Patent Description:
Light weight, small and portable display apparatuses are becoming more widely used. Cathode ray tube (CRT) display apparatuses have been used in the past due to their performance and competitive price. However, CRT display apparatuses have a large size low portability. Accordingly, display apparatuses such as a plasma display apparatus, a liquid crystal display apparatus and an organic light emitting display apparatus have become more widely used due to their small size, light weight and low power consumption.

A display apparatus may be implemented in a vehicle. When a display apparatus is implemented in a vehicle, the environment in the vehicle may influence the display apparatus. For example, external light reflection may cause visibility problems when the display apparatus is being viewed by a user.

<CIT> discloses that when the plane shape of a bank edge, that is, the direction of a line segment connecting the centers of pixels adjacent to each other (the direction of the pixels) is orthogonal to the direction of a line segment formed by the bank edge, light leaks from the adjacent pixels. The shape of the luminous region of the pixel of a display device, that is, the edge shape of a bank opening is formed as follows. The direction of an approximately linear portion (a line segment) formed by a bank edge is not orthogonal to the direction of the most closely adjacent pixel (an acute angle or an obtuse angle is formed by the directions). In some embodiments, the plane shape of the bank edge may be a U-shape.

Exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept provide a display apparatus for a vehicle capable of reducing external light reflection and improving aperture ratio for display quality.

According to an aspect, there is provided a display apparatus as set out in claim <NUM>.

The display apparatus can include sub-pixels and spacers that are appropriately arranged, thereby implementing a high aperture ratio structure. Since protrusions are formed at corners of the sub-pixels to reduce reflection of external light, a display apparatus suitable for a vehicle display device can be provided.

The above and other features of the inventive concept will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals may refer to like elements throughout the accompanying drawings.

It will be understood that the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. are used herein to distinguish one element from another, and the elements are not limited by these terms. Thus, a "first" element in an exemplary embodiment may be described as a "second" element in another exemplary embodiment.

It should be understood that descriptions of features or aspects within each exemplary embodiment should typically be considered as available for other similar features or aspects in other exemplary embodiments, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It will be understood that when a component, such as a film, a region, a layer, or an element, is referred to as being "on", "connected to", "coupled to", or "adjacent to" another component, it can be directly on, connected, coupled, or adjacent to the other component, or intervening components may be present. It will also be understood that when a component is referred to as being "between" two components, it can be the only component between the two components, or one or more intervening components may also be present. It will also be understood that when a component is referred to as "covering" another component, it can be the only component covering the other component, or one or more intervening components may also be covering the other component. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion.

Herein, when an element such as, for example, a sub-pixel, is described as having a long side(s) and a short side(s), it is to be understood that the lengths of the sides of the element are described relative to one another.

<FIG> is a view for explaining a reflection of external light when a display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept is used in a vehicle. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a first display apparatus DS1 and a second display apparatus DS2 of the display apparatus of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, in an exemplary embodiment, a display apparatus may be disposed inside a vehicle, and may display various vehicle information or contents related to driving of the vehicle to a passenger inside the vehicle.

For example, the display apparatus may include a first display apparatus DS <NUM> and a second display apparatus DS2. The first display apparatus DS <NUM> may be disposed in a center fascia area and may display, for example, an image received from a rear camera (e.g., an image provided for reverse driving or parking), or a variety of other vehicle related contents. The second display apparatus DS2 may be disposed in a dashboard region and may display various vehicle information related to vehicle driving.

The first and second display apparatus DS1 and DS2 may be disposed in a display area extending along a first direction D1, which is a horizontal direction, and a second direction D2, which is perpendicular to the first direction D1. The first and second display apparatus DS1 and DS2 may include a plurality of sub-pixels, each corresponding to a light emitting area.

Due to the environment in which the display apparatus for the vehicle is used, it is desirable for the display apparatus to have a high luminance characteristic and a high aperture ratio structure. However, a number of causes of external light reflection may cause visibility problems when a passenger is viewing the display apparatus. For example, sunlight SN incident into the vehicle may be reflected by the display apparatus and perceived by a passenger's field of view EYE. In particular, light incident along the horizontal direction through a window of the vehicle may be reflected from the display apparatus and travel to the passenger's field of view EYE, causing visibility problems.

