Patent ID: 12245467

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Illustrative embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments may be modified in various ways.

Same numerals may refer to identical or similar elements.

Embodiments are not limited to the illustrated dimensions. In the drawings, dimensions of elements may be exaggerated for clarity.

Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used to distinguish one element from another element. A first element may be termed a second element without departing from teachings of one or more embodiments. The description of an element as a “first” element may not require or imply the presence of a second element or other elements. The terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used to differentiate different categories or sets of elements. For conciseness, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may represent “first-category (or first-set),” “second-category (or second-set),” etc., respectively.

When a first element is referred to as being “on” a second element, the first element can be directly or indirectly on the second element.

Unless explicitly described to the contrary, the words “comprise” and “include” may indicate the inclusion of stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements.

The term “first electrode” may mean “pixel electrode.” The term “second electrode” may mean “common electrode.” The term “partition wall” may mean “wall layer.” The term “connect” may mean “electrically connect.” The term “connected” may mean “electrically connected” or “electrically connected through no intervening transistor.” The term “insulate” may mean “electrically insulate” or “electrically isolate.” The term “conductive” may mean “electrically conductive.” The term “drive” may mean “operate” or “control.” The term “include” may mean “be made of.” The term “adjacent” may mean “immediately adjacent.” The expression that an element extends in a particular direction may mean that the lengthwise direction of the element is in the particular direction. The expression that an opening overlaps an object may mean that the opening exposes the object and/or the position of the opening overlaps with the position of the object. The expression that an element is repeated disposed may mean that copies of the element are disposed. The expression that a first element and a second element are alternately positioned may mean that instances/copies of the first element and instances/copies of the second element are alternately positioned. The term “partition wall opening” may mean “hole” or “through hole.” The term “distance” may mean “minimum distance.” The term “perimeter section” may mean “section of a/the perimeter.” The term “extend” may mean “extend lengthwise.” The term “multilayer” may mean “multilayer member” or “multilayer structure.” The expression “include a material” may mean “be formed of the material.” The term “contact” may mean “directly contact.”

FIG.1Aillustrates a perspective view of three display devices according to an embodiment.FIG.1Billustrates an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment.FIG.1Cillustrates a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.1A, each display device1000may have a privacy protection function for protecting information displayed on a screen from being unwantedly viewed by surrounding people. An image may be displayed to a user who directly faces the display area of the display device1000, and the image may not be recognized at a predetermined angle or more.

Referring toFIG.1B, the display device1000may display an image in a third direction DR3normal/perpendicular to a plane defined by a first direction DR1and a second direction DR2. A front (or top) surface and a back (or bottom) surface of the display device1000may overlap each other in the third direction DR3.

The display device1000may display a moving image or a still image. The display device1000may provide a display screen of an electronic device, such as a television, a laptop computer, a monitor, a billboard, the Internet of things (TOT), etc., as well as portable electronic devices such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet personal computer, a mobile communication terminal, an electronic notebook, an e-book, a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation system, or an ultra-mobile PC (UMPC). The display device1000may be included in a wearable device such as a smart watch, a watch phone, a glasses display, or a head mounted display (HMD). The display device1000may provide an instrument panel of a vehicle, a center information display (CID) positioned at a center fascia or dashboard of a vehicle, a mirror display that replaces a side mirror of a vehicle, or a display positioned on a back surface of a front seat of a vehicle. The display device1000may represent (or may be included in) a smart phone.

The display device1000includes a cover window WU, a display panel DP, and a housing member HM.

The cover window WU is positioned on the display panel DP to protect the display panel DP. The cover window WU may include a polyimide window or an ultra-thin glass window.

The cover window WU may include a transmission area TA and a blocking area BA. The transmission area TA may be optically transparent and may transmit incident light. The blocking area BA may have relatively lower light transmittance than the transmission area TA. The blocking area BA defines a shape of the transmission area TA. The blocking area BA may surround the transmission area TA. The blocking area BA may show a predetermined color. The blocking area BA may overlap the non-display area PA of the display panel DP to conceal the non-display area PA.

The display panel DP may be a flat rigid display panel or a flexible display panel. The display panel may be an emissive display panel. For example, the display panel may be an organic light emitting display panel or a quantum dot light emitting display panel. An emission layer of the organic light emitting display panel may include an organic light emitting material. An emission layer of the quantum dot light emitting display panel may include a quantum dot and a quantum rod.

The display panel DP may display an image on a front surface. The front surface of the display panel DP includes a display area DA and a non-display area PA. The image is displayed in the display area DA. The non-display area PA may surround the display area DA.

The display panel DP may include a plurality of pixels PX positioned in the display area DA. The pixels PX may emit/transmit light in response to electrical signals. Lights emitted/transmitted by the pixels PX may form an image. Each pixel PX may include one or more transistors and one or more capacitors.

Signal lines may extend from the display area DA to the non-display area PA, in which a pad is positioned. A data driver50may be positioned in the non-display area PA. The pad may be electrically connected to a printed circuit board PCB including a driving chip80.

As illustrated inFIG.1C, an adhesive layer AD bonding the display panel DP and the cover window WU may be positioned between the display panel DP and the cover window WU. A touch unit may be further positioned between the display panel DP and the cover window WU. The touch unit may be positioned on the display panel DP for a touch screen function of the display device1000. The touch unit may include touch electrodes and may be a resistive type or a capacitive type.

A housing member HM may accommodate and/or support the display panel DP. The housing member HM is coupled to the cover window WU to constitute an exterior of the display device1000. The housing member HM may have relatively high rigidity. For example, the housing member HM may include frames and/or plates made of glass, plastic, or metal.

The housing member HM provides a predetermined accommodation space. The display panel DP may be accommodated in the accommodation space to be protected from external impact.

FIG.2Aillustrates a top plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment.FIG.2Billustrates a circuit diagram of a pixel according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.2A, the display panel DP includes a substrate SUB including a display area DA and a non-display area PA. The non-display area PA may surround the display area DA.

The display panel DP includes a plurality of pixels PX. The pixels PX may be positioned on the display area DA of the substrate SUB. Each of the pixels PX includes a light emitting element and a driving circuit unit connected to the light emitting element. Each of the pixels PX may emit red, green, blue, or white light, and may include an organic light emitting diode.

The display panel DP may include signal lines and a pad portion. The signal lines may include scan lines SL extending in a first direction DR1, and may include data lines DL and driving voltage lines PL extending in a second direction DR2.

A scan driver20may provide scan signals to pixels PX through scan lines SL. Two scan drivers20may be respectively disposed at left and right sides of the display area DA. One of the two scan drivers20may be optional.

The pad portion PAD is positioned at one end of the display panel DP, and includes terminals/pads P1, P2, P3, and P4. The pad portion PAD may be exposed by an insulating layer to be electrically connected to a printed circuit board PCB. The pad portion PAD may be electrically connected to a pad portion PCB_P of the printed circuit board PCB. The printed circuit board PCB may transfer a signal or power from an IC driving chip80to the pad portion PAD.

Image signals received from an external source are converted into image data signals, and the image data signals are transferred to the data driver50through the terminals P1. Control signals for controlling the scan driver20and the data driver50may be provided through the terminals P3and P1. A driving voltage ELVDD is transferred to a driving voltage supply line60through the terminal P2. A common voltage ELVSS is transferred to each of common voltage supply wires70through the terminals P4.

The data driver50is disposed on the non-display area PA and may provide data signals to the pixels PX. The data driver50may be disposed at a side of the display panel DP, for example, between the pad portion PAD and the display area DA.

A driving voltage supply line60is positioned on the non-display area PA. The driving voltage supply line60may be positioned between the data driver50and the display area DA. The driving voltage supply line60provides the driving voltage ELVDD to the pixels PX. The driving voltage supply line60extends lengthwise in the first direction DR1, and may be connected to a plurality of driving voltage lines PL extending in the second direction DR2.

A common voltage supply line70is positioned on the non-display area PA. The common voltage supply line70may substantially surround the display area DA. The common voltage supply line70transfers the common voltage ELVSS to the common electrode (e.g., second electrode) shared by pixels PX.

As illustrated inFIG.2B, one pixel PX of the display device includes transistors T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, and T7, a storage capacitor Cst, a boost capacitor Cbt, and a light emitting diode LED connected to wires127,128,151,152,153,154,155,171,172, and741.

The wires127,128,151,152,153,154,155,171,172, and741are connected to one pixel PX. The wires include a first initialization voltage line127, a second initialization voltage line128, a first scan signal line151, a second scan signal line152, an initialization control line153, a bypass control line154, a bypass control line155, a data line171, a driving voltage line172, and a common voltage line741.

The first scan signal line151is connected to a gate driver20(illustrated inFIG.2A) to transmit a first scan signal GW to the second transistor T2. A voltage having a polarity that is opposite to that of the voltage applied to the first scan signal line151may be applied to the second scan signal line152at a same timing as a signal of the first scan signal line151. When a negative voltage is applied to the first scan signal line151, a positive voltage may be applied to the second scan signal line152. The second scan signal line152transmits a second scan signal GC to the third transistor T3.

The initialization control line153transmits an initialization control signal GI to the fourth transistor T4. The bypass control line154transfers a bypass signal GB to the seventh transistor T7. The bypass control line154may be formed by a previous-stage first scan signal line151. The emission control line155transmits an emission control signal EM to the fifth transistor T5and the sixth transistor T6.

The data line171is a wire for transmitting a data voltage DATA generated by a data driver (not illustrated), and luminance of the organic light emitting diode LED that emits light is changed depending on the data voltage DATA applied to the pixel PX.

The driving voltage line172applies a driving voltage ELVDD. The first initialization voltage line127transfers a first initialization voltage VINT, and the second initialization voltage line128transfers the second initialization voltage AINT. The common voltage line741applies a common voltage ELVSS to a cathode of the light emitting diode LED. In the present embodiment, voltages applied to the driving voltage line172, the first and second initialization voltage lines127and128, and the common voltage line741may be constant voltages, respectively.

The transistors may include a driving transistor T1, a second transistor T2, a third transistor T3, a fourth transistor T4, a fifth transistor T5, a sixth transistor T6, and a seventh transistor T7. The transistors may include an oxide transistor including an oxide semiconductor and a silicon transistor including a polycrystalline silicon semiconductor. The third transistor T3and the fourth transistor T4may be oxide transistors, and the driving transistor T1, the second transistor T2, the fifth transistor T5, the sixth transistor T6, and the seventh transistor T7may be silicon transistors. The transistors may all be silicon transistors. The third transistor T3, the fourth transistor T4, and the seventh transistor T7may be oxide transistors; the driving transistor T1, the second transistor T2, the fifth transistor T5, and the sixth transistor T6may be silicon transistors.

The number of transistors, the number of capacitors, and their connection relationships may be configured differently.

FIG.3illustrates a top plan view showing a touch sensing unit including a touch electrode and a touch wire according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.3, the touch sensing unit TU includes a touch sensing area TSA for sensing a user touch and includes a touch peripheral area TPA positioned around the touch sensing area TSA. The touch sensing area TSA may overlap the display area DA of the display panel DP, and the touch peripheral area TPA may overlap the non-display area PA of the display panel DP.

Touch electrodes TE may be positioned in the touch sensing area TSA. The touch electrodes TE may include sensing electrodes TSE electrically connected in the first direction DR1and may include driving electrodes TRE electrically connected in the second direction DR2. The sensing electrodes TSE and the driving electrodes TRE may have a quadrilateral, rhombus, and/or square shape in a plan view. The touch electrodes TE may have a mesh structure as illustrated inFIG.3.

The driving electrodes TRE adjacent to each other in the second direction DR2may be electrically connected to each other through a bridge electrode BE in order to prevent the sensing electrodes TSE and the driving electrodes TRE from short circuiting each other in their crossing regions. The driving electrodes TRE and the sensing electrodes TSE may be positioned directly on one insulating layer, and the bridge electrode BE may be positioned directly on a different insulating layer.

Touch lines TSL and TRL may be positioned in the touch peripheral area TPA. The touch lines TSL and TRL may include sensing lines TSL connected to the sensing electrodes TSE and may include driving lines TRL connected to the driving electrodes TRE. The sensing line TSL may be connected to a first touch pads TP1, and the driving line TRL may be connected to a second touch pads TP2.

The touch electrodes TE may be driven by a mutual capacitance method or a self-capacitance method.

FIG.4Aillustrates a top plan view showing a first pixel unit and a second pixel unit according to an embodiment.FIG.4Billustrates a cross-sectional view showing a first pixel unit and a second pixel unit according to an embodiment.FIG.4Cillustrates a plan view of a second pixel unit.FIG.4Dillustrates a cross-sectional view showing a first pixel unit and a second pixel unit according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.4A, copies/instances of a first pixel unit RU1and a second pixel unit RU2may be consecutively positioned on a substrate. Instances of the first pixel unit RU1and instances of the second pixel unit RU2may be alternately positioned. The first pixel unit RU1and the second pixel unit RU2may include components stacked on the substrate SUB. Each of the first pixel unit RU1and the second pixel unit RU2may include one or more pixels PX.

The first pixel unit RU1may include a first color pixel R, a second color pixel G, and a third color pixel B. The first color may be red, the second color may be green, and the third color may be blue.

One first color pixel R, two second color pixels G, and two third color pixels B may form one first pixel unit RU1. A white color may be expressed by the first pixel unit RU1.

In the display panel, a number of first color pixels R and a number of third color pixels B may be the same. In the display panel, a number of second color pixels G may be twice the number of first color pixels R, i.e., twice the number of third color pixels B. In the display panel, the number of second color pixels G may be equal to a sum of the number of first color pixels R and the number of third color pixels B.

As illustrated inFIG.4A, each of the first color pixel R, the second color pixel G, and the third color pixel B may have a polygonal shape in a plan view. Each of the first color pixel R, the second color pixel G, and the third color pixel B may have a shape of a quadrangle, an octagon, a rhombus), a circle, and/or an oval in a plan view. Shapes of the first color pixel R, the second color pixel G, and the third color pixel B may be identical to, similar to, and/or different from each other.

FIG.4Aillustrates that sizes of the first color pixel R and the third color pixel B are the same in a plan view. In a plan view, sizes of the first color pixel R, the second color pixel G, and the third color pixel B may be different from each other. For example, in a plan view, the size of the first color pixel R may be greater than that of the second color pixel G, and the size of the third color pixel B may be greater than that of the second color pixel G. In a plan view, the size of the first color pixel R may be substantially the same as that of the third color pixel B or smaller than that of the third color pixel B.

The touch electrodes TE may have mesh structures, and the first to third color pixels R, G, and B may be positioned in openings of the mesh structures. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent emission areas of the first to third color pixels R, G, and B from being reduced for the touch electrodes TE.

Referring toFIG.4B, the substrate SUB may include an inorganic insulating material such as glass, and/or an organic insulating material such as plastic, e.g., a polyimide (PI). The substrate SUB may be a single layer or a multilayer structure. The substrate SUB may have at least one polymer resin layer and at least one inorganic layer which are alternately stacked.

The substrate SUB may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate capable of bending, folding, and/or rolling.

A buffer layer BF may be disposed on the substrate SUB. The buffer layer BF may prevent impurities from being transferred from the substrate SUB to an upper layer of the buffer layer BF, particularly a semiconductor layer ACT, thereby preventing deterioration of the semiconductor layer ACT. The buffer layer BF may include an inorganic insulating material such as a silicon nitride or a silicon oxide, or may include an organic insulating material. A portion or an entire portion of the buffer layer BF may be optional.

The semiconductor layer ACT is disposed on the buffer layer BF. The semiconductor layer ACT may include at least one of polysilicon and an oxide semiconductor. The semiconductor layer ACT includes a channel region C, a first region P, and a second region Q. The first region P and the second region Q are disposed at opposite sides of the channel region C, respectively. The channel region C may be doped with a small amount of impurities or may not be doped with impurities, and the first region P and the second region Q may be doped with a larger amount of impurities than the channel region C. The semiconductor layer ACT may be formed of an oxide semiconductor, and a protective layer (not illustrated) may be added to protect the oxide semiconductor material, which may be vulnerable to high temperatures.

A first gate insulating layer GI1may be disposed on the semiconductor layer ACT.

A gate electrode GE and a lower electrode LE are positioned on the first gate insulating layer GI1. The gate electrode GE and the lower electrode LE may be integrally formed. The gate electrode GE and the electrode GE may be a single layer or a multilayer in which a metal films one of two or more of copper (Cu), a copper alloy, aluminum (Al), an aluminum alloy, molybdenum (Mo), a molybdenum alloy, titanium (Ti), and a titanium alloy are stacked. The gate electrode GE may overlap the channel region C of the semiconductor layer ACT.

The second gate insulating layer GI2may be positioned on the gate electrode GE and the first gate insulating layer GI1. The first gate insulating layer GI1and the second gate insulating layer GI2may be a single layer or multiple layers including at least one of a silicon oxide (SiOx), a silicon nitride (SiNx), and a silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy).

An upper electrode UE may be positioned on the second gate insulating layer GI2. The upper electrode UE and the lower electrode LE may form a storage capacitor.

A first insulating layer IL1is disposed on the upper electrode UE. The first insulating layer IL1may be a single layer or multiple layers including at least one of a silicon oxide (SiOx), a silicon nitride (SiNx), and a silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy).

A source electrode SE and a drain electrode DE are positioned on the first insulating layer IL1. The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE are respectively connected to the first region P and the second region Q of the semiconductor layer ACT through contact holes formed in the insulating layers.

The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may include aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), and/or copper (Cu) and may have a single layer structure or a multilayer structure.

A first insulating layer IL1and a second insulating layer IL2are positioned on the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE. The second insulating layer IL2may include at least one of a general purpose polymer such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) or polystyrene (PS), a polymer derivative having a phenolic group, an organic insulating material such as an acrylic polymer, an imide polymer, a polyimide, an acrylic polymer, a siloxane polymer, etc.

A connection electrode CE is positioned on the second insulating layer IL2. A third insulating layer IL3may be positioned on the connection electrode CE. A first electrode E1may be positioned on the third insulating layer IL3. The first electrode E1may be connected to the connection electrode CE through a contact hole of the third insulating layer IL3, and may be electrically connected to the drain electrode DE.

The first electrode E1may include a metal such as silver (Ag), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), and/or gold (Au), and may also include a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) such as indium zinc oxide (IZO) and/or indium tin oxide (ITO). The first electrode E1may be a single layer including a metal material or a transparent conductive oxide, or a multilayer. The first electrode E1may have a triple layer structure of indium tin oxide (ITO)-silver (Ag)-indium tin oxide (ITO).

A transistor including the gate electrode GE, the semiconductor layer ACT, the source electrode SE, and the drain electrode DE is connected to the first electrode E1to control the supply of a current to a light emitting element.

A partition wall IL4(or wall layer IL4) is positioned on the second insulating layer IL2and the first electrode E1and includes partitions/walls that separate openings. Although not illustrated, a spacer may be positioned on the partition wall IL4.

The partition wall IL4has a first partition wall opening OP1-IL4(or hole OP1-IL4) overlapping at least a portion of the first electrode E1and defining an emission area. The first partition wall opening OP1-IL4may have a planar shape that is substantially similar to that of the first electrode E1. The first partition opening OP1-IL4may have a shape of an octagon approximating a rhombus, a rhombus, a quadrangle, a polygon, or a circle in a plan view.

The partition wall IL4and the spacer may include a general purpose polymer such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) or polystyrene (PS), a polymer derivative having a phenolic group, an organic insulating material such as an acrylic polymer, an imide polymer, a polyimide, an acrylic polymer, and/or a siloxane polymer. The partition wall IL4may include an inorganic insulating material such as a silicon nitride, a silicon oxynitride, or a silicon oxide. The partition wall IL4may include an organic insulator and/or an inorganic insulator. The partition wall IL4includes a light blocking material, and may be black. The light-blocking material may include carbon black, carbon nanotubes, a resin or paste containing a black dye, metal particles such as nickel, aluminum, molybdenum, and/or an alloy, metal oxide particles (e.g., chromium oxide), and/or metal nitride particles (e.g., chromium nitride). When the partition wall IL4includes a light blocking material, reflection of external light by metal structures positioned under a pixel defining layer IL7may be reduced.

A first emission layer EML1is positioned on the first electrode E1overlapping the first partition wall opening OP1-IL4. The first emission layer EML1may include an organic material and/or an inorganic material. The first emission layer EML1may generate a predetermined color light. The first emission layer EML1may be positioned within the first partition opening OP1-IL4using a mask.

The partition wall IL4included in the first pixel unit RU1may include one first partition wall opening OP1-IL4. The first emission layer EML1may be exposed through one first partition wall opening OP1-IL4. The first pixel unit RU1may include one emission area corresponding to one emission layer EML1.

Functional layers FL1and FL2may be positioned above and below the first emission layer EML1. The first functional layer FL1includes at least one of a hole injection layer HIL and a hole transport layer HTL, and the second functional layer FL2may be a multilayer including at least one of an electron transport layer ETL and an electron injection layer EIL. The functional layers FL1and FL2may substantially overlap an entire surface of the substrate SUB.

The second electrode E2is positioned on the functional layers FL1and FL2. The second electrode E2may include a reflective metal including calcium (Ca), barium (Ba), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), and/or calcium (Ca), and/or a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

The first electrode E1, the first emission layer EML1, (portions of) the functional layers FL1and FL2, and (a portion of) the second electrode E2may constitute a light emitting element. The first electrode E1may be an anode which is a hole injection electrode, and the second electrode E2may be a cathode which is an electron injection electrode. The first electrode E1may be a cathode, and the second electrode E2may be an anode.

When holes and electrons are injected from the first electrode E1and the second electrode E2into the first emission layer EML1, excitons formed by combining the injected holes and electrons are emitted when they fall from an excited state to a ground state.

An encapsulation layer ENC may be disposed on the second electrode E2. The encapsulation layer ENC may cover and seal the upper surface and side surfaces of the light emitting element. The encapsulation layer ENC seals the light emitting element to block inflow of moisture and oxygen.

The encapsulation layer ENC may be a composite film including an inorganic layer and an organic layer. The encapsulation layer ENC may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer EIL1, an encapsulation organic layer EOL, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer EIL2that are sequentially formed.

The first encapsulation inorganic layer EIL1may cover the second electrode E2. The first encapsulation inorganic layer EIL1may prevent external moisture or oxygen from penetrating into the light emitting element. The first encapsulation inorganic layer EIL1may include at least one of a silicon nitride, a silicon oxide, and a silicon oxynitride. The first encapsulation inorganic layer EIL1may be formed through a deposition process.

The encapsulation organic layer EOL may be disposed on the first encapsulation inorganic layer EIL1and may contact the first encapsulation inorganic layer EIL1. Curves formed on an upper surface of the first encapsulation inorganic layer EIL1or particles present on the first encapsulation inorganic layer EIL1may be covered and flattened by the encapsulation organic layer EOL. The encapsulation organic layer EOL may relieve stress between layers that contact the encapsulation organic layer EOL. The encapsulation organic layer EOL may include an organic material, and may be formed through a solution process such as spin coating, slit coating, or an inkjet process.

The second encapsulation inorganic layer EIL2is disposed on the encapsulation organic layer EOL to cover the encapsulation organic layer EOL. The second encapsulation inorganic layer EIL2may be stably formed on a relatively flat surface than that of the first encapsulation inorganic layer EIL1. The second encapsulation inorganic layer EIL2may block moisture. The second encapsulation inorganic layer EIL2may include at least one of a silicon nitride, a silicon oxide, a silicon oxynitride. The second encapsulation inorganic layer EIL2may be formed through a deposition process.

Although not illustrated, a capping layer positioned between the second electrode E2and the encapsulation layer ENC may be further included. The capping layer may include an organic material. The capping layer protects the second electrode E2from a subsequent process, e.g., a sputtering process, and improves light output efficiency of the light emitting element. The capping layer may have a refractive index that is greater than that of the first encapsulation inorganic layer EIL1.

A first touch insulating layer TIL1, a touch electrode TE, a first overcoat layer TIL2, and a second overcoat layer TIL2may be positioned on the encapsulation layer ENC.

The first touch insulating layer TIL1may include at least one of an inorganic layer and an organic layer. The inorganic layer may include at least one of a silicon oxide, a silicon nitride, and a silicon oxynitride. The organic layer may include a polymer-based material. The first encapsulation inorganic layer EIL1, the second encapsulation inorganic layer EIL2, and the first touch insulating layer TIL1may be formed of a same material, e.g., a same inorganic material.

A touch electrode TE may be positioned on the first touch insulating layer TIL1. The touch electrode TE may be a section of the aforementioned sensing electrode TSE or driving electrode TRE.

A first overcoat layer TIL2may be positioned on the first touch insulating layer TIL1and the touch electrode TE. The first overcoat layer TIL2may substantially overlap an entire surface of the substrate SUB. The first overcoat layer TIL2may include at least one of an acrylic resin, a polyimide resin, a polyamide resin, and Alq3[Tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum].

A second overcoat layer TIL3may be disposed on the first overcoat layer TIL2. The second overcoat layer TIL3may substantially overlap the entire surface of the substrate SUB. The second overcoat layer TIL3may further include dispersed particles. The second overcoat layer TIL3may include metal oxide particles such as zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium oxide (TiO2), or zirconium oxide (ZrO2).

No additional light blocking member may be positioned between the first overcoat layer TIL1and the second overcoat layer TIL2in the first pixel unit RU1.

Some structures of the second pixel unit RU2may be identical to or analogous to some structures of the first pixel unit RU1.

Referring toFIG.4A, the second pixel unit RU2may include a first color pixel R, a second color pixel G, and a third color pixel B. The first color may be red, the second color may be green, and the third color may be blue. A white color may be expressed using the second pixel unit RU2.

Each of the first color pixel R, the second color pixel G, and the third color pixel B may include emission areas separated by the partition wall IL4and the light blocking member BM. For example, each of the first color pixel R, the second color pixel G, and the third color pixel B may include four emission areas separated by the partition wall IL4and the light blocking member BM. The divided emission areas may separately provide light emitted from one light emitting layer.

Referring toFIG.4B, the second pixel unit RU2may include a first electrode E1. A size S2of the first electrode E1included in the second pixel unit RU2may be larger than a size S1of the first electrode E1included in the first pixel unit RU1. In the second pixel unit RU2, light emitted from a second emission layer EML2may be partially blocked by the light blocking member BM. The size S2of the first electrode E1included in the second pixel unit RU2may be larger than the size S1of the first electrode E1included in the first pixel unit RU1in order to substantially equally provide an amount of light emitted from the first pixel unit RU1and an amount of light emitted from the second pixel unit RU2.

The partition wall IL4may be positioned on the first electrode E1. The partition wall IL4included in the second pixel unit RU2may include a second partition wall opening OP2-IL4(or hole OP2-IL4). The second partition wall opening OP2-IL4may overlap the second emission layer EML2. The partition wall IL4may include at least two second partition wall openings OP2-IL4overlapping the second emission layer EML2. A number of emission areas formed from one second light emitting layer EML2may be determined depending on the number of the second partition wall openings OP2-IL4. As an example, the partition wall IL4has four second partition wall openings OP2-IL4overlapping one second light emitting layer EML2.

The second emission layer EML2may be positioned on a section of the partition wall IL4and the first electrode E1. The second emission layer EML2may be positioned in the second partition wall opening OP2-IL4, and may cover side surfaces and an upper surface of the section of the partition wall IL4positioned between the adjacent second partition wall openings OP2-IL4. The second emission layer EML2may overlap the second partition wall openings OP2-IL4. The second emission layer EML2may have a shape that is substantially similar to a planar shape of the first electrode E1in a plan view of the display device.

The first functional layer FL1and the second functional layer FL2may be positioned between the first electrode E1and the second emission layer EML2and between the second emission layer EML2and the second electrode E2. The encapsulation layer ENC, the first touch insulating layer TIL1, the touch electrode TE, and the first overcoat layer TIL2may be sequentially disposed on the second electrode E2.

The light blocking member BM may be positioned on the first overcoat layer TIL2. The light blocking member BM may overlap the touch electrode TE. The light blocking member BM may overlap the partition wall IL4.

The light blocking member BM included in the second pixel unit RU2may include light transmitting openings OP-BM (e.g., holes). The light transmitting openings OP-BM may overlap portions of the second emission layer EML2. A portion of the light blocking member BM positioned between the light transmitting openings OP-BM may overlap the second emission layer EML2. The second emission layer EML2may be partially exposed by the light transmitting openings OP-BM, and light emitted by the second emission layer EML2may be transmitted through light transmitting openings OP-BM.

The light transmitting openings OP-BM may overlap the second partition wall openings OP2-IL4.

As illustrated inFIG.4C, planar shapes of the light transmitting openings OP-BM and the second partition wall openings OP2-IL4may be similar. The planar shapes of the light transmitting openings OP-BM and the second partition wall openings OP2-IL4may be octagonal. Each light transmitting opening OP-BM may be larger than each second partition wall opening OP2-IL4in a plan view of the display device. Each second partition wall opening OP2-IL4may be positioned within a corresponding light transmitting opening OP-BM in a plan view of the display device.

An edge/perimeter BM-E of the light blocking member BM included in the second pixel unit RU2and an edge/perimeter IL4-E of the partition wall IL4included in the second pixel unit RU2may be spaced apart from each other and parallel to each other. In a plan view, a first distance D1between a first section of the edge BM-E of the light blocking member BM and a corresponding first section of the edge IL4-E of the partition wall IL4in the first direction DR1(transverse direction) may be substantially equal to a second distance D2between a second section of the edge BM-E of the light blocking member BM and a corresponding second section of the edge IL4-E of the partition wall IL4in a diagonal direction inclined by 45 degrees with respect to the first direction. Each of the first distance D1and the second distance may be in a range of 0.5 to 1.5 micrometers.

The second overcoat layer TIL3may be disposed on the light blocking member BM, as illustrated inFIG.4B.

The display device may include the light blocking member BM positioned on the touch electrode TE and partially overlapping the second emission layer EML2to optimize a privacy protection mode. Luminance recognized from a line of sight not perpendicular to the display surface may be reduced substantially.

FIG.4Dillustrates a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment. Some structures illustrated inFIG.4Dmay be identical to or analogous to some structures described with reference toFIG.4B.

Referring toFIG.4D, the display device may include the first touch insulating layer TIL1positioned on the encapsulation layer ENC, the touch electrode TE positioned on the first touch insulating layer TIL1, and the first overcoat layer TIL2positioned on the touch electrode TE. The light blocking member BM may be positioned between the touch electrode TE and the first overcoat layer TIL2. The light blocking member BM may cover the touch electrode TE, and may directly contact (at least three consecutive flat faces of) the touch electrode TE. The second overcoat layer TIL3described with reference toFIG.4Bmay be optional. Without the second overcoat layer TIL3, a manufacturing process may be simplified.

FIG.5illustrates a top plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment. Some structures of the display panel may be identical to or analogous to some structures described above.

The second pixel unit RU2may include the light blocking member BM including the light transmitting openings/holes OP-BM. A planar shape of each light transmitting opening OP-BM may be circular.

The partition wall IL4included in the second pixel unit RU2may include the second partition wall openings OP2-IL4. A planar shape of each second partition wall opening OP2-IL4may be circular.

Each opening OP-BM may be concentric with a corresponding opening OP2-IL4. A distance from the edge/perimeter of an opening OP-BM to the edge of the corresponding opening OP2-IL4may be constant in all directions.

The display device may include the light blocking member BM positioned on the touch electrode TE to optimize a privacy protection mode. Luminance recognized from a line of sight not perpendicular to the display surface may be reduced.

FIG.6Aillustrates a top plan view showing a first pixel unit and a second pixel unit according to an embodiment.FIG.6Billustrates a cross-sectional view showing a first pixel unit and a second pixel unit according to an embodiment.FIG.7illustrates a top plan view showing a first pixel unit and a second pixel unit according to an embodiment. Some structures of the first pixel unit and second pixel unit may be identical to or analogous to some structures described above.

Referring toFIG.6A, the first pixel unit RU1may include a first color pixel R, a second color pixel G, and a third color pixel B.

Each of the first color pixel R, the second color pixel G, and the third color pixel B included in the first pixel unit RU1may include a plurality of emission areas. Each of the first color pixel R, the second color pixel G, and the third color pixel B may include four emission areas that are spaced from each other.

A total number of emission areas in each pixel R, G, or B included in the first pixel unit RU1may be equal to a total number of emission areas in each pixel R, G, or B included in the second pixel unit RU2.

Referring toFIG.6B, each of the pixels R, G, and B included in the first pixel unit RU1may include the partition wall IL4including first partition wall openings OP1-IL4. The first partition wall IL4may overlap the first emission layer EML1. The partition wall IL4may include a section positioned between the openings OP1-IL4and overlapping the first electrode E1and may include sections overlapping edges of the first electrode E1.

The first partition wall openings OP1-IL4may overlap the first electrode E1. The number of emission areas provided by one emission layer at the same level may be determined depending on the number of first partition wall openings OP1-IL4overlapping the first electrode E1. For example, when four first partition wall openings OP1-IL4overlap the first electrode E1, light emitted from the first emission layer EML1may include four separate regions.

A shape of each first partition wall opening OP1-IL4may be the same as that of each second partition wall opening OP2-IL4. The first partition wall openings OP1-IL4may have a rectangular shape, an octagonal shape, an oval shape, or a circular shape.

The first emission layer EML1may be positioned on a section of the partition wall IL4and the first electrode E1. Sections of the first emission layer EML1may be positioned within the first partition openings OP1-IL4. A section of the first emission layer EML1may overlap side surfaces and a top surface of the section of the partition wall IL4positioned between the adjacent first partition wall openings OP1-IL4.

Light supplied from each of the pixels included in the first pixel unit RU1and the second pixel unit RU2may be divided into a plurality of regions. Since the first pixel unit RU1and the second pixel unit RU2have a similar arrangement, display quality may be improved.

Referring toFIG.7, each of the first pixel unit RU1and the second pixel unit RU2may include a first color pixel R, a second color pixel G, and a third color pixel B. Each of the first color pixel R, the second color pixel G, and the third color pixel B included in the first pixel unit RU1and the second pixel unit RU2may include a plurality of divided emission areas, for example, four divided emission areas.

Each of the pixels R, G, and B included in the first pixel unit RU1may include the partition wall IL4including first partition wall openings OP1-IL4. A shape of the first partition wall openings OP1-IL4may be the same as that of the second partition wall openings OP2-IL4. The shape of the first partition wall opening OP1-IL4may be similar to the shape of the light transmitting opening OP-BM. For example, planar shapes of the first partition wall openings OP1-IL4, the second partition wall openings OP2-IL4, and the light transmitting openings OP-BM may be circular. Since the first pixel unit RU1and the second pixel unit RU2have similar emission area structures, display quality may be improved.

FIG.8Aillustrates a top plan view showing a first pixel unit and a second pixel unit according to an embodiment.FIG.8Billustrates a cross-sectional view of a second pixel unit when a privacy protection mode is operated according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.8AandFIG.8B, when displaying an image in a normal mode, both the first pixel unit RU1and the second pixel unit RU2may be driven, as illustrated at the left side ofFIG.8A. When displaying an image in a privacy protection mode, only the second pixel unit RU2including the light blocking member BM may be driven, as illustrated at the right side ofFIG.8A.

When only the second pixel unit RU2is driven, the image may not be recognized from a line of sight at a certain angle or more (e.g., 45 degrees or more) relative to the normal to the display surface. Advantageously, the privacy protection mode may be effective.

FIG.9Aillustrates a plan view of a second pixel unit according to a comparative example.FIG.9B,FIG.9C,FIG.9D, andFIG.9Eillustrate graphs showing luminance for each angle illustrated inFIG.9A.FIG.10Aillustrates a luminance graph in 0-degree and 90-degree directions according to a comparative example, andFIG.10Billustrates a luminance graph in 45-degree and 135-degree directions.

As illustrated inFIG.9A, the second pixel unit according to the comparative example may include the light transmitting opening OP-BM and the second partition wall opening OP2-IL4having a rectangular shape. Along the 0-degree, 45-degree, 90-degree, and 135-degree directions,FIG.9Billustrates a graph showing luminance for red light,FIG.9Cillustrates a graph showing luminance for green light,FIG.9Dillustrates a graph showing luminance for blue light, andFIG.9Eillustrates a graph showing luminance of white light by combiningFIG.9B,FIG.9C, andFIG.9D. According toFIG.9BtoFIG.9E, in a 0-degree or 90-degree direction, when the privacy protection mode is driven, the luminance is almost 0 at a viewing angle of 30 degrees or more, so the privacy protection mode is effective. However, in a 45-degree direction and a 135-degree direction, the luminance is undesirably improved at a viewing angle between about 30 degrees and about 90 degrees. The privacy protection mode is not effective.

FIG.10Aillustrates a luminance graph for 0-degree and 90-degree directions. When the image is provided in the privacy protection mode (Comparative Examples 3 and 4), a luminance limit for driving the privacy protection mode is appropriately performed in contrast to a case of providing the image in the normal mode (Comparative Examples 1 and 2). However, inFIG.10Bfor the 45-degree and 135-degree directions, when the image is provided in the privacy protection mode (Comparative Examples 3 and 4), a viewing angle limiting characteristic decreased as the luminance is undesirably improved at 30 degrees or more in contrast to a case of providing the image in the normal mode (Comparative Examples 1 and 2).

FIG.11AandFIG.11Billustrate graphs showing changes in luminance for each angle in an example and a comparative example in which a distance between a perimeter of an opening/hole of a light blocking member and a perimeter of an opening/hole of a partition wall is adjusted.

Referring toFIG.11A, the viewing angle is 30 degrees or more in the example in which the distance between the light blocking member and the partition wall is increased by about 1.5 micrometers compared to the comparative example. The change in luminance between the comparative example and the example and that the difference in luminance remained about 14% for a 45-degree viewing angle direction indicate that there is a change in luminance of about 0.9% per 0.1 micrometer. That the difference in luminance remained about 10% for a −45-degree viewing angle direction indicates that there is a change in luminance of about 0.7% per 0.1 micrometer.

If the first distance and the second distance between the light blocking member and the partition wall inFIG.9Aare changed to be equal according to embodiments, the difference in luminance may be desirably reduced as according to the reduced distance. For example, when the distance is changed from 1.2 micrometers to 0.8 micrometers, there may be a luminance change of in a range of 3% to 4%. Referring toFIG.11B, in Comparative Example 1, in which the first distance and the second distance between the light blocking member and the partition wall are the same, the luminance of white light may be more effectively reduced at a specific angle or more in comparison to Comparative Example 2, when the privacy protection mode is driven. In Comparative Example 1, the privacy protection mode is effectively operated.

While illustrative embodiments have been described, practical embodiments are not limited to the described embodiments. Practical embodiments are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements within the scope of the appended claims.