FIG> may represent a color conversion panel <NUM> of the display device <NUM> of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the color conversion panel <NUM> according to one embodiment may include a second substrate <NUM>, a light blocking layer <NUM>, a color filter layer <NUM>, a first protective layer <NUM>, a transmission bank <NUM>, a color conversion layer <NUM>, a second protective layer <NUM>, and a reflection bank <NUM>.

The second substrate <NUM> may be a transparent insulating substrate. In one embodiment, the second substrate <NUM> may include glass, quartz, and/or other similar materials. In another embodiment, the second substrate <NUM> may include an organic insulating material such as polyimide, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, and/or polyacrylate.

The light blocking layer <NUM> may be on the second substrate <NUM>. The light blocking layer <NUM> may be in the non-pixel area NPA. The light blocking layer <NUM> may block light incident to the light blocking layer <NUM> (or may reduce an amount of light incident to the light blocking layer <NUM>). Accordingly, the light blocking layer <NUM> may prevent or reduce color mixing between respective light of the first pixel area PA1, the second pixel area PA2, and the third pixel area PA3.

The color filter layer <NUM> may be on the second substrate <NUM>. The color filter layer <NUM> may include a first color filter <NUM>, a second color filter <NUM>, and a third color.

filter <NUM>. The first color filter <NUM> may be in the first pixel area PA1, the second color filter <NUM> may be in the second pixel area PA2, and the third color filter <NUM> may be in the third pixel area PA3. The light blocking layer <NUM> may be in between the first color filter <NUM>, the second color filter <NUM>, and the third color filter <NUM>.

The color filter layer <NUM> may transmit light having some wavelength band (e.g., having a set wavelength band) and incident to the color filter layer <NUM>, and block or reduce an intensity of light having other wavelength bands and incident to the color filter layer <NUM>. The first color filter <NUM> may transmit the first light L1 and block or reduce an intensity of, for example, the second light L2 and the third light L3. The second color filter <NUM> may transmit the second light L2 and block or reduce an intensity of, for example, the first light L1 and the third light L3. The third color filter <NUM> may transmit the third light L3 and block an intensity of, for example, the first light L1 and the second light L2.

In one embodiment, the light blocking layer <NUM> may include the same material as the third color filter <NUM>. At this point, a specular reflection at an interface between the second substrate <NUM> and the light blocking layer <NUM> may be reduced, and accordingly, a reflection of external light from the display device <NUM> including the color conversion panel <NUM> may be reduced.

The first protective layer <NUM> may be on the color filter layer <NUM>. The first protective layer <NUM> may prevent or reduce penetration of impurities such as moisture and air to the color filter layer <NUM> and the color conversion layer <NUM> from the outside. The first protective layer <NUM> may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or silicon oxynitride.

The color conversion layer <NUM> may be on the first protective layer <NUM>. The color conversion layer <NUM> may include a first color conversion pattern <NUM>, a second color conversion pattern <NUM>, and a light transmission pattern <NUM>. The first color conversion pattern <NUM> may be on the first color filter <NUM>, the second color conversion pattern <NUM> may be on the second color filter <NUM>, and the light transmission pattern <NUM> may be on the third color filter <NUM>. In other words, the first color conversion pattern <NUM> may be in the first pixel area PA1, the second color conversion pattern <NUM> may be in the second pixel area PA2, and the light transmission pattern <NUM> may be in the third pixel area PA3.

The first color conversion pattern <NUM> may convert light incident to the first color conversion pattern <NUM> into first light L1. In one embodiment, the first color conversion pattern <NUM> may convert the third light L3 into the first light L1. The first color conversion pattern <NUM> may include a red phosphor. The red phosphor may include at least one selected from (Ca, Sr, Ba)S, (Ca, Sr, Ba)2Si5N8, (CaAlSiN3), CaMoO4, and Eu2Si5N8. In addition, the first color conversion pattern <NUM> may include quantum dots 261Q. The quantum dots 261Q may convert the third light L3 into the first light L1. The first color conversion pattern <NUM> may further include scattering bodies <NUM>. The scattering bodies <NUM> may scatter light, which is incident to the first color conversion pattern <NUM>, in various directions. The scattering bodies <NUM> may be metal oxide particles and/or organic particles. The metal oxide particles may include titanium oxide (TiO2), zirconium oxide (ZrO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), indium oxide (In2O3), zinc oxide (ZnO), tin oxide (SnO2), and/or the like, and the organic particles may include acryl-based resin, urethane-based resin, and/or the like.

The second color conversion pattern <NUM> may convert light incident to the second color conversion pattern <NUM> into the second light L2. In one embodiment, the second color conversion pattern <NUM> may convert the third light L3 into the second light L2. The second color conversion pattern <NUM> may include a green phosphor. The green phosphor may include at least one selected from yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG), (Ca, Sr, Ba)2SiO4, SrGa2S4, barium magnesium aluminate (BAM), alpha sialon (α-SiAlON), beta sialon (β-SiAlON), Ca3Sc2Si3O12, Tb3Al5O12, BaSiO4, CaAISiON, and (Sr1-xBax)Si2O2N2. The x of (Sr1-xBax)Si2O2N2 may be any number between <NUM> and <NUM>. In addition, the second color conversion pattern <NUM> may include quantum dots 262Q. The quantum dots 262Q may convert the third light L3 into the second light L2. The second color conversion pattern <NUM> may further include scattering bodies <NUM>. The scattering bodies <NUM> may scatter light, which is incident to the second color conversion pattern <NUM>, in various directions. The scattering bodies <NUM> included in the second color conversion pattern <NUM> may be substantially the same as the scattering bodies <NUM> included in the first color conversion pattern <NUM>.

The light transmission pattern <NUM> may convert light incident to the light transmission pattern <NUM> into the third light L3. In one embodiment, the light transmission pattern <NUM> may transmit the third light L3. The light transmission pattern <NUM> may include a transparent polymer material. In addition, the light transmission pattern <NUM> may include scattering bodies <NUM>. The scattering bodies <NUM> may scatter light, which is incident to the light transmission pattern <NUM>, in various directions. The scattering bodies <NUM> included in the light transmission pattern <NUM> may be substantially the same as the scattering bodies <NUM> included in the first color conversion pattern <NUM>, and the scattering bodies <NUM> included in the second color conversion pattern <NUM>.

The transmission bank <NUM> may be on the first protective layer <NUM>. The transmission bank <NUM> may be in the non-pixel area NPA. The transmission bank <NUM> may be in between the first color conversion pattern <NUM>, the second color conversion pattern <NUM>, and the light transmission pattern <NUM> on the light blocking layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, the transmission bank <NUM> may include a photoresist layer.

The transmission bank <NUM> transmits light incident to the transmission bank <NUM>. In some embodiments, the transmission bank <NUM> may have a transmittance of about <NUM>% or more.

The transmission bank <NUM> may include a first portion <NUM>, and a second portion <NUM> positioned above the first portion <NUM>. For example, the first portion <NUM> may come into contact (e.g., physical contact) with the first protective layer <NUM>, and the second portion <NUM> may be spaced apart from the first protective layer <NUM> with the first portion <NUM> interposed therebetween.

The first portion <NUM> may be lyophilic with respect to the first color conversion pattern <NUM>, the second color conversion pattern <NUM>, and the light transmission pattern <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> may have liquid repellency with respect to the first color conversion pattern <NUM>, the second color conversion pattern <NUM>, and the light transmission pattern <NUM>. Accordingly, in the process of forming the color conversion layer <NUM>, the first color conversion pattern <NUM>, the second color conversion pattern <NUM>, and the light transmission pattern <NUM> may be in the first pixel area PA1, the second pixel area PA2, and the third pixel area PA3, respectively, and may not be in the non-pixel area NPA.

The transmission bank <NUM> may include a first opening OP1. In one or more embodiments, the first opening OP1 may have a shape of a through-hole formed in the transmission bank <NUM> and exposing the non-pixel area NPA of the first protective layer <NUM>.

The second protective layer <NUM> may be on the color conversion layer <NUM> and the transmission bank <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second protective layer <NUM> may extend into the first opening OP1 of the transmission bank <NUM>. The second protective layer <NUM> may prevent or reduce the penetration of impurities such as moisture and/or air to the color filter layer <NUM> and the color conversion layer <NUM> from the outside. The second protective layer <NUM> may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or silicon oxynitride.

The reflection bank <NUM> is in the first opening OP1 of the transmission bank <NUM>. In one embodiment, the reflection bank <NUM> may be in the non-pixel area NPA on the second protective layer <NUM>. The second protective layer <NUM> may extend between the transmission bank <NUM> and the reflection bank <NUM>.

The reflection bank <NUM> reflects light incident to the reflection bank <NUM>. For example, the reflection bank <NUM> may reflect light, which is converted or transmitted by the color conversion layer <NUM>, toward the second substrate <NUM>. Accordingly, the reflection bank <NUM> may prevent or reduce color mixing between respective light of the first pixel area PA1, the second pixel area PA2, and the third pixel area PA3, and may increase the light efficiency of the color conversion layer <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the reflection bank <NUM> may include a metal having a reflectance of about <NUM>% or more. For example, the reflection bank <NUM> may include aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), and/or gold (Au) as the metal. The light converted or transmitted by the color conversion layer <NUM> may be specularly reflected by the reflection bank <NUM>.

In one or more embodiments, the reflection bank <NUM> may include scattering bodies. For example, the reflection bank <NUM> may include zinc oxide (ZnO), silicon oxide (SiO2), and/or titanium oxide (TiO2) as the scattering bodies. The light converted or transmitted by the color conversion layer <NUM> may be scattered and reflected by the reflection bank <NUM>.

The reflection bank <NUM> may include a second opening OP2. In some embodiments, the second opening OP2 may have a shape of a through-hole formed in the reflection bank <NUM> and exposing the non-pixel area NPA of the second protective layer <NUM>.

In one or more embodiments, the second opening OP2 of the reflection bank <NUM> may be empty. The filling layer <NUM> may fill the second opening OP2 of the reflection bank <NUM> in the process of bonding the display panel <NUM> to the color conversion panel <NUM>, with the filling layer <NUM> in between.

<FIG> are cross-sectional views showing manufacturing methods for the color conversion panels according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, <FIG> may show a method of manufacturing the color conversion panel <NUM> of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the light blocking layer <NUM> may be formed in the non-pixel area NPA on the second substrate <NUM>. The first color filter <NUM>, the second color filter <NUM>, and the third color filter <NUM> may be formed in the first pixel area PA1, the second pixel area PA2, and the third pixel area PA3 on the second substrate <NUM>, respectively. Then, the first protective layer <NUM> may be formed on the light blocking layer <NUM>, the first color filter <NUM>, the second color filter <NUM>, and the third color filter <NUM>.

Then, the transmission bank <NUM> may be formed on the light blocking layer <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the transmission bank <NUM>, including the first opening OP1, may be formed on the light blocking layer <NUM> by forming a photoresist layer on the first protective layer <NUM> and patterning the photoresist layer.

As fluorine groups in the transmission bank <NUM> move upward, portions where the fluorine groups are positioned may be liquid repellant in the process of forming the transparent bank <NUM>. Accordingly, the transmission bank <NUM> may include a first portion <NUM> which is lyophilic, and a second portion <NUM> portioned above the first portion <NUM> and which is liquid repellant.

Referring to <FIG>, the first color conversion pattern <NUM>, the second color conversion pattern <NUM>, and the light transmission pattern <NUM> may be formed on the first color filter <NUM>, the second color filter <NUM>, and the third color filter <NUM>, respectively. In some embodiments, the first color conversion pattern <NUM>, the second color conversion pattern <NUM>, and the light transmission pattern <NUM> may be formed by injecting phosphors, quantum dots, scattering bodies, transparent polymer materials, and/or the like into a portion where the transmission bank <NUM> is not located on the first protective layer <NUM>. Because the second portion <NUM> of the transmission bank <NUM> has liquid repellency with respect to the first color conversion pattern <NUM>, the second color conversion pattern <NUM>, and the light transmission pattern <NUM>; the first color conversion pattern <NUM>, the second color conversion pattern <NUM>, and the light transmission pattern <NUM> may be formed in the first pixel area PA1, the second pixel area PA2, and the third pixel area PA3, respectively, and not in the non-pixel area NPA.

Referring to <FIG>, the second protective layer <NUM> may be formed on the transmission bank <NUM>, the first color conversion pattern <NUM>, the second color conversion pattern <NUM>, and the light transmission pattern <NUM>. The second protective layer <NUM> may extend into the first opening OP1 of the transmission bank <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a reflective layer <NUM> may be formed on the second protective layer <NUM>. The reflective layer <NUM> may extend into the first opening OP1 of the transmission bank <NUM> along a profile of the second protective layer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a reflection bank <NUM> may be formed in the first opening OP1 of the transmission bank <NUM> by patterning the reflective layer <NUM>.

In one or more embodiments, the reflective layer <NUM> may be patterned by dry etching. The reflective layer <NUM> may be patterned without a photolithography process using a mask. When the reflective layer <NUM> is patterned by the dry etching, the reflective layer <NUM> may be etched from a top surface of the reflective layer <NUM> by a thickness of the reflective layer <NUM>. Accordingly, a part of the reflective layer <NUM> in the first pixel area PA1, the second pixel area PA2, and the third pixel area PA3 may be removed, and the second opening OP2 may have a shape of a through-hole formed in the reflection bank <NUM>, and exposing the non-pixel area NPA of the second protective layer <NUM>.

In methods of manufacturing the color conversion panel according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the reflective layer <NUM> may be patterned without a photolithography process using a mask. Accordingly, the manufacturing cost and time for producing the color conversion panel of present embodiments may be reduced.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a color conversion panel according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the color conversion panel <NUM> according to one embodiment may include a second substrate <NUM>, a light blocking layer <NUM>, a color filter layer <NUM>, a first protective layer <NUM>, a transmission bank <NUM>, a color conversion layer <NUM>, a second protective layer <NUM>, a reflection bank <NUM>, a filler <NUM>, and a column spacer <NUM>. The color conversion panel <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> may be substantially the same as or similar to the color conversion panel <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, except for a shape of the reflective bank <NUM> and an addition of the filler <NUM> and the column spacer <NUM>. Accordingly, duplicative descriptions of configurations described elsewhere herein will not be repeated here.

In some embodiments, the second opening OP2 of the reflection bank <NUM> may have a shape of a recessed hole which is recessed toward the second substrate <NUM> from the top surface of the reflection bank <NUM>. For example, the reflection bank <NUM> may have a 'U' shape when viewed in a cross-sectional view.

The filler <NUM> may be in the non-pixel area NPA on the reflection bank <NUM>. The filler <NUM> may fill the second opening OP2 of the reflection bank <NUM>. In one embodiment, the filler <NUM> may include photoresist.

The column spacer <NUM> may be in the non-pixel area NPA on the second protective layer <NUM>. The column spacer <NUM> may be on a portion of the transmission bank <NUM> in which the first opening OP1 is not formed. The column spacer <NUM> may maintain a constant distance, or a substantially constant distance, between the display panel <NUM> and the color conversion panel <NUM> in the process of bonding the display panel <NUM> (<FIG>) to the color conversion panel <NUM>.

The column spacer <NUM> may be composed of the same, or substantially the same, material as the filler <NUM>. In one embodiment, the column spacer <NUM> may include photoresist.

A conductive pattern <NUM> may be in between the second protective layer <NUM> and the column spacer <NUM>. The conductive pattern <NUM> may be composed of the same, or substantially the same, material as the reflection bank <NUM>.

<FIG> are cross-sectional views illustrating methods of manufacturing the color conversion panel according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, <FIG> may represent a method of manufacturing the color conversion panel <NUM> of <FIG>.

In the methods of manufacturing the color conversion panel described with reference to <FIG>, the description of configurations substantially the same as or similar to the methods of manufacturing the color conversion panel described with reference to <FIG> will not be repeated here.

Referring to <FIG>, a reflection bank <NUM> may be formed in the first opening OP1 of the transmission bank <NUM> by patterning the reflective layer <NUM>. In one embodiment, the reflective layer <NUM> may be patterned by wet etching.

First, as shown in <FIG>, a photoresist layer <NUM> may be formed on the reflective layer <NUM>. The photoresist layer <NUM> may be formed along a profile of the reflective layer <NUM>. A height of a top surface of the photoresist layer <NUM> in the non-pixel area NPA may be lower than a height of a top surface of the photoresist layer <NUM> in the first pixel area PA1, the second pixel area PA2, and the third pixel area PA3.

Then, as shown in <FIG>, the filler <NUM> and the column spacer <NUM> may be formed by patterning the photoresist layer <NUM>. The filler <NUM> may overlap the first opening OP1 of the transmission bank <NUM>, and the column spacer <NUM> may be positioned on the transmission bank <NUM>. A height of a top surface of the column spacer <NUM> may be higher than a height of a top surface of the filler <NUM>.

Then, as shown in <FIG>, the reflection bank <NUM> may be formed by etching the reflective layer <NUM>. The filler <NUM> and the column spacer <NUM> may be used as a mask to etch the reflective layer <NUM>. A reflective pattern <NUM> overlapping the column spacer <NUM> may be formed under the column spacer <NUM>.

In methods of manufacturing the color conversion panel according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the filler <NUM> and the column spacer <NUM> may be used as a mask to pattern the reflective layer <NUM>. Accordingly, the reflective layer <NUM> may be patterned without an additional photolithography process. Accordingly, the manufacturing cost and time for production of the color conversion panel of present embodiments may be reduced.

As discussed, embodiments can provide a display device color conversion panel including a first pixel area, a second pixel area, a third pixel area, and a non-pixel area positioned between the first pixel area, the second pixel area, and the third pixel area, the color conversion panel comprising: a substrate; a light blocking layer in the non-pixel area on the substrate; a color filter layer including a first color filter in the first pixel area on the substrate, a second color filter in the second pixel area on the substrate, and a third color filter in the third pixel area on the substrate; a color conversion layer including a first color conversion pattern on the first color filter, a second color conversion pattern on the second color filter, and a light transmission pattern on third color filter; a first bank between the first color conversion pattern, the second color conversion pattern, and the light transmission pattern; and a second bank in an opening (first opening) of the first bank.

The first bank is may- on the light blocking layer between the first color conversion pattern, the second color conversion pattern, and the light transmission pattern.

The first bank is transmissive and the second bank is reflective.

A first protective layer may be formed on the light blocking layer, the first color filter, the second color filter, and the third color filter. The first bank, including the opening, may be formed on the light blocking layer by forming a photoresist layer on the first protective layer and patterning the photoresist layer.

The first bank may include a first portion which is lyophilic (i.e. relatively highly wettable), and a second portion portioned above the first portion (i.e. further from the substrate) and which is liquid repellant. The lyophilic or liquid repellant properties of the first bank may be with respect to the materials used to form the first color conversion pattern, the second color conversion pattern, and the light transmission pattern in a liquid process.

The first bank may define second openings for the first color conversion pattern, the second color conversion pattern, and the light transmission pattern. The first openings of the first bank may be between the first color conversion pattern, the second color conversion pattern, and the light transmission pattern. Hence, the first bank may be arranged at side portions of the first color conversion pattern, the second color conversion pattern, and the light transmission pattern, with first openings between the first color conversion pattern, the second color conversion pattern, and the light transmission pattern. Hence, a plurality of first openings may be provided. A second bank may be arranged in each first opening. Each second bank may define an opening, this opening being in the first opening.

Hence, the first color conversion pattern, the second color conversion pattern, and the light transmission pattern may be considered as separated structures, with the first banks forming their side portions, and with second banks between them,.

A second protective layer may be formed on the first bank, the first color conversion pattern, the second color conversion pattern, and the light transmission pattern. The second protective layer may extend into the first opening of the first bank.

The second bank may be formed in the first opening of the first bank by patterning a reflective layer that is formed over the second protective layer. The reflective layer may extend into the first opening of the first bank along a profile of the second protective layer.

Embodiments can provide a display device comprising a first pixel area, a second pixel area, a third pixel area, and a non-pixel area positioned between the first pixel area, the second pixel area, and the third pixel area, the display device comprising: a display panel; and a color conversion panel on the display panel, wherein: the color conversion panel comprises: a substrate; a light blocking layer in the non-pixel area, on the substrate; a color filter layer comprising a first color filter in the first pixel area on the substrate, a second color filter in the second pixel area on the substrate, and a third color filter in the third pixel area on the substrate; a color conversion layer comprising a first color conversion pattern on the first color filter, a second color conversion pattern on the second color filter, and a light transmission pattern on the third color filter; a first bank on the light blocking layer between the first color conversion pattern, the second color conversion pattern, and the light transmission pattern; and a second bank in an opening of the first bank.

Embodiments can provide a method of manufacturing a color conversion panel, the method comprising: forming a first color filter in a first pixel area, a second color filter in a second pixel area, a third color filter in a third pixel area, and a light blocking layer in a non-pixel area positioned between the first, the second, and the third pixel areas on a substrate; forming a first bank having an opening on the light blocking layer; forming a first color conversion pattern on the first color filter, a second color conversion pattern on the second color filter, and a light transmission pattern on the third color filter; forming a reflective layer extending into the opening of the first bank on the first color conversion pattern, the second color conversion pattern, and the light transmission pattern; and forming a second bank in the opening of the first bank by patterning the reflective layer.

The display device according to present embodiments may be applied to a display device included in a computer, a notebook, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a smart pad, a PMP, a PDA, an MP3 player, and/or any other device utilizing a display panel.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the subject matter of the present disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers the modifications and variations of subject matter disclosed herein provided that they come within the scope of the appended claims.

" As used herein, the terms "use," "using," and "used" may be considered synonymous with the terms "utilize," "utilizing," and "utilized," respectively.

Also, any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision subsumed within the recited range. For example, a range of "<NUM> to <NUM>" is intended to include all subranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of <NUM> and the recited maximum value of <NUM>, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than <NUM> and a maximum value equal to or less than <NUM>, such as, for example, <NUM> to <NUM>. Any maximum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limitations subsumed therein, and any minimum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limitations subsumed therein. Accordingly, Applicant reserves the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to expressly recite any sub-range subsumed within the ranges expressly recited herein.

Claim 1:
A color conversion panel (<NUM>) including a first pixel area (PA1), a second pixel area (PA2), a third pixel area (PA3), and a non-pixel area (NPA) positioned between the first pixel area, the second pixel area, and the third pixel area, the color conversion panel comprising:
a substrate (<NUM>);
a light blocking layer (<NUM>) in the non-pixel area on the substrate;
a color filter layer (<NUM>) including a first color filter (<NUM>) in the first pixel area on the substrate, a second color filter (<NUM>) in the second pixel area on the substrate, and a third color filter (<NUM>) in the third pixel area on the substrate;
a color conversion layer (<NUM>) including a first color conversion pattern (<NUM>) on the first color filter, a second color conversion pattern (<NUM>) on the second color filter, and a light transmission pattern (<NUM>) on third color filter;
a first bank (<NUM>) between the first color conversion pattern (<NUM>), the second color conversion pattern (<NUM>), and the light transmission pattern (<NUM>);
characterised by
a second bank (<NUM>) in an opening of the first bank,
wherein the first bank is configured to transmit light incident to the first bank, and
wherein the second bank is configured to reflect light incident to the second bank.