According to an exemplary embodiment, as described below, a display apparatus for a vehicle having a high aperture ratio structure and reducing external light reflection factors can be provided. Although it is described herein that the display apparatus according to exemplary embodiments may be used in a vehicle, it is to be understood that the display apparatus according to exemplary embodiments is not limited to use in a vehicle.

<FIG> is a plan view illustrating a sub-pixel arrangement of the display apparatus of <FIG> according to an example not forming part of the invention. <FIG> is a partially enlarged view illustrating a periphery of a fourth spacer of the display apparatus of <FIG> in detail.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the display apparatus may include a plurality of sub-pixels disposed in a display area extending along a first direction D1, which is a horizontal direction, and a second direction D2, which is perpendicular to the first direction D1. Each of the sub-pixels corresponds to a light emitting area.

The sub-pixels may include a plurality of blue sub-pixels, a plurality of red sub-pixels, and a plurality of green sub-pixels.

For example, a first blue sub-pixel B1, a second blue sub-pixel B2, a third blue sub-pixel B3, and a fourth blue sub-pixel B4 may be arranged in a matrix form along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The first blue sub-pixel B1, the second blue sub-pixel B2, the third blue sub-pixel B3, and the fourth blue sub-pixel B4 may emit blue light.

A first red sub-pixel R1, a second red sub-pixel R2, a third red sub-pixel R3, and a fourth red sub-pixel R4 may be arranged in a matrix form along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The first red sub-pixel R1, the second red sub-pixel R2, the third red sub-pixel R3, and the fourth red sub-pixel R4 may emit red light.

A first green sub-pixel G1, a second green sub-pixel G2, a third green sub-pixel G3, and a fourth green sub-pixel G4 may be arranged in a matrix form along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The first green sub-pixel G1, the second green sub-pixel G2, the third green sub-pixel G3, and the fourth green sub-pixel G4 may emit green light.

A first spacer SP1, a second spacer SP2, a third spacer SP3, and a fourth spacer SP4 may be arranged in a matrix form along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The first spacer SP1, the second spacer SP2, the third spacer SP3, and the fourth spacer SP4 may be a structure for maintaining a cell gap between a thin film transistor substrate (see <NUM> in <FIG>) and a sealing substrate (see <NUM> in <FIG>).

The first blue sub-pixel B1, the first red sub-pixel R1, and the first green sub-pixel G1 may form a first unit pixel. The second blue sub-pixel B2, the second red sub-pixel R2, and the second green sub-pixel G2 may form a second unit pixel. The third blue sub-pixel B3, the third red sub-pixel R3, and the third green sub-pixel G3 may form a third unit pixel. The fourth blue sub-pixel B4, the fourth red sub-pixel R4, and the fourth green sub-pixel G4 may form a fourth unit pixel.

Thus, each of the unit pixels may include a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, and a blue sub-pixel. As shown in <FIG>, the first unit pixel is arranged in a first row RW1 and a first column CL1. The second unit pixel is arranged in the first row RW1 and a second column CL2. The third unit pixel is disposed in a second row RW2 and the first column CL1. The fourth unit pixel is disposed in the second row RW2 and the second column CL2. Accordingly, the first to fourth unit pixels may be arranged in a matrix form along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

For example, one red sub-pixel, one green sub-pixel, one blue sub-pixel, and one spacer may be disposed in one row and one column divided by each unit pixel.

The third blue sub-pixel B3 may include a first side extending along a third direction D3 inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the first direction D1, a second side B3b facing the first side, a third side extending along a fourth direction D4 perpendicular to the third direction D3, and a fourth side B3c facing the third side. Thus, the second side B3b may extend along the third direction D3 similar to the first side, and the fourth side B3c may extend along the fourth direction D4 similar to the third side. The third blue sub-pixel B3 may have a rhombus shape.

The second green sub-pixel G2 may be disposed adjacent to the second side B3b of the third blue sub-pixel B3 in the fourth direction D4. The second green sub-pixel G2 may have a quadrangular shape having sides extending along the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4.

The fourth red sub-pixel R4 may be disposed adjacent to the fourth side B3c of the third blue sub-pixel B3 in the third direction D3. The fourth red sub-pixel R4 may have a quadrangular shape having sides extending along the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4.

The fourth blue sub pixel B4 may be disposed adjacent to the second green sub-pixel G2 in the third direction D3, and adjacent to the fourth red sub-pixel R4 in the fourth direction D4.

The fourth spacer SP4 may be disposed between the third blue sub-pixel B3 and the second green sub-pixel G2, and between the fourth red sub-pixel R4 and the fourth blue sub-pixel B4, and may extend along the third direction D3. The fourth spacer SP4 may include two short sides SP4c and SP4d which oppose each other, and two long sides SP4a and SP4b which oppose each other. A first long side SP4a of the fourth spacer SP4 may be directly adjacent to the second side B3b of the third blue sub-pixel B3 and directly adjacent to a short side R4b of the fourth red sub-pixel R4. A second long side SP4b of the fourth spacer SP4, which opposes the first long side SP4a, may be directly adjacent to a short side G2a of the second green sub-pixel G2 and directly adjacent to a side B4a of the fourth blue sub-pixel B4. The side B4a of the fourth blue sub-pixel B4 may oppose the short side R4b of the fourth red sub-pixel R4 and a short side G4b of the fourth green sub-pixel G4 in the fourth direction D4.

Here, the first direction D1 and the third direction D3 may form an angle of about <NUM> degrees. Each of the first to fourth blue sub-pixels B1, B2, B3, and B4 may have a rhombus shape.

The first red sub-pixel R1 and the first green sub-pixel G1 may each have an inclined rectangular shape including long sides extending along the third direction D3 and short sides extending along the fourth direction D4.

The second red sub-pixel R2, the second green sub-pixel G2, the fourth red sub-pixel R4, and the fourth green sub-pixel G4 may each have an inclined rectangular shape including short sides extending along the third direction D3 and long sides extending along the fourth direction D4.

Here, the first red sub-pixel R1, the first green sub-pixel G1, and the first blue sub-pixel B1 of the first unit pixel may be diagonally arranged along the fourth direction D4. For example, the first red sub-pixel R1, the first green sub-pixel G1, and the first blue sub-pixel B1 of the first unit pixel may be adjacent to each other along the fourth direction D4. The third red sub-pixel R3, the third green sub-pixel G3, and the third blue sub-pixel B3 of the third unit pixel may be arranged diagonally along the fourth direction D4. For example, the third red sub-pixel R3, the third green sub-pixel G3, and the third blue sub-pixel B3 of the third unit pixel may be adjacent to each other along the fourth direction D4. The second red sub-pixel R2 and the second green sub-pixel G2 of the second unit pixel may be arranged along the third direction D3. For example, the second red sub-pixel R2 and the second green sub-pixel G2 of the second unit pixel may be adjacent to each other along the third direction D3. The second blue sub-pixel B2 may be arranged along the fourth direction D4 with the second red and green sub-pixels R2 and G2. For example, the second blue sub-pixel B2 may be adjacent to the second red and green sub-pixels R2 and G2 in the fourth direction D4. The fourth red sub-pixel R4 and the fourth green sub-pixel G4 of the fourth unit pixel may be arranged along the third direction D3. For example, the fourth red sub-pixel R4 and the fourth green sub-pixel G4 of the fourth unit pixel may be adjacent to each other along the third direction D3. The fourth blue sub-pixel B4 may be arranged along the fourth direction D4 with the fourth red and green sub-pixels R4 and G4. For example, the fourth blue sub-pixel B4 may be adjacent to the fourth red and green sub-pixels R4 and G4 in the fourth direction D4.

In an exemplary embodiment, the size of each of the first to fourth blue sub-pixels B1, B2, B3, and B4 may be larger than the size of each of the first to fourth red sub-pixels R1, R2, R3, and R4, and may be larger than the size of each of the first to fourth green sub-pixels G1, G2, G3, and G4. In an exemplary embodiment, the size of each of the first to fourth red sub-pixels R1, R2, R3, and R4 may be substantially the same as the size of each of the first to fourth green sub-pixels G1, G2, G3, and G4. In an exemplary embodiment, the size of each of the first to fourth blue sub-pixels B1, B2, B3, and B4 may be about twice as large as the size of each of the first to fourth red sub-pixels R1, R2, R3, and R4, and about twice as large as the size of each of the first to fourth green sub-pixels G1, G2, G3, and G4.

A long side of the green or red sub-pixel is adjacent to the first side of the third blue sub-pixel B3. A short side of a green sub-pixel (e.g., the second green sub-pixel G2) and a short side of a red sub-pixel (e.g., the second red sub-pixel R2) are adjacent to the second side B3b of the third blue sub-pixel B3. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the short side G2a of the second green sub-pixel G2 and a short side R2a of the second red sub-pixel R2 are adjacent to the second side B3b of the third blue sub-pixel B3. For example, the short side G2a of the second green sub-pixel G2 and the short side R2a of the second red sub-pixel R2 may oppose the second side B3b of the third blue sub-pixel B3 in the fourth direction D4. For example, the short side G2a of the second green sub-pixel G2 and the short side R2a of the second red sub-pixel R2 may be parallel to the second side B3b of the third blue sub-pixel B3 in the third direction D3.

In this case, a separation distance between the third blue sub-pixel B3 and the second green sub-pixel G2 may be larger than a separation distance between the third blue sub-pixel B3 and a closest neighboring sub-pixel (e.g., the third green sub-pixel G3) adjacent to the first side of the third blue sub-pixel B3. Here, "closest neighboring" means the sub-pixel from among all of the sub-pixels most adjacent (or closest) to the first side of the third blue sub-pixel B3 in the fourth direction D4. In addition, a separation distance between the third blue sub-pixel B3 and the second green sub-pixel G2 may be greater than a separation distance between the third blue sub-pixel B3 and the second red sub-pixel R2.

According to exemplary embodiments, this configuration results in the securing of sufficient space for the disposition of the fourth spacer SP4 between the third blue sub-pixel B3 and the second green sub-pixel G2 and between the fourth red sub-pixel R4 and the fourth blue sub-pixel B4, and allows for the size of each sub-pixel to be increased/maximized to ensure a sufficient aperture ratio.

In addition, the first red sub-pixel R1 and the first green sub-pixel G1 are shifted to a left upper side with respect to the fourth direction D4. In the second red sub-pixel R2 and the second green sub-pixel G2, the second red sub-pixel R2 is shifted to a left lower side with respect to the third direction D3. Accordingly, misalignment between the first red sub-pixel R1 and the second red sub-pixel R2 in the second direction D2 may be reduced/minimized, thereby improving a cognitive characteristic of the display apparatus when viewed by the user.

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

Referring to <FIG>, the display apparatus may include a thin film transistor substrate <NUM>, a plurality of pixel electrodes B3PE and G2PE, a pixel defining layer PDL, a light emitting layer B3EL and G2EL, an opposite electrode CE, a sealing member <NUM>, and a sealing substrate <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the thin film transistor substrate <NUM> may extend in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

The thin film transistor substrate <NUM> may include a plurality of thin film transistors.

The pixel electrodes B3PE, G2PE may be disposed on the thin film transistor substrate <NUM>.

The pixel defining layer PDL may be disposed on the thin film transistor substrate <NUM> on which the pixel electrodes B3PE, G2PE are disposed. An opening exposing the pixel electrodes B3PE, G2PE may be formed in the pixel defining layer PDL. The pixel defining layer PDL may cover a portion of an edge of the pixel electrode B3PE, G2PE. For example, the pixel defining layer PDL may cover side surfaces (or end surfaces) of the pixel electrode B3PE, G2PE, and may cover a portion of the upper surface of the pixel electrode B3PE, G2PE.

The light emitting layer B3EL, G2EL may be disposed on the pixel electrode B3PE, G2PE in the opening of the pixel defining layer PDL.

The opposite electrode CE may be disposed on the light emitting layer B3EL, G2EL and the pixel defining layer PDL.

The sealing substrate <NUM> may face the thin film transistor substrate <NUM>. The sealing substrate <NUM> may seal a light emitting structure formed by the pixel electrode B3PE, G2PE, the light emitting layer B3EL, G2EL, and the opposite electrode CE together with the sealing member <NUM>.

Here, a portion of the pixel defining layer PDL may protrude to form the spacer SP4. The spacer SP4 may maintain a cell gap between the sealing substrate <NUM> and the thin film transistor substrate <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sealing member <NUM> and the sealing substrate <NUM> may be replaced with a thin film encapsulation layer. The thin film encapsulation layer may prevent penetration of moisture and oxygen from the outside. The thin film encapsulation layer may include, for example, at least one organic layer and at least one inorganic layer. The at least one organic layer and the at least one inorganic layer may be alternately stacked with each other. For example, the thin film encapsulation layer may include a first inorganic layer, a second inorganic layer, and an organic layer disposed between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer. However, the thin film encapsulation layer of embodiments is not limited thereto.

<FIG> is a plan view illustrating a sub-pixel arrangement of a display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept. <FIG> is a partially enlarged view illustrating one corner of one sub-pixel of the display apparatus of <FIG> in detail according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept.

Referring to <FIG>, the display apparatus may include a first blue sub-pixel B1, a second blue sub-pixel B2, a third blue sub pixel B3, and a fourth blue sub pixel B4 arranged in a matrix form in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2.

The display apparatus may further include a first red sub-pixel R1, a second red sub-pixel R2, a third red sub-pixel R3, and a fourth red sub-pixel R4 arranged in a matrix form in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

The display apparatus may further include a first green sub pixel G1, a second green sub pixel G2, a third green sub-pixel G3, and a fourth green sub-pixel G4 arranged in a matrix form in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

The arrangement of the first to fourth blue sub-pixels B1, B2, B3, and B4, the first to fourth red sub-pixels R1, R2, R3, and R4, and the first to fourth green sub-pixels G1, G2, G3, and G4 are substantially the same as the arrangement of the sub-pixels of the display apparatus of <FIG>. Therefore, for convenience of explanation, a further detailed description of elements and aspects previously described may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, in an exemplary embodiment, protrusions PT are formed at corners of each of the sub-pixels defined by an opening OP of a pixel defining layer PDL in a first direction D1. In an exemplary embodiment, protrusions PT may be formed at two corners of each of the sub-pixels. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, the opening OP of the pixel defining layer PDL may have a rhombus shape or an inclined rectangular shape (e.g., with respect to the first and second directions D1 and D2, as shown in <FIG>).

For example, the opening OP of the pixel defining layer PDL may have sides extending along a third direction D3 inclined at a predetermined angle with the first direction D1, and sides extending along a fourth direction D4 perpendicular to the third direction D3. A protruding opening PT is formed in an outward direction of the opening OP at a corner of the opening OP of the pixel defining layer PDL in the first direction D1.

A protrusion may be formed at a corner of the pixel electrode PE in the first direction D1 in a location corresponding to the protruding opening PT of the opening OP of the pixel defining layer PDL. The pixel electrode PE may have a rectangular shape or a square shape.

A vertex of the protruding opening PT of the opening OP of the pixel defining layer PDL may form an acute angle having an angle θ of less than about <NUM> degrees. For example, the acute angle may be about <NUM> degrees.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion corresponding to a third blue sub-pixel B3 of the display apparatus of <FIG> according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept.

The display apparatus may include a thin film transistor substrate <NUM>, a pixel electrode B3PE, a pixel defining layer PDL, a light emitting layer B3EL, an opposite electrode CE, and a sealing part <NUM>.

The pixel electrode B3PE may be disposed on the thin film transistor substrate <NUM>.

The pixel defining layer PDL is disposed on the thin film transistor substrate <NUM> on which the pixel electrode B3PE is disposed. An opening exposing the pixel electrode B3PE is formed in the pixel defining layer PDL. The pixel defining layer PDL may cover a portion of an edge of the pixel electrode B3PE.

The light emitting layer B3EL may be disposed on the pixel electrode B3PE in the opening of the pixel defining layer PDL.

The opposite electrode CE may be disposed on the emitting layer B3EL and the pixel defining layer PDL.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sealing part <NUM> may be a sealing member and a sealing substrate. In an exemplary embodiment, the sealing part <NUM> may be a thin film encapsulation layer. The thin film encapsulation layer may prevent penetration of moisture and oxygen from the outside. The thin film encapsulation layer may include, for example, at least one organic layer and at least one inorganic layer. The at least one organic layer and the at least one inorganic layer may be alternately stacked with each other. For example, the thin film encapsulation layer may include a first inorganic layer, a second inorganic layer, and an organic layer disposed between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

<FIG>, and <FIG> are partially enlarged views illustrating one corner of one sub-pixel of a display apparatus in detail according to exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept.

Referring to <FIG>, and <FIG>, the protruding openings PT of the openings OP of the pixel defining layer PDL may have various shapes. The protruding opening PT may protrude in a direction inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the first direction D1 or may have a curved shape. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the protruding opening PT of the opening OP of the pixel defining layer PDL may have various shapes in which the side formed along the second direction D2 is reduced/minimized.

<FIG> are plan and cross-sectional views illustrating external light reflection of one sub-pixel of a display apparatus according to a comparative example. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I ' of <FIG>. <FIG> are plan and cross-sectional views illustrating reflection of external light of one sub-pixel of a display apparatus according to another comparative example. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I ' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a display apparatus may include a thin film transistor substrate <NUM>, a pixel electrode PE, a pixel defining layer PDL, a light emitting layer EL, an opposite electrode CE, and a sealing part <NUM>. For convenience of explanation, a further description of elements and technical aspects is omitted herein.

Still referring to <FIG>, it can be seen that external light reflection mainly occurs on an inclined surface of the pixel defining layer PDL having an opening. For example, reflection may occur at a side extending in a second direction D2 of the opening of the pixel defining layer PDL, and such reflection may be recognized by the user (see <FIG>).

Still referring to <FIG>, a shape of the opening of the pixel defining layer PDL may be a rhombus shape, which may reduce a length of the side extending along the second direction D2 of the opening, thereby reducing external light reflection. However, a portion extending along the second direction D2 may be formed at a corner of the opening in the first direction D1, and the reflection of external light in the portion may be visually recognized by the user.

In contrast to the comparative examples described above, in exemplary embodiments, according to the structure of the display apparatus illustrated in <FIG>, a protruding opening PT in an outward direction of the opening OP is formed at the corner of the opening OP in the first direction D1, thereby reducing/minimizing reflection of external light at the corner.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to exemplary embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, a memory device <NUM>, a storage device <NUM>, an input/output (I/O) device <NUM>, a power supply <NUM>, and a display device <NUM>. Here, the display device <NUM> may correspond to the display apparatus of <FIG>. In addition, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a plurality of ports for communicating with, for example, a video card, a sound card, a memory card, a universal serial bus (USB) device, or other electronic devices. According to exemplary embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may be, for example, a television, a cellular phone such as a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet PC, a car navigation system, a computer monitor, a laptop, a head mounted display (HMD), etc. However, the electronic device <NUM> of embodiments is not limited thereto.

The processor <NUM> may perform various computing functions. The processor <NUM> may be, for example, a micro processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), etc. The processor <NUM> may be coupled to other components via an address bus, a control bus, a data bus, etc. Further, the processor <NUM> may be coupled to an extended bus such as a peripheral component interconnection (PCI) bus. The memory device <NUM> may store data for operations of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the memory device <NUM> may include at least one non-volatile memory device such as an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) device, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) device, a flash memory device, a phase change random access memory (PRAM) device, a resistance random access memory (RRAM) device, a nano floating gate memory (NFGM) device, a polymer random access memory (PoRAM) device, a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) device, a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) device, etc., and/or at least one volatile memory device such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) device, a static random access memory (SRAM) device, a mobile DRAM device, etc. The storage device <NUM> may include, for example, a solid state drive (SSD) device, a hard disk drive (HDD) device, a CD-ROM device, etc. The I/O device <NUM> may include, for example, an input device such as a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse device, a touchpad, a touchscreen, etc., and an output device such as a printer, a speaker, etc. The power supply <NUM> may provide power for operations of the electronic device <NUM>.

The display device <NUM> may be coupled to other components via the buses or other communication links. In exemplary embodiments, the display device <NUM> may be included in the I/O device <NUM>. As described above, the display device <NUM> includes sub-pixels and spacers that are appropriately arranged, thereby implementing a high aperture ratio structure. Since protrusions may be formed at corners of the sub-pixels to reduce reflection of external light in some exemplary embodiments, a display apparatus suitable for a vehicle display device can be provided.

As discussed, embodiments may provide a display apparatus, comprising: a display area extending in a first direction and a second direction, wherein the first direction is a horizontal direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; a first sub-pixel, arranged to emit a first color light, comprising first and second sides extending in a third direction which is inclined at a predetermined angle with the first direction, and third and fourth sides extending in a fourth direction perpendicular to the third direction; a second sub-pixel, arranged to emit a second color light, disposed adjacent to the second side of the first sub-pixel in the fourth direction; a third sub-pixel, arranged to emit a third color light, disposed adjacent to the fourth side of the first sub-pixel in the third direction; a fourth sub-pixel, which emits the first color light, disposed adjacent to the second and third sub-pixels; and a spacer, which maintains a cell gap, disposed between the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel and between the third sub-pixel and the fourth sub-pixel, and extending in the third direction, wherein the first to fourth sub-pixels are disposed in the display area, and each of the first to fourth sub-pixels corresponds to a light emitting area.

The fourth sub-pixel may be disposed adjacent to the second sub-pixel in the third direction, and may be adjacent to the third sub-pixel in the fourth direction.

The spacer may be arranged to extend in the third direction so that it is between the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel when considered in the fourth direction and between the third sub-pixel and the fourth sub-pixel when considered in the fourth direction.

A fifth sub-pixel, arranged to emit the third color light, may be disposed adjacent to the second side of the first sub-pixel in the fourth direction wherein the fifth sub-pixel is adjacent the second sub-pixel in the third direction. Hence, the second and fifth sub-pixels may both be adjacent the second side of the first sub-pixel in the fourth direction. The spacer may be adjacent the second sub-pixel, but not the fifth sub-pixel.

A sixth sub-pixel, arranged to emit the second color light, may be disposed adjacent to the third sub-pixel in the third direction. The sixth sub-pixel and the third sub-pixel may both be adjacent the fourth sub-pixel in the fourth direction. The spacer may be adjacent the third sub-pixel, but not the sixth sub-pixel.

A seventh sub-pixel, arranged to emit the second color light, may be disposed adjacent to the first side of the first sub-pixel in the fourth direction.

An eighth sub-pixel, arranged to emit the third color light, may be disposed adjacent to the third side of the first sub-pixel in the third direction.

A second spacer, which maintains a cell gap, may be disposed between the first sub-pixel and the seventh sub-pixel in the fourth direction and between the first sub-pixel and the eighth sub-pixel in the third direction.

Protrusions are formed at corners of the sub-pixels in the first direction.

The display apparatus comprises a thin film transistor substrate extending in the first direction; a pixel electrode disposed over the thin film transistor substrate; and a pixel defining layer disposed over the thin film transistor substrate and having an opening exposing a portion of the pixel electrode, wherein the opening of the pixel defining layer comprises sides extending along the third direction, and sides extending along the fourth direction, and a protruding opening is formed in an outward direction of the opening at a corner of the opening of the pixel defining layer in the first direction.

Exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept can be applied to organic light emitting display devices and various electronic devices including the same. For example, exemplary embodiments can be applied to a mobile phone, a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet PC, a car navigation system, a television, a computer monitor, a notebook, etc..

Claim 1:
A display apparatus, comprising:
a thin film transistor substrate (<NUM>) extending in a first direction (D1), which is a horizontal direction, and a second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1);
a pixel electrode (PE) disposed over the thin film transistor substrate (<NUM>); and
a pixel defining layer (PDL) disposed over the thin film transistor substrate (<NUM>) and having an opening (OP) exposing a portion of the pixel electrode (PE),
wherein the opening (OP) of the pixel defining layer (PDL) comprises sides extending along a third direction (D3) inclined at a predetermined angle with the first direction (D1), and sides extending along a fourth direction (D4) perpendicular to the third direction (D3), and
a protruding opening (PT) is formed in an outward direction of the opening (OP) at a corner of the opening (OP) of the pixel defining layer (PDL) in the first direction (D1),
characterised in that the protruding opening (PT) extends from the corner, in the outward direction to a single curved end or to a single vertex, said vertex having an angle (θ) of less than <NUM> degrees